Columbia ETP 2016

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Hello!

I know this is a bit early, but I'm planning to apply to the apply to the Columbia Entry to Practice Program (among a few others) this fall. I've seen similar forums for past application periods, and thought it might be nice to get one started so we can start to bounce ideas and questions off each other.

Has anyone been to an open house? Any information worth sharing?

I think it is safe to assume that we will be taking out massive loans (as someone who already completed a masters at columbia and lived in NYC). However, it is important to remember that at the end of the program, you will have a amazing salary and be paying off the loans in reasonable amounts monthly. So that huge number is scary, but you will only be paying small amounts over a long period of time. This is at least what I tell myself to alleviate the anxiety!

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Good point. It's well worth it in the long run. I'll try not to think about how much of other people's money I'm borrowing in the meantime!

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I'm trying very hard to not focus on the outcome (yet) but has anyone taken the chance to look at housing? Columbia offers housing, but because I am not familiar with the area at all, I don't know if it would be more cost effective to live in their housing, or try to rent off campus. Anyone know?

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When I visited them for a tour they did say that they provided on campus housing, but I'm sure they reserve a large chunk of it for their undergrads.

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I am actually a NYC native, and a co worker of mine over the summer started school at columbia for her masters in social work in the fall. She was residing in brooklyn, but requested on campus housing and got it. (she requested couples housing) She spent a great deal of time talking about how much cheaper it was than her place in brooklyn. I am not sure if that is a sign of whether or not columbia housing is more affordable.

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I have a friend who went to Columbia for undergrad. He said Washington Heights, where the SON is located, is cheaper than the main campus area. I probably would choose on campus housing just to avoid the hassle of finding a place myself unless I could find something much cheaper. I'm kind of nervous to move to such a big city!

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As am I Ignisviridae- Although I'd be stoked to move to NYC I think I would stick with on campus housing for the first year. Personally, I would want to get comfortable with the city itself during that year.

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I'm assuming we'd need a car for clinicals as well? Something that's also worrisome when living in such a huge city :/

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i think at the open house they said clinical sites were mostly public transportation accessible - with maybe like 1 or 2 exceptions --- i wouldnt worry about the car yet

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I live in new york city (walking distance from the SON). When I moved to the city to get my masters at Columbia I looked into student housing. My program was on the main campus, and the student housing there was not that cheap. The cheapest option, which are tiny dorm rooms with a shared kitchen and shared bathrooms on every other floor, were about 900 or 1000 a month (if I recall correctly). I am not sure if the med campus has different housing options and if they are cheaper. However, it is totally possible to find much cheaper housing in the med campus area (Washington Heights) especially if you have 3 or 4 roommates. I would say you can find a room for 700/800 or even cheaper ( i have seen rooms listed in the 600 range, though usually in the seedier areas), in a 3 or 4 bedroom apartment. In a 2 bedroom apartment you are likely to pay more, around 800 or 900. A one bedroom or studio is much more expensive. Probably around 1500 or more. I currently live in a wonderful one bedroom apartment in a absolutely lovely area. If i get into columbia and decide to go, I am going to turn half my living room into a bedroom and rent out my bedroom to save money.

I think student housing is very much about each persons preference. I personally am done living in dorm-like situations where your only space is one tiny room. I love having my own kitchen and living space.

There are many resources for finding a place in NYC. Columbia has a online housing website called OCHA where people post available rooms or you can find other students to find a apartment with. There is also Gypsy housing on Facebook, however this is geared toward people in the performing arts. I found my first roommate in NYC on gypsy housing. The thing about finding an apartment in NYC is that its virtually impossible to do so without paying a brokers fee. Both apartments I have lived in I used a broker to secure. It's unfortunate, but the reality of NYC housing. The cheapest option is to find an already established apartment that has a room available to sublet. Therefore you will not be paying a brokers fee, deposit, etc.

Hope that answers some peoples questions! I am happy to help anyone navigate the housing system if you have additional questions. Furthermore, I will be looking for a roommate as well if I get in!

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Definitely don't need a car or want a car in NYC! It is a hassle and I was told it is unnecessary for clinicals due to such suburb public transit in NYC. This is one of the pros of Columbia and cons of Yale. I love not having a car and at Yale they said you HAVE to have a car :(

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Thanks for the great info! UCSF also says you have to have a car, which I think is more doable than a car in NYC, but still a huge hassle and an expense I'd rather not deal with (just got rid of my car, so would have to get another if I go to a school that requires one). I'm usually an advocate for finding my own housing, but I've never even been to NYC so would have no clue where to start. I do have family/friends that live there so would be able to get some advice but all of your advice is super helpful and much appreciated!

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