Whatever you do, do NOT go to Columbia. Happy to delineate the 101 reasons why. Unfortunately, it is difficult for Columbia students or alum to speak out because we don't want to tarnish our own degree/education and furthermore, there have been cases of institutional slander against students who voiced criticism.
I hope you didn't pick columbia. it is the worst mistake I (and everyone else in my cohort) ever made. Unfortunately, people don't speak out about the absolute wretchedness of the program because we all fear retribution from the school.