Columbia MSTP

[Jae Lee]

Pretty short as far as MD/PhD interviews go. Interviews are scheduled for 30 mins each, but really anywhere from 15-45.

Excellent curriculum (if you like the more traditional style of learning). Completely pass/fail your first year, then Honors P/F 2nd year. Though the first year is traditional in the sense that its mostly lecture based, you actually don't end up spending that much time in class (9-12 MWF, longer TR). Small groups introduced in the 2nd year and a very diverse patient population for your clinical years. Washington Heights is a predominantly Dominican neighborhood way up north of Manhattan. Very affordable to live in for NY (rent is a little more expensive than nice places in Charlottesville) especially with the MSTP stipend (currently $25,000/yr going to $30,000).

[Cooper Wriston]

Thats an insane-o stipend, no doubt.

I was there the same day with Jae. Cept my experience was a little different. The curriculum is very lecture based-so if your best method of instructional delivery is where you sit and listen to learn, this is _the_ place to be. They have the highest board scores in the nation, too. Impressive, no doubt.

The student tour guides, one of them at least, took a cell phone call mid tour. Wasn't the most professional thing to do.

My interviewer asked me where I had gotten into school, which threw me through a loop. If/when you interview here, expect the unexpected.

Overall, the school is a wonderful one. The students said it was wonderful how involved people were, but I wasn't sold on the idea that people here are happy. New York is a SOLID place to be, so for this reason, the great school and extracurriculars that rock, I still give Columbia a



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