While I was in NYC, I took the opportunity to visit Columbia University and sit in a couple of business school classes. The Morningside campus, under the bright September sun, looked something out of a postcard. I spent 30 minutes just sitting on a bench, enjoying the sunshine, watching students walk by, soaking in the ambiance.
Must be the nerd in me – there’s just something about institutions of higher learning that makes me feel warm and inspired. Especially when said institutions have storied histories.
I sat in a marketing class that focused on customer segmentation, and a corporate finance class that discussed capital structure. Both were quite interesting, guided by enthusiastic professors and anchored by thoughtful in-class discussions. I came away from my visit thinking two things: 1. Everyone there is so smart and accomplished, and 2. I can do this, and I can see myself fitting in and contributing to the class.
I don’t know if those two thoughts seem contradictory or self-congratulatory. I suppose it’s this: it’s easy to be intimidated through any application process, because you tend to imagine your peers to be much more desirable candidates. It’s the achievement treadmill, and everyone else seem to have logged more miles than you. That’s where self-doubt creeps in to make a home, like a nasty cold virus that just won’t go away.
But the truth of school applications is akin to the truth of personal finance (indeed, and of life): there will always be people who are doing better than you (by any measure), and there will always be people who are doing not as well as you (by any measure). All you (and by you, I mean, me) can do is to make the best possible case, and stop worrying about everyone else.
So I sat in those two classes, I listened to the professor, and the students, and I knew: I can fit in here. I can succeed in this environment. I can contribute to the community and take the fullest advantage of my two years in graduate school. Doesn’t mean I’ll get in – but I know that if I don’t get into to my top choices, I will still do well for myself.
And it was a pretty good feeling.
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I don’t think those two statements are contradictory at all.
I completely agree that there will always be people above and below you (something my super brainy med-student friends are really coming to understand after leaving the small fry of high school behind). I’ve always done okay academically, but was never a straight A type…
Oh, and I’m jealous! I want to visit the Columbia campus too! Did you know anyone studying there, or just cruise on into the lecture halls?
Love this! Finally a blog that is not ‘shop now, worry later!” Count me in as one of your fans!
Good luck with the application process. I’m not planning on applying until 2011 for entry to Fall 2012. I know, aways off, but for a plethora of reasons, I think it will be better for me to have a good amount of business experience before going to school.
I’m staying strictly in the NY area so I’m considering Columbia, NYU and Cuny Baruch. What are your choices?
Good Luck! I have friends that go there and they love it. I might be applying there myself. I am glad you enjoyed the visit.
I think y ou will really enjoy and benefit from b-school. It was one of the best things I've done in my life. I don't think we can ever get enough education!
Oh great. Its like a dream come true to learn from these kind of reputed and best institutions. Hope you have gained a lot from there.