When it comes to universities in New York, one of the first schools that comes to mind is Columbia University.

It is located in Morningside Heights, northwest of Manhattan, and it's amazing that an Ivy League school is right in the middle of New York City.

Just a few blocks outside the campus, you find the subway, delis, pizza places, homeless people, tourists, and Wall Street interns all mixed together, creating a true New York atmosphere.

That's why Columbia is perfectly described as an "urban Ivy League" school.

The school has a long history, having been established in 1754, even before the United States gained independence.

It is the fifth oldest university in the U.S. and the only Ivy League school in New York City.

The steps of Low Library, located at the center of the campus, have appeared countless times in New York movies and dramas. When you visit, you get the feeling of "Oh, I've seen this place on TV!"

Columbia students often say one common thing: "The study atmosphere here is intense."

One particularly famous aspect is the Core Curriculum. This is a traditional course that almost all Columbia undergraduates go through, where they read and discuss Western classics.

Students spend nights discussing books by Homer, Plato, and Shakespeare.

From the perspective of Korean parents, it might seem strange to read such things in today's world, but graduates often cite this class as one of their most memorable experiences.

Columbia also has many strong programs in various fields. The journalism school is at the pinnacle of American media, and the Pulitzer Prize is administered here.

The law school has many students heading to major Wall Street firms, and the business school has a very strong network in finance.

Since New York itself is the global financial center, the connections for Wall Street internships are immense.

The medical school is also connected to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, making it one of the top programs in the country.

In the Korean community, when Korean parents say, "My child got into Columbia," it gives off a strong sense of pride.

Typically, Ivy League schools are located in rural areas. However, Columbia is situated in Manhattan.

Because it is an Ivy League school that students can commute to from home, interest among Korean parents in New York is extremely high.

In fact, the Korean Students Association at Columbia is very active, and you can find not only Korean international students but also many second-generation Korean Americans.

When you visit Korean restaurants around campus, it's common to hear Korean being spoken. During exam periods, Korean students often form study groups and share information.

Interestingly, the network of Korean alumni from Columbia is quite strong. There are many Columbia graduates in major Korean corporations, finance, media, and law.

Especially graduates from the MBA or international relations programs have extensive networks in Korean business and politics.

At Korean corporate events in New York, you often meet people who say, "I'm a Columbia alumnus."

So for Korean students, the benefits extend beyond just obtaining an American degree; they also gain a global network.

Of course, getting in is extremely difficult. Looking at the acceptance rates these days, it's essentially a competition among the top students in the country.

SAT scores and GPAs are just the basics; extracurricular activities and essays must also be strong.

Still, receiving a world-class education in the heart of New York City, where the global financial and cultural centers are right outside the campus, is indeed a special experience.

Columbia feels less like just a good university and more like a place that uses New York itself as its campus.