<t>QuoteOriginally posted by: GuestFBNY, do I correctly understand you that Columbia is more a practical than theoretical school? Actually, my objective is to do academic research (which is why I applied for PhD, not MFE), but maybe after several years I'll look for a job. Would you recommend Columb...

As a graduate of that department, I would say if your intention is to find a quant job after graduation, this is the best Phd program for you. Professors are well known and well connected. Majority of the graduates from Phd program (not only Finance Phd) find Wall Street jobs every year.