Columbia University admissions remain highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 4.29% as per 2025 intake stats. Undergraduate applicants for 2026 can apply via Early Decision by Nov 1, 2025 (financial aid by Nov 15), or Regular Decision by Jan 1, 2026 (financial aid by Feb 15). Early Decision results release in mid-December, while Regular Decision notifications arrive in late March, with final responses due May 1 and transcript submissions by late June 2026. Graduate program deadlines vary by department, typically between December 2025 and March 2026. MBA applicants can target January or August 2026 intakes, with Round 3 closing on March 26, 2026, making early submissions crucial for visa processing, scholarships, and course registration.
Indian students applying to Columbia University must meet rigorous academic and language requirements. A 3- or 4-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA (90%) is expected for graduate programs. English proficiency tests such as TOEFL (100), IELTS (7.0–7.5), or DET (135) are mandatory. Other key documents include SOPs, essays, 2–3 recommendation letters, a resume, and sometimes GRE or GMAT scores depending on the program. Undergraduate applicants must submit transcripts, essays, and test scores if available, along with IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 105.
Explore: Intakes in USA in 2026
- Columbia University Acceptance Rate Trends
- Columbia University Admissions Deadlines
- Popular Courses at Columbia University
- Columbia University Graduate Admissions
- Columbia University MBA Admissions
5.1 Columbia University MBA Application Deadlines
5.2 Columbia University MBA Class Profile
- Columbia University Undergraduate Admissions
- Columbia University Admissions Decisions Dates
- Columbia University Admissions Selection Criteria
- FAQs
Columbia University Acceptance Rate Trends
In Fall 2025, 59,616 students applied for Columbia University admissions, and only 2,557 were admitted. In 2024, Columbia University acceptance rate dropped to 3.86%, but for 2025, it is increased to 4.29%. Explore the 10-year acceptance rate trend of Columbia University in the table below.
| Year | Applications | Admits | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 59,616 | 2,557 | 4.29% |
| 2024 | 60,248 | 2,327 | 3.86% |
| 2023 | 57,129 | 2,246 | 3.93% |
| 2022 | 60,337 | 2,253 | 3.73% |
| 2021 | 60,551 | 2,218 | 3.66% |
| 2020 | 40,084 | 2,465 | 6.15% |
| 2019 | 42,569 | 2,190 | 5.14% |
| 2018 | 40,203 | 2,214 | 5.51% |
| 2017 | 37,389 | 2,185 | 5.84% |
| 2016 | 36,292 | 2,193 | 6.04% |
Also Check: US Universities with High Acceptance Rate
Columbia University Admissions Deadlines
Universities generally offer two main intakes for international students requiring an F-1 visa: Fall and Spring. Submitting applications early is recommended for visa processing, scholarships, and course registration.
| Intake | Application Opens | Priority / Early Action | Early Action | Regular Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Dec 1, 2025 | Jan 15, 2026 | Mar 1, 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
| Spring 2026 | Aug 1, 2025 | Sep 1, 2025 | Oct 1, 2025 | Nov 1, 2025 |
Tip: Early applications give more time for visa approvals, scholarship review, and course selection.
Undergraduate (UG) Admission 2026
| Date | Event / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | Early Decision (ED) application deadline |
| Nov 15, 2025 | Early Decision financial aid application deadline |
| Mid-Dec 2025 | Early Decision admission & financial aid results released |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Regular Decision (RD) application deadline |
| Mid-Jan 2026 | Early Decision response deadline for admitted students |
| Feb 15, 2026 | Regular Decision financial aid application deadline |
| Late Mar 2026 | Regular Decision admission & financial aid results released |
| May 1, 2026 | Regular Decision response deadline for admitted students |
| May 15, 2026 | Enrollment deferral request deadline |
| Late Jun 2026 | Final transcript submission deadline for enrolled students |
Read More: US University Application Deadlines
Popular Courses at Columbia University
Columbia University’s academic offerings include 65+ graduate and 25+ undergraduate programs. Some of the most popular courses among international students includes:
PG Popular Courses at Columbia University
| Course Name | Duration | Per Semester Tuition Fees in USD | Per Semester Tuition Fees in INR | Tips for International Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Data Science (1.8 K Views) |
2 Years | $64,800 | ₹59.42 Lakh | • GPA 3.7–3.8 (competitive range) • GRE 326+ (Quant 166–168) • Data research or internships preferred • Freshers considered but highly competitive • TOEFL 106+ |
| MS Computer Science (1.7 K Views) |
2 Years | $64,800 | ₹59.42 Lakh | • GPA 3.5+ • GRE 320–330 • CS internships or research strengthen profile • Work experience not required • TOEFL 100+ / IELTS 7.0+ |
| MBA (1.0 K Views) |
20 Months | $91,172 | ₹83.60 Lakh | GPA 3.2–3.9 (middle 80%) • GMAT 730+ or GRE equivalent • 3–7 years work experience (avg. 5) |
| MS Business Analytics (898 Views) |
1 Year | $93,024 | ₹85.29 Lakh | • GPA ~3.6 • GMAT 700–780 or GRE Quant ~162 • Analytics-related work or internships • TOEFL 100+ |
| MS Financial Engineering (700 Views) |
1 Year | $93,024 | ₹85.29 Lakh | • GPA ~3.9 • GRE Quant 165–170 (often 169) • Finance or quant internships preferred • TOEFL 100+ |
| MPH (633 Views) |
2 Years | $50,372 | ₹46.19 Lakh | • GPA 3.55–3.7 • GRE Quant ~158, Verbal ~158 • Public health work or volunteering (1+ year) • TOEFL 100+ / IELTS 7.0+ |
| MS Financial Economics (618 Views) |
2 Years | $75,256 | ₹69.00 Lakh | • GPA 3.85–3.9 • GRE 328+ or GMAT equivalent • ~1 year relevant work experience • TOEFL 100+ |
| MArch (583 Views) |
3 Years | $70,380 | ₹64.53 Lakh | • GPA 3.5+ • Portfolio 20–30 pages (key factor) • Architecture internships preferred • GRE not required • TOEFL 100+ |
| MS Applied Analytics (543 Views) |
1 Year | $82,620 | ₹75.75 Lakh | • Minimum GPA 3.0 (competitive ~3.8) • GRE Quant 160+ • Analytics work experience (1–2 years) • TOEFL 99+ |
| MS Management Science and Engineering (493 Views) |
1 Year | $93,024 | ₹85.29 Lakh | • GPA ~3.7 • GRE Quant 167+, Verbal 155+ • 2+ years engineering/management experience • TOEFL 99+ |
UG Popular Courses at Columbia University
| Course Name | Duration | Tuition Fees in USD | Tuition Fees in INR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA Architecture (295 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 with 95%+ (GPA eq. 4.1+) • Portfolio 10–20 original design works • Architecture exposure (internships/competitions) • TOEFL 105+ / IELTS 7.5+ |
| BS Computer Science (205 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 95%+ with advanced Math/CS • Coding projects, hackathons, open-source • CS internships or research (1–2) • TOEFL 105+ |
| BA Economics (203 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 95%+ with strong Math/Economics • Econ olympiads, research, policy/finance exposure • TOEFL 105+ |
| B.S Operations Research - Financial Engineering (123 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 with 96%+ (math-heavy) • Math/quant competitions or finance projects • Programming projects (Python/R) • TOEFL 105+ |
| BA Psychology (113 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 95%+ with bio/psych focus • Psych research, labs, or NGO volunteering • Relevant extracurricular leadership • TOEFL 105+ |
| B.A English and Comparative Literature (90 Views) |
4 Years | $71,710 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 95%+ in English/literature • Published writing or literary competitions • Literature-focused clubs or internships • TOEFL 105+ |
| B.S Mechanical Engineering (83 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 96%+ in Physics/Math • Engineering projects, robotics, SAE teams • Science fairs or physics olympiads • TOEFL 105+ |
| B.S Computer Engineering (80 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 96%+ with CS/Electronics • Hardware-software projects (Arduino/RPi) • Hackathons or IEEE participation • TOEFL 105+ |
| B.S Industrial Engineering (58 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 95%+ with Math/Operations • Optimization or data analysis projects • Supply-chain or ops internships• TOEFL 105+ |
| B.S Civil Engineering (58 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs | • Class 12 with 96%+ in Physics/Math • Infrastructure or sustainability projects • Civil design competitions or internships • TOEFL 105+ |
Columbia University Graduate Admissions
The graduate programs at Columbia University are available in fields like arts, sciences, business, medicine, public affairs, journalism, professional studies, and engineering. Check out the Columbia University admissions requirements for graduate programs mentioned below:
Columbia University Application Portal: Online
Columbia University Application Fee: 85-150 USD (7,793 - ₹13,753)
Columbia University Admissions Deadline: Varying from December to March
Admission Requirements:
- Every post-secondary institution transcripts
- 3-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (90%)
- English Language Proficiency Score
- TOEFL- 100 [iBT]
- IELTS- 7.0 7.5
- DET- 135
- Test scores:
- GRE- 168 [Quant] | 162 [Verbal]
- GMAT- 610-790
- Personal essay
- 2-3 letters of recommendation for USA
- SOP for USA
- Personal Statement (250-1000 words)
- CV or Resume
Note: Science, Engineering, and other Academic research work in the related field may provide an abstract in a one or two-page supplement.
Must Read: MS in USA 2025
Columbia University MBA Admissions
The MBA program is offered through Columbia Business School at two Flexible entry points. You can choose the August entry, a 20-month program with a summer internship, or the January entry, a 16-month fast-track program. Both options have the same admissions standards and are tailored to match your career goals and schedule. Check out the admissions requirements below.
Columbia University Application Portal: Online
Columbia University Application Fee: 250 USD (20,809 INR)
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (Round 3)
Admission Requirements:
- 4-year bachelor's degree with a 3.95 GPA (90%)
- GMAT score between 600-780
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL IBT- 7.0
- IELTS- 7.0-7.5
- DET- 135
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation for USA
- Resume or CV
- Interview
- Deposit
Explore: Columbia MBA
Columbia University MBA Application Deadlines
Columbia University offers two intakes for its MBA program: January and August. The application timelines are as follows.
January 2026 Entry:
| Round | Application Deadlines | Interview Decision | Final Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | June 17, 2025 (Closed) | Rolling | Ongoing, and no later than August 6, 2025 |
| Round 2 | August 13, 2025 (Closed) | Rolling | Ongoing, and no later than October 8, 2025 |
August 2026 Entry:
| Round | Application Deadline | Interview Decision | Final Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 3, 2025 (Closed) | By November 13, 2025 | By December 15, 2025 |
| Round 2 | January 6, 2026 (Closed) | By February 19, 2026 | By March 31, 2026 |
| Round 3 | March 26, 2026 | By May 1, 2026 | By May 20, 2026 |
Columbia University MBA Class Profile
Check out the Columbia MBA Class profile 2025.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Students Applied | 7487 |
| Enrolled | 972 |
| January Entry Class Size | 238, divided into 4 clusters |
| August Entry Class Size | 734, divided into 10 clusters |
| Average GMAT Score | 732 |
| Average GRE Score | 162 (Verbal and Quant) |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.6% |
| Average Work Experience | 5 years |
| Male and Female Students | 44% Female and 56% Male |
| International Students | 46% |
Columbia University Undergraduate Admissions
International students must meet specific admission requirements to apply to Columbia University, including compliance with U.S. federal laws. The university offers bachelor’s programs in over 80 fields. Below is the application process and requirements for undergraduate programs at Columbia University:
Columbia University Application Portal: Coalition Application, Common Application
Application Fee: 85 USD (7,075 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- High school academic transcripts
- Interview
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL-iBT- 105
- IELTS- 7.5
- DET- 135
- Autobiographical information
- A list of student's activities, achievements, employment, etc
- Personal essay
- 2 Letters of recommendation (For Engineering applicants, 1 should be from a science or math teacher)
- School Profile
- Completed Mid-year report
- Statement of Purpose
Columbia Through Student Eyes: According to Reddit and YouTube student reviews, Columbia feels less like a traditional campus and more like surviving an elite academic ecosystem in New York City. Students love the prestige, internships, and global exposure, but openly talk about burnout, mental health strain, and the high financial burden, especially for internationals.
Columbia University Admissions Decisions Dates
The Office of Admissions reviews applications on a rolling basis and typically provides decisions within 6–8 weeks of the deadline. The School of General Studies starts releasing decisions in March for fall and October for spring. Applications submitted after the deadlines are reviewed individually.
- Columbia values applicants who convey clear strengths and align with its community ideals, but admission is not guaranteed due to the institution's high selectivity.
- The university receives more applications than it can accommodate, making the process competitive and comparative.
- Admissions aim to build a diverse community of interests, ideologies, and identities to foster peer-to-peer and faculty learning opportunities.
- Each institution has unique selectivity and priorities that may change yearly; focus on aspects you can control.
- Prioritize effort in your commitments, thoughtful college selection, and genuine self-reflection in your application.
- Consider applying to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering if you believe you are a strong fit and excited to join the community.
Columbia University Admissions Selection Criteria
Columbia University emphasizes your academic performance, curiosity, engagement with others, individual voice, and knowledge about Columbia. The selection process of Columbia University can be summarized as follows:
- Best Fit Matters: Columbia seeks students whose interests, skills, and values align with its unique experience, emphasizing mutual growth between the individual and the community.
- Holistic Review: Every part of your application – personal statement, transcripts, recommendations, and Columbia-specific questions—paints a picture of your academic readiness, curiosity, and community engagement.
- Context Matters: Applications are evaluated considering your circumstances, resources, and the challenges you've navigated. Effort and initiative in your context are key.
- Need-Aware for International Students: While financial need is considered, Columbia offers significant aid to international students, covering the full demonstrated need for admitted first-years for four years.
- Committee-Based Review: Admissions decisions involve multiple officers reviewing each application thoroughly, ensuring fairness and a personalized evaluation.
- No Quotas: Columbia admits students based on fit, without quotas for schools, regions, or demographics, building a diverse and dynamic community.
Check Out: Columbia University Student Profiles
Currently, Columbia University has 36,649 total students. Out of these, 17% are international students, coming from over 150 countries across the globe. It has one of the most diverse undergraduate communities in the USA. This university has a total of 17 schools and 4 affiliated institutions (Barnard College, The Jewish Theological Seminary, Teachers College, and Union Theological Seminary).
FAQs
Ques: How can I go to Columbia University from India?
Ans: To apply to Columbia, you need a strong academic record, competitive test scores (if submitting), extracurricular achievements, and well-crafted essays. Apply through the Common App or Coalition App, meet English proficiency requirements, and submit all documents by the deadlines.
Ques: What GPA do you need to go to Columbia?
Ans: Columbia doesn’t have a fixed GPA cutoff, but most admitted students have top grades in rigorous courses. Aim for a GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale for a strong chance.
Ques: Is it hard to get into Columbia University?
Ans: Yes, Columbia is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 4.29%. A standout application with academic excellence, unique experiences, and a strong fit with Columbia’s values is essential.
College Student Profiles
Columbia University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Data Science 2 years | USD 64,800 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | ||
MS Computer Science 2 years | USD 64,800 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | ||
MBA 20 months | Round 2 Interview Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (19th Feb 2026) Round 3 Application Deadline For August 2026 Intake (26th Mar 2026) Round 2 Final Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (31st Mar 2026) Round 3 Interview Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Round 3 Final Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (20th May 2026) | USD 91,172 /Yr | 250 | GPA: 3.6, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135, GMAT: 732, GRE: 324 | |
MS Business Analytics 1 year | USD 97,200 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | ||
MS Financial Engineering 1 year | USD 97,200 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | ||
MPH 2 years | USD 50,372 /Yr | 135 | GPA 3.5, TOEFL-100, IELTS-7.5 Duolingo-135 | ||
MS Financial Economics 2 years | USD 75,256 /Yr | 100 | GPA: 3.9, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, PTE: 68, GRE: 330 | ||
MArch 3 years | USD 70,380 /Yr | 75 | GPA 3.5, TOEFL-100, IELTS-7.5 | ||
MS Applied Analytics 1 year | Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Mar 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 85,560 /Yr | 150 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | |
| USD 97,200 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration [MBA] Round 2 Interview Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake | Closing in 2 days |
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Reviews
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22 Reviews Found
Likes
- Columbia University opens a lot of doors, if you focus on networking with the alumni you will have a lot of benefits. There are plenty of mixers that happen throughout the semester and it is a good place to start.
- There is a lot of flexibility in the courses you can pick within the program, this will help in navigating what your interests are.
- If you are interested. in working in finance or consulting, being in New York city adds a ton of benefits with potential employers
Dislikes
- The assistantship do not sponsor tuition, which is usually different from most public universities in the country
- Since it is only a 16 month long degree, the course work will feel very heavy. You will have to be mentally prepared to grind to maximize the experience
- On-campus housing is very limited and very hard to get, it is also expensive
Scholarship
- There are a few scholarships available for international students. None of them are course-specific; I would not rely on them, as they are very competitive and mostly partial.
- I would recommend getting in touch with the finance department for assistance, as they keep these records up to date and guide on the application process. All scholarships that I am aware of are merit based.
Likes
- The professors were outstanding — highly knowledgeable, approachable, and deeply invested in their students’ growth, offering excellent research opportunities.
- The courses were very well structured, featuring in-depth projects that directly connected to real-world applications and professional life.
- Campus life was vibrant, with a variety of activities and seasonal events that made it easy to meet new people and build connections. We also had numerous employer info sessions that helped us stay updated on industry trends and opportunities.
Dislikes
- During my time on campus, there was a lot of unrest related to the Israel - Palenstine conflict with a lot of student protests and backlask from the College body, This led to a lot of patrolling bu police on campus as well as a lot of changes in the college body representatives. This was very overwhelming to me as it became diffciult to be on campus due to this and people would protest in libraries and then they would close them down and have additonal checks on campus. This led to a noticeble difference in my time there.
- The length of the program was 1.5 years, I felt that it could have been longer, I felt lost the first 6-8 months and by the time I started grooving and understadning thigns beetter my time at Columbia came to an end.
- The campus placement cell has not been particularly supportive. While the University organizes many networking sessions, the placement officers themselves have not provided the level of guidance or help I had hoped for.
Scholarship
- I did not receive any scholarship during my time. I did not apply for any scholarships or do any research during my process; I was occupied with visa requirements and moving prospects, hence I was unable to do so.
- I think that if students do start the process early and look into the application requiremnts they have to write an essay to justify their need for the scholarship however they are few and even fewer people get scholarships.

Likes
- Good amount of electives and courses offered.
- Very learned and experienced Professors.
- Lot of cultural and social activities to engage students.
Dislikes
- The coursework becomes hectic with 4 subjects per semester.
- The tuition fee and cost of living in New York are a bit more expensive than any other college.
- Very competitive group of students.
Scholarship
-
No, Columbia does not provide any scholarships nor have I heard any of my batchmates get it.







Likes
- Courses - suited my expectations
- Research opportunities - easy to interact with professors and research groups
- Student life - plenty of opportunities, New York is a great place
Dislikes
- It is a very flexible program, so it feels like there is a lack of direction at times.
- There were definitely some issues with the variety in courses experienced in the Spring semester.
- There are a few disruptions due to the ongoing situation.
Likes
- Campus, Location, Professors, Connections.
- I love how everyone here is very smart and great to network with.
- The diverse experience I think is the best part.
Dislikes
- The protests that are happening, are a pain.
- I don't like the fees of course its too much and very less scholarship options.
- Better transport service go campus, right now its pretty bad.
Likes
- Location in NYC and proximity to some of the greatest landmarks and places in the world.
- Professors both tenured and adjunct professors, all of who are distinguished and have excellent track records of academic publication and actual practice.
- Institutional networks with top policy and finance organizations.
Dislikes
- Recent handling of student protests and overall administration response to student issues.
- Extremely expensive due to its location.
- Some of the infrastructure in the School of International Affairs is quite dated compared to the business school
Likes
- Academic rigor and diversity of courses, like joining clubs and organizations (e.g.,debate team, literary magazines
- I like the fact that there's world-class faculty and research opportunities in my school
- Exploring the nearby American Museum of natural history
Dislikes
- What I disliked is the high tuition fees and living costs in school
- There is limited availability of housing, especially for upperclassmen
- Distance from family and friends (for out of state/international students)
Overview
The admission process is based on the application submission first, students submit their application through the common app or coalition app, typically by the January 1st deadline for regular decision. I prepared for the admission, maintaining a high GPA, especially in challenging courses like AP or IB and taking the SAT or ACT. Consultants are Crimson Education.
Scholarship
Yes, I received one from the university itself based on merit for $8000. There was a special application for the scholarship where I had to write an essay on why I think I deserve it .
Likes
- I accepted it for the reputation, career opportunities, location and courses.
- It has a great reputation and is located in New York City, with close access to large corporations and an extensive network. The courses offered at the Business School is really informative and interactive. The people are really helpful.
Dislikes
- Columbia is smaller than the other ivy league institutions in the US. The classes at the engineering school are heavily quantitative, and I found it less useful compared to the more business school classes, due to my focus on pursuing a consulting career.
Overview
Overall, Columbia University was a fantastic experience. Its located in a vibrant city, with opportunities to stick to a campus life, and still enjoy everything NYC has to offer. The students are helpful and collaborative. The professors are incredibly well experienced with several accolades. All in all, had a great learning experience.
Likes
- MS Data Science program is a well know program by Columbia University with renowned and distinguished Professors.
- The courses, both academic and professional developmental helped me learn more about myself - my strengths and weaknesses and how to build a work oriented lifestyle which would help me in the long-run.
- The college campus is ecstatic, and the libraries provide a beneficial space to study with a clear mind and focus. I like the way events are organized and students are encouraged to pursue their goals.
Dislikes
- I do not like the location of the university as it in not in the middle of a happening area. Although it stretches various streets in New York City, it is not an eventful place. This is the only aspect which I do not like.




















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