The Application Process

I have visited or have friends at most of the schools that I am applying to. Is it acceptable (or encouraged) to throw some vignette into your essay about meeting so and so or going to a certain class, discussing a certain professor and so on? It seems to me like it does show your interest but also is a bit informal and may be out of place. The other question I had, was for a school like Columbia specifically, is it appropriate to say that the location and the fact that my SO lives in NYC is a factor that draws me to their program? I feel like I am not sure how much information I should or should not be including.

Hi

You can be candid about professional likings/goals etc.

I think you can talk about other important things and use these words to make your case better.

Names are fine. Don't toss them around, make sure that they serve a purpose. The message has to trump the name. Unless, of course, you dine with names on a regular basis and they're writing your recommendations. You can be a little informal, don't go overboard.
Don't know about Columbia.

I agree with all that's been said, but I would not mention the fact that your Significant Other is attending a school as a reason you want to go there. This is a REAL and valid reason for YOU wanting to go to a certain school, but not a strong one for why the AdCom should give you a spot. As for the rest, go for it!

Sidenote - If you are applying to a NYC school err on the side of NOT saying that you want to go to said school because it's in NYC.