<p>I once heard that Barnard consists only of “dorky girls who study all the time and go out to a movie once in a blue moon, druggies who smoke all the time, and rich party girls who drink like theres no tomorrow”</p>
<p>Could anyone validate this statement? Is this really how it is at Barnard?
I’m the type of person who needs to study alot (I imagine the work at Barnard does indeed require a bit studying) but I also like to do something fun on the weekends without smoking or binge drinking.</p>
<p>Wow. I have to restrain myself from being rude here… so much so that it occurs to me you might be a ■■■■■</p>
<p>But on the off chance that your question is serious, the answer is most definitely “no”. I would be curious about where you “heard” such a thing…</p>
<p>Edit: I went back and read your other posts and see that perhaps your question was a “real” one, albeit one that could be construed as pretty insulting to Barnard students, past and present.</p>
<p>Banard is, frankly, academically demanding. So, yes, people do study a lot. But they also find time to enjoy the many advantages of going to school in NYC. I imagine if you looked hard enough you could find people who tended to fit each of the insulting stereotypes that you listed in your original post at any given college. Barnard is no different in that regard. But if I was asked to somehow characterize the women of Barnard, I would describe them as independent, intelligent, dedicated and motivated.</p>
<p>Nah, there are lots of girls who attend for the cultural atmosphere that is NYC. Instead of those stereotypes, I’d be more worried about a lack of community/identity since so many girls are off campus for the weekend. </p>
<p>However, the new student center and required meal plans should help with that!</p>
<p>churchmusicmom, the statement in my post is not what I think of Barnard but it is something a good friend of mine who graduated from Barnard shared with me about the school. I was only trying to get a second opinion about the social atmosphere because my friend likes to exaggerate things alot…I asked this question because I might want to go to Barnard next year and I was just curious. No need to be rude.</p>
<p>As a current Barnard student, I can tell you that that is definitely not true, BUT that stereotype didn’t come out of no where. That is to say, the majority of Barnard students fall somewhere in the middle there, but it can often feel like everyone is either staying in and working or going out and going crazy. Don’t know where the druggie thing came from though – NYC has a lot of hard drugs, but really not Barnard.</p>
<p>Just thought I would respond since most of the posters here seem to be Barnard moms (not that they aren’t great)…</p>
<p>Your friend’s stereotypes are somewhat (SOMEWHAT) based in reality, but this is what I think is missing: Barnard students, almost all of them, are highly driven to succeed in life. I don’t know anyone who didn’t do numerous internships, work hard in their classes, and explore what NYC has to offer on both a cultural and intellectual level. Some students are more bookish, don’t drink much, etc and some are drinkers or club-goers, but even the women who party a lot are serious about doing well in life. I have never met your stereotypical “slacker” at Barnard.</p>
<p>Also - some things to think about when considering these stereotypes: There are tons of students who will drink, go to parties, and have fun but aren’t always running off to some chic club downtown. It sort of felt like there was that pressure during first-year orientation, but that feeling didn’t last. My friend group drank but often we hung out in someone’s dorm room and had wine while discussing academic subjects. (I hope that doesn’t sound douchy, we were actually pretty down-to-earth.) </p>
<p>While Barnard women <em>tend</em> not to go to class in their pajamas, they are a quirky bunch, so don’t be intimidated.</p>
<p>My apologies, Katlyn. i did not intend to be rude. I have honestly never heard anyone who actually attended Barnard speak about its students in such a way.</p>
<p>I do hope the responses here have helped you develop a more realistic impression of the Barnard student body. And I agree with Calmom: it sounds like your friend might have had some “isues”. </p>
<p>Best to you in your search, though. I truly did not intend to be rude to you.</p>
<p>My bro went to Columbia and had a lot of Barnard friends, some of whom I met. They’re all lovely ladies, very outgoing and friendly. :] Sometimes Columbia girls are snarky towards Barnard girls (I guess because their wits, charm and beauty catch the eyes of their would-be boyfriends!), but even then, I never got the indication of any tenseness on or off campus. I’m sure there’s a good mix of people, and there are bound to be unfriendly people on any campus, but Barnard girls strike me as for the most part driven, sweet, and heartwarming. <3</p>
<p>chocolat, my friend is not a transfer student actually but its funny you mention that because I am considering transferring next year from Mt Holyoke to Barnard (ironically, I know quite a few girls from MHC who are also considering transferring) so I am concerned a little about fitting in socially and making new friends and all. (if I get into Barnard that is)</p>
<3</p>