I’m currently a first semester sophomore at a relatively selective Jesuit school, and although I love the campus and have been given some great opportunities here, I’m so disappointed by the academics and how horribly limiting the core curriculum has been for me. I’ve been considering transferring since second semester of my freshman year because of my hatred of the academics at my current school, however I’ve never acted on it because I’ve been doing so well academically here and it would be hard to leave the current positions I hold here (psychology research assistant on track to the honors program, university ambassador, faculty assistant). My question is if the transfer to Barnard would be worth it given my high ranking at my current school and the fact that I’d be transferring in as a junior? I’m also wondering if I even have a shot!
HS grades:
3.7 from an elite Jesuit prep school
some service and leadership positions
30 ACT
680 SAT writing
660 SAT reading
570 SAT math
College grades:
currently have a 3.9, although this might be lower after this semester (it’s been rough and I despise the classes I’m forced to take!!)
psychology major
university ambassador
research assistant
faculty advisor
I’m also wondering if I could achieve similar success at Barnard? I am looking at going to graduate school for psychology which means earning another research position is non-negotiable, and the one I have now is pretty amazing. I’ve heard the girls at Barnard are smart and driven which is a little intimidating–I have enjoyed being a top student at my current college!
I say yes, it would be worth it to apply as a transfer. Barnard’s “core” is flexible (Nine Ways of Knowing) and allows the utilization of classes at 2 schools, both Barnard and Columbia across-the-street (no running out of classes you’ll like!!!) Barnard is prestigious, and being accepted in itself is a huge qualification. And in a city like New York, there are limitless possibilities. Please go for it. Barnard seems to be very tight-knit, supportive, and a outpouring source of ambition.
thanks a lot! I know it’s super prestigious, especially because of the Columbia connection, which is what makes its so appealing–but also intimidating I guess. Based on my stats do I even have a shot? I wouldn’t have gotten in just based on my high school grades due to a very poor freshman first semester (undiagnosed learning disability)
Just my 2 cents, but if Barnard’s only appeal to you with its affiliation with Columbia (College - Barnard is technically part of Columbia, but many use the name exclusively for Columbia College when referring to undergrad situations), then it may not be the right school for you. It’s small, tight-knit, and although associated with Columbia and a counterpart/contributor to their universal course catalogue, overall a much different school in itself. There are many schools that are more similar to Columbia (College) than Barnard, just as there are many schools that share more similarities with Barnard than Columbia does. Barnard is a remarkable institution on its own and the home to many programs and degrees other schools within Columbia do not provide. In fact, many students from Columbia College take classes at Barnard! Furthermore, Barnard and Columbia have very different fundamental req classes (Barnard is much more flexible with this and has “The Nine Ways of Knowing”, while all CC students must adhere to its concrete “Columbia Core”. If you love Barnard, I would say you should go for it! There isn’t anything to lose in the situation of transferring (other than the application fee, but you get me!)
Actually, the affiliation with Columbia is a factor to be considered, because of the shared resources If you are seeking a research position on campus, it could very well end up that you take a position at Columbia, depending on circumstances. I agree that it certainly should not be your sole draw, but it’s also a simple fact that the affiliation leads to a broader array of opportunities-- though possibly also a far more competitive environment.
On the other hand, it could very well be that the academics at your current college are not preparing you for more rigorous expectations at Barnard – and as a transfer you might be at a competitive disadvantage with students who have been there all four years and have already developed the type of relationships and connections that have helped you be so successful at your current college.
Bottom line: there’s no possible downside to applying. If you get in, then you can reassess where you are at the time you are accepted – and you can take a deeper look at what a transfer might mean in terms of your coursework and opportunities.