Barnard Transfers Fall 2013

Colleges and Universities A-Z Barnard College
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<p>@courtnic and mardad, it was a tough decision (I was also admitted to Davidson, and it was between the three). They are all great schools. Occidental actually gave me slightly more financial aid than Barnard or Davidson, but when it came down to it, I just really loved the atmosphere of Occidental when I visited. Davidson and Barnard both seemed to have more intense atmospheres, whereas Occidental was laid back, although still academically rigorous. All the students seemed really excited to be there, and there was a lot of energy on campus, more so (it felt to me) than at the other colleges I visited. I really want to live on campus wherever I go (I am guaranteed housing at Occidental, and the whole transfer housing conundrum at Barnard last year worried me) and overall, Occidental felt more like a small, community-centric oasis within the larger city of Los Angeles. For me, this is the best of both worlds: I get a community that feels small and self-contained, but with easy access to the city. At Barnard, I felt like the community was a little more indistinguishable from New York City and Columbia University (in other words, less like a quiet oasis amid the bustle of a large city, and more like part of the city itself). As a transfer, I feel like the intimate community will be great for meeting people and making friends. It’s totally a personal preference.</p>

<p>As for academics, I’m an English major, so all three colleges are great for that. I am also a Biology minor, and I think it would be really fun to take a marine biology course at Occidental (which would allow for diving field trips…not something you’ll get at most colleges!). I did a lot of research on my options and they all seem to be on-par academically, although Occidental’s science program gave it an edge. </p>

<p>Ultimately, the strongest factor for me was visiting the colleges. I just had a really, really good feeling about Occidental. All three schools are great for academics and have really strong programs, but when it came down to it, Occidental is the place where I felt like I would have the most fun. I know college is primarily supposed to be about learning, but I learn best when I have an active, fulfilling social life. Occidental’s less intense atmosphere made me feel at home. </p>

<p>Sorry for rambling, and sorry this isn’t a more helpful response…it’s mostly a gut feeling. Good luck making your choice! Also, let me know if you choose Occidental…I know absolutely nobody there, so it would be nice to meet some other transfers before orientation. And congrats to everyone who got into Barnard!</p>

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<p>Katay, your reply was actually quite helpful. I’ll be seeing you at Oxy in August; I made my decision late Friday afternoon after I received my credit evaluation from Barnard. For me, it came down to the fact that I felt like Occidental wanted me more. Everyone I spoke with was very helpful & happy to answer my questions. I felt like the professors are really willing to help their students. In dealing with Barnard, I felt like they were at best ambivalent. The professors seemed to tend towards focusing on a select few students rather than welcoming the group as a whole. My credit evaluation was sloppy; the registrar failed to evaluate several of my courses and listed classes as “in progress” that were completed. They also questioned the rigor of the academics at the school I am transferring from. I attend Barnard’s biggest all-female rival, so being told that my science courses might not be up to par was downright insulting. The evaluation was also sent so late on Friday that when I tried to call the office to discuss the issues, I learned that everyone had left for the long weekend. It’s sad that this is what finally tipped me towards Oxy, but that’s how it went. I’m a chem/engineering major with an English minor, and I felt like Oxy offered me more flexibility to pursue both of those paths & to conduct research as an undergrad (it’s even required as part of the major). At Barnard, the research spots were limited & highly competitive, and that’s just not what I’m looking for. I loved the environment at Oxy, and while it was tough for me to choose a co-ed school (I’ve attended an all-female institution since 8th grade) I’m really excited, and I just felt like I belonged on campus. </p>

<p>To everyone on the Barnard wait list, I’ve sent them my reply, and I honestly hope one of you gets my place. Best of luck!</p>

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<p>Courtnic, I believe you have made the right decision.</p>

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<p>when do oyu think waitlisted students will hear back? They said by June 15th, but do you think they will wait until then?</p>

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<p>Hi all- my mother and i have been actively following the thread since the beginning but i haven’t posted yet. Barnard called me yesterday to let me know that I had been offered admission off of the wait list. Needless to say I was thrilled. Have to see what happens with course evals and housing but I’m so excited!! best of luck to the rest of you wherever you end up!</p>

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<p>wow congrats! i’m on the wait-list as well and am anxiously waiting to hear back.</p>

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<p>those of you on the waiting list, what schools are you going to choose if Barnard doesn’t work out?</p>

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<p>Anybody else on the wait list receive the email last night?</p>

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<p>nope. did you get in?</p>

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<p>Haven’t heard anything back yet, they just asked for my spring grades.</p>

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<p>i got in off the wait list!!!</p>

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<p>congratulations calliegirl! see you in the fall!</p>

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<p>are they Elliot dorms good? Or should i choose the other upperclassman dorms?</p>

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<p>Callie, my d. was not fond of Elliot, but I don’t think they will give you much of a choice as a transfer. Based on recent years, you may be lucky if they don’t put in a room converted to house more students than intended (such as a single converted to a double, or a double converted to a triple). If they’ve given you a form to express your preferences, then of course you can check another option – but when it comes down to it I don’t think that you will have much of a choice. </p>

<p>Pay attention to which dorms require a meal plan – depending on whether or not you want to be on the plan. That can be an added expense - when my daughter was at Barnard, that was a reason for avoiding being housed in Hewitt, which otherwise is a perfectly nice dorm.</p>