Barnard vs. Berkeley vs...

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm still a bit undecided about what college I'd like to attend, partly because I'm undecided on my major. So, before I continue, I would very much appreciate it if anyone could rank these colleges</p>

<p>Barnard
Cornell
Harvey Mudd
UC Berkeley
Vassar</p>

<p>based on overall
-level of prestige
-intimacy of class/campus environment
-greatness liberal arts-wise
-greatness math/science-wise</p>

<p>Now, here's what I think. Cornell is an Ivy, which is wonderful--but Ithaca is freezing, and Cornell is kinda large for me, which may be what seems to keep its students overworked. Ivy status doesn't seem enough reason to go to a school, but the name stamped on my diploma is really important, I know, especially if I may not like the major I eventually delve into, since I'm so fickle. </p>

<p>Vassar is pretty, and has a nice environment--but do most students use NYC as a place to go on the weekends? Barnard seemed like the best fit for me...but I'm thinking that this is 'cause I fell in love with Columbia (which waitlisted me), and somehow think that Barnard is Columbia Jr. </p>

<p>As for Harvey Mudd and Cal...my boyfriend is going to Cal, and while I don't particularly like it, and my mama refuses to let me go there, I have to have it on the ranking, for security's sake (read: I want to keep an option open where I'm not lonely and far away). The same goes for Harvey Mudd (for which I'd only have to pay $2000 in tuition and junk, at least in the first year), though I think I'd fit in even less there. </p>

<p>I'm sorry for rambling, all, but if anyone can give me their ideas about ANY of these schools, it would do wonders for me. Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>So you don't want Cal or Harvey Mudd and Cornell is too cold and too big and Barnard is (in your mind) a poor substitute for Columbia. Hmm...what does that leave? Vassar it is!</p>

3

<p>Haha...I guess so. But I didn't mean that Barnard is a poor substitute, but that I think it IS Columbia (you can take most of your classes there if you want, you LIVE in the coed housing, and your diploma is a Columbia U one with a Barnard seal), and I don't know if I should be viewing it that way.</p>

4

<p>I think that's exactly how you should view Barnard - it's very much like going to Columbia. And it's not considered "second best" by grad schools or employers.</p>

5

<p>Well, that's good to know--so that would mean that it still carries a good deal of prestige, yes?</p>