BARNARD vs. BRANDEIS

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hi!
I am currently a freshman finishing up the year at a large, private university in Upstate NY. I sent in transfer applications for Fall 2014 to both Barnard College and Brandeis University. I was accepted to both and now have to make a decision in less than a week!!! This is proving to be stressful and a very hard choice, especially since I am in the middle of exams and have no time to visit.</p>

<p>If ANYONE is either a current student at either school, recent grad, etc. and would like to share their HONEST experience, I would appreciate it so much!!! Any insight would help me to make this choice.</p>

<p>Helpful Background Info:
1. I was a very strong student in high school and chose my current university after I was accepted into their auditioned vocal performance program. That is why I did not apply to either of these schools the first go around, not because I wouldn't have been accepted or because I wouldn't like them!</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Things I don't like at current school: Large size, very spread out campus, in the middle-of-nowhere FREEZING tundra that it Upstate NY. In general, it is a very isolating place, and the school itself does nothing to help this. I felt like I was dropped off somewhere and completely alone, like "Ok, now you're on your own". Practically no orientation, have only met a handful of kids on my floor from really putting myself out there. Everyone drinks and smokes pot ALL the time, and unless you're in a sorority (or frat for guys), there is no social life to speak of, no events, no clubs, nothing. In addition, I thought the Honors Program would be a good home for students like me. It has turned out to be a joke; I've taken 3 honors courses so far and really haven't met any friends. I have met my "advisor" one time, to approve my course selection for this spring semester. My profs don't care about me, even when I have tried to make an effort to go to office hours (if they even have any) and/or email and pay attention in class. I attend pretty much every class and still don't feel appreciated at all. Ok, ANYWAY, sorry to be a downer, but it's all good now, because I am transferring! Yay!!!</p></li>
<li><p>I have strong interest in music and theatre. I was a lead in many high school productions, musicals and plays. I directed one-acts, etc. Participated in lots of choirs. I also like to seek out leadership positions (senior class president, a community-service based independent study, thespian officer). Basically, I LIKE TO BE INVOLVED! It's really lacking here, and I can't handle it. I like being busy (though not dying). Busy with interesting things and people that I enjoy! I don't consider myself a resume padder type, everything I did in high school was something I wanted to do for myself.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, I AM Jewish. I only say that because it is a factor in the decision. I attended Jewish summer camp for years, have been to Israel multiple times, keep Kosher, would like to marry within the "tribe" if you will. I consider myself more on the Conservative side, though my family has been involved in a modern orthodox synagogue as well. So maybe "Conservadox"? Anyway, yes I am pro-Israel in general (though that doesn't rule out any criticism of the country! All countries should be subjected to the same scrutiny, I just feel that sometimes Israel gets an unmerited criticism). I am also politically more conservative in terms of economic and foreign affairs issues. Social issues (abortion, etc.) I am liberal.</p></li>
<li><p>I have been to the Brandeis campus a couple of times. I have an aunt near Boston. I have never really been on the Barnard campus...though I have been in to NYC a few times this year (I have 2 brothers in the city).</p></li>
<li><p>I am a Midwest gal!!! From St. Louis. Yes, it's in Missouri. No, it's not some farm country, it's a real city, about the size of Pittsburgh. No, it's not Southern. Anyway, the point is that I do consider myself to be a well-mannered, respectful person. That's not limited to Midwesterners, but I think it's fair to say that not every Bostonian or NYC'er is the best at holding doors or saying their "pleases" and "thank-yous"</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Ok, sorry this is sooooo long!! Any questions or comments...I have to make a decision this week!!!</p>

<p>TL;DR Transfer student: Barnard or Brandeis, why?</p>

2

<p>I vote for Barnard
I m still waiting for its decision, when did u get it? I remember Barnard will send admission decisions in early May</p>

3

<p>These are really 2 distinct schools when it comes to environment. Bernard - you get to enjoy an IVY education next door through cross enrollment and dual degree if interested.
If money is not an issue, definitely go for it.
Best of luck to you.</p>

4

<p>AprilCXY, I received it yesterday. Good luck to you! </p>

5

<p>Hi - I can’t speak to Brandeis much, but my daughter graduated from Barnard a couple of years ago. To address your concerns (as much as I can):</p>

<ol>
<li><p>She majored in theatre. I believe most of the faculty in that dept know by name most of the students majoring in theatre. Her advisor was very available, very helpful. The dept. does some excellent productions. </p></li>
<li><p>Columbia U. students majoring in theatre do so in the Barnard dept., since Columbia does not have its own undergraduate program in that subject.</p></li>
<li><p>Columbia has a very active student-run theatre organization, and you could meet your kindred spirits there for sure.</p></li>
<li><p>Barnard is very Jewish-friendly - Kosher food available in the regular dining room, for one. Also, a significant number of Barnard and Columbia students are also studying at Jewish Theological Seminary, which is a few blocks away. (I don’t know the details of how that works, but at least this gives you a flavor for what’s going on.)</p></li>
<li><p>There is a very active Hillel based, I believe, at Columbia.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>The only thing I can tell you about Brandeis is that when D2 looked into a possible transfer there we got the impression from the website and CC that the undergraduate theatre program is more academic than performance-oriented. But I would investigate that further before taking that as a fact.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

<p>Now, a question for you: when and how did you hear from Barnard?</p>

<p>Good luck whatever you decide. </p>