<p>I'm trying to decide whether to apply to Barnard College or Brown University ED. I am a legacy at Brown (my dad went there undergrad) and, as an artist, I love its proximity to RISD. I am also very interested in the humanities and not in the sciences, so the New Curriculum is perfect. But, for months, I was planning to apply ED to Barnard. I love NYC and Morningside Heights, and being in the city with access to museums, galleries, internships etc. is invaluable (I plan to move to NYC after college, anyway). I am concerned about the cost of living in New York, though, as well as the lack of men (at least relative to Brown, which is truly coed)--but I am also worried I will find Providence dull and quotidien, and the larger University setting impersonal relative to Barnard's strong female community. Statistically, Barnard is more of a match, while Brown is a reach. I am definitely, definitely going to apply to Barnard RD, but I don't know what to do for ED--help!</p>
<p>I would say don’t apply anywhere ED. You should really only apply ED to one of those schools if you’re absolutely sure it’s your FIRST CHOICE, otherwise you could be locked into one school and perpetually wondering what “might have been”.</p>
<p>But if you really want to apply ED to one of those schools, based on what you’ve told me I’d pick Brown. The ability to take classes at RISD sounds like it would be an unmissable opportunity for you, and I’d caution you against applying to a school solely based on its location. As you said yourself, you have your whole life after college to live in New York City - what’s the rush?</p>
<p>Don’t forget, legacy will also help you out with Brown admissions.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>You are undecided enough that I would echo the don’t apply ED. (Unless you can go and visit Brown before the deadline, and get a good feel for it so that you have no regrets. ) Sometimes it is hard for Brown students to get into the RISD art classes, (diff schedules and a basic course that is hard to get into). Maybe get your application ready, go visit if you can, and if you fall in love with Brown, go for ED. If not, or can’t visit, then apply RD to both and go visit both after Xmas, before you have to hear and make up your mind.</p>
<p>gliblibb</p>
<p>In comparing the schools, you set forth pros and cons for each. Other than that, I’m not sure what anyone else can tell you. It sounds like a difficult choice for you, but we can’t make the decision for you – if you can’t make up your mind before the ED date, I agree with the above advice, apply to both RD.</p>