Hi! So I’ve been stuck deciding between these two for a couple days now. I’m planning to become a political science major and later go on to law or get a masters in public policy.
I know both these schools have excellent academics for polisci, but it’s more the environment and career services that bother me.
I’m turned off by CMC’s alcohol and party culture and don’t love it being in the suburbs of LA. I don’t drink and prefer small get-togethers over the parties at CMC. Otherwise I love the academics and career services especially. Would I fit in here?
With Barnard, I love love love that it’s in NYC and love the overall independent environment there. What worries me is that the career services pale in comparison to CMC. For example, CMC sponsors internships internationally and domestically and just seems more pre-professional in general. Barnard doesn’t give credit for internships nor stipends for unpaid ones. Additionally, with less focus on government, Barnard has many more opportunities for research in the sciences, while CMC has multiple social science research institutes.
Which do y’all think is a better choice? Is my research so far an accurate representation of the schools?
My daughter was a poli sci major had a grant from Barnard for a summer internship and also received independent study credit tied the internship. But that was more than 10 years ago so I don’t know what’s available now. She also had an awesome international internship after her sophomore year with a UN agency… but she set that up herself.
I guess the question is how independent-minded you are. It sounds like CMC has a menu of options you can choose from, whereas my daughter found Barnard’s career resources tremendously supportive and helpful, but she was taking initiative to find and create her own opportunities.
You might want to take a look at what’s available through the Athena Center.
I think the political environments are very different. CMC has a lot of conservative students, while Barnard has a more liberal student body. Does that matter to you?
@calmom Yes I saw the resources the Athena center provides! Are those open to all students or just their scholars? And do you know how hard it is to become an Athena scholar?
@intparent That’s another point why I like CMC more because I’m a liberal myself and would rather my politics classes be full of heated discussions than mutual agreements lol. But I visited and hated CMC’s environment
@calmom Yes I saw the resources the Athena center provides! Are those open to all students or just their scholars? And do you know how hard it is to become an Athena scholar?
@intparent That’s another point why I like CMC more because I’m a liberal myself and would rather my politics classes be full of interesting discussions
Does anyone know how humanities/social science research is at Barnard? I know STEM has the Summer Research Institute but are there similar opportunities for humanities students?
@electrichapel9 : Your original post in this thread presents both schools accurately based on my limited exposure to them.
As near polar opposites, your choice should be easy depending upon your preferences & impressions. Seems as though you are conflicted because you have your priorities in order, but CMC comes out on top for some, while Barnard is the clear winner for a comfortable environment for you.
Years ago my family faced a similar dilemma involving CMC and the ultimate decision was to not apply to CMC due to the heavy drinking culture. Was not an easy choice as drinking culture exist at most schools, although it is easier to avoid at larger more diverse schools, but CMC does deliver with respect to preparation for & placement in stellar careers.
I think that your assessments are spot on & intriguing because you seem to know yourself well & are quite confident in who you are & in what you want.
No easy answer as I believe that CMC is the best in the nation at what it does, while Barnard offers a unique option for those wanting Ivy League opportunities combined with a comfortable setting in a dynamic environment at a superb school.
Are you concerned that if you don’t participate in the drinking culture at CMC that you will lose out on making valuable social & career connections ?
Which other colleges & universities are you considering ? Are you willing to share your stats & background/ECs/interests ?
My daughter will be a senior at CMC in a couple weeks. I hear so much about the drinking culture at the college, but just don’t see it at all with her and her group of friends, both female and male. She has never been in the sub-free dorms, does drink a little, but by no means to excess. In my experience CMC’s reputation for a drinking culture is a little stale. I can’t speak firsthand to Barnard, but Claremont is VERY different from NYC, although CMC does offer programs in DC among other places.