As the college admissions season concludes, I’m left feeling uncertain about where to go next year/what to do in the meantime. Note: I am looking to major in political science, sociology, or international relations.
So far my top choices are Barnard, Rice, and UCLA, although I hear back from Georgetown on Saturday. I was also waitlisted at Harvard and Brown.
Any advice would be appreciated. These are my current thoughts:
I like that Barnard is in NYC, is a liberal arts college with amazing counseling & internships and has access to Columbia’s resources; however, based on a Barnard 2023 group chat I was placed in, the girls seem to be just be chasing Columbia’s clout. I don’t want to go to a school with that mentality. Also, I don’t know how I would fit in with super liberal feminists (albeit, this may just be a stereotype.)
Then there’s Rice. My brother is a senior there and absolutely LOVES it. The dorms are nice, the food is good, and most importantly, the professors, research opportunities, and study abroad programs are top-notch. BUT I feel like NYC is much more my vibe than Texas and that I might not fit in with Rice students either. I get bored easily and might feel suffocated by Houston even though it is a big city.
Then UCLA: I toured it and loved it. But it is a HUGE school and I think the smaller community offered at Rice and Barnard suits me better. Also, I live in Los Angeles, and really really want to get away from home and experience a new environment.
Finally, the waitlists. Should I stay on and hedge my bets to get off and go to Harvard or Brown? They do not admit many, if any at all, and I would have to send in additional info to boost my chances. Both schools are pehenomenal and I would love to attend, but I don’t know if it’s worth it.
I apologize for this long post. Any and all advice or perspectives about the schools I’m considering would be appreciated.
Based on what you have indicated regarding your preferences and priorities, I’d recommend Barnard from your currently available choices.
What are your academic interests? Is there a cost difference?
Based off of what you have stated, I recommend Barnard. Either way you have a bunch of great options, good luck!
UCLA would be the cheapest. I’m interested in polisci, sociology, and international relations. One day, I’d like to do something in international business or marketing.
I would recommend Barnard or Rice.
UCLA is in LA and you want to go away. Also, it is a huge school and it seems like that’s not what you want.
Barnard: There are 2400 students - 600 first year. With Columbia, you have even more people to hang out with and you can choose who to hang out with. The fact the school is NYC won’t change.
Rice: You love pretty much everything about it except for the location. You cannot change the school’s location.
Gosh you have good choices!! Good luck!
What are the net costs?
What can your family afford without loans?
Have you visited the colleges? I would not think a NY lover would love Texas.
There is no harm in staying on the wait lists and sending additional info, but realize getting off the waitlist is a long shot for everyone. Love the three great schools you are in. Try to attend Owl Days at Rice and admitted student events at Barnard and UCLA. If all are equally affordable. Go with your gut as to which is the best fit.
My daughter is a Barnard grad; she majored in poli sci with a focus on international relations. Barnard women are very proud of their school & proud to be there – I think rather than worrying about what other newly admitted students are posting in a chat group, you should try to go to Barnard for the admitted student day if possible, and talk to current students while you are there. My daughter graduated 9 years ago, but she mentors Barnard students through their career office. If you attend Barnard, once you get there, no one really cares which college a person is enrolled in (Barnard v. CC v. GS, etc.). It’s a big deal in the spring when people are admitted, and maybe a big deal during O-week when students are all still so very impressed with themselves for having been admitted… but by the time the first midterms roll around reality sets in.
Aside from costs, I think the main factor is geography - you are looking at three very different environments. Barnard is a good fit if you are assertive, high-energy, and enjoy an urban lifestyle. If you are more laid back & want a less frenetic lifestyle, then the other options might be better for you.
Is Georgetown still on the table? Not too big, not too small, in a more lively city than Houston (although Rice is a great school). Gets you out of LA (assuming cost is no object). And very much a peer for the other schools to which you’ve already been admitted.
Barnard because you know Rice through your brother’s experience there & feel that you are not a fit, while UCLA is too big for your taste & doesn’t allow you to experience a different major city in a different part of the country.
Barnard allows you to enjoy NYC while enjoying both an all female school & an Ivy League university.
Barnard if I were you
UCLA is less than half the cost, right? Unless money is no object, I would go to UCLA.