Barnard vs. Wellesley vs. Vassar

Colleges and Universities A-Z Barnard College
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<p>Hello! I’m a high school senior looking into my college options–I’ve been admitted to Barnard, Wellesley, NYU, and Brandeis, waitlisted at Harvard, Brown, Columbia, Amherst College, and Vassar. I really need outside input on Barnard and Wellesley, since it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to visit the schools again before having to make my decision and then hold my breath for waitlist responses, if any. </p>

<p>I’m focused on an English major, particularly creative writing, journalism, or the publishing industry (not that I’m indecisive). I have a 4.04 GPA, I’ve written two novels, am a member of NHS and numerous other high school clubs, play flute and guitar, overachieve, etc, etc…</p>

<p>Right now Barnard is my top choice particularly because of its strong writing aspect and its association with Columbia. I’ve been thinking of it as Barnard College at Columbia University, even though I know that isn’t exactly accurate. The city’s opportunities for jumping into the publishing and literary scene. Wellesley, on the other hand, has prestige, strong academics, a very strong English major, and a beautiful campus. On the other hand, I live about fifteen minutes away from the Wellesley campus and I’m very not excited about the all-girls college experience or the rumor that the students vacate the campus to visit Boston schools, which I think sort of negates the campus-community atmosphere. </p>

<p>I plan on saying yes to Amherst College, Columbia, or Brown, should by any miracle I move off of the waiting list. </p>

<p>I really would appreciate some input!</p>

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<p>As a writer, I do not think you can go wrong by going to Barnard! </p>

<p>As long as you do not find yourself thinking that you are somehow not where you “really” want to be by going there (as opposed to being a CC student), I think you may well discover you prefer Barnard’s curriculum, atmosphere and academics to CC’s. </p>

<p>Best to you in making this decision!</p>

3

<p>I told my daughters that they had to go to college more than 60 miles from home. Otherwise the temptation to call or go home is too strong. You really can’t go wrong, but I would go with Barnard for a novelist. Our older daughter is a bit of a loner, so we thought she would choose Wellesley. The beautiful campus didn’t hurt with her parents ether. She chose Barnard. It’s strange that you can meditate enough to write with 30 million people around you.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for all your great advice! And now another variable–</p>

<p>I’m now being offered a full ride (absolutely everything except the books) to Northeastern’s Honors Program. It would be less about the academics, more about the co-op opportunities and future career options. </p>

<p>Also, after visiting Barnard, I found that I’m not as comfortable as I thought in New York. Any idea if this will be assuaged by time spent at the school? N.U. has suddenly become my top choice, but I’m not sure if I would be copping out of going for either of the two heavily-academic Seven Sister degrees. Help?</p>

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<p>I would go with the money if you are well disciplined. You would be the object of a lot of professorial attention and something of a role model for the other students. If you have even the slightest slacker tendency go with the seven sisters. The other students will push you. You pick the more academic school for the peer group.
As for NYC, I think you get used to it. I used to worry all of the time when the first girl went there, but I quit after about a month. If you are just feeling generally uneasy that may be your gut talking to you and you may want to stay in Boston.</p>

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<p>Tough choice. Very different programs and I think you need to spend some time thinking how you really want to be spending the next 4/5 years. Figure out what your preference is between academics and real-world experience. Do not base that on what you think post-graduate employment prospects will be – that part will balance out. Think about the kind of foundation you want for the rest of your life.</p>

7

<p>Although I am a Barnard parent, I am not a mindless Barnard booster. The above posts are very well said. However, the one exception I would make is for a creative writer. In that case, I think Barnard really is the best option. I am a poet and novelist, and watching my D’s two friends who are writers (she is not) reap the benefits of the Barnard programis very inspiring. One close friend of mine graduated from Barnard as a writer and she earns her living writing, I do not. Barnard helped her blaze that trail as an undergraduate.</p>

<p>However, you introduce two other variables – money and lack of comfort in NYC.</p>

<p>For the first, only you know your family’s resources. If a full-ride is really important in your family’s situation, that the conclusion is a no-brainer. If not, see above. You won’t need an MFA program coming from Barnard, and that might save money later on.</p>

<p>As for your second issue. Is it just that you feel overwhelmed by the city or that you don’t like it? If it is the first, yes, that will definitely improve with time. Barnard’s orientation gets everyone used to the city. If it is the second, that won’t improve, and you probably should not attend. NYC is pretty in your face if you choose Barnard.</p>

<p>If you don’t enjoy cities at all, Northeastern should give you pause as well.</p>

<p>Good luck deciding. You sound like an accomplished young woman with many options.</p>

8

<p>Thanks for your input!</p>

<p>mythmom: Thank you! About the city: I found that I’m far more at ease in a city like Boston rather than New York–they have very different characters, and both schools have assured me that I could either intern (or co-op) in either New York or Boston. But again, the financial issue is more outstanding at the moment, even though I think that going to Barnard would most likely get me acclimated to the city more quickly than I anticipate.</p>