Georgetown vs. Barnard

College Search & Selection
1

I was accepted to Georgetown & Barnard this year; they are my top two and I didn’t anticipate having to decide between them. I know that Georgetown is the place to be for government and foreign policy, which I’m interested in, but I fear that if I end up changing my interests Georgetown would not be worth the money (ie. if I switched to economics, computer science, etc.) as it is not nearly as well known/respected for any other subject areas (to my knowledge). Currently, I would be double majoring in linguistics and government at Georgetown. I have heard good things about the linguistics department but honestly am not sure how much better of a linguistics education I would get at Georgetown vs. Columbia’s linguistics department. I know that at Barnard I would have more flexibility to explore a more diverse course of study before declaring a major, and the prospect of having all of the resources/classes of Columbia is hard to ignore.

Based on my current interests (subject to change), I would graduate from Georgetown with a double major in linguistics and government, and would hope to pursue the 5 year MIA master’s program with Barnard/Columbia STIA as well as a major in linguistics.

I know that government internship opportunities are pretty much unparalleled at Georgetown, but I continue to find myself feeling very conflicted- NYC isn’t exactly wanting for internship opportunities either. I know I want to be in a city, and both schools check this box. I know I want a mid sized, well resourced university, and both schools check this box.

I would love to hear any insight regarding these two schools + the respective, unique opportunities (classes, job placement, etc.) that they provide.

I know they’re both great options… but it’s making me feel even more conflicted!! Thank you in advance :slight_smile:

2

Barnard is definitely a smaller school than Georgetown. Barnard has around 2000 undergrad, while Georgetown has close to 8000. So if the size is important, these might be facts that could make your decision for you.
In terms of internship and job opportunities, the options at Georgetown are immense for government. You would be in the epicenter of American government, and I’m sure there would be numerous opportunities available. I wouldn’t discount Barnard though. I would find it hard to believe that you couldn’t find an amazing internship opportunity in NYC.
Perhaps cost is a huge factor for you… that might be something for you to consider.
You also must think of the women’s college aspects at Barnard. Is this something you desire or would you rather be at a co-ed institution? Either way, you would definitely have some classes at Barnard with men in them.

All aforementioned matters aside, both schools are quite prestigious, so whichever you choose, I am sure you will thrive!

3

Hi! I am a junior in HS interested in both Barnard and Georgetown. I was wondering if you have decided yet (and why you came to that decision). Also, if you don’t mind sharing, what were your stats/ECs? Thanks!

4

Barnard isn’t just 2000 people. There is the entire CU population too!

It’s possible to government internships while attending school in NYC.

Don’t get me wrong, DC is a wonderful town in many ways, but for sheer excitement and culture, opportunities and fun, NYC is up a few notches. I lived a long time in both cities.

I’d go with Barnard. There’s just so much more available to you there IMHO.