Hey Barnard!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Barnard College
1

<p>I’m applying right now and writing my “why barnard” essay. I’m writing about how I want to go for the five year double degree program with Columbia’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Will admissions people think I’m trying to get through the “back door”? because I’m really not. I would go to Barnard just for Barnard and the five year program just interests me. Also, I’m writing down courses that I like that Barnard has… but they’re also Columbia’s classes >< will they think negatively of this too??</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your comments!</p>

2

<p>I think that’s great that you’re interested in the program, and you should definitely mention that because it shows that you’ve done your research. But I suggest you focus on why specifically you want to go to Barnard over any other school out there.</p>

3

<p>Let me add- your reasons don’t have to be strictly academic. In fact, I barely mentioned academics at all in my response.</p>

4

<p>same as ch0c0lat3… i mostly just mentioned the appeal of the nine ways of knowing, the small liberal-arts community, NYC, and the tradition.</p>

5

<p>Very, very few students are chosen for the dual programs, so I think that would not be a strong reason. The adcom might feel that you would be disappointed if you are not accepted for that program.</p>

<p>I would focus on reasons you love Barnard for itself.</p>

6

<p>err, i guess the nine ways are academic, btu i didn’t go into specifics.</p>

7

<p>I would really advise you to leave Columbia completely out of the picture. No matter how much research you’ve done and how genuine it is, I really think it’ll seem like a back-door sort of deal. </p>

<p>Just my opinion.</p>

8

<p>Hey again! I actually posted before thoroughly looking into the program. Apparently, there are over 100 partner LACs that offer the dual degree program with Columbia. </p>

<p>So although it is not quite “backdoor,” it is in no way unique to Barnard. If that is truly the only reason you are applying to Barnard, there are 100+ schools you could add to your list.</p>

<p>Like the above consensus appear to be, I’d say your “why Barnard?” paragraph should focus on Barnard (and more importantly, YOU in the context of Barnard).</p>

9

<p>I just mentioned Columbia for how I came to know Barnard (my bro went to Columbia) and also for how the prospect of taking classes both there and at Barnard offers me a multitude of options for learning. As long as you specify and clarify that Barnard’s Nine Ways are the way to go, that’s fine. Since Barnard itself often speaks positively of its academic relationship with Columbia, i think it’s fair game to mention that relationship, as long as you make it clear you wanna be a Bear as opposed to a Lion.</p>