How driven are the students? How heavy is the class work load?

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Current sophomore.
The students from what i’ve noticed are very driven. Most students care a lot about their grades and whatever they do outside of class, so most tend to be very busy and study hard and are always doing something. The class work load really depends on what you’re majoring in and what classes you take. Also how many classes you’re taking per semester, if you have a minor, etc. The higher level classes you take, the more work. I’ve found that the science classes and math classes have more work than a lot of humanities classes, but you write a lot more in the latter so if writings not your thing they suck.

Barnard, like Columbia, students obsess about their grades. But this is often needless angst. People I’ve known at Barnard have managed to combine an active social life with doing very well. Just realize that this isn’t HS. You won’t get A’s easily.