Macaulay Honors Baruch vs Fordham vs Barnard

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey y'all. I am one of many frantic high school seniors trying to pick a school to attend in the fall. Any help or input would be appreciated!
I've narrowed down my list to 3 schools: CUNY Baruch College (Macaulay Honors), Fordham University (Lincoln Center) and Barnard College. I should probably mention that I'm going to be commuting. </p>

<p>Now, Macaulay at Baruch is really great! I have no idea how I got in, to be honest, but I'm thrilled. It gives me free tuition for all 4 years, a Macbook, priority choice in classes, and so on. I like Baruch. I've been there a couple of times, and I don't mind the whole vertical campus thing. I intend to double major in English and Anthropology, but Baruch doesn't have my Anthro major. It has a Psychology major, though, which I guess I wouldn't mind?? If I decide to pursue a career in advertising, Baruch could help me with that, right?</p>

<p>Fordham is a fairly good school. It has also offered me a full ride. I've visited, and again the vertical campus thing is not a problem for me. The area around the campus is amazing, too. Fordham has both of my majors. However, I am a bit hesitant. I don't know what it is, but I just...I don't know if I see myself there necessarily. Or, I'm unsure how well I'll be able to fit in. I've also heard that there's an undercurrent of racism, which is really off-putting. </p>

<p>And then there's Barnard, a school after my own heart. I've been there a few times, and I'm totally enamored of it. I love everything, right down to the magnolia tree on Lehman Lawn. Morningside Heights is a great neighborhood, too. It has both of my majors, and is particularly strong in the English field. The problem is the money. Though the financial aid is particularly generous, it's not...free like the other two. I have to take a small loan and then pay what's left. I've discussed this with my family, and we've determined that it won't be a problem. It's just the least economically feasible option. </p>

<p>I honestly have no idea what to do with myself. I don't specifically know what I want to pursue after I finish undergrad, but I was thinking maybe law school or grad school. I'm really afraid I'm of regretting my choice. How am I supposed to know that I've made the right decision? Would it be stupid to pass up a free college education?</p>

2

<p>How small a loan? If all you would need to borrow is a full Stafford Loan for each year, the would be within the range of what most parents in the Fin Aid forum would think is OK. More than that is pushing it.</p>

3

<p>I’d do everything in my power to try to make Barnard work financially if I were you. Macaulay is a great program, but if it doesn’t have anthropology and you’re interested in anthropology, then I don’t see a reason for you to go there. Fordham would be my second choice as it has your desired majors and is free, but you say you’re not enamored with it at all, and the racism rumors are not to be discounted, especially if you’re a person of color.</p>

<p>Which leaves Barnard: an amazing school with all of your desired academic opportunities and more. How much money would you have to borrow to attend? Loans are generally a very bad thing, but if we’re talking about a total sum below $15,000-20,000 (anything above that would be unjustifiable regardless of the school, in my opinion), then I seriously think Barnard might be worth it. If not, I’d probably go with Macaulay.</p>

<p>This is a really tough choice. I’m sorry :(</p>

4

<p>I agree with the above posters. Macaulay is an awesome program, especially with the seminars and the city passes as well, and you shouldn’t feel bad at all about picking it over Barnard if the cost is prohibitive.</p>

5

<p>Just one comment…my S is at Fordham and the incidents you have spoken of consist of two or three racial slurs being written on walls on campus…I don’t want to discount it because it is awful…but many schools might have tried to hush this all up since it was isolated…But the administration, students, and faculty were outraged and made a point do what they could (letters from the university president, editorials in school paper, march on campus) to show that racial slurs and intolerance are not acceptable at Fordham. If you don’t get the sense that Fordham is the right place for you, that is fine, but I really don’t think that there is an undercurrent of racial intolerance (other than probably one jerk). </p>

<p>That said, I would tell you to go with your gut – if you LOVE Barnard (and it sounds like you do) and your family can afford it without being put in a bad financial situation (and it sounds like they can), then go for it! All the best wherever you end up. Congratulations on having a number of wonderful choices.</p>

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<p>A little clarification: I believe Barnard has offered the Stafford loan, which means I would graduate about 14K in debt. My mom assures me that this is do-able, but I remain wary. I’d say we are a low income family (we receive SSI benefits if that makes the picture any clearer) so I don’t know if the accumulation of debt is the most responsible way to go. I have some money saved up from SSI, odd jobs, gifts, etc. and I will eventually be able to pay off the loans. And I guess to pay the difference I’ll just have to work during the summers. If I do go that route it won’t be quite as easy on me, or my bank account. This is going to be a tough one.</p>

<p>@happy1 ah, that’s actually really comforting to hear. I’d heard about the graffiti and was alarmed, but somehow I’d failed to learn about the school’s reaction! I’m glad that the Fordham community was able to come together. I was concerned that there was a lack of tolerance or acceptance but I guess this is untrue. Unfortunately, it makes my decision that much harder haha. Thank you, though. I appreciate the input!</p>

7

<p>Congrats on your amazing accomplishments!</p>

<p>You were accepted to the Honors College in it’s most competitive year yet - 36% increase in applicants, 0% increase in seats available and a drop of 10% in our acceptance rate.</p>

<p>You will be academically challenged and your interests will be maximized in both English and Anthropology.</p>

<p>Have you checked out the Sociology and Anthropology webpage of the Baruch website?
[Sociology</a> and Anthropology Department - Weissman School of Arts and Sciences - Baruch College](<a href=“http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/wsas/academics/anthropology/]Sociology”>http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/wsas/academics/anthropology/)</p>

<p>Do bear in mind that you could take courses on multiple campuses and have the autonomy of CREATING your own major “Anthropology” in your sophomore year as a CUNY BA student: [CUNY</a> BA Degree](<a href=“http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/wsas/academics/CUNYBA.htm]CUNY”>http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/wsas/academics/CUNYBA.htm)</p>

<p>The opportunities are endless!
[Macaulay</a> Honors College - The Macaulay Program](<a href=“http://macaulay.cuny.edu/prospective-students/macaulay-program.php]Macaulay”>http://macaulay.cuny.edu/prospective-students/macaulay-program.php)</p>

<p>You will be part of a very small community with the brightest students in NY and with access to the best opportunities. The personalization of our Macaulay Advisement Program is a major part of why our students are winning the most prestigious fellowships and internships, and being accepted to the TOP grad schools/Law Schools/Med Schools in the nation.</p>

<p><a href=“http://macaulay.cuny.edu/about/factsheet.pdf[/url]”>http://macaulay.cuny.edu/about/factsheet.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>AND I hate to mention that you will be able to take courses of interest that you would not have, if you had the burden of paying for them. That makes for a much more interesting and engaging academic experience. You will also graduate college DEBT FREE!</p>

<p>The value that you gain for your degree and this amazing NY and Global experience is unmatched.</p>

<p>BUT all that said, you have to find a FIT for you and must be HAPPY. That’s all that matters in this decision making time.</p>

<p>For more information please call (646) 312-2125</p>