<p>I wasn't on an official tour. It was more exploration by myself but even then I still didn't get to see many aspects of barnard. I guess it would have been better to go with a student individually and tour the school...but I didn't know anybody there.</p>
<p>so...if I want to do a bio major...is barnard a bad idea?</p>
<p>It's not a BAD idea; between Barnard and Columbia there are more than enough opportunities and excellent classes.</p>
<p>But there are definitely schools that are bigger on bio. If you're very serious about science, and like the lifestyle at those schools, they'd probably be a better idea.</p>
<p>if I want to go to medical school, will medical school hold barnard students with the same respect as from other schools? I dunno, I'm just a bit worried I guess. I don't want my parents to spend their money wisely. ^^'</p>
<p>Oh, definitely. As long as you keep your grades up, you'll do just fine in med school admissions. I was thinking more along the lines of PhD programs, where who you've worked with matters.</p>
<p>edit: in the last post I meant to say basically is I want my parents to spend their money wisely.</p>
<p>ok thanks! Barnard sounds really good! aaaah...how can I chooose? I know emory has a good percentage for their premed students getting into med school and michigan has a top ten med school and a great hospital. </p>
<p>Is barnard kind of far from...a lot of places? Like, do you have to take long subway rides to pretty much anywhere exciting (i.e chinatown, times square)...</p>
<p>And another thing, I know this is kinda sad that I'm even worried about this, but the whole reputation of barnard women being lesbian/feminists...how accurate is that? Are they only a small portion of the population or the majority? I know it's a liberal arts school, but if someone's conservative, they won't get beat up will they?</p>
<p>Yes, the neighborhood Barnard's in is up in the boring upper west side residential area. It's a nice neighborhood, but it's not very NYC chic. I'd say it takes between ten minutes and half an hour to get to the cool places, depending on which place exactly and what time of day.</p>
<p>That reputation is usually just a misogynistic stereotype, with <em>maybe</em> Smith being an exception. Barnard's not more liberal, gay, or feminist than most other colleges (notably conservative schools excepted). There are very few people I'd characterize as the stereotypical "angry feminist." While most students are liberal, there are conservative student groups and no one storms their meetings with torches. I've never had a single problem with someone disrespecting my views or thinking less of me for them.</p>
<p>There is a visible and active queer community, and a lot of left-leaning political activism and women's rights work, but that's not the dominant culture on campus. There really ISN'T a dominant culture; for such a small school, it's surprisingly diverse in the types of people you'll find.</p>
<p>Stereotype is an exception for Smith, too. I think that at Smith the amount of vocal noise made by a few makes the number seem larger.</p>
<p>I've never heard of a conservative at Barnard being beat up. Seeing the light, yes.</p>
<p>My d and I just returned from NY and the accepted student's day on Monday (4/4). All of our positive impressions were confirmed and even enhanced! Barnard seemed almost too good at times in that EVERYONE we spoke to (and not all were "official" tour-type students) was so very open and honest and pleased with the school. </p>
<p>One very interesting insight (re the Columbia/Barnard "stigma"): We were actually in the administrative offices of the English Dept at Columbia with a friend who is considering attending there. A very intimidating (but, we though, delightful) gentleman who teaches Shakespeare at Columbia came in to talk with our friend, and as we were sitting less than five feet away, we overheard his remarks. Long story short, he minced no words in telling our friend what he thought of his college options. So my d was a little hesitant to answer when he came out and asked her if she was there to talk about Columbia undergrad as well (thinking he would be very disdainful of Barnard in light of his previous comments to our friend). However, when she told him she had already been admitted to and planned to attend Barnard, his response was something very like:
"Great choice! I went to Columbia and took all the classes I could at Barnard. They have the same level of quality but still know how to treat students as individuals..."
AND he said he has Barnard students in his classes on a routine basis, and they are academically indistinguishable from Columbia students (doesn't even know one from the other until the end of the term, actually). </p>
<p>My daughter, I am sure, would love to take this guys' class (as a Senior, of course...he made it clear that he doesn't "dain" to teach lower level students!! LOL), and she WILL have the opportunity to do so as a strong, beautiful Barnard woman (a phrase used a lot on Monday, and which we really enjoyed).</p>
<p>Also, the question of tolerance of differing political views was raised at one of the information sessions. The answer was that both ends of the spectrum are represented on Barnard's campus. And I did get the strong sense that the pervasive philosophy of providing an atmosphere which is supportive of individual growth and expression extends beyond educational considerations to the impact of social/political ideals as well. My d comes from a fairly conservative area of the country...her family all voted Republican...and she is looking forward to living in the diverse and rich community of Barnard/Columbia. </p>
<p>I am, in short, envious of her opportunity!!!</p>
<p>I absolutely addooreee the sound of "STRONG, BEAUTIFUL BARNARD WOMEN" LOL :) - did someone mention they are called Barnardites as well?
Guess where I'm swaying to? And have been swaying to for agees... lol.</p>
<p>Wow I love Shakespeare.. and I want to major in English.. I most definitely would love to take his classes... What is this prof's name if you don't mind? (You could pm me it as well... TY!!)</p>
<p>Silver: I think the prof's last name is Cregan...at least that is his wife's last name (Mary Cregan)...she teaches a first year writing seminar (I think), and he gave my D her name so she would be sure to try and get in her class.</p>
<p>My d is also very interested in English (perhaps a double major with dance, or a minor...or she may change her mind all together...an opportunity she has to explore options which is one of the many things we love about Barnard's curriculum!)</p>
<p>The "strong, beautiful Barnard women" title, is (we were told) what an adminstration member uses as the salutation for all of her (evidently numerous) e-mails to students (I think about upcoming activities???? Sorry, it was an overwhelming day on Monday...perhaps Primefactor can clarify!). Then, during a delightful conversation with a current Barnard student, my daughter let it be known she had not only been accepted but that we had actually just paid her deposit. This girl spontaneously smiled (grinned, really) and said, "then you are already a strong, beautiful Barnard woman!". Sounds corny, but it was really very heart-warming!</p>
<p>Does Mary Cregan teach at Barnard?</p>
<p>Our family friend (Columbia grad) mentioned how many Columbia profs were married to Barnard profs!! :)
That's really like my HS.. we have many couples who both teach!!! I think it's so sweet!</p>
<p>I'm 90% sure that I will double major in English lit and Art history (and hopefully take plenty of electives in visual arts).
But like your d, I may change my mind too.. I'm interested in sooo many things, hence why I love Barnard's flexibility... yet they do have an element of discipline.. unlike some overwhelmingly liberal schools like Brown.</p>
<p>P.S - I had to get my deposit back from the post office lol :) I had given it to Mom to send it off.. then the next morning Chicago sent me a box...
Thank god I have till May 1st.. time to think :d</p>
<p>DORIS!!!</p>
<p>Doris is a Barnard INSTITUTION. Whenever you're having a bad day, her messages on voicemail are sure to cheer. She runs the college ticket service, and always greets us as her "strong, beautiful Barnard women," or some variation of that. My personal favorite is: "Hello, my flower garden of Barnard women. Flowers are so beautiful and unique, and you all are, too!" It is really corny, and a lot of people just automatically delete them when it gets tiring, but every now and then... it's nice to hear a friendly and overwhelmingly positive voice. If nothing else, it's a silly common bond we can all wink at each other about.</p>
<p>churchmusicmom... I don't like to echo the sentiments of that professor, because it might sound too phony from a Barnard student, but I feel it's true. If there's been any difference at all in the quality of classes, I've found it to be in Barnard's favor. I'm telling nothing but the truth of my experience when I say that if you can handle Barnard's classes, you don't need to think Columbia's will be any special challenge. Believe me or not, but I want to emphasize to coming students that they don't need to be intimidated by the classes or students across the street--Columbia is NOT the CalTech of the liberal arts.</p>
<p>Silver, yes Mary Cregan teaches at Barnard (according to her husband, any way!!)</p>
<p>Primefactor: thanks for the clarification about the origin of the "strong, beautiful Barnard women" phrase. Doris sounds delightful. Barnard seems the perfect place for my kid and I am very thankful! Just wish (selfishly) that you were not leaving already!</p>
<p>take care.</p>
<p>Who is Doris? I'm confused lol...</p>
<p>I've always wanted to know.. primefactor - what is your real name? If you don't want to post it on here.. please pm me..
And are you leaving this year??</p>
<p>Hey JL618,</p>
<p>glad you liked Barnard. Primefactors right though the last two days were the most beautiful days in a long time. I assume Chicago will have the same problem though. The dorms for first years are pretty nice. It depends on your luck though. I landed up in an enormous triple. On the other hand I have friends in triples half the size of mine. I think it depends on the hall you end up in. </p>
<p>About columbia and barnard students getting along: I have to say YES..but with some hesitation recalling my first few weeks on campus. During orientation and a little after that the mixing is slightly limited because everyone is getting used to a new enviroment. But as you start to get involved in things you interact with them so much and they realize that we are exactly like them. </p>
<p>In terms of community Barnard is awesome. There's so many different people and I agree with primefactor, most people are very open and friendly. Well hope this helps</p>
<p>Believe me, I wish I weren't leaving, too. But I'm starting to get excited about grad school (and I don't even have to change my mascot!), so hopefully that enthusiasm will counteract my sadness at leaving Barnard and never getting to meet most of this year's incoming class. I'm sure your daughter will absolutely thrive here. And that whatever choice everyone else makes, they'll still be strong and beautiful. :)</p>
<p>Where are you going to grad school??</p>
<p>I'm about 95% sure I'll be at Berkeley next fall.</p>
<p>thanks pc2163. I heard the dorms are not that great...I wonder how they compare to NYU dorms.</p>
<p>I'd love to go to california for grad school. My parents actually just moved there so I'll be closer to home...but it's still way to early to think about that. Yay for berkeley though~</p>
<p>ok, I talked to my parents about going to barnard and they said I should go wherever I can get a higher GPA. I plan on taking a bunch of science courses (for premed). I don't want to fail at barnard...but if anybody has any info on the grading scales for emory, barnard and Umich, I'd greatly appreciate it!</p>