<p>Im from NYC and for a while I was considering applying to Barnard ED but after visiting Smith I realized that I reallyyy wanted to go there instead. These days however I still reevaluate whether that is a good decision or not. Is Barnard a better school than Smith when it comes to academics, internships, grad school admission, etc.?</p>
<p>Smith has Praxis, a program that gives you a stipend for unpaid internships; weekly drop-in sessions with counselors to touch up your resume; and no doubt strong academics. Example: The engineering program is so highly respected that if you meet a certain GPA, you are guaranteed admission to several engineering grad programs, including those at Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, and (someone correct me if I'm wrong about this last one) Princeton.</p>
<p>They are both GREAT schools (two of my favorite visits so far) ... there may be differences around particular programs ... but, to me, the BIG difference is the stark difference in location. Smith is in a great college town set-up while Barnard is in a great inner-city set-up ... I would think one of those has much more appeal than the other to almost all applicants. Again, they are both great schools and if you get in will have a great experience at either school.</p>
<p>Even as a Barnard mom (and my D adores Barnard) I say, "go to Smith." No, the opportunities aren't better at Barnard unless you have a specific area you want to intern in, like publishing, and even then I'm sure Smith does a great job of finding summer internships.</p>
<p>Both are amazing schools, and you should follow your heart. Smith seems really outstanding in what it will do for its students.</p>
<p>My D knew she preferred Barnard. If you have the same conviction about Smith, I say go for it.</p>
<p>They are both great schools, so there is no "wrong" choice. I'm not sure Smith is better in terms of internship opptys placement b/c I have no idea of what Barnard offers. I'm sure you can get info from each school's placement office, likewise stats on grad school enrollment and outcomes in general - - but again, I can't believe there will be any great differences.</p>
<p>The big difference b/w Smith and Barnard is location, location, location. N'hampton is a great town, but it is not NYC. OTOH, as with most school in NYC the draw of the city means a less cohesive campus experience. Another aspect of location is Columbia across the street. Smith ihas four schools (Amherst, MHC, Hamp and UMass) nearby, accessible via a free bus - - but it doesn't compare to a coed Ivy League uni across the street. Of course, if you're from NYC, you might prefer a residential college experience other than in your own backyard.</p>
<p>I was really torn between Smith and Barnard, but having made the choice for Smith I have to say that NYC is right: location is a big factor. Northampton is smaller, quieter, and allows a more cohesive, residential community. During weekends and free time, we're here on campus or in the local area, building friendships and spending time together and I think that makes a difference compared to a school in a big city where students might be tempted to disperse as soon as classes are out. </p>
<p>I don't think Barnard offers you any more benefits in terms of graduate school and internships, unless you have a specific program in mind that you want to do at Barnard. Smith and Barnard are about equal in that respect and in name recognition and future prospects. So if you're more attracted to one than the other, go with your gut instinct. And good luck!</p>
<p>My daughter, born and raised in NYC, looked at both colleges and chose Smith. She loves it...</p>
<p>UES, glad your D is happy at Smith - - but why did she ultimate choose Smith instead of Barnard? Was her decision related to OP's question regarding intern opportunities, grad school and overall reputation?</p>
<p>Both Barnard and Smith are excellent colleges with great reputations. But she liked that Smith has the Praxis program, she liked the open curriculum, as well as the campus and Northampton. Also, the Five College Consortium was a draw. For some reason, Columbia University didn't thrill her. Maybe coming from the Big Apple, she was ready for a change. She also looked at Wellesley but, for her, Smith was the only one. As parents, we let her choose for herself where she was going to apply and it all worked out.</p>