<p>I’m currently an incoming freshman at George Washington University, and I am coming to see that I made the complete wrong choice of college. I don’t want to be at a party school. I want to be in an intellectually stimulating place where people aren’t afraid to have serious discussions, while simultaneously enjoying the resources of a REAL world-class city. [no offense DC]</p>
<p>nevertheless, I’m seriously considering attempting to transfer to Barnard. But, I know very little about it. I want to be in NYC, but I feel like Barnard is a signifigantly more intellectual and tight-knit school than NYU. Is that true? Moreover, what are some of the things that any prospective transfer should know?</p>
<p>I know I appear bitter and a little closed-minded, but looking into all my options has provided a valuable outlet as I prepare to embark on what will surely be one of the greatest mistakes I’ve ever made (the attending of GWU). </p>
<p>scout, I am also finding myself in the same position as I begin my freshman year somewhere that seems to be a completely wrong fit for me. Barnard is at the top of my transfer list so I would also appreciate advice that anyone may provide.</p>
<p>Yes, Barnard is considerably more intellectual than GW. It is also a wonderful place to transfer into. Barnard has a strong program to integrate transfers into the Barnard community including housing them together in Eliot Hall. Instant friends to learn the city with!</p>
<p>I concur with what Mythmom said about Barnard. But I STRONGLY urge both of you to go into your freshman year with the most positive attitude you can muster and with eyes wide open to the many possibilities and opportunities that will surely come your way. This will accomplish two very important things: you will surely be more happy as you go to school and, perhaps just as important to your being able to transfer later, you will be able to show that you have been an enthusiastic and engaged student. The kind of student that the Barnard adcoms will want to have transfer in!</p>
<p>So, for your own sakes, do try to get involved and seek out the good things about where you are going. Who knows...you may really be happy there!</p>
<p>Best to you and of course we will be here to help in any way if you do in fact chose to transfer in to Barnard later.</p>
<p>scout, i transferred to barnard from GW and it was probably the best decision i could have made. i understand exactly how you feel about GW (i knew it was the wrong place for me from the minute i got there), and can tell you that barnard is definitely more "intellectual and tight-knit", as you put it.</p>
<p>barnard treats its transfers wonderfully. it is such a wonderful feeling when you first realize that, unlike GW, barnard does not treat its students like cogs in a machine, but pays attention to their individual needs and desires. it's great, the classes are challenging and fantastic, the school's resources are world-class--i could go on and on.</p>
<p>one word of caution: by nature, city campuses are rather impersonal. while you would definitely run into more people you know on campus at barnard than you would at GW, it doesn't exactly feel small, per se. </p>
<p>let me know if you have any other specific questions.</p>