<p>When I was applying to schools, I didn't mind the idea of an all-women's college but I mostly applied to coed schools, just because there aren't that many women's schools that appealed to me.
When outsiders question Barnard to me, I explain that it's generally all-women in philosophy. Barnard's existence is devoted to pushing women ahead, not so much to produce famous or wealthy alumni (although they certainly like to do that) but to produce whole people. We have organizations like Well-Woman that focus solely on women's health, fun traditions that would have a completely different feel if men were included (midnight breakfast, convocation, etc).<br>
It's interesting to see how Barnard changes you. I will be a sophomore this fall, and this past year my roommate had a boyfriend right away and spent most of her time at Columbia. She'd been used to having mostly guy friends and didn't see why that should change. But by the end of the year she dumped the boyfriend after one too many Barnard jokes, choosing instead to spend all her time with a group of close Barnard friends. I'm not saying Barnard molds women into man-haters.. just that it helps you reorganize your life priorities, making you a stronger, independent woman.
I agree with Mardad that it feels quite distinct from the Columbia experience despite the overlap, but you can make what you want of it. I suspect that many girls are like my roommate - expecting to make it more coed and then ending up embracing the women's college experience.</p>
<p>I attended Barnard in the early 80s and my daughter will be entering her 2nd year there. It wasn't until years after I graduated that I realized the benefit of a women's college education. While I was there (CC was still all male) I did my best to have a coed experience--taking lots of CU classes, living in CC dorms, CC clubs, etc. Back then, I thought the notion of a women's college was kind of quaint. But after graduation, working in a variety of settings, I finally noticed how male-dominated our culture was and still is. I'm really glad I went to a women's college because on some level I'd internalized that women can be leaders, and that women can shape and change culture. Just think, ALL the administrators at BC are women. Over half the faculty is women--remarkable! It's a matriarchy. Still, in 2006, when you look at college faculty stats you find that in most schools, men outnumber women significantly.</p>
<p>When I visit my daughter at BC I find that a women's culture still predominates. (This leads to the question of how to define such terms....) Even though she has full access to CU, she has the foundation of "the matriarchy." </p>
<p>Here's an example of how women look after each other in a women's community. At orientation last year, I spotted my first year advisor who is now dean of students. I introduced myself to her and she gave me a bear hug! I told her my daughter was here, and she made me write down my daughter's name. As it happens my daughter's first name was inspired by my senior thesis advisor, which I pointed out to the dean. She was very excited and said she'd contact this person, still on the faculty. Well, this woman, my former thesis advisor, called my daughter and took her out to dinner. She has remained in touch with her through the school year and avails herself as a friend and advisor to her. She has also been in touch with me and I've visited her. </p>
<p>I think these are the kinds of things that tend to happen in a women's community. Let's face it, whether in-born or learned, women relate differently to each other than men (of course there are many exceptions and a huge range). And all too often in a coed situation, men set the tone and women, often unconsciously, concede. </p>
<p>I think it's fantastic for women in their formative years to be in charge and know they can create and do anything, and to be surrounded by empowered women. What a luxury and what a far cry from mainstream culture. Just look at our piddly presence in Congress.....I could go on and on.....</p>