<p>Hi, So I visited Barnard College this summer. The campus was nice and the location unbeatable! I really like the school and from what I can tell it has strong academics. Since the campus was sort of dead in the summer though I couldn’t really get a sense of what the “Barnard girl” is like. I want to go to a school where I’ll be comfortable to speak up a bit. I am a tiny bit shy, studious, love NYC and want to get really involved in college life. I am not Jewish (I’ve heard many are) and don’t enjoy shopping particularly. What is a typical Barnard girl like and might I fit in? I know it’s a really tough question but any answers are appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi NatalieMaeve! I am currently a Barnard first-year, so I know quite a bit about the girls here. Your answer is very hard, because there is something particularly unique about Barnard women, but it’s hard to pin down! I have met girls who love to dance and go shopping. I have met girls who love sports (both playing and watching) and I have met girls who absolutely detest shopping. I have met girls who speak up in class and girls who shy away from talking. I have met potential bio majors, potential pre-meds, potential English majors, potential psych majors. I have met TONS of types of girls here.</p>
<p>I think the overarching theme I see is that we are all confident in ourselves. We aren’t afraid to say “I am beautiful. I am smart. I love Barnard. I am proud to be a woman.” We aren’t flaming feminists but we do not conform to backing out of a leadership positions. Just look at the clubs at Columbia and you’ll see that Barnard girls occupy most of the board of that club. And we’re the significant minority at Columbia! So getting involved is not hard at all. You just need to be willing and step up. Get on those listservs and go to those meetings. You’ll meet great people!!</p>
<p>There are a lot of Jewish people here, that’s for sure. The culture is perpetuated because Hewitt, Barnard’s dining hall, houses the Kosher meals for the university. Jewish people, for sure, have a community to come to here. But that does NOT mean that we are all Jewish! I’m not. Many of my friends are not. For the students who are Jewish, however, there is a great community for them here. That community, however, is not pushed upon you in any way. You’re going to meet and be friends with Jewish people, but you can be as close or as far away from that culture as you’d like to be.</p>
<p>It’s good that your studious! We study a lot around here. There is definitely a promotional drive to be smart and get your work done. And yes, the academics are very strong. Very very strong. You’ll definitely have your chance to speak up in classes (they’re so small and awesome, especially your first-year English/seminar).</p>
<p>You sound like the type of gal who can fit in here! You’ll definitely have your niche. I do suggest branching out and trying to go shop when you get here. That doesn’t mean for clothes. There are tons of cute bookstores around here. Food shopping is awesome too.</p>
<p>Thanks a LOT for your advice! I’m really, truly enthused about Barnard and your message pretty much confirmed my excitement. As of now I am thinking that i will apply early decision :)</p>