Barnard College

Date: Jun 15 2004
Major: Math (This Major's Salary over time)
As a matter of fact, there IS a math department at Barnard, and while it's small, it's quite wonderful. The math departments at Columbia and Barnard are very intermixed; the interschool courses are taught by Barnard professors as often as by those from Columbia. You can't just look in the directory for a BC next to a listing; a great many V (University-wide) classes are taught by Barnard faculty. The professors here actually speak English and teach very well.

That said, I didn't expect to major in math when I first came here (but having a few great teachers inspired me). I probably wouldn't have come here had I planned to major in math (Barnard is, after all, a liberal arts college), but I would have been missing out. Overall, the academics have been great, the professors engaging, the students enthusiastic, and I'm now well in the running for the Ph.D. programs I want.

Socially, I've found Barnard to be a lot more diverse than people give it credit for. I've managed to avoid the JAPS, the feminazis, and the cranky Columbia rejects completely, and meet a lot of really cool people. Remember, the loudest groups are not always the largest. But if you have problems with a queer community, enrolling in any liberal college isn't a good idea. Especially if it's a women's college (so consider your prejudices before you apply to schools).

The greatest strength of Barnard is that you can make whatever you want of it. I wanted a traditional, academic undergraduate experience with faculty interaction and opportunities for research and internships (with alumnae, who are, additionally, really fantastic). And that's what I've made for myself. Everyone can find their niche. (and I know we're not supposed to comment on other reviews, but really, I hope no one would go to a school just for its connection to another)