Barnard College

Date: Dec 30 2004
Major: Undecided (This Major's Salary over time)
Anyone looking for a small liberal university in the best city in the country… well they pretty much could only choose Barnard. It is a beautiful, secluded oasis in the middle of new york city, in a peaceful part of the upper west side yet just one subway away from downtown. I have met some of the most incredible people here. Barnard girls are very independent, creative and bright (sometimes to an extreme) and it can be a little intimidating. But once you find your niche, it's good to go. The relationship with Columbia is what you make it. I'm not taking any classes there, but I have friends who spend their entire day across the street. It's there if you want it, and that's what's important. Columbia students do look down on Barnard students, and it's slightly frustrating, but I'm happy to be where I am without the core curriculum and obnoxious size of Columbia. If you're looking for a school where there's a crazy dorm party every night, i wouldn't suggest Barnard because in the freshman dorms at least the substance-free policy is pretty well enforced. There are parties at Columbia all the time, however, and there's always a good time to be had in the bars near campus. After Freshman year there is good housing off the quad in suites or singles. Barnard is very challenging academically, and don't be surprised if you spend more than a few weekends inside writing a paper. I'd really recommend Barnard to any big-city girls trapped in small towns who want to find themselves in a supportive environment.