Barnard College

Date: Oct 09 2011
Major: Neuroscience/Cognitive Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I would just like to begin with the fact that I am pre-med. I don't know what it is like to be an average Barnard girl, but from what I can tell, those girls are having fun, exploring the city, and taking advantage of the many Barnard- Columbia clubs. To those who plan on being pre-med: DO NOT COME HERE. I know the pre-med classes are going to be incredibly difficult in any school, even a public/ state school, but the quality of teaching and the fairness of tests and grading here is beyond poor. My first- semester Biology professor wrote a question incorrectly and admitted to it when I called him out on it, yet he refused to return my points to me even though he admitted I deserved them. He has since dropped his course and is now a Dean (to further prove the quality of this school). The second semester Biology teacher was alright, but he also left. The chemistry teacher also left. Professors are dropping in and out, and their departments are constantly scrambling for anyone that will teach, regardless of quality. I am currently in General Chemistry 1, and my professor (new one) throws racquet balls around the room, hurting students, and doesn't teach. I taught myself using the textbook and knew my stuff cold when I went into the first exam. I came out with an awful grade. I took a test from last year's chemistry teacher and got an A+, just to show you how unfair my teacher is. I have not taken orgo yet, but that seems to be the only thing Barnard in which Barnard excels, assuming these professors stay. The only thing keeping me here is the Columbia diploma, but now I'm questioning if it's even worth it. If you are wondering if the school is worth the tuition of 55k per year, no, it most certainly is not.

Another helpful, general comment: many of our professors are famous for the books they have written and research they have done, not for their teaching skills. This, again, represents the quality of this school.

As for the students, if you are a girly girl that enjoys saying and listening to the word "like" more times than any human can bear, this is the place for you! If most of your friends in high school were guys, well, good luck.