mythmom

I think it would be somewhat deceptive, but I don't see that as the biggest problem. Most Barnard women are fiercely proud of their school and don't want to be across the street. My D certainly didn't. She mentions Columbia only when someone has absolutely not heard of Barnard. I think your D's attitude might put her at odds with her peers. I don't think it's the best idea to grudgingly attend Barnard to pretend she's at Columbia. What are her other choices?

ProudAndConfused

Thanks for your response, mythmom. Her other options are Wesleyan, Georgetown, or a free ride at University of Maryland Honors College.

churchmusicmom

Have you and your D visited Barnard? Is she highly attracted to Columbia's Core, and not Barnard's Nine Ways? Because she would not be able to take the Core.

Barnard is NOT a "back door" to Columbia and I hate that anyone told you that. If your D truly will be always trying to make herself out to be a COLUMBIA student (implying Columbia College, not the general Columbia University student body, of which she most certainly WILL be a part as a Barnard student), then she probably needs to take advantage of one of her other excellent opportunities.

And yes, only putting "Columbia University" on a resume would be deceptive. "Barnard College at Columbia University" is, however, entirely accurate. If she actually attended Barnard, though, I would be willing to bet that she would quickly decide on her own that she is happy and proud to attend Barnard.

My D was initially attracted to Columbia. But when she visited Barnard, interviewed and took the tour, she quickly changed her mind! Has not regretted that a day since!

calmom

To ProudandConfused, the reason that you were pegged a "troll" is that you asked a question that makes no sense. Why would any person be so stupid as to send off a misleading resume to an employer? The first thing the employer will do in the hiring process is check the references -- many employers may also want to see a college transcript. And of course the student is going to want to be able to list references or submit letters of recommendation from profs. The advantage Barnard students have is that they tend to have close relationships with many of their faculty --- but the "Barnard" name printed on the professor's letterhead is going to be a dead giveaway.

Do you think any employer is going to hire an applicant who lies on their resume? I mean, a little bit of puffery is normal, but it's pretty stupid for any job applicant to lie about basic facts that can be easily checked.

I realize that you've probably picked up on the myth spread by disgruntled Columbia students on the internet ... but my point is that a little bit of critical thinking quickly dispels the myth.

And I agree with the other parents here - it also makes no sense for a student to attend a school she doesn't like so she can pretend she is going somewhere else.

mythmom

Proudandconfused: Your daughter has awesome choices!! Lucky her! Georgetown is in an awesome part of DC and Wes is a wonderful LAC. A full ride to a great public is wonderful too. Your D shouldn't have too feel like second best with those choices. I know my D never did at Barnard, but everyone is different. She felt brilliant to have stumbled onto a well kept secret -- that for her Barnard was way cooler than Columbia.

JADDAD

My D goes to Barnard presently and was accepted to CC. With the exception of the Core, if your daughter decides to go to Barnard, she can take most of her classes at Columbia. The Barnard/Columbia U affiliation is somewhat confusing at first, but it is rather similar to the situation that exists at any large university that is made up of a number of colleges or specialty institutions, such as engineering or performing arts.

Most of the women at Barnard are very happy with their choices.

figureskater

god people will never ever let this one go lol