jellybean121

Hi, I am a freshman at a REALLY big state school right now majoring in Biology. I am planning on pursuing grad or med school. One of the biggest complaints I have about my school right now is that it is TOO big! I feel like there is no connection between students and faculty and I am the type of student to like an intimate atmosphere. However, I would like a school that is in a city, like New York, because I love having all the resources and research opportunities open to me. I love how Barnard is a small school and that Barnard students can still be part of a small school while also being part of a large research school, Columbia. In other words, I am looking for a school in a city. I don't have a big problem with the all-girls thing. I was in an all-girls highschool for 4 years.

However, my only concern is that Barnard is known for mainly being a school with a strong department in English and Humanities. Would Barnard be the right choice for me, being a "science" girl? And I don't know what the acceptance rate for Graduate or med school is for Barnard. Is Barnard the right choice for me?

churchmusicmom

My daughter just graduated last Spring as a Neuroscience major (with both molecular and behavioral concentrations earned). She indicated to me that the faculty were thrilled with her desire to go on to get her PhD, as most in her program were going pre-med or working in a lab.
My daughter gained admission to several really great grad programs and ended up at her first choice. The faculty were very, very supportive through the admissions process. And I understand that pre-med students are worked with intensely as well. One of her suitemates is now in med school, and I know that the pre-med advising is fairly intense. And by that I mean the advisors were NOT encouraging students to apply to med school the first year after undergrad unless they had a pretty impressive clinical experience resume'.


To sum it up, the sciences at Barnard are excellent. Oh, and the fact that you come out of your undergrad having written a Thesis on some original topic of your choice looks pretty great on your record! There are many opportunities on campus to gain lab and/or clinical experience.
If possible, why don't you arrange a visit and see if you can set up an appointment with a science faculty member?

dolphins3636

Yes, the Barnard faculty in the sciences are excellent, and a large number of Barnard students go on to earn master's and ph.d.s in the sciences.