Barnard or Rice for CS (+business/econ)

sticky-note
Sat, 27 Apr 2024 05:26:59 +0000

Intended major: computer science; possibly something business/econ related as well

Barnard
Pros:

NYC! so many opportunities and experiences, and I feel like I’ll broaden my horizons there

has a small liberal arts college experience, while proximity to columbia also provides access to a larger, co-ed experience

great alumni network

Cons:

seems to have a less tight-knit school spirit/community

very small campus

talked to some current students; seems like it’s difficult for first-years to adjust

Rice
Pros:

gorgeous campus

a friendly and comfortable school environment (especially w/ the residential college system)

flexible CS degree (can double major etc. relatively easily)

more well-known

Cons:

living in texas would be a pretty huge adjustment from where I live now (and the weather seems a bit difficult to handle)

not sure about availability of cs/business opportunities, especially those outside of texas?

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to visit either schools’ admitted students events. I have been to Barnard’s campus, but not Rice’s!

One other thing I’ve been considering is getting a master’s degree (most likely in something business administration-adjacent)–in which case Barnard would have a greater connection to Columbia’s graduate schools and the opportunities for business in New York. I’m uncertain about Rice and its admission to graduate schools–so advice would be greatly valued.

any help/information would be amazing! thanks so much!