Barnard vs. Berkeley vs...

College Search & Lists
1

<p>I’m still a bit undecided about what college I’d like to attend, partly because I’m undecided on my major. So, before I continue, I would very much appreciate it if anyone could rank these colleges</p>

<p>Barnard
Cornell
Harvey Mudd
UC Berkeley
Vassar</p>

<p>based on overall
-level of prestige
-intimacy of class/campus environment
-greatness liberal arts-wise
-greatness math/science-wise</p>

<p>Now, here’s what I think. Cornell is an Ivy, which is wonderful–but Ithaca is freezing, and Cornell is kinda large for me, which may be what seems to keep its students overworked. Ivy status doesn’t seem enough reason to go to a school, but the name stamped on my diploma is really important, I know, especially if I may not like the major I eventually delve into, since I’m so fickle. </p>

<p>Vassar is pretty, and has a nice environment–but do most students use NYC as a place to go on the weekends? Barnard seemed like the best fit for me…but I’m thinking that this is 'cause I fell in love with Columbia (which waitlisted me), and somehow think that Barnard is Columbia Jr. </p>

<p>As for Harvey Mudd and Cal…my boyfriend is going to Cal, and while I don’t particularly like it, and my mama refuses to let me go there, I have to have it on the ranking, for security’s sake (read: I want to keep an option open where I’m not lonely and far away). The same goes for Harvey Mudd (for which I’d only have to pay $2000 in tuition and junk, at least in the first year), though I think I’d fit in even less there. </p>

<p>I’m sorry for rambling, all, but if anyone can give me their ideas about ANY of these schools, it would do wonders for me. Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>So you don’t want Cal or Harvey Mudd and Cornell is too cold and too big and Barnard is (in your mind) a poor substitute for Columbia. Hmm…what does that leave? Vassar it is!</p>

3

<p>Haha…I guess so. But I didn’t mean that Barnard is a poor substitute, but that I think it IS Columbia (you can take most of your classes there if you want, you LIVE in the coed housing, and your diploma is a Columbia U one with a Barnard seal), and I don’t know if I should be viewing it that way.</p>

4

<p>I think that’s exactly how you should view Barnard - it’s very much like going to Columbia. And it’s not considered “second best” by grad schools or employers.</p>

5

<p>Well, that’s good to know–so that would mean that it still carries a good deal of prestige, yes?</p>