Barnard vs. Wellesley and Smith

bouillabaisse
Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:58:45 +0000

Barnard alum and bio major here. I can’t say enough positive things about the bio department and the education I got at Barnard. Even though biology is a popular major, Barnard is a small enough school that most non-intro classes have 30-40 people max (labs are capped at 16 students) and you’ll definitely get to know your professors and fellow majors. Most Columbia science classes are open to Barnard students as well, giving you more options and scheduling flexibility. Research opportunities abound - at Barnard, at Columbia (both Morningside and Health Sciences campuses), around the city (med schools, hospitals, research institutes, science museums, you name it!); many of these internships involve financial compensation through grants. There are also work-study opportunities in the bio department, as well as opportunities for non-work-study compensation as research assistant or lab TA.
Don’t have first-hand experience with the other programs you’re interested in, but Barnard’s writing program is legendary, there are tons of journalism opportunities (writing for on-campus publications or interning off-campus), and the theatre department for all CU undergrads is housed at Barnard.
Wellesley and Smith are also excellent schools - well-regarded, with lots of opportunities, and definitely more of a traditional campus and women’s college feel. While Barnard and Columbia have attractive campuses (surrounded by a pleasant, safe, and student-oriented neighborhood), the city location does mean that the student community is less cohesive relative to more isolated schools. Also, due to the integration with Columbia, Barnard’s social scene feels more like a larger co-ed school than a small, all-female LAC. This contrast is a benefit for many, since you get the inspiration and support of a women’s college, while still being able to have guys in your life, but it’s something to consider.