Barnard vs. Wellesley vs. Vassar

mythmom
Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:37:48 +0000

Although I am a Barnard parent, I am not a mindless Barnard booster. The above posts are very well said. However, the one exception I would make is for a creative writer. In that case, I think Barnard really is the best option. I am a poet and novelist, and watching my D’s two friends who are writers (she is not) reap the benefits of the Barnard programis very inspiring. One close friend of mine graduated from Barnard as a writer and she earns her living writing, I do not. Barnard helped her blaze that trail as an undergraduate.

However, you introduce two other variables – money and lack of comfort in NYC.

For the first, only you know your family’s resources. If a full-ride is really important in your family’s situation, that the conclusion is a no-brainer. If not, see above. You won’t need an MFA program coming from Barnard, and that might save money later on.

As for your second issue. Is it just that you feel overwhelmed by the city or that you don’t like it? If it is the first, yes, that will definitely improve with time. Barnard’s orientation gets everyone used to the city. If it is the second, that won’t improve, and you probably should not attend. NYC is pretty in your face if you choose Barnard.

If you don’t enjoy cities at all, Northeastern should give you pause as well.

Good luck deciding. You sound like an accomplished young woman with many options.