Barnard vs. Wellesley vs. Vassar

acousticsharp
Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:34:05 +0000

Hello! I’m a high school senior looking into my college options–I’ve been admitted to Barnard, Wellesley, NYU, and Brandeis, waitlisted at Harvard, Brown, Columbia, Amherst College, and Vassar. I really need outside input on Barnard and Wellesley, since it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to visit the schools again before having to make my decision and then hold my breath for waitlist responses, if any.

I’m focused on an English major, particularly creative writing, journalism, or the publishing industry (not that I’m indecisive). I have a 4.04 GPA, I’ve written two novels, am a member of NHS and numerous other high school clubs, play flute and guitar, overachieve, etc, etc…

Right now Barnard is my top choice particularly because of its strong writing aspect and its association with Columbia. I’ve been thinking of it as Barnard College at Columbia University, even though I know that isn’t exactly accurate. The city’s opportunities for jumping into the publishing and literary scene. Wellesley, on the other hand, has prestige, strong academics, a very strong English major, and a beautiful campus. On the other hand, I live about fifteen minutes away from the Wellesley campus and I’m very not excited about the all-girls college experience or the rumor that the students vacate the campus to visit Boston schools, which I think sort of negates the campus-community atmosphere.

I plan on saying yes to Amherst College, Columbia, or Brown, should by any miracle I move off of the waiting list.

I really would appreciate some input!