Haverford vs. Barnard vs Smith

jennigarden
Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:56:53 +0000

Okay we’re just back from the Barnard revisit. Barnard is out, definitively. My D just didn’t like the people or vibe. She told me the admitted students came off as a bit pretentious, eager to show off their intellect, comparing what other schools they got into. The student guide said the atmosphere at Barnard is pretty competitive - and she wasn’t very warm. As for me, my impressions were a little better but still confirmed much of what she said. The student body struck me as academic, fashionable, ambitious, confident. Very, very cool - these women are going places. But: not, maybe, super warm or friendly, or filled with community spirit. The career and internship panel I attended spent a good amount of time arguing for the relevance of a liberal arts education - which to us is a done deal - but which shows, I think, that many of the accepted students here are considering a preprofessional track. (The Internship and career guidance at Barnard is indeed impressive, tho!) I can see how this kind of atmosphere would be perfect for some, but for my daughter it’s not a match.

She’s going to let it all percolate for a day or two, but here’s how it’s looking:

The critical requirements for my D’s school are: LAC with great academics, good social fit, access to dating (even if women’s college), not too remote, good English and art programs.

Not Smith: social fit isn't right and access to dating too limited.

Not Barnard, social fit isn't right.

Not Whitman, too remote.

HAVERFORD. Has all the essentials. Top-tier LAC with great academics, good social fit, coed, 20 min from big city, excellent English program and decent art program with new art center.