<p>If you can come to Barnard for the spring but hold open the option of returning to Reed in the fall – then it might make sense – you’ve got nothing to lose in that situation. </p>
<p>But be aware: Barnard can be a very socially isolating place as well, depending somewhat on your personality type. (The advantage is that NY is never boring – there’s always something to do, even if you find yourself doing things on your own rather than with a group.) So I think you have to ask yourself what you envision yourself doing when you arrive at Barnard, not knowing very many people there. Are there specific activities you think you would participate in, on or off campus? If you don’t hit it off that well with the other women on your floor or in your suite, what do you think you will do to widen your social net?</p>