With applications soaring and physical plant renovations springing up all over the place,
Barnard College is moving and shaking in all sorts of ways. President Judith Shapiro is spearheading
a major campaign for “Barnard of Tomorrow,” the benefits of which are already being
felt on campus.
Recently, the greenhouse, gymnasium, and major lecture halls were refurbished and up graded,
student computer consultants are available around the clock in each residence hall, and Elie
Wiesel and alumna Suzanne Vega (among others) appeared before large and enthusiastic audiences.
Not bad for a college whose mission is to educate and support the growth of some 2,300
students, all of whom are motivated and talented, all of whom are women.
Paradoxically, it is easy to forget that Barnard is a women’s college, what with the intellectual
excitement and the variety of activity on the campus. Barnard’s unique relationship
with Columbia University means that Barnard’s women have access to a coed experience at all
times, but on their own terms. It also means that the Barnard faculty and administration have
as their main focus and attention the female Barnard student body, not the coed masses across
the street (literally—Columbia’s campus is just on the east side of Broadway). Therefore, the
Barnard student is taught by faculty members rather than teaching assistants. These scholars
are experts in their fields and have immeasurable resources that they share with their students.
Or, as one young alumna put it:
As a graduate student at [Ivy League School X], I advised undergrads
on their senior theses. I tried to be helpful, but I only know so much. My thesis
advisor at Barnard was the chair of her department, a wealth of information,
and an all-around inspiration.
Add to this wonderful mixture Barnard’s New York City location—now considered the
safest major city in America by the FBI—and one begins to see what all the fuss is about. A
stroll down Broadway, a bus ride uptown, or a subway trip to Greenwich Village enables students
to experiment in the most diverse cultural laboratory this side of the United Nations
(where students regularly intern). The glamor of Fifth Avenue and the glitter of Broadway are
equally accessible. And, as in any urban setting, opportunities abound to make a difference in
the community: Barnard women serve as legal advocates to the homeless, tutors in the
America Reads program, and providers of hot meals through the Community Lunch Program.
So nice they named it twice, New York is a great college town.
Barnard’s unique position as a small independent college for women closely linked to a
first-rate research university and located in one of the world’s major cities offers an extraordinary
and unparalleled opportunity for those young women smart and savvy enough to avail
themselves of it. The internship possibilities and cultural offerings of New York City are second
to none, and the intimacy of the Barnard campus and student body provides a perfect home
base from which to explore Manhattan. It is a literal and metaphorical oasis, a place where students
can relax and learn to express themselves more and more fully.
Often described as “the best of both worlds,” Barnard students have the advantages of
a women’s college—its nurturing and inspiring faculty, the sisterhood that stems from a unity
of purpose in studying the liberal arts—while at the same time having full access to the facilities,
activities, and social life of a large, coed, multipurpose university. Columbia provides
research facilities, graduate programs, and a diversity of talents and backgrounds that no
other small college can offer.
A recent article in Town and Country magazine featured women from the colleges still
affiliated by their Seven Sister history. The interviewer asked a Barnard senior which one part
of her education she would use most if she were stranded on a desert island. The student’s
response?
Barnard does not educate women to live on desolate islands. Barnard
educates women to make a real difference in the real world.
As this particular alumna now holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and is currently
spending a year in China as a Luce Fellow, she is certainly living up to the ideal she expressed.
Whether your interests lie in the humanities, the social and natural sciences, or the arts,
Barnard College offers a fertile training ground for young minds and ideas. If the current
generation has been described as apathetic, you’d never know it by meeting Barnard students
or visiting the campus. The intellectual debates that begin in the classroom and extend into a
dining hall or dorm room are reflective of the involvement and curiosity of the student body.
Close academic relationships with faculty and peers, and a supportive environment that
actively and tacitly provides a foundation for the intellectual and social development of an
extraordinary group of young women makes for a wonderful home base from which to explore
Columbia University, Morningside Heights, New York City, and the world. Small wonder it is
experiencing such a surge in interest and excitement!
Barnard College
Academics
The admissions staff brings in class after class of students who dive into the curriculum.
Graduation requirements ensure that a Barnard degree means something; all students must
be competent in writing, quantitative reasoning, and in a foreign language. Beyond the depth
provided by a major field (from which there are about sixty to choose, or students may combine
or design their own), distribution requirements guarantee exposure to the humanities,
social and natural sciences, visual and performing arts as well as to a variety of cultures and
societies. Several of the requirements overlap, however, and students always have a choice as
to how to fulfill them. Although all students must take First-Year English, there are several topical
areas from which to choose (American Identities and Writing Women’s Lives are two of
them). Its companion course, First-Year Seminar, is taught by faculty from all departments,
allowing every first-year student the opportunity to discuss and write about subjects ranging
from The Woman Warrior to The Psychology of Communication and from The Existence of Evil
to The Crisis of Authority. Both of these courses are limited in size to promote active participation,
lively discussion, and plenty of personal attention from the professors.
Faculty
Again and again, Barnard students and alumnae praise their academic experiences at
the college.
Faculty members are great. They provide so much encouragement, are
more than willing to provide a recommendation or just some encouragement
and ideas. One history professor even helped me get my first real apartment!”
This kind of testimonial is available from virtually every Barnard student. Their close
and productive relationships with the highly acclaimed Barnard faculty make Barnard a singular
institution. Barnard students frequently collaborate with faculty as research assistants,
so it is not unusual to hear a senior describe her work with an anthropology professor, or a
junior discuss her experiences in the biology laboratory. Not long ago, a Barnard first-year student
was asked to spend a semester at an astronomy station on Nantucket Island, where the
other participants in the program were all graduate students.
During their first two years, Barnard students receive counseling from members of the
faculty and the Dean of Studies Office.
My advisor helped me figure out what courses would be most useful to
me in choosing a major and at the same time satisfying my general requirements.
He also suggested I become a calculus tutor and helped me secure a summer
internship at CBS news.
Advisors are well versed in Barnard’s policies and regulations, working closely with the
Deans’ Office and the Registrar to ensure that all students are on the right track for graduation.
At the end of the student’s second year, advisors are prepared to assist with the transition
into the major. From then on, students are advised by a faculty member in their major department;
a double major will have two advisors. Students can decide whether they want to establish
a close relationship with their advisors or keep it strictly business. Advisors are prepared
to provide the necessary and required parts of the job, but they have chosen this role because
they want to be available to students in a more personal way. It is therefore not unusual for an
advisor to write graduate school or other critical recommendations for students they never
actually taught, but who they have come to know well over the course of several years together.
Partnership with Columbia
Barnard’s partnership with Columbia means that the curricular offerings of one of the
country’s top research universities are available for the asking; courses in all departments
are available for cross-registration. About equal numbers of Barnard and Columbia
students do this, indicating a true academic parity between the two schools. Some celebrated
professors have become major attractions; for example, Barnard’s Richard Pious
and Dennis Dalton are quite sought after, both as noted scholars in their fields (the
American presidency and Gandhi, respectively) and as regular teachers of first-year students
in introductory courses. Barnard students especially join their Columbia counterparts
in courses taught by luminaries such as Robert Thurman in religion. While some
departments are particularly focused on one campus or the other (theater at Barnard, for
example, or computer science at Columbia), the offerings by popular departments such as
English, history, and political science amount to nearly twice the number of courses as
would be available otherwise. In every case, academic advisors can help students make
informed choices about their course selection.
Senior Theses or Projects
Each Barnard student’s academic endeavors are capped off by a significant culminating
experience, which comes in the form of a senior thesis, project, or exam in her major.
Preparing for and completing this terminal work presents true challenges, but that’s part
of the Barnard way. It understandably unifies the class; the buzz of activity in the library,
labs, and studios keeps the midnight oil burning senior year. The idea is that if a student
can succeed in such a project, she can do it in just about any field she chooses after
Barnard. All things being equal, an art history major could just as easily land a financial
services job as an economics major; they both certainly have the verbal, research, and critical
thinking skills such a position might require.
Joint Programs
Other academic attractions include joint programs with the Juilliard School and the
Manhattan School of Music, the Jewish Theological Seminary, and various graduate and
professional schools of Columbia University such as the School of Engineering, the School of
International and Public Affairs, the Law School, and the Dental School. While entrance into
these programs is quite limited and often extremely competitive, the students who participate
in them not only benefit themselves, but they contribute an extra degree of depth and
diversity to their Barnard classrooms.
“After spending the spring term at the London School of Economics, I was
feeling rather ‘out of the loop’ at Barnard. When I attended Dean Szell’s special
meeting in the fall, my advisor helped me realize that I wasn’t the only one feeling
this way.
Exchange and Overseas Programs
About thirty percent of Barnard’s graduates participated in study abroad, whether it
was for a semester or two. Barnard’s official exchange programs in the United States
include Spelman College and the Columbia University-Howard University Exchange
Program, while overseas programs are located in more than thirty-five countries, including
Argentina, Australia, Cuba, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Russia, and
Spain. These programs are structured so that, for example, students may bring their financial
aid packages with them; however, Barnard students’ diverse interests take them to
such far-flung places as Russia, Israel, the Cameroons, Nicaragua, and Australia. The world,
as they say, is their oyster. The Dean of Study Abroad meets with students individually and
in groups, providing information and guidance before and after the experience.
These kinds of touches mark the Barnard experience from start to finish. Whether it’s
the personal letter sent by the first-year class dean upon matriculation or the handshake from
the college’s president at graduation, the Barnard faculty and administration make a con certed
effort to ensure that each student’s experience at Barnard is individual and special.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Barnard College.
Dance, theater, and musical productions abound. From improv comedy to a cappella
singing, Barnard women regularly appear on stage. Two annual events are
Acapellooza, an a cappellajamboree hosted by Barnard’s own Bacchantae, which features
groups from the university and selected others and results in a professional-quality CD, and
Broadway Tonight, a benefit performance of Broadway selections that teams up Barnard
students with professionals from the Great White Way. Off stage, students provide technical support and packed houses. This is one talented group of students, and a group appreciative of the efforts of their peers.
Barnard College
Admissions
Barnard is, quite simply, “hot,” which is both exciting and daunting. Everybody and
her sister seems to be applying, creating a stir among prospective students and the admissions
staff. In recent years, the college has barely utilized its waiting list, indicating that
the “yield” of students initially offered admission has gotten to a point where the ideal number
of new students can be attained in one fell swoop. Barnard’s applicant pool has
increased by 162% or 2.6 times larger than in 1991, making it the most sought-after women’s
college in America.
Getting into Barnard isn’t all that easy, but there is no single criterion a student can
point and know, “THIS is the reason I was admitted.” The application process is the usual,
including personal data, high school transcripts, official copies of standardized test scores
(either the ACT or the SAT plus two SAT Subject tests, and three recommendations—one
from a principal or counselor and two from teachers (preferably in academic subject
areas). To apply to Barnard, students must submit the Common Application in addition to
the Barnard College supplement. If Barnard is the student’s first choice, she may apply for
Early Decision (ED); the deadline is November 15. Applicants may be deferred to the general
application pool if they are denied admission. The regular deadline for application is
January 1.
The admissions staff at Barnard works hard to make sure that each student offered
admission will thrive in her own way. The ideal applicant to Barnard has a solid record, pursues
diverse interests, and shows promise that she will take advantage of the breadth and
depth of experiences the college and New York City will offer her.
The High School Record
The high school record is the single most important part of the application. While overall
achievement (that is, high grades) is important, the admissions staff makes it very
clear that they care about a student’s demonstrated effort to challenge herself in the classroom.
This means an A in a less rigorous class doesn’t mean as much as a B+ in one that is
more rigorous. In addition, course availability is taken into consideration. For instance, if
a particular high school offers twenty-five ways to exceed the minimum graduation requirements,
and an applicant avails herself of only one or two, she doesn’t seem to indicate that
she’d take advantage of the thousands of opportunities that await her upon matriculation
at Barnard. On the other hand, an applicant taking the only two AP courses available at her
high school can’t be expected to do any more, but those courses are important measures of
her success. In addition, because the college expects students to study a broad range of
subjects, evidence of that interest—four years of English, social studies, and math and at
least three years of science and foreign language—is very important.
Other Criteria
That is not to say that the Barnard experience is solely an academic one! The college
takes pride in the amazing collective talent of its actors and athletes, debaters and
dancers. Indeed, its strength comes from its unparalleled diversity—students hail from
forty-eight states and forty countries, from around the corner and around the
world. One in three Barnard students identifies herself as Asian American, African
American/Black, Latina, or Native American. Participation and leadership in extracurricular
activities—clubs, teams, youth groups, or community service opportunities—are part of
the admissions picture. Holding down a part-time job is also considered in this category,
as some high school students are active contributors to their family’s overall earnings.
Multiyear commitment to an activity is always a plus; it shows your ability to stay with something
for longer than it takes to get your picture taken for the yearbook. A liberal arts college
wants to educate students to be good citizens, not simply good scholars. Participation
in the community, which often translates into activity and volunteer participation, is a
reality at Barnard, a positive reality.
Standardized Tests and the Essay
Now, about those pesky standardized tests. They are required, they count for something,
and it’s a good idea to do your best on them. They are the one measure that can be used
to compare students no matter where they’re from. That said, as the official admissions
materials state, “no preconceived profile of an ideal student population limits the number
of applicants accepted from any one group.” So when it’s time to fill out the personal part
of the application, students should feel free to show some personality and let their individual
quirks and interests peek through. The essays are a student’s golden opportunity to
express herself, her views, and her goals—and not knowing exactly what to do with one’s
life is a terrific place to start as a Barnard first-year student!
Financial Aid
Private colleges are expensive. Barnard’s tuition falls in line with its peer institutions,
but that doesn’t make the bill much easier to swallow. Unlike many schools, however,
Barnard admits students on a need-blind basis, meaning that students are admitted regardless
of their ability to pay. Moreover, they are met with a full-need financial aid package in
keeping with the federal government’s formulas—once the Financial Aid Office has calculated
the amount that a student and her family are able to contribute, it offers a package to
make up the difference. Approximately fifty-three percent of the student body receives some
form of financial assistance.
Generally speaking, this package has three parts. First, all students are expected to
borrow money, but Barnard does not expect both the student and her parents to take out
loans. Next, students are asked to work during the school year to contribute to their own
education, with work-study awards focused on first-year and sophomore students in particular
to assist in their getting to know the campus and its functionings; upperclass students
are encouraged to find off-campus jobs relating to their majors or career interests. Summer
earnings are also expected after the first year. Finally, the college provides grants—funds
that need not be repaid—to bridge the gap. Forty-one percent of the student body receives
grant monies from Barnard.
New York state residents who meet certain financial and academic criteria may apply
as Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students. This program, sponsored by
New York State but largely funded by the college itself, provides intensive preenrollment
preparation for Barnard academics as well as special counseling and support during all four
years. About twenty-five students are admitted each year under the HEOP program and their
graduation rate is on par with the overall Barnard student population.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Barnard College 4718th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best New York scholarships and financial aid
The past president of Barnard College, alumna Ellen Futter, often characterized
Barnard by saying, “This is not a cloistered enclave,” thus coining a slogan for the ages. While
students find campus activities galore, they have never-ending access to the unquantifiable
offerings of what is arguably the world’s greatest city; moreover, the college tries to make the
city’s offerings affordable for the usually cash-strapped undergrad. Discount vouchers to firstrun
films and the performing arts supplement the popular Urban New York program, which
takes students to events such as Wicked on Broadway, opening day at Yankee Stadium, the New
York Philharmonic, and even the circus, all for the price of the subway ($4.00 round-trip). Each
trip is escorted by a member of the college or university faculty or administration, providing
an extra opportunity to get to know a key member of the community in a relaxed, sometimes
unconventional, setting.
Most students worry, to some degree or other, about making friends in college. If they
can be generalized in any way, Barnard friendships are built to last. That said, the need for privacy
inherent in living in New York City means that personal space is valued and respected.
People don’t run right up to you to get to know you here, but don’t mistake that for unfriendliness.
Attend any club meeting, event, or party and you’re sure to make a new acquaintance.
Whether it’s the woman in your sponsor group during orientation, the friend of a friend from
high school or summer camp who lives down the hall, or the person who wants to have coffee
after orchestra practice, student life lends itself to the friendship-making process.
Housing
Barnard’s residential focus means a great deal of programming takes place in the dorms.
First-year students are clustered together in the quad, a grouping of (surprise!) four halls
that situated on the south end of the main campus houses a total of about 900 students. The
main dining room is located here, in Hewitt Hall, and the Quad Café is open late into the
evening for that much-needed burst of energy courtesy of Starbucks Coffee. Beyond the quad,
which primarily features the traditional corridor style of dormitory living, upperclass students
live in suites of various configurations in seven other residence halls surrounding the main campus.
In every hall, Resident Assistants (RAs) sponsor floor programs and study breaks to foster
social connections; movie nights and guest appearances by various peer education groups and
speakers offer something for just about everyone. After the first year, students select their own
living space through a lottery process. In addition, they may enter the lottery in groups, sometimes
with their Columbia friends, for suite living on either campus. Another more competitive
option is to participate in Special Interest Housing, meaning that students come together
around a theme such as Community Service, Foreign Language, or Environmental Awareness,
and sponsor programs in their residence hall for everyone’s benefit. The Housing Office offers
forums early in the spring semester to help explain the various options.
Outside Groups
The amount and quality of activity sponsored by and for the college is inspiring. While
the faculty and administration present lectures and readings by prominent and emerging
scholars and artists, students themselves create and invite a great deal of programming.
Thus, you’re likely to find both a classical musical recital and a concert by an alternative
band, with a Barnard Bulletin (a news weekly) reporter on hand to interview the talent
and audience as well. Barnard’s radio station, WBAR, broadcasts a college/alternative format
and there are traditional activities such as the yearbook and student government
(called SGA), which is responsible for the eighty or so student organizations. Cultural organizations
and various other community groups come under SGA’s umbrella.
That said, there are at least as many groups at Columbia, giving Barnard students the
opportunity to work on a daily paper (the Spectator) or a jazz-oriented radio station (WKCR),
to get involved in religious, volunteer, and political organizations (most of which are jointly
sponsored by Barnard, but whose offices are physically located on the Columbia campus), and
clubs galore.
The Greeks
The Greek system, including both sororities and coed fraternities, is open to Barnard
students who want to experience more “traditional” collegiate life. Those who take
part in them tend to rave about their experiences; however, the SGA constitution prohibits
groups that limit their membership and therefore does not recognize the Greek system.
There’s hardly a more concrete example of how student life at Barnard offers something for
everyone!
Productions
Dance, theater, and musical productions abound. From improv comedy to a cappella
singing, Barnard women regularly appear on stage. Two annual events are
Acapellooza, an a cappella jamboree hosted by Barnard’s own Bacchantae, which features
groups from the university and selected others and results in a professional-quality CD, and
Broadway Tonight, a benefit performance of Broadway selections that teams up Barnard
students with professionals from the Great White Way. Off stage, students provide technical
support and packed houses. This is one talented group of students, and a group appreciative
of the efforts of their peers.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Barnard College?
Those who prefer their thrills on a court, arena, or stadium can participate on a number
of levels. Barnard varsity athletes compete in Division I archery, basketball, soccer,
field hockey, crew, tennis, lacrosse, cross-country, track and field, swimming and diving,
softball, fencing, golf, and volleyball as part of the athletic consortium with their counterparts
from Columbia College and the School of Engineering. We’re talking Ivy League
here—no athletic scholarships, just sheer love of the game. Club sports such as Ultimate
Frisbee, sailing, and rugby offer unique opportunities for intercollegiate competition and
comraderie. Intramurals provide a great way to let loose, either in soccer, basketball, or
even bowling (at Barnard’s on-campus alley). Finally, many students work out on their own
or with friends by running in Riverside Park, taking a student-led aerobics class, or swimming
a few laps in the Barnard pool. While obviously not an outdoorsy, let’s-go-skiing-thisafternoon
campus, Barnard students enjoy breaking a good sweat.
Local Community
And, all right, let’s not forget Barnard’s location. From poetry readings to film screenings,
cafés and restaurants to galleries and museums, concert halls to night clubs, this
is the city that never sleeps and always has something to offer. Parades, street fairs, festivals,
and impromptu concerts are year-round occurrences. Professional sports teams have
crosstown rivals, bookstores have cappuccino, and there’s nothing quite like a trip to
Central Park, whether it’s for a visit to the zoo, rollerblading around the Loop, or iceskating
at Wollman Rink. Even the lifelong New Yorker will find herself traveling to new
places and trying new foods with her Barnard friends—and a welcome number of area
restaurants deliver to the residence halls for snacking on sushi, tandoori, pizza, lo mein, or
simply a nice deli sandwich.
Alumni
Barnard women are staunch and loyal supporters of their alma mater, leading to an “oldgirl”
network that spans the country and the world. Organized Barnard Clubs in many regions
sponsor faculty lectures and receptions for admitted students, but even more prevalent is the
individual connection—the women who make themselves available to assist current students
and fellow alumnae through informational interviews, internships, job contacts, and relocation
support.
Several times a year, alumnae appear on panels to discuss their career paths, in fields
ranging from psychology to law, from education to arts management. The BEST program, sponsored
by the Career Development Office, not only organizes these panels and helps seniors
with résumé and interview tips, but also offers workshops on building a business wardrobe, following
proper etiquette at business meals, and even how to find a New York City apartment.
Thanks especially to the high standards and personal
encouragement of the faculty, Barnard is one of
the leading producers of Ph.D.s in the country. The
most recent study of private undergraduate colleges
and universities (done by Franklin and Marshall
College for the period between 1920 and 1995) ranked
Barnard third overall—second in the fields of psychology
and foreign languages, third in anthropology and
sociology, and fourth in English—in the number of its
graduates receiving PhD.s. Not women graduates, all
graduates. In terms of medical doctors, Barnard ranks
fifth in the country in the number of women who
become physicians, behind much larger institutions such as Cornell, Harvard, Stanford, and
the University of Michigan. While no studies have been done on the field of law, Barnard boasts
a remarkable array of graduates who go on to become lawyers and judges.
A recent graduate who is currently earning her Master’s in International Affairs at
Columbia recently said, “At Barnard, I learned I could do anything!” and this sentiment seems
to echo through the generations. Barnard alumnae have authored more than 4,100 books and
such best-selling novelists as Erica Jong, Mary Gordon, and Edwidge Danticat are among the
ranks. In journalism, eight Barnard alumnae have won or shared the Pulitzer Prize, including
Anna Quindlen and Natalie Angier at The New York Times, Eileen McNamara at the Boston
Globe, and most recently, Jhumpa Lahiri for her book, Interpreter of Maladies. In broadcast
news, Cable News Network’s Maria Hinojosa and National Public Radio’s Susan Stamberg are
prominent contributors to their fields.
Former Dean of the College Virginia Gildersleeve helped to charter the United Nations;
alumnae Jeane Kirkpatrick and Sylvan Foa became its first female ambassador for the United
States and its first female spokesperson, respectively. While their names may be less recognizable,
the women who lead Rockefeller and Company and the Ford modeling agency, the presidents
of Bank Street College and the American Museum of Natural History, and one of the
founders of the National Organization for Women all graduated from Barnard. But whether they
have made big names for themselves or have pursued goals more privately, Barnard women
make a difference in the world, an aspiration inculcated in them during their years on campus.
Prominent Grads
Helene Gayle, Assistant Surgeon General of the United States
Again and again, Barnard students and alumnae praise their academic experiences at
the college.
Faculty members are great. They provide so much encouragement, are more
than willing to provide a recommendation or just some encouragement and
ideas. One history professor even helped me get my first real apartment!
This kind of testimonial is available from virtually every Barnard student. Their close
and productive relationships with the highly acclaimed Barnard faculty make Barnard a singular institution. Barnard students frequently collaborate with faculty as research assistants,
so it is not unusual to hear a senior describe her work with an anthropology professor, or a
junior discuss her experiences in the biology laboratory. Not long ago, a Barnard first-year student was asked to spend a semester at an astronomy station on Nantucket Island, where the
other participants in the program were all graduate students.
During their first two years, Barnard students receive counseling from members of the
faculty and the Dean of Studies Office.
My advisor helped me figure out what courses would be most useful to me in
choosing a major and at the same time satisfying my general requirements. He
also suggested I become a calculus tutor and helped me secure a summer internship at CBS news.
Advisors are well versed in Barnard’s policies and regulations, working closely with the
Deans’ Office and the Registrar to ensure that all students are on the right track for graduation. At the end of the student’s second year, advisors are prepared to assist with the transition
into the major. From then on, students are advised by a faculty member in their major department; a double major will have two advisors. Students can decide whether they want to establish a close relationship with their advisors or keep it strictly business. Advisors are prepared
to provide the necessary and required parts of the job, but they have chosen this role because
they want to be available to students in a more personal way. It is therefore not unusual for an
advisor to write graduate school or other critical recommendations for students they never
actually taught, but who they have come to know well over the course of several years together.
Partnership with Columbia
Barnard’s partnership with Columbia means that the curricular offerings of one of the
country’s top research universities are available for the asking; courses in all departments are available for cross-registration. About equal numbers of Barnard and Columbia
students do this, indicating a true academic parity between the two schools. Some celebrated professors have become major attractions; for example, Barnard’s Richard Pious
and Dennis Dalton are quite sought after, both as noted scholars in their fields (the
American presidency and Gandhi, respectively) and as regular teachers of first-year students in introductory courses. Barnard students especially join their Columbia counterparts in courses taught by luminaries such as Robert Thurman in religion. While some
departments are particularly focused on one campus or the other (theater at Barnard, for
example, or computer science at Columbia), the offerings by popular departments such as
English, history, and political science amount to nearly twice the number of courses as
would be available otherwise. In every case, academic advisors can help students make
informed choices about their course selection.
Senior Theses or Projects
Each Barnard student’s academic endeavors are capped off by a significant culminating
experience, which comes in the form of a senior thesis, project, or exam in her major.
Preparing for and completing this terminal work presents true challenges, but that’s part
of the Barnard way. It understandably unifies the class; the buzz of activity in the library,
labs, and studios keeps the midnight oil burning senior year. The idea is that if a student
can succeed in such a project, she can do it in just about any field she chooses after
Barnard. All things being equal, an art history major could just as easily land a financial services job as an economics major; they both certainly have the verbal, research, and critical thinking skills such a position might require.
Joint Programs
Other academic attractions include joint programs with the Juilliard School and the
Manhattan School of Music, the Jewish Theological Seminary, and various graduate and
professional schools of Columbia University such as the School of Engineering, the School of
International and Public Affairs, the Law School, and the Dental School. While entrance into
these programs is quite limited and often extremely competitive, the students who participate in them not only benefit themselves, but they contribute an extra degree of depth and
diversity to their Barnard classrooms.
Exchange and Overseas Programs
About thirty percent of Barnard’s graduates participated in study abroad, whether it
wasfor a semester or two. Barnard’s official exchange programs in the United States
include Spelman College and the Columbia University-Howard University Exchange
Program, while overseas programs are located in more than thirty-five countries, including
Argentina, Australia, Cuba, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Russia, and
Spain. These programs are structured so that, for example, students may bring their financial aid packages with them; however, Barnard students’ diverse interests take them to
such far-flung places as Russia, Israel, the Cameroons, Nicaragua, and Australia. The world,
as they say, is their oyster. The Dean of Study Abroad meets with students individually and
in groups, providing information and guidance before and after the experience.
After spending the spring term at the London School of Economics, I was
feeling rather “out of the loop” at Barnard. When I attended Dean Szell’s special
meeting in the fall, my advisor helped me realize that I wasn’t the only one feel-
ing this way.
These kinds of touches mark the Barnard experience from start to finish. Whether it’s
the personal letter sent by the first-year class dean upon matriculation or the handshake from
the college’s president at graduation, the Barnard faculty and administration make a concerted
effort to ensure that each student’s experience at Barnard is individual and special.
Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas
Reported area around or near New York, NY 10027-6598
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Barnard College, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
almost 5 years agoJustine Villanueva Justine_1024 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I would like to ask if the Barnard University is offering a nursing program??
I just want to apply on your school if it has a nursing program.
Thank You!
almost 5 years agoJane Nardi jnardi ((at)) mchsi dot com
My grandmother, Madalene Heroy, attended Barnard, graduating I believe in 1897. I have been trying to find a listing of all alumni with no success. Can you point me to a website possibly?
Thank you
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Justine_1024 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I would like to ask if the Barnard University is offering a nursing program?? I just want to apply on your school if it has a nursing program. Thank You!