Barnard College

Barnard College is a private women's liberal arts college located in New York City, New York. It was founded in 1889 as a response to Columbia University's refusal to admit women at the time. Named after Frederick A.P. Barnard, a scientist and the 10th president of Columbia who advocated for the admission of women into the university, Barnard College has since been a distinguished institution for women's higher education and is one of the Seven Sisters colleges.

History

Barnard College was established to provide women with an opportunity to receive higher education equal in rigor to that offered by Columbia University to men. Over the years, it has maintained a unique relationship with Columbia, allowing its students to share resources, participate in joint programs, and attend classes at both institutions. This partnership has enriched the academic experiences of Barnard students, offering them unparalleled access to a broad range of courses, faculty, and campus facilities.

Academics

Barnard offers a variety of undergraduate programs across the arts and sciences. The college is known for its rigorous academic standards, small class sizes, and a faculty renowned for both their research and teaching. Students at Barnard can choose from over 50 areas of study and are encouraged to engage in independent research and study abroad programs. The college also emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts education, requiring students to complete a core curriculum that includes courses in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Campus

Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, Barnard's urban campus is directly across from Columbia University. The campus is known for its beautiful green spaces, classic architecture, and vibrant community life. Facilities include residence halls, a library, science laboratories, and arts studios, all of which support the college's academic and extracurricular programs.

Student Life

Barnard College boasts a diverse and active student body. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including cultural clubs, sports teams, and volunteer organizations. The college is also home to numerous student-led initiatives that focus on social justice, sustainability, and community service. Barnard students have the unique opportunity to engage in the rich cultural and professional life of New York City, further enhancing their educational experience.

Notable Alumni

Barnard College has produced a number of prominent alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields such as literature, politics, science, and the arts. Notable graduates include writer Zora Neale Hurston, journalist and author Helen Gurley Brown, and activist and writer Grace Lee Boggs, among others.

Admissions

Admission to Barnard is highly competitive, with the college seeking students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. The admissions process is holistic, considering a range of factors including academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays.

Affiliation with Columbia University

The relationship between Barnard College and Columbia University is a defining feature of the college's identity. While Barnard maintains its own administration, faculty, and admissions process, students can take classes, join clubs, and participate in activities at Columbia. This affiliation provides Barnard students with the resources of a major research university while maintaining the benefits of a small liberal arts college.