Barnard College
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The teachers at Barnard are really some of the college’s best assets. You will find that in contrast to other schools, the teaching assistants (TAs) only grade papers, proctor exams, and offer additional help on homework. This is not only true for introductory lectures, but for labs and recitations, as well. For the most part, teachers at Barnard are very accessible, and will accommodate students who need extra help. Professors have been known to even give out their home phone number, if the need arises. Of course, this isn’t to say that there is no variation among the teaching staff, only that the odds of getting a professor who will make time to learn your name and answer specific questions are very good. One of the major things that a prospective student should be aware of when looking into Barnard is that classes are open for cross-registration throughout Columbia University’s undergraduate colleges, which means that courses may be taken at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), Columbia College, and Barnard College.

This means Barnard professors are tenured by both Barnard College and Columbia University. However, it also means you might, and almost certainly will, take a class at Columbia. The only bad thing about Barnard’s affiliation with Columbia is that graduate student TAs teach all lab sections and popular courses, like Calculus IA. But TAs aren’t all bad. They are just less concerned with student welfare in their course than a full professor might be. The best way to find out about a professor or a TA at any of the colleges is to look at the Web site, http://culpa.info, which is a site that allows students to give reviews on a professor’s teaching style and workload.

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Academics at Barnard College

campmemories

'13

Drama and Theatre Production

5.0

A+

Small College, Big University

Barnard allows you to have all of the benefits of a small liberal arts college - personalized attention, small class sizes - as well as the benefits and resources of a big research university! I truly feel that we have the best professors in the world. I have not had a single professor that I didn't love, and going to class is always a treat. They're the best of the best!

Aug 20, 2011

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Academics at Barnard College

bc2013

'13

Japanese Language and Literature

5.0

A+

Rigorous but Rewarding

I have been consistently pleased with the quality of the academics at Barnard. From the variety of courses (101 classes to the ultra-specific) to the knowledgeable and caring professors, I have enjoyed every one of my courses. As well, because Barnard and Columbia students take about 50% of their classes at both schools, there is a ton of interaction between the two.

Aug 18, 2011

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Academics at Barnard College

nal2132

'14

Economics

4.6

A

Barnard Academics

There's no doubt about it. Barnard academics are one of the most interesting, stimulating and challenging out there. The professors for the most part are fair, and will give you some wiggle room if you really need it. The multitude of Columbia libraries (the B-School Uris library is the best, just saying) as well as the multiple study spaces on Barnard's campus (for example the newly built Diana Center) give students many comfortable and scenic areas in which to work. However beware of the lure of New York at night. The sound of your hall mates dressed up and running to catch the next 1-train downtown or looking outside and the bright lights that beckon you while you're writing that final research paper is torture. But you enjoy exploring the city and having adventures with your friends all the more when you finally find an open day to trek downtown.

Jul 20, 2011

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Photos of Barnard College's Academics

Liberal arts and sciences

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Liberal arts and sciences Students in a science class.

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Seminar classes

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Seminar classes A look at some student-faculty interaction.

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Faculty advising

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Faculty advising Students often talk to professors during office hours, asking questions about classes or just dropping in to chat!

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