tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997548439587342866.post4935216610758339883..comments2009-07-21T11:35:48.443-07:00Comments on Ivy League Connection Columbia University 2009: UPenn vs. BardJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998704935113358804noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997548439587342866.post-92075787099108501272009-07-15T11:47:01.068-07:002009-07-15T11:47:01.068-07:00Jackie,
Your description about the contrasting su...Jackie,<br /><br />Your description about the contrasting surroundings between Columbia, UPenn and Bard is interesting. I had never heard a place referred to as a ‘summer town’.<br /><br />After I read Julie’s comments about Bard’s remoteness I Google Earthed Bard and saw that it was within two miles of Barrytown, Red Hook and Tivoli and they all looked like they had SEVERAL residences included. Bard seems like it may be a nice place to take a vacation but I’m not sure I’d want to spend four years there. I think that collegiate years should include getting to know the world—not Alvin the chipmunk.<br /><br />Sofia even commented on the ‘large’ campus of 600 acres. Cal has more than 8,500 acres and Stanford 8,000 acres. I guess that everything is relative.<br /><br />Many of the UC’s have a College of Letters & Science which pretty much covers all of the bases as far as a major goes. Specialty majors like engineering or business have their own colleges but there isn’t even a concern about declaring a major until after you get a feel for things.<br /><br />Your comments about Bard’s classes being taught by the professors instead of TAs is very appealing. I recall my freshman calculus series at Cal where we had 1,000 students in the lectures and we never had an opportunity to speak with the professor.<br /><br />Keep in mind, Jackie, that TAs are usually grad students and one of the reasons for having them ‘teach’—aside form them getting paid to do so—is that you tend to learn more about a subject when you have to think about imparting your knowledge on to other students. It’s a very good teaching tool even for grad students. I mention the things about the grad students because Bard’s graduate programs are almost all based out of Manhattan so there aren’t many grad students to perform as TAs on campus.<br /><br />I REALLY enjoyed this blog, Jackie. Not only was it informative but it was pleasing to read of your impressions about all three schools and how your own wants and needs played into your impressions. Good stuff.Don Gosneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17110247579694408858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1997548439587342866.post-38141673040115084532009-07-13T07:10:11.856-07:002009-07-13T07:10:11.856-07:00Jackie,
I was moved by your post and sensed the h...Jackie,<br /><br />I was moved by your post and sensed the hesitation in making a commitment to a school that you had never heard of. It is obvious that you really enjoyed what Bard had to offer. This is great and you should further explore the college and try to stay open minded. Just because a school is not well known to you does not mean that you have to become indecisive.<br /><br />Bard is highly ranked and is well known on the East Coast. I would suggest that you speak with Ms. Kent when you return and find out when our San Francisco Bard Representative will be in the Bay Area during the fall. This will allow you to learn more about the college. <br /><br />I would also direct you to find out more about John Hopkins University in Baltimore that has a great music program and has a great core curriculum. I hope that you explore this fantastic University. <br /><br />All of you have a wealth of ability and talent. I want the best for you and I know that this past weekend has given you more to think about and consider when deciding where to apply to college. I am sure thatyou will do further research and share with us your reasons and rationale about what school is appropriate. Thanks Jackie for taking us inside your thought process.<br /><br />I can see that you are really pondering all of these choices and I am glad that visiting these schools and even being at Columbia has been helpful.<br /><br />Take care.<br /><br />Charles T. RamseyCharles Tillman Ramseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12698891858507901393noreply@blogger.com