How to Get into Barnard: Admission Requirements and Tips

Dreaming of walking through the gates of Barnard College? If you’re the kind of student who craves intellectual challenge, thrives in an empowering all-women environment, and loves the idea of studying in the heart of New York City, you’re in the right place.

Ranked #14 among the best liberal arts colleges in the country, Barnard has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious and forward-thinking institutions in the country. But let’s talk about the big question: how hard is it to get in?

Well, with an acceptance rate of just 9% for the Class of 2028, Barnard is highly selective. Feeling the pressure? Don’t stress. We’ve got you! This guide will walk you through everything from academic expectations to application tips that’ll help you stand out. Ready to take the first step toward Barnard? Let’s do this!

• How Hard Is It to Get into Barnard?
• Barnard Admission Requirements
• Barnard College GPA Requirements
• Barnard SAT Scores
• Barnard ACT Scores
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Barnard
• Barnard College Application Deadlines
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Barnard?

Getting into Barnard College is no easy feat, but with the right approach, it’s absolutely possible. For the Class of 2028, Barnard received a total of 11,836 applications and admitted only 1,046 students, putting the overall acceptance rate at 9%.

Curious about how Barnard’s acceptance rates have changed over the years? Here’s a quick look:

As you can see, Barnard’s acceptance rate has fluctuated in recent years, which makes it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. This means that for every 100 applicants, only about 8 to 14 students are admitted.

While these numbers might seem intimidating, don’t let them discourage you. A well-crafted application that highlights your academic strengths, personal story, and unique qualities can set you apart and help you land a spot at Barnard.

Barnard Admission Requirements

Applying to Barnard College means demonstrating not just your academic strengths but also your character, intellectual curiosity, and ambitions. Here’s what Barnard expects from its applicants:

• High school transcript. Barnard wants to see that you’ve challenged yourself academically with courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. Your transcript should reflect consistent effort, strong performance, and a love for learning.
• Recommendation letters. You’ll need three letters of recommendation: one from your school counselor and two from teachers who taught you in core academic subjects (English, math, science, social studies, or foreign language). Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths, character, and potential.
• Barnard short answer questions. In addition to your Common Application essay, you’ll need to respond to three required short-answer prompts that help Barnard understand who you are and how you think.
• Standardized test scores (optional). Barnard is test-optional through 2027, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you believe your scores will strengthen your application, you’re welcome to include them. Otherwise, your application will be reviewed holistically without them.
• Mid-year and final reports. Your senior year grades matter! Your school counselor will submit a mid-year report with your first-semester grades, and Barnard will also review your final transcript to make sure you’ve maintained strong academic performance.
• Secondary school report and high school profile. These documents, provided by your school counselor, help Barnard contextualize your achievements within the environment of your high school.
• Supplementary materials (optional). If you have an artistic portfolio (film, visual art, music, dance, theatre, creative writing), you can submit supplementary materials through SlideRoom, but it’s not required for admission.

Barnard isn’t just looking for students with top grades. They want bold thinkers, passionate doers, and future changemakers. Their holistic admissions process means they care just as much about who you are as they do about your academic record.

So, what actually matters? A lot. Your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, unique talents, volunteer work, and personal qualities all help paint a picture of what you’d bring to Barnard’s campus. If you’re a first-generation student, that’s another factor they take into account.

The good news? Where you live and your religious affiliation don’t factor into admissions decisions, so no need to stress about those.

At the end of the day, Barnard wants students who are curious, driven, and ready to challenge the world around them. The best way to stand out? Show them what makes you, you. Whether it’s an unconventional passion, a big idea, or a unique story, lean into what sets you apart.

High school coursework recommendations

Your transcript is one of the first things Barnard looks at, so it’s important to show a strong and well-rounded academic background. To stay competitive, here’s what Barnard recommends:

• 4 units of English
• 3 units of Mathematics
• 3 units of Science
• 3 units of Foreign Language
• 3 units of History

That’s a total of 16 core academic units. Following these recommendations will put you in a great position for Barnard’s admissions process. If you want to stand out even more, consider taking advanced, AP, IB, or honors courses to show you’re ready for the academic rigor Barnard expects.

Barnard College GPA Requirements

Barnard doesn’t have a strict minimum GPA requirement, but with its highly selective admissions process, strong academics are essential for a competitive application.

Barnard average GPA

While Barnard does not officially release a GPA cutoff, data from admitted students makes one thing clear: a 4.0 GPA or higher gives you the best shot at getting in. Since Barnard prioritizes academic rigor, most admitted students have taken challenging coursework, including AP, IB, or honors classes.

According to Barnard’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, here’s how the GPA distribution among admitted students looks:

• 58.24% of students had a 4.0 GPA.
• 33.98% had a 3.75 – 3.99 GPA.
• 4.42% had a 3.50 – 3.74 GPA.
• 2.83% had a 3.25 – 3.49 GPA.
• 0.53% had a 3.00 – 3.24 GPA.

With over 90% of admitted students holding a 3.75+ GPA, it’s clear that Barnard prioritizes academic excellence. However, Barnard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning your GPA is just one piece of the puzzle.

If your grades aren’t at the very top, strong extracurriculars, compelling essays, and standout recommendation letters can help boost your application.

To stay competitive, aim for a 4.0+ GPA while taking the most rigorous courses available at your school. More than just numbers, Barnard looks for students who are intellectually curious, ambitious, and ready to make an impact.

Barnard SAT Scores

Barnard is test-optional through 2027, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT scores if you don’t want to. However, if you choose to send them, they should be strong to remain competitive. Submitting high scores can help showcase your academic preparedness and potentially strengthen your application.

Barnard average SAT

According to Barnard’s latest Common Data Set, here are the typical SAT scores for admitted students:

Here’s a breakdown of section scores:

A majority of admitted students scored highly on the SAT. 94% of students had composite scores between 1400 and 1600, while only 6% scored between 1200 and 1399. 

In the Math section, 92% of students scored between 700 and 800, while in the EBRW section, 90% reached that range.

To stay competitive, aim for a composite score of 1520 or higher, with strong performances in both Math and EBRW. Scores in this range signal that you’re ready for Barnard’s rigorous academics.

That said, don’t panic if your scores aren’t perfect. Barnard evaluates applicants holistically, meaning your coursework, extracurriculars, and recommendations all matter. If your SAT scores are close but not quite there, consider retaking the test to give yourself an edge.

Does Barnard require the SAT?

Nope! Barnard is test-optional through 2027, so submitting SAT scores is entirely your choice. If you have strong scores, sending them could reinforce your academic strengths and give your application an extra edge. But if you’re not thrilled with your scores, skipping them won’t hurt your chances.

If you decide not to submit scores, that’s totally fine. Barnard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they place just as much emphasis on your coursework, extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendations. Instead of focusing solely on test scores, they want to understand who you are as a student and what you’ll bring to campus.

Barnard ACT Scores

Barnard doesn’t have a strict ACT cutoff, but if you’re submitting scores, they should be strong. The ACT is a great way to show that you’re academically ready for Barnard’s challenging coursework. But remember, it’s completely optional.

Barnard average ACT

Here’s a look at the ACT scores for admitted Barnard students:

As for the subject breakdown:

Most admitted students scored really well on the ACT. 99% of students had a composite score between 30 and 36, and nearly all scored 30+ in English and Reading. In Math, about 67% hit at least 30.

If you want to be in the most competitive range, aim for a 34 or higher. But don’t panic if your scores aren’t quite there. Barnard takes a holistic approach to admissions. Your coursework, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations all play a big role. If standardized testing isn’t your strong suit, you can absolutely shine in other areas.

Does Barnard prefer the ACT or SAT?

Neither! Barnard doesn’t favor one test over the other. Among first-year applicants, 33% submitted SAT scores, while 17% submitted ACT scores. Both tests are widely accepted, so you should choose the one that best showcases your academic strengths—or skip them altogether since Barnard is test-optional through 2027.

Barnard also superscores both the ACT and SAT, meaning they’ll combine your best section scores from multiple test dates to give you the highest possible composite score. If you’ve taken the test more than once, this can work in your favor. Just be sure to submit your strongest scores if you decide to include them in your application!

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Barnard

Getting into Barnard is no easy task, but don’t stress. With a solid strategy and a standout application, you can give yourself the best shot. Let’s go over what matters most:

1. Keep your GPA in check.

A strong GPA is one of the most important factors in Barnard’s admissions process. To stay competitive, aim for a GPA of 4.0 or higher. Taking challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes can also strengthen your application. Performing well in these courses shows admissions officers that you’re prepared for Barnard’s rigorous academics.

If your grades have improved over time, that’s a great sign of resilience and growth. Admissions officers appreciate students who put in the effort to turn things around. No one has a perfect record, and if you’ve struggled in a class, don’t hesitate to seek help through tutors, study groups, or online resources. Showing that you’re committed to learning speaks volumes about your character.

2. Submit strong SAT/ACT scores (if they work in your favor).

Barnard is test-optional through 2027, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, if you have strong scores, they can help set you apart.

For reference, Barnard’s middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1500 and 1520 on the SAT and 33 and 34 on the ACT. If your scores fall within or above this range, submitting them can give your application a boost.

If your scores aren’t quite where you want them to be, don’t worry. If you’re considering retaking the SAT or ACT, focus on strengthening weaker sections by using resources like practice tests or working with a private tutor to improve your performance.

Barnard superscores, meaning they take your best section scores from different test dates to calculate your highest composite score.

If standardized tests aren’t your strong suit, that’s totally fine. Barnard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning your extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and overall personal story matter just as much.

Focus on what makes you unique and highlight your strengths in other areas. Barnard wants to see what sets you apart.

3. Write essays that showcase your voice and perspective.

Barnard’s short-answer essays are designed to highlight your intellectual curiosity, personal journey, and the ways you’d contribute to an engaged and thoughtful student body. These prompts encourage self-reflection and authenticity, which lets you demonstrate what makes you stand out.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, you’ll respond to three required questions:

• Barnard College is an extraordinary community of women committed to fostering curiosity and the exploration of new experiences and ideas. By utilizing the resources of our campus, our Foundations curriculum, and New York City, our students expand their world and discover their own capabilities. How do you envision these intersecting components of Barnard shaping your academic and personal journey? (200 words max)

• Barnard College students engage in the bold questions that define their generation. Choose one question that you have about the world around you, and explain why it matters to you. (150 words max)

• In college, you will encounter others with diverse viewpoints and experiences. Describe an instance where you engaged with someone who held a different opinion and explain how it shaped your perspective on the issue. (150 words max)

How to make your essays shine:

• Get personal. Barnard wants to hear your authentic voice, so don’t be afraid to share your passions, challenges, and personal experiences.
• Be specific. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points rather than making broad statements.
• Show your intellectual curiosity. Barnard students are deep thinkers, so connect ideas across different areas of interest and show how you approach learning.
• Make every word count. With a tight word limit, focus on depth rather than just listing achievements. Reflection and insight matter most.

Take the time to brainstorm, draft, and revise. Your essays should feel like a conversation with the admissions team, giving them a real sense of who you are and what you’ll bring to Barnard’s community.

Need more help with your essays? Check out our go-to guide on Barnard’s supplemental essays!

4. Stand out with your extracurriculars.

Barnard isn’t just looking at how many activities you’ve joined. They care about why you got involved, what you contributed, and the impact you made. They want students who take initiative, pursue their passions, and use their talents to make a difference in their communities.

If you’ve taken on a leadership role, that’s a big plus. Maybe you founded a feminist book club, led a community initiative supporting women in STEM, started a student-run publication, or spearheaded a sustainability project on campus. Barnard values students who think critically, take action, and push for positive change.

But leadership isn’t the only thing that matters. Barnard appreciates students who show dedication and depth in their activities—whether that means advocating for gender equity, conducting research on social issues, interning at a nonprofit, organizing voter registration drives, participating in spoken word poetry performances, or volunteering at a local arts program.

If you worked a part-time job or helped support your family, that also shows responsibility, resilience, and strong time management, all qualities that stand out in the admissions process.

Pro tip: Be detailed when describing your extracurriculars. Instead of saying, “volunteered at a women’s shelter,” say, “organized weekly career mentorship sessions for women transitioning out of homelessness.”

Instead of “ran social media for a club,” say, “managed a campus-wide campaign on gender equality that reached over 5,000 students.” These specifics help admissions officers understand the real impact of your work.

5. Get strong recommendation letters.

Barnard requires three recommendations in total: two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation. These letters help admissions officers see beyond your grades by providing insight into your intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and classroom engagement.

Pro tips for strong recommendation letters:

• Choose the right teachers. Barnard recommends that your teachers be from your last two years of high school, but they will also accept recommendations from 10th-grade teachers. It is best to choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your engagement in class, work ethic, and critical thinking skills.
• Ask early. Teachers receive many requests, so be considerate and give them at least a month to write your letter.
• Provide helpful details. Share a brief brag sheet that includes key projects, essays, or class discussions you contributed to. The more information they have, the more detailed and personal the letter will be.
• Show appreciation. A thank-you email, handwritten note, or small token of gratitude can go a long way in acknowledging their time and effort.

Barnard understands that some high school counselors have large caseloads and may not be able to provide a recommendation. If that is the case, Barnard asks you to contact their admissions office and encourages you to submit an extra teacher recommendation instead.

While additional recommendations are not required, if you choose to submit one, make sure it adds a fresh perspective. A letter from a research mentor, internship supervisor, or nonprofit director can highlight aspects of your character and skills that your teachers might not cover.

6. Consider applying Early Decision (ED).

If Barnard is your dream school, applying through Early Decision could give your application a boost. According to their latest Common Data Set, Barnard received 1,667 ED applications and admitted 451 students, resulting in an Early Decision acceptance rate of 27.1%. 

This is significantly higher than Barnard’s overall acceptance rate of 8%, which makes ED a strategic option for students who are fully committed to attending.

Applying ED tells Barnard that you genuinely see yourself as part of their community, which can strengthen your application. However, keep in mind that ED is binding. If you are admitted, you are committing to attending Barnard and cannot apply to other schools under a binding agreement.

Before choosing ED, take the time to make sure Barnard is the right fit for you academically, socially, and financially. Have open conversations with your family and carefully review Barnard’s financial aid policies to ensure they align with your needs. While ED can be a great opportunity, it is a big commitment, so apply only if you are 100% ready to enroll without hesitation.

Barnard College Application Deadlines

Stay ahead of the game by keeping track of these key dates. Missing a deadline can throw off your entire application process, so make sure to mark these on your calendar:

Planning ahead will help you avoid any last-minute stress. Whether you’re committing early through ED or waiting for RD, knowing your deadlines will keep your application process smooth and stress-free. Set reminders, pace yourself, and give your application the attention it deserves!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get into Barnard with low test scores?

If your SAT or ACT scores aren’t your strongest, don’t worry. Barnard is test-optional through 2027, so you only need to submit scores if they strengthen your application. Instead, focus on other key areas.

However, if you choose to submit scores, aim for 1520 or higher on the SAT or at least 34 on the ACT to stay competitive. If your scores aren’t where you’d like them to be, retaking the test for a higher score could improve your chances.

2. What are Barnard’s GPA requirements for admission?

Barnard doesn’t have a strict GPA cutoff, but to be competitive, a 4.0 or higher is recommended. The majority of admitted students are at the top of their class, and taking AP, IB, or honors courses can strengthen your application. If your GPA isn’t quite there, don’t worry. Strong extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and solid recommendation letters can help balance your application.

3. Does applying Early Decision improve my chances of getting into Barnard?

Applying Early Decision can boost your chances of admission. For the Fall 2023 class, Barnard received 1,667 ED applications and admitted 451 students, resulting in an ED acceptance rate of about 27%, compared to the overall acceptance rate of 8%.

That’s a significant difference, but remember that ED is binding, meaning if you’re accepted, you are committed to attending Barnard. Make sure it’s the right fit for you academically, socially, and financially before applying.

4. Is Barnard test-optional?

Yes, Barnard is test-optional through 2027, meaning you don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores unless you think they’ll enhance your application. However, strong scores can help you stand out. If standardized testing isn’t your strong suit, Barnard places a heavy emphasis on holistic admissions, so your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations will be key factors in the decision process.

5. How much does it cost to attend Barnard?

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Barnard’s tuition is $67,602 per year. When factoring in housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, the estimated total cost of attendance is around $95,702. Barnard offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to help make education more accessible to qualified students. Be sure to explore Barnard’s financial aid policies to see what options might be available for you.

Takeaways

Wondering how to boost your chances of getting into Barnard? Here’s a quick rundown of what matters most:

• With an acceptance rate of 9%, Barnard is pretty competitive. To stand out, your application should show intellectual curiosity, leadership, and personal growth. Strong academics, thoughtful essays, and meaningful extracurriculars will help you stand out.
• Shoot for a 4.0+ GPA and take challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes. Excelling in subjects you’re passionate about shows Barnard you’re ready for its rigorous academics.
• Test scores are optional, but if you submit them, aim high: at least a 1520 on the SAT or a 34 on the ACT. Since Barnard superscores, sending your best section scores from multiple test dates could give you an extra edge.
• Make your essays and extracurriculars count. What drives you? How have you grown from challenges? Barnard wants students who think critically, engage deeply, and bring fresh perspectives to campus. Show how you’ve made an impact in your school, community, or beyond.
• Not sure where to start? Working with a college admissions consultant can help simplify the process. Let AdmissionSight guide you in refining your application, crafting compelling essays, and presenting your strongest case to Barnard.