Barnard releases decisions on different timelines depending on how you apply. Early Decision (ED) applicants hear back in mid-December, while Regular Decision (RD) applicants receive their decisions in late March. Waitlisted students wait through the spring and summer, and transfer applicants receive decisions on a rolling basis after Barnard reviews their files.
Knowing when Barnard releases decisions helps you plan the weeks in between. This guide covers every Barnard decision release date for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle, along with the possible outcomes in each round and the steps to take after you hear back.
- When Does Barnard Release Decisions?
- When Do Barnard Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
- When Do Barnard Transfer Decisions Come Out?
- What to Do After Receiving Your Barnard Decision
- Waiting on Barnard’s Decision? Get Expert Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
When Does Barnard Release Decisions?
Barnard releases first-year decisions in two waves:
| Application Route | Decision Release | Decision Types |
| Early Decision | Mid-December 2026 | Admit, Defer, Deny |
| Regular Decision | Late March 2027 | Admit, Waitlist, Deny |
Source: Barnard College Office of Admissions
The exact dates may vary each year. For the Class of 2030, ED results came out the evening of December 13, 2025, and RD results followed the evening of March 21, 2026. Applicants typically receive updates by email and through the applicant portal, so check both around the expected decision dates.
When do Barnard Early Decision results come out?
Barnard’s ED results come out in mid-December 2026. ED is a binding plan, so an offer of admission comes with a commitment to enroll.
Three outcomes are possible in the early round.
- An admit means you agreed to attend Barnard, and you must withdraw your other applications.
- A defer places your file in the RD pool for a second review, and you will receive a final decision in late March. If Barnard admits you at that stage, the ED agreement no longer binds you.
- A deny closes your application for the cycle. You cannot appeal or reapply through RD.
When do Barnard Regular Decision results come out?
Barnard’s RD results come out in late March 2027. Admitted RD students have until the May 1 national reply date to answer Barnard’s offer of enrollment and submit a non-refundable deposit.
Three outcomes are possible in the regular round.
- An admit gives you until May 1 to confirm your enrollment.
- A waitlist keeps you in consideration if space opens in the class after admitted students make their choices.
- A deny closes your application for the cycle, and Barnard does not accept appeals.
Haven’t applied yet? See every Barnard application deadline
Knowing when decisions come out helps, but first, you need to get your application in on time. Our guide to Barnard application deadlines covers the key dates for first-year, transfer, and financial aid applicants.
When Do Barnard Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
Barnard does not set a single date for waitlist decisions. The admissions office re-reviews waitlisted students throughout the spring and summer, and offers go out only if space opens in the class. Timing depends on how many admitted students accept their spots, which makes the pattern hard to predict from year to year.
Our guide on when waitlist decisions come out explains how the process usually unfolds across schools.
When Do Barnard Transfer Decisions Come Out?
Barnard reviews transfer applications and releases decisions on a rolling basis, and the window depends on your entry term:
- Fall transfer decisions begin after May 1 and usually arrive in early to mid-May.
- Spring transfer decisions begin after December 1 and usually arrive in mid-December.
Your offer letter will set the timeline for confirming your spot, so read it as soon as it arrives.
What to Do After Receiving Your Barnard Decision
Your next steps depend on which of the four outcomes you receive.
| Barnard Decision | What to Do Next |
| Accepted | Review your financial aid offer, submit your enrollment deposit by the deadline for your round (May 1 for RD), and start planning for orientation and housing. If you applied ED, withdraw your other applications. |
| Deferred | Send the extra materials Barnard requests, such as an expanded essay expressing your interest in Barnard and updated mid-year grades. Keep your senior-year grades strong and keep working on your RD applications to other schools. |
| Waitlisted | Accept your spot if Barnard is still a top choice, then commit to another school by May 1. Send a short update on new achievements to the admissions office. |
| Denied | Take time to process the result, then compare the offers and aid packages from schools that admitted you. You can apply as a transfer student after completing coursework at another college. |
If Barnard offers you a spot off the waitlist after you’ve paid a deposit at another college, you can accept Barnard’s offer and withdraw from the other school. Keep in mind that your deposit is usually nonrefundable. Since waitlist decisions are unpredictable, plan to attend your backup school while you wait.
Waiting on Barnard’s Decision? Get Expert Guidance
The time between submitting your application and receiving a decision is an opportunity to prepare for what comes next.
AdmissionSight’s Standard College Counseling program pairs you with an experienced advisor who guides you through every stage of the process, from essay development and activity list strategy to school selection and deadline management.
If Barnard has already deferred or waitlisted you, our Ad Hoc Consulting offers targeted support based on your immediate needs. Your advisor can help you draft a letter of continued interest, share new achievements with the admissions office, or plan your next steps while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What time of day do Barnard decisions come out?
Barnard decisions usually come out in the evening.
2. When does Barnard release Early Decision decisions?
Barnard releases ED decisions in mid-December.
3. When does Barnard release Regular Decision results?
Barnard releases RD results in late March.
4. Can I appeal if Barnard rejects my application?
No. ED applicants who are denied also cannot reapply through RD. A denied applicant can apply later as a transfer student.
5. How does Barnard notify applicants of their decision?
Barnard notifies applicants through email and the applicant portal. Watch the email address on your application and log in to your portal on release day.
Takeaways
- Barnard releases ED decisions in mid-December and RD results in late March.
- Waitlist decisions are released on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer.
- For transfer applicants, fall admission decisions are released starting after May 1, while spring admission decisions are released starting after December 1.
- If you need help with a deferral, a waitlist, or an application still in progress, a college admissions expert can help you make the strongest case.
Eric Eng
About the author
Eric Eng, the Founder and CEO of AdmissionSight, graduated with a BA from Princeton University and has one of the highest track records in the industry of placing students into Ivy League schools and top 10 universities. He has been featured on the US News & World Report for his insights on college admissions.








