Hey everyone!
I just wanted to make this post for all of the prospective Barnard students out there! Barnard is an absolutely incredible school and I love everything about it. But, when I applied I thought I was the longest shot. It was my reach school and thought I had no chance about getting in. I applied ED with this application:
SAT: 1340 (670 on both sections)
ACT: 28 (did not send)
Weighted GPA: 4.5
Unweighted GPA: 3.75
Rank: Top 10%
APs: APUSH (5), AP Government and Politics (5), AP Lit (4), AP Stats (3)
EC’s:
I was an organizing fellow on the Hillary Clinton campaign throughout the primary (and then the general)
I am Diabetic and work at a sleep away camp for girls with Type One Diabetes!
I founded and was the President of a Young Democrats chapter at my school
I was the Regional Director of South Carolina Teenage Democrats for my Congressional district
I was the Vice President of my school’s DECA chapter and won an award at the international DECA competition
During my senior year I ran an intense community service campaign to raise money and awareness of Type One Diabetes
Beta Club
National Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
Recs:
Teacher #1: (my crew and English teacher who I knew for 2 years, didn’t see it so I’m guessing) 9/10
Teacher #2 (my DECA advisor and marketing teacher who showed it to me): 8/10
Other #1 (Columbia Alum, my campaign advisor): 10/10
Other #2: (my boss at my sleep away camp and a 7 Sisters School graduate) 10/10
Guidance Counselor: 8/10
Essays: 9/10 (All of my essays were very low-key Feminist and I think that helped)
Interview: 10/10 (Honestly it went surprisingly well. My interview was via Skype with a recent graduate and we got along really really well. The interview lasted about 45 minutes)
State: South Carolina
Intended Major: Political Science
My point in posting here is that all signs led me to believe that I would not be accepted. Every time I did one of those “chance me” things, they said my chances were about 25%. But here I am! I truly believe that Barnard is holistic and looks not only at your academic past but who you are as a person, how you will add to the student culture of Barnard, and puts a lot of emphasis on writing.
Barnard wants to see you show interest. If you can, go and tour. Go to information sessions and go to campus as many times as you can. If you can’t tour (and even if you can), make sure you create a relationship with your admission rep and keep in contact from the summer before senior year through your decision. Keep them updated on any relevant accomplishments/awards you receive after you submit your application through December. Barnard wants to see passion!
If you have any questions just PM me! Hope to see you lovely ladies on campus 
