Hello, I applied to Barnard Early Decision this fall and I want to know my chances because I have no idea if I should start on other applications! Here are my stats:
33 on ACT (34 math, 34 reading, 35 english, 31 science)
4.0 unweighted GPA
10 AP classes (almost all my school offers, I just didn’t take AP comp sci or AP Bio)
I’m the Executive Editor of my school newspaper, a founding member of nationally recognized activist organization, 6 years of Latin (it’s not offered at my school), I’m a camp counselor, I’m part of two other activist groups and I played piano for 5 years. I’m in lots of other clubs too like politics club, Environment Club, Student Council, and art club.
Do you think I’ll get in or should I start on other applications?
You seem to be an excellent candidate but I don’t think anyone can tell you whether you’ll get in because Barnard has such a low acceptance rate and evaluates applicants holistically. I’ve seen advice on this forum that would tell you that yes, you should have all other applications ready to go. Others might say it’s ok to wait. As a parent of a daughter considering a Nov. 15 ED application to her first choice school, I say that it’s really going to depend on your list and on your time available after you’ve received notification from Barnard.
Look at your other schools and the deadlines. Are they January 1? If so then have those ready. It might be emotionally difficult for you to write supplemental essays in a short amount of time if you are really sad about being declined at your favorite school. If you have those ready to go it will make it so much easier for you. And if you are traveling at all over the holidays then that’s less time you’ll have as well. If they’re January 15 deadlines or Feb 1, then you’ll have a little more time but I’d still recommend being aware of how many additional supplemental essays you might need to do so that you aren’t left scrambling. If you have some time now or over Thanksgiving break then work on them and be ready to go.
You may not be as excited about those other schools right now because of your ED application but being prepared will help you if you don’t get the answer you’re hoping for from Barnard.
Good luck!
You couldn’t be better positioned. You have a stellar record. Many colleges will see you as great college student with potential. So let some other colleges know about you! Barnard may or may not take you. 600 students for the Freshman class is going to leave out some really great applicants.
Oh, absolutely, apply to a handful of other schools. From what we’ve seen over the years, there is NO ACT/SAT/GPA range, no matter how perfect, that guarantees admission. Many candidates with lesser scores/stats than yours were deemed to be good matches by Barnard’s holistic assessment - over candidates with higher scores than yours.
You have to assume that for every school there is some “self selecting” taken place in the applicant pool. Consequently most of the few thousand applicants will have numbers very similar, possibly even better than yours!