<p>As churchmusicmom points out, no one can give you accurate chances outside of the Admissions Committee (and, at that point, it’s not a chance anymore), especially given that Barnard is not a heavily diagnostic-based school. That said, I remember how anxious application time was for me, and I always appreciated even a hint of a chance. So, with the caveat of limited predictability, and an emphasis more on advice, here’s my take:</p>
<p>Barnard will re-calibrate your GPA, applying their own weighting metrics, and a general knowledge of how your school’s grading tends to run. The mean GPA of the Class of ‘14 was 3.83 unweighted, so consider your own GPA in light of that. I bet that your school keeps statistics on past students’ applications results, so I would check with your Guidance/College Counselor to see if you can get a sense of how past applicants at your school fared, based on their diagnostics. Context matters a lot for BC admissions. If your GPA doesn’t look great based on those applicants (although, it seems like it’d be around the mean, but I really have no idea how weighting works), then keep in mind that individual profiles matter, too. Throughout high school, my grades in math and science were significantly lower than in other subjects. You don’t need to be perfect, and it’s great that you have such a strong roster of courses–10 APs…daaaayum, lady. That kind of rigor demonstrates intellectual curiosity, which is important.</p>
<p>Your diagnostics are a bit below the median for both SAT and ACT (2040, and 30, respectively), but that doesn’t mean anything definitively. Barnard understands that some people don’t test well, don’t standardize test well, or don’t have access to the same kinds of preparation that other applicants might. (Speculation): Part of the reason why Barnard provides the median for these tests, rather than the mean, is because I suspect the spread is pretty large, with a fair number of outliers at either end. They used to provide a 25-75 breakdown, which would be way more useful. Oh well. Point being, don’t get too discouraged about scores.</p>
<p>Extra-currics look fab. Continuity, leadership, and innovation…the trifecta! Congrats on being so accomplished! Your hard work will not go unrecognized.</p>
<p>Vis-a-vis the essays, the more personal, the better. This is not to say that you should include super intimate details, but that your essays should exude an ineffable you-ness. What drives you, what’s shaped you, how you view the world (and your place in it), how you view your education/learning/the pursuit of knowledge, what you desire/fear, etc. The writing itself doesn’t have to be perfect, so don’t worry about if you don’t think you’re “the best writer.” (Hint: almost no one is a really good writer out of high school…that’s what college is for) Just try to make sure that it’s comprehensible, and that it conveys a strong impression of who you are.</p>
<p>If you’re really interested in Barnard, the supplements are worth spending a good chunk of time on (I know, it’s down to the wire, and there are a lot of other things on your plate right now). But, these supplements are a really good opportunity/are specifically designed to elicit the aforementioned you-ness. In the question about academics, identify what appeals to you about Barnard (without making much more than a passing mention of Columbia). Go wild with the historical/fictional lady question…seriously, as long as you have a good reason, everyone from Queen Elizabeth I, to your grandmother (at some other time than the present), to Princess Mia of Genovia is fair game. Don’t feel the need to pick someone snooty, or typical, or atypical. Just be reflective in your approach, and it’ll be fine.</p>
<p>As a Barnard senior, I xcore love the third question. From the point of view of a high school senior, applying to Barnard, I think that is a super unfair question. I mean, it really, really, really fits the experience of the school, and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t have a good idea of what it meant to her by the time she graduated. But, for me, it sure as hell wouldn’t have be the same as whatever I would have pulled together as an applicant. Again, just do your best, and relate it back to your own experiences. For the fourth, same deal. Why are you who you are, etc.</p>
<p>It seems to me like you have an absolutely fair shot (the most I’d offer anyone). Congrats on all of your academic success, and your extra-curricular leadership! Best of luck with the rest of your admissions processes!</p>