Chances of getting into Barnard

Colleges and Universities A-Z Barnard College
1

<p>Hi,
Currently, I am interested in NYU and Barnard for college. I am going to be a senior this year. Here is all of my information.
GPA: 3.7
SAT Math: 420
SAT Crit. Reading: 520
SAT Writing: 540
Class Rank: 16% (10%-20%) </p>

<p>I plan on taking my SAT again this Fall and I am also going to take the SAT Subjects Tests in Literature, Math I and US History or Psychology. </p>

<p>I took AP English Language and Composition and AP Psychology my junior year. I took the AP Exam for English and got a 3 but did not take the AP Psych exam because I didn’t feel prepared for it thanks to my teacher. </p>

<p>For senior year, I am taking AP English Literature &Composition and also AP US Government. For math I am taking a mix of Elementary Functions (pre calc) and Statistics (it’s the same class) and I am taking the yearbook class at my school which is exclusive for seniors and you have to write an essay and prepare a spread to be considered for the class. I am also taking either Sociology or Women’s Studies depending on the AP class scheduling for this year. </p>

<p>I go to a creative and performing arts high school and am the Literary Arts major there. I also went to a creative and performing arts middle school for Creative Writing. Through this program I have had the opportunity to work with famous writers and poets. I have attended the Stratford and Niagara On the Lake play festivals with them as well. Just recently, I decided that I want to major in Fashion Journalism in college instead of Sports Psychology. </p>

<p>Also, I am a member of my student council, which consists of four people. I am also a member of NHS. I am on competitive dance team which has really left no time for any other extra curriculars due to the practice and competition schedule. I am a member of Peer Helpers which is a group ran through Planned Parenthood. I volunteer at my church during the summer. </p>

<p>And one last thing, for my Graduation Project, which my major class completed with help from the Theatre majors at my school, I directed one of my fellow students’ plays which was performed in a play festival at my school and we also had one at a playhouse a block or two up from our school. </p>

<p>I know I really need to work on my SAT score. My grade point average is considerably great for the competitiveness of my school and I have retained an A in my major since freshman year which means I wil get a chance to intern later on in my senior year. </p>

<p>I know this is long, but I really am hoping to get into NYU. Also, suggestions for my essay would be great, I was thinking on writing it about the importance of the arts in schools.</p>

2

<p>Barnard would be a big reach for you and doesn’t really offer the major you want. Are finances a factor? What state do you live in?</p>

3

<p>I visited Barnard yesterday and the admissions officer said the following:
If your SAT scores are in the 600’s then you’re in the “safe” zone (middle 50%ish), which does not mean that they don’t accept lower scores. Barnard also looks at the writing portion so that they can match your writing capability up with your supplemental essays and common app essay.
As far as the ACT is concerned, the “safe” zone is 28-31. Again, that is not to say that they don’t admit people with lower scores, this is just generally what the incoming first years had. Admit both ACT and SAT scores and they look at the better scores. Obviously if one only takes the SAT then they need to take two SAT subject tests. BUT, if one takes the ACT then they need to take it with writing and that is a substitute for both the SAT and the subject tests. (As the admissions officer put it: 3 tests for 8 hours or 1 test that’s shorter than the SAT…) In other words: take the ACT.
As far as the minor is concerned, if the major you don’t want isn’t there one can always major in something Columbia has or even create their own major (the tour guide’s friend majored in five things-there is no way one can make that up after she recited the long name of the major).
Your extra curriculars show that you’re interested in many topics, so that’s a plus and the fact that you’ve kept a heavy course load for senior year is also good too. They look for that.
All in all, SAT scores won’t make you or break you. But if you feel the need to take it again, then by all means do it.
Also, make sure the people writing your rec’s know you very well and are able to honestly write a good letter about you. If you have any doubts, choose a different teacher.</p>

4

<p>You can do a Columbia major if it isn’t offered by Barnard, but Columbia doesn’t offer a major in journalism either. Or a major in fashion. (And I didn’t know anybody who did a Columbia major - I don’t think they have much Barnard doesn’t have.) And you can really only make up a major if there are classes that would correspond to it, so as Barnard and Columbia don’t offer fashion classes or undergrad journalism classes as far as I know, I don’t think that would work. </p>

<p>If your heart is set on a particular major, I would narrow down school options that way - I had a very specific major in mind and only intended to apply to schools that offered it (luckily Barnard did.) You can - and might - change your mind, of course, but that way the option is there if you decide to take it.</p>

5

<p>Can I get into Barnard?
ACT: 30
GPA: 3.4
Take all IB classes. Diploma student. so not sure how ib diploma gpa gets weighted…
Honor Role student</p>

<p>EC’s/Activities</p>

<ul>
<li>Academic Games</li>
<li>Model United Nations</li>
<li>Piano diploma</li>
<li>Business Challenge winner at Heriot Watt competition</li>
<li>Tutor at school for 3 years</li>
<li>Senior editor of paper</li>
<li>Student Government</li>
<li>President of club</li>
<li>Researcher/secretary/vice president of 3 other clubs.</li>
<li>Studied 2 other languages than English</li>
<li>Best student award for debate and speaking</li>
<li>Runner up in an international art competition</li>
</ul>

<p>Work experience/Internships
100 + hours at a medical center
summer school at harvard university
Volunteered at 3 orphanages</p>