Do I have a shot at Barnard College?

Hi, I am applying to Barnard ED. I have a 3.6 unweighted/ 4.46 unweighted, I am ranked 75th in my class out of 400. I want to pursue medicine and many of my extracurriculars highlight that. I am extremely involved in my community and hold a leadership position in almost every EC I’m in. I am first-generation & have an interesting backstory which I make an emphasis on in my common app essay.
My letters of recommendation from my teachers are very strong, I even have an extra two letters being sent from alumnae to the admissions office.
I would say my Barnard essays highlight why I want to attend the school, my goals, & my potential future at the school. My college & school counselor both said I hit the head on the nail with my essays. So I wouldn’t be too worried about my essays, it’d be more of, what real chance do I hav at Barnard? Can someone help me understand?

I think your GPA might be too low, your rank too low, do you have test scores?

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I can’t chance you, but agree your GPA and rank are below average for Barnard. Do you have any hooks e.g., URM, first gen, Pell eligible?

What proportion of your classes have been honors or APs? Do you have any AP test scores? SAT/ACT?

Is Barnard affordable per their NPC?

It’s ok to have a couple of reach schools, even a high reach, just make sure you have a balanced list including a handful of match schools and at least one affordable safety.

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Assuming you do not go to one of the nation’s top high schools, your odds are not good. On the other hand, some people beat those odds - so good luck!

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OP mentioned she was first gen.

Other women’s colleges to consider are Agnes Scott and Hollins. They would be safeties grade-wise for you. They also give automatic merit and have additional scholarships.

Realistically near zero chance. Does that mean you should not apply ? No. But you need matches and safeties.

Do you have a test score ? That could help.

With a 3.6 and a rank near 20%, short of going to a top private school, you are unlikely for a top 50 or so or top 25 LAC. But they are other women only schools if interested or other schools in NYC that could work for you.

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