<p>So, I’m basically one of those students that are defined by my personal experiences and interests more than my GPA/SAT, and I fully intend to bring that out in my essays (yay for supps :3)</p>
<p>I know there’s usually some strange “correlation” that being successful at GPA/SAT means also being fascinating with a ton of interests, but what about those that seem to be below, or around the median averages? I took difficult classes in areas where I’m not really strong in, resulting in lower grades, and I didn’t feel a pressing need to have a 2400 (not even close)…</p>
<p>In more detail, I wonder if anyone has had any personal experiences, or even thoughts, about how Barnard seems to choose their incoming women? Do they look for qualities of passion that seems to be wholly individual? People who seem to have a purpose in life to enjoy everything they possibly can? Or do they just go, “That person’s fantastic, let’s admit” or maybe even other things.</p>
<p>To me, Barnard appears to function on a much more personal level with applicants than other schools. Anyone have their two cents?</p>
<p>Serafina, my daughter had test scores at or below the 25th percentile for her admitted class, and she had a high school record that was unusual in some respect. She had attended an arts high school where half the day is spent focused on the student’s chosen art, limiting time for academic subjects – and managed to fit in a semester as a foreign exchange student during her junior year, which made for an interesting essay but also meant that she was unable to take many AP classes and came up short on the number of math and science courses most college applicants have. (Basically, she had the bare minimum required to graduate from high school).</p>
<p>My impression of the students I have met and/or read about through boards like this or other sources do come from an impressive array of background experiences. It also seems to me that Barnard likes dancers and women with international living experience, but perhaps I was only noticing that because my daughter has those characteristics. My daughter is strong willed, independent, adventurous, outgoing, outspoken – and I think all of those are qualities that helped her win admission to Barnard.</p>
<p>That being said, my daughter had a 3.85 unweighted GPA, probably 4.1 or so weighted – I think the only B’s she got in high school were in dance classes, which were graded in part on a very strict attendance policy. My daughter is also disciplined, intense, and a perfectionist – all qualities that have helped her do well in college as well as high school.</p>
<p>So I would say that if you are coming in with a weak GPA as well as test scores – you’ve got to work hard to sell yourself to Barnard. My daughter has reported that the academic demands of Barnard & Columbia are daunting – I think Barnard likes to see women who are not afraid of a challenge, but they also would want to know that the women they admit are able to do the work. So I’m not sure what you mean by “lower grades” – but without knowing more, I’d have to say that it sounds like Barnard may be a reach for you.</p>
<p>That being said – you should apply. The worst that can happen is they can turn you down. Since your strengths are in your personal interests and experiences, I think it will be important to get that message across in an application that brings that part to life.</p>
<p>When I mean by “lower grades” - it was basically me diving into subjects that I should’ve had “unofficial” outside preparation for, like AP Chem and AP Statistics (other people in my high school take remedial classes and extensive tutoring that require huge amounts of $$$, but I didn’t do that), but I decided that it meant more to me to take more difficult classes and get lower grades than to take a too-easy class and get an A that meant nothing.</p>
<p>The reason why I bring up the personal interests/experiences, is because I don’t think my GPA/SATs truly shows my work ethic or my capabilities in the classroom/field, in comparison to my ECs, so that is my major concern. I am unafraid of trying to be able to complete work to expected levels of ability, especially since the reason why I want to go to Barnard is linked to my ECs. (sounding vaguely repetitive here)</p>
<p>I’m pretty much in the same boat as you. My test scores and my GPA aren’t the best (I’m on par or just below), and I’m not sure how well I’ll do this weekend on SAT II’s, but I’m really passionate about what I do outside of school–writing, dancing, and exploring Classics. I went in for my interview and it went well and I know more than anything that Barnard is a really good fit for me, but by the same token I know that many of the girls that go there are as passionate as I am but happen to have higher test scores, but by the same token I know girls who go there who had a lower GPA/SAT score than I did but are just as passionate.The interview was really about what I was passionate about and what my interviewer was passionate about, so I really do think your personal qualities and experiences play the most pivotal role. The admissions officer was very patient in explaining how they admit girls… they look at each application at least twice and come together as a committee to select the incoming class. But I know they really want to see passion–the entire school runs on that if nothing else, and if you convey that well enough through the supplement/essay, you’re well above anyone who only has good objectives. I think you have a good chance. </p>
<p>Thanks for your goodwill, but unfortunately, I have decided to not apply to Barnard this year. It’s not due to being discouraged about my GPA/SATs, but after mulling over my life plans, I think I’d rather stay home for a year in California and take care of my family. It’ll also let me cement my activism work and goals, so attempting to enter Barnard as a transfer makes more sense in my situation. If Obama transferred from Occidental to Columbia, I believe I can at least do that for Barnard <3</p>
<p>I still think that I am a really great fit for Barnard, and while I am a bit sad that I won’t be applying for freshman admissions, especially since it’s a bit of a sudden wake-up call why, I think applying a year or two later won’t hurt me :3 I believe that you’re supposed to go wherever you’re supposed to go. I can corningly say that my passion still burns brightly :3</p>
<p>Best of luck to all of the applicants, especially those with similar grievances like me!</p>
<p>My mom’s a Barnard alum and she definitely agrees that Barnard looks at you as a whole (as much as possible) as well as your numbers. But you need to be at least decent in both respects…basically, if you’re a very talented and interesting person with a 2.0 you probably won’t get in, but at the same time if you’ve got a 4.0 and 2400 but don’t do any significant ECs or anything that shows you’re more than someone that sits at home memorizing textbooks you won’t get in either.</p>