<p>This was just a question out of curiosity, and I’m not sure if it’s an appropriate question to ask, considering the fact that this isn’t the admissions office or anything, but…</p>
<p>Does the Barnard financial aid office do a preliminary review of all materials for each applicant, and then proceed to do a more in-depth review of all the applicants who have been accepted (i.e. sending notices and stuff asking for clarification on something regarding CSS)? Or does it do the in-depth review for all applicants regardless of their admission status?</p>
<p>I ask this because I overheard a small, harmless debate on the topic in general today and just wanted to see if there was anyone who would be able to give me a definite answer. (Ah, yes. Curiosity killed the cat.)</p>
<p>I don't think the FinAid office does anything until Admissions status is determined, at which point they crank it into high gear so that you get a FinAid offer with your Admissions offer.</p>
<p>Fwiw, Barnard's initial offer was my D's best but I'm not sure how that would have translated with NYC's higher costs. But at least there wasn't a "screwed" feeling reading it. In contrast, their Admissions office won our award for snottiest at answering questions.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for the replies, once again. : )</p>
<p>The Dad -
The admissions office snotty? I always thought the Barnard office was rather courteous (although this could just be because the administration at my high school doesn't always show its best side to its students).</p>
<p>Mileage varies. My D had three interactions that were not great. On the other hand, the alumnae interviewer from Barnard was her best experience in that regard...made her feel sorry (but not guilty) that she wasn't going. And so it goes. </p>
<p>Now that you're in, you don't have to worry about Admissions in any event.</p>
<p>And by all accounts, the administration at Barnard is much better than that of Columbia across the street. More responsive, quicker to respond, more personal. Especially with advising/counseling.</p>
<p>The administration's response to student concerns is fantastic, not to gush. It's very easy to talk to the people in charge, and they work with you every step of the way on problems and suggestions. It's one of my favorite things about Barnard.</p>