<p>So I’m applying RD to Barnard this year. It’s a pretty big reach.</p>
<p>Stats…that’s where I’m weak. Am a complete failure? No, but compared to all of you, most definitely. I’ve got about a 3.8 something GPA unweighted, and a 3.97 weighted, and a 2080 on the SAT. However, my CR+M score is only a 1310 (ouch) - my high point on the SAT was a 770 on the writing section.
I know Barnard is pretty tough when it comes to stats. Yeah, they do admit kids with lower stats, but…how often? My ECs are pretty good - president of human rights club at my school, managing editor of school paper, some pretty neat internships, and published in national newspaper. But…yeah. Thoughts?</p>
<p>And SAT subject tests…Okay I’ll be honest. My subject tests will NOT be pretty. </p>
<p>Has anyone gotten into Barnard with low test scores? Or just…any advice - thoughts?</p>
<p>Definitely apply. Barnard has a holistic admissions process and really looks at everything. Many students with lower test scores get in. There’s no harm in applying and you certainly have a chance. THEY ARE SUPER HOLISTIC!</p>
<p>i’m applying to barnard, too. our GPAs our insanely similar, both—mine is 3.8 UW (you think that’s bad?? lol), and 3.99 W as of the end of junior year. i don’t really have any advice, but just wanted to let you know someone’s in the same boat. don’t let that deter from applying; if you don’t, there’ll always be that “what if?” i agree with the above poster; it’s not ALL about stats.</p>
<p>Hey- don’t count barnard out!! I just got in ED, and i only had a 3.56 UW, 4.12 W, and a 31 ACT ! They definitely look at the rigor of the courses, your first/second term grades, and your extracurriculars-its very hollistic! do not worry at all!</p>
<p>@mollyco Congratulations!!! Your ACT seems about the same as my SAT score, but the difference is that I need to submit SAT subject tests as well - and my SAT subject tests were dreadful. I’m just worried because I have only taken 4 APs (including the two I’m taking this year). I did take a college course at a local community college though…
But yeah, I guess I’ll see! A girl at my school who was like, uber qualified (amazing grades, most challenging courseload, teachers bowed down to her, writing was superb) was rejected last year.</p>
<p>@mollyco Congratulations!! I’m applying RD and I am super scared because I have a 4.0 but my ACT is relatively low at 28. I know that will hurt me but my extracurricular and essays are amazing, I’ve won a multitude of awards, taken 5 APs plus a college course which I aced, participate in pre-professional ballet, etc., so if they really are HOLISTIC in viewing applicants, HOPEFULLY I will be okay. </p>
<p>@Marinozai I’ve only taken 5 APs in high school, but a college course I took through Syracuse University! Don’t worry about it, you will be fine!!</p>
<p>My daughter is not a great test taker and her scores weren’t great. My advice is to show your passion- whatever your passion is- in your essays. Dig deep inside yourself and express your passion well. I think my D’s superscored SAT was like a 1925. Her SAT II’s were low 700s.</p>
<p>2016BarnardMom - thanks, that is comforting that her superscore SAT was 1925. My SATs won’t be low 700s…I’m just not great with tests. I am working on my essays right now. I think that they are pretty good.</p>
<p>I just got into Barnard ED and had a 29 on the ACT and a 1900 on the SAT. I’m not an expert or anything, but I think admissions decisions at a school like Barnard are much more complex than just test scores. I’m not one of those applicants with anything super incredible and original in my essays- for my Common App essay I wrote about my family. I think I am a fairly good writer, but even more I think it showed through that I was honest and genuine. I didn’t think I had ANY chance of getting in, and when I saw the stats/ECs/essay topics people were posting on here I just got more and more depressed because I had lower stats than most others. The truth is is that there is no way to know if you can or can’t get in, but I honestly believe that anyone who truly wants to go to Barnard and knows they can do the work there is a competitive applicant. Be yourself and let that show in your essays, recs, interview, whatever, and I would say you absolutely have a chance of getting in!</p>
<p>Thank you, happybanana. What would you say is the “right fit” for Barnard - like the kind of person who goes to Barnard? I know that there must be a whole range of personalities, but what characteristics - whether it be a certain type of work ethic or mindset toward school - do you think are best for Barnard?</p>
<p>Well I just got in, like I’m not a student yet, so I can’t say so much from experience but more from the vibe I got when I visited. Barnard seems like/sounds like an academically rigorous school, so I think students need to not to only be prepared for hard work, but they need to embrace the idea of working hard and learning all the time. Our tour guide talked about this when I went on a tour this summer- she talked about girls bonding over books they were all reading for class, becoming best friends with your lab partner. That’s exactly what I wanted in a college, and for me that was the biggest reason why I applied to Barnard ED. Hope this helps, and good luck!</p>
<p>My daughter is a Barnard grad. Barnard wants women who:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Want them. The committee is not interested in women who would really prefer Columbia. Make sure you communicate why you want Barnard.</p></li>
<li><p>Are hard workers.</p></li>
<li><p>Will enjoy NYC and be able to handle the city, but they do not want students who are coming just for the city.</p></li>
<li><p>See value in a woman’s college.</p></li>
<li><p>Have a set of core interests to explore in college. In other words, create a picture of yourself so the adcom knows who you are and what you are after.</p></li>
<li><p>Are open-minded. Barnard has a diverse community.</p></li>
<li><p>And of course, like any school, they want to see a demonstration of a track record be it in test scores, GPA, extra-curriculars, writing. They want to see your potential in some area but not necessarily in all areas.</p></li>
</ol>