<p>So I’m a current freshman at at fairly good (top 60) university but I am looking to go to a better school that fits my academic goals more completely. Barnard is the perfect school for me, the academics, advising, location, everything. I applied there early decision last year and was denied but told it had been a really close call. I want to apply there again but am not sure of my chances. I did not do well last term (3.1) largely because of a horribly constructed french class. My gpa for this term, however, will end up somewhere between a 3.8 and 4.0. I had good SAT’s, strong extra curricular and volunteer involvement, and am in a special leadership program at my university. I know Barnard especially looks at more than just numbers, but how much will a poor first term hold me back?</p>
<p>I don’t think this makes a difference really but I’m currently in an accelerated masters program for education and getting a dual degree in two other subjects. I have a lot of ties in NYC, would it help at all to get a recommendation from someone at Barnard? Or does having a 3.1 realistically rule out my chances?</p>
<p>I really don’t know much about transfer stats, but have a couple of observations:</p>
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<li><p>Obviously, you have NO chance if you do not apply. All you can do is your best and see how it goes! </p></li>
<li><p>You say you are in an “accelerated masters program for education” and I am pretty sure there is not a comparable program at Barnard. Not sure how this would affect your admission chances, but if there is indeed not a program like this at Barnard, won’t a transfer set you back significantly in terms of progress towards your goals?</p></li>
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<p>I know I want to apply at some point… I’m not sure if I should wait until next year though and apply for a mid year transfer to give them an extra term of strong grades or just try now. While yes I’d have to spend an extra year to get my masters if I transferred, Barnard students can participate in the Columbia Teachers College which has the 3rd best program in the country so the education I received would itself be better, along with the Barnard core which is significantly smaller than my current school’s so I’d have more time for the graduate level courses.</p>
<p>It makes sense that you might want to wait to put in an application next year instead of this April because of your grades, but, as a prospective transfer myself, I’d say apply now just because transferring mid-year might make for a harder transition than transferring in the fall (Also if you transfer mid-year, you can’t qualify for certain financial aid grants, if you are planning to apply for financial aid that is).</p>
<p>As for your concern about your GPA, I would say don’t stress it too much since Barnard does look at an applicant holistically, so your high school record, recommendations and of course general transfer essay and barnard supplement count alot as well. </p>
<p>My advice (and this is what I told myself as well): just really convey to them as best you can in your essay why you would genuinely like to go there. They are looking for unique women who have passions and are ready to make a serious impact in whatever field they decide to pursue. </p>