Will I Get Into Barnard?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Barnard College
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Ok so, I am a junior from Oregon. I go to a big public high school with 300+ students in my class. I am super worried that my class rank will affect my chances. I am not exactly sure but I want to say I am in the 70s out of 375ish people. Again, I am not completely sure, but will this play a big role? So obviously if I have a low class rank, my GPA isn’t amazing but is it good enough for Barnard? I think right now I have a 3.78. Freshman year I had a 3.85 but last year being all online was really rough. But I am taking as many AP and college in the classroom classes as I can, which should count for something. But my school doesn’t do weighted GPA’s. Do I calculate that on my own or will Barnard just take into account the fact that I have been taking challenging classes. As for AP scores, freshman year my school doesn’t let you take them but I have passed everything from my sophomore year (I do have one 3, should I hide that or include?) I have never taken a PSAT so that is a complete wildcard, I take my first one next week.

As for extra curriculars, I have hardly anytime to breathe in between all my activities and school. I have played competitive travel soccer for all my life, and am on two Varsity sports. I can’t play soccer for Barnard though so that’s out of the picture. I have leadership roles in DECA and have qualified for state competitions and such. I am yearbook editor and founded the school newspaper with the help of my yearbook teacher and DECA advisor (good letter of recommendation I hope). Volunteer hours and participation in other clubs that I don’t have leadership roles in (NHS, ski club, key club, entrepreneurship club).

What else can I do in this short amount of time to increase my chances, other than getting good grades this year and next? Do I have any chance at all? I am planning on applying ED, I have toured Barnard and am also planning on applying to their pre-college program so demonstrated interest is there. Please let me know!!!

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One thing that you should do is be prepared to state in a clear fashion is why you want to attend Barnard College. This is not shared in your post which opened this thread.

I cannot chance you for Barnard College, but I can point out that you may get a slight boost for geographical diversity.

Are you seeking financial aid ? If so, does Barnard admissions operate on a “need-blind” or “need aware” basis ?

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What does “chance you” mean?

And no I do not need any financial aid. Is that a positive thing? Or negative?

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“Chance you” means that I cannot assess your odds of receiving an offer of admission to Barnard College as there are too many variables involved in the admissions process to such a highly selective school.

Not needing financial aid might be a positive if Barnard College admissions process is “need aware”. Otherwise, it may be a non-factor.

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So two things:

  1. Barnard admitted 11% total - so it’s difficult.

  2. 57% of the class came through ED.

  3. 84% is from the top 10% of their class.

So unless you get an unreal SAT and you step up your GPA so your rank climbs, you’re unlikely. But if you have any chance it’s through ED.

Here’s the biggest lesson. Don’t fall in love with any school.

I can’t find the statistic but an overwhelming amount of people “love” their colleges - so Barnard or otherwise, there’s a school out there for you.

And let’s say you love your school - well what if you get there and hate your roommmate or have a prof you don’t understand.

On the flipside, some kids are forced into a school they don’t like up front due to finances. And then meet their BFF or spouse.

So it’s great to have a reach - and that’s what Barnard is.

But - and you’ll be better able to assess after taking the SAT or ACT -find schools that are matches and safeties for you as well.

Keep working hard - but don’t stress yourself out. Don’t overload your academics and ECs to the point that you can’t breathe.

You will have a bright future at a fantastic school whether it’s Barnard or otherwise.

Good luck.

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Barnard is „need blind“ - so their admission decision is not aware of potential financial needs - or lack thereof.

Why can’t you play soccer at Barnard? Barnard athletes compete in the Ivy League as part of Columbia Univ.

Don’t worry about weighted GPA - many colleges will calculate their own weighting anyway to have comparable figures.

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Applying ED would be advisable. However, even for students who are in the first decile of their class, and with all-5 AP scores, 90% may not be accepted.

So yes, Barnard would be a reach, because it is basically for everyone - and while you can certainly give it a try, you probably should not get too vested! My well-meaning advice is to put at least equal effort into finding things to love about other schools.

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Congratulations on the beginning of your journey. My D21 just finished the process and Barnard was one of her top choices. She was a top 1% tester, National Merit Finalist with lots of APs and activities. She applied RD and was waitlisted. (She is at Smith and very happy.) As your year progresses, you will find that the elite colleges can fill their incoming classes 5x over with students who have very similar credentials. Don’t take any of it personally. We found no consistencies in our admission outcomes amongst the small LACs.
When you apply to schools with super-low acceptance rates, you are buying a raffle ticket. Look at the prior years’ statistics for the class profile. This will tell you how many seats are really available. The numbers are amazingly consistent over time. X% by geographic region, x% by major; x% women of color; x% first generation at college; x% speak a language other English at home; x% international. Every school has a profile that is unique to its goals. Early Decision definitely makes a difference in improving your odds because you fill your profile spot before the larger RD pool arrives.
My advice is do your best with an ED application, then look for the qualities you like in Barnard at other schools as backups.

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