Barnard College

New York, NY · Private · 3,264 undergrads

Admit rate: 8.8% (11,803 applicants)
SAT middle 50%: 1470–1560 (ACT 32–34)
Undergraduates: 3,264 (15.6% international)
Average net price: $28,800 (per year after aid)
Graduation rate: 93% (within 6 years)

Deadlines

Early Decision: Nov. 1, 2026
Regular Decision: Jan. 1, 2027

Essays

Bold question (50 words maximum)

At Barnard, inquiry starts with asking bold questions about the world. What is one bold question on your mind and what about it piques your curiosity?

A woman who brings people together (200-250 words)

Barnard College is shaped by trailblazing women with a multitude of perspectives. Think of a woman - historical, fictional, contemporary, or personally significant - whose views or approach to problem-solving differ from your own, but who excels at bringing people together. What lesson from her approach would shape how you show up at Barnard both inside and outside of the classroom?

Editor's notes

Barnard's essays are short, so each word counts. The CDS rates the essay as very important, the same as your grades and letters. Two short answers totaling about 300 words is less writing than most peers ask for, which means there's no excuse for a generic answer.
Barnard says ED isn't easier, but it has filled 40% to 45% of its class from ED, and in fall 2025, 476 of 1,048 admits came from 1,437 ED applications. If Barnard is your first choice and the aid numbers work, that's worth knowing. Barnard's aid includes loans and work, so run the net price calculator first.
Barnard rates level of interest as not considered and doesn't interview. Visits and emails won't move your file. What you write, your record and your recommendations will.