Chances of Getting Into Barnard College
New York, New York • Private University • #13 National • Founded 1889
Barnard Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
Barnard SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About Barnard College
Barnard College is a prestigious women's college affiliated with Columbia University in the heart of Manhattan. Students receive a Barnard degree while accessing Columbia's classes, libraries, and campus. It's the best of both worlds: intimate liberal arts education in the world's greatest city.
Top Programs
What Makes Barnard Unique
- Affiliated with Columbia University — cross-register freely
- Manhattan campus — NYC is your extended classroom and networking hub
- Receive both a Barnard degree and Columbia transcript notation
- Athena Center for Leadership — women's empowerment focus
- Access to Columbia clubs, organizations, and social life
Barnard Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
Barnard Application Deadlines
How to Get Into Barnard: Admission Tips
Barnard is now more selective than many Ivies (~6.5%) — take it seriously
ED acceptance rate is higher; strong choice if NYC + women's college appeals
Show why specifically Barnard over Columbia (different culture, mission)
NYC engagement and ambition resonate — show how you'll use the city
Barnard values diverse perspectives and women's leadership
The Brutal Truth About Barnard Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 6.5% acceptance rate, Barnard rejected over 13,558 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Barnard, having a 3.89 GPA and 1470 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Barnard doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if Barnard genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 6.5%-acceptance-rate basket.
Barnard Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at Barnard College?
Barnard College has an acceptance rate of 6.5% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 14,500+ applicants, approximately 680 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into Barnard?
The average GPA of admitted students at Barnard College is 3.89. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.74, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for Barnard?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Barnard students is 1400-1530. The average SAT score is 1470. For ACT, the range is 32-35 with an average of 34.
Is Barnard hard to get into?
Yes, Barnard College is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 6.5%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does Barnard cost?
Tuition at Barnard College is $63,930 per year, with total cost of attendance at $84,500. However, 50% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $55,000+.
What are my chances of getting into Barnard?
Your chances of getting into Barnard College depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 6.5% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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Popular Majors at Barnard
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