Barnard College: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs
This is the go-to guide for getting into Barnard College. We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Barnard College, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Barnard College statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Barnard College on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. If you're interesting in transferring to Barnard College, the read our transfer guide. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Barnard College
What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Barnard College?
Barnard College’s average GPA is 4.0. Barnard College does require GPA. This average GPA means Barnard College is brutally selective - the most competitive applicants in the world are already applying to the school, in hopes of taking up residence in New York, and, somehow, you need to be better. Generally speaking, if your GPA is not at least equal to 4.0 then Barnard College may be a reach. However, Barnard College considers the ENTIRE application - we can make up for a weak GPA with more factors that we’ll discuss below. If your GPA is equal to or greater than 4.0, you’re sitting right in the sweetspot.
*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Barnard College may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Barnard College’s campus. These Barnard College admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.
What Is Barnard College’s Acceptance Rate?
Last year Barnard College’s acceptance rate was 19.62. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.
As you can see, Barnard College is a little easier to get into than last year.
Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Barnard College - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 17.0 % | 15.0 % | 19.62 % |
Will You Get Into Barnard College?
Calculate Your ChancesDoes Barnard College Require Test Scores?
Barnard College requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Barnard College’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.
Barnard College SAT Requirements
Barnard College’s average SAT score is 1370 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Barnard College is getting more or less competitive.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 630 | 730 | 680 |
| Reading | 640 | 740 | 690 |
| 2019 Total | 1270 | 1470 | 1370 |
| 2018 Total | - | - | - |
| 2017 Total | - | - | - |
Barnard College’s average SAT score is 1370. To be a competitive applicant for Barnard College your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1270, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Barnard College a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1470.
Will You Get Into Barnard College?
Calculate Your ChancesBarnard College ACT Requirements
Barnard College’s average ACT score is 93. To be a competitive applicant for Barnard College your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 86, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Barnard College a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 100.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 27 | 32 | 29 |
| Reading | 30 | 35 | 32 |
| Writing | 29 | 33 | 31 |
| 2019 Total | 86 | 100 | 93 |
| 2018 Total | - | - | - |
| 2017 Total | - | - | - |
Will You Get Into Barnard College?
Calculate Your ChancesHow Hard Is It To Get Into Barnard College?
As you can see from the data above, Barnard College is exceptionally difficult to get into. Not only should you be aiming for a 4.0 but also SAT scores around 1370. Getting into Barnard College is no easy feat and you will need to set yourself apart with more than just numbers and data. Read on to learn how.
Barnard College Requirements
Now you know where you need to be for getting into Barnard College from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.
| Recommendations | Status |
|---|---|
| School Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| GPA | Neither required nor recommended |
| School Record | Required |
How to get into Barnard College
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Barnard College. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Barnard College, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.
Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Barnard College admission standards.
- Score at least a 1370 on the SAT or 93 on the ACT.
- Maintain a GPA of at least a 4.0.
Join Extracurriculars that Align with Barnard College’s Values.
- Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Barnard College values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
- Volunteer in your hometown. New York has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Barnard College wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader New York area in general.
- Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Barnard College needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.
Prepare Your Application
- Write a stellar essay that shows Barnard College something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
- Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Barnard College app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
- Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Barnard College’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.
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