Barnard College seeks intellectually motivated, community-minded students who are excited by academic exploration within the liberal arts, evaluating each applicant within the unique context of her school, community, and individual story.
A Holistic Approach to Admissions
Barnard College carefully considers each prospective student, taking into account her unique background and experiences. The admissions process looks beyond just grades and test scores, evaluating applicants within the broader context of her academic environment, the community she engages with, and her personal journey. This allows Barnard to understand how a student has grown and contributed given her specific circumstances.
Key Qualities Barnard Seeks
Barnard looks for specific characteristics that align with its academic and community values. These traits indicate a student's potential for success and contribution within the college's unique environment.
Intellectually Motivated
Barnard values students who possess a genuine passion for learning and a strong intellectual curiosity. This motivation extends beyond simply achieving good grades; it reflects a deep desire to engage with complex ideas and explore academic disciplines.
- Examples:
- Demonstrating a consistently strong academic record in challenging courses.
- Pursuing independent research or in-depth study in areas of personal interest.
- Actively participating in classroom discussions and seeking out opportunities for intellectual growth.
- Engaging with scholarly articles, books, or documentaries outside of required coursework.
Community-Minded Individuals
The college seeks applicants who are not only focused on their personal growth but also committed to making positive contributions to their surroundings. This involves a willingness to engage with others, collaborate, and support the well-being of a larger group.
- Examples:
- Taking on leadership roles in school clubs, organizations, or community initiatives.
- Volunteering for causes that resonate with her values.
- Demonstrating empathy and a collaborative spirit in group projects or activities.
- Actively participating in student governance or advocacy efforts.
Eager for Liberal Arts Exploration
Barnard is a women's college dedicated to the liberal arts, fostering a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to education. Students who thrive here are excited to delve into a wide array of subjects, embracing the breadth and depth of knowledge offered across different fields.
- Examples:
- Expressing enthusiasm for exploring diverse academic subjects, from humanities and arts to sciences and social sciences.
- Discussing how different disciplines connect and inform one another.
- Demonstrating a willingness to step outside her comfort zone academically and explore new areas of study.
- Highlighting specific courses or academic programs at Barnard that excite her.
Demonstrating These Qualities
Prospective students can showcase these desired qualities through various components of their application.
| Quality | How to Demonstrate |
|---|---|
| Intellectually Motivated | Strong transcript, compelling essays, thoughtful recommendations, participation in academic competitions or research. |
| Community-Minded | Extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, essays detailing collaborative experiences or contributions to a group. |
| Liberal Arts Exploration | Diverse course selection, essays explaining broad academic interests, supplementary materials showcasing interdisciplinary projects. |
| Individual Story | Personal essays, recommendations, interviews, detailed activity lists that highlight unique experiences and growth. |
Understanding Barnard's Unique Environment
Barnard's identity as a distinguished women's college within the vibrant academic environment of New York City and its affiliation with Columbia University provides a distinctive educational experience. Students who are drawn to Barnard often seek a rigorous academic program in a supportive, women-centered community, while also desiring access to the vast resources and opportunities of a major research university and a global city. Barnard values students who are prepared to embrace this rich, dynamic setting and contribute to its unique intellectual and social fabric.
For more information on admissions, visit the official Barnard College Admissions page.
