Barnard College’s Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029

Barnard College has admitted the first round of applicants to the Class of 2029, but did not report how many students applied under early decision this year, nor how many were admitted. School officials did, however, share some insights into the makeup of the students admitted. Keep reading to get the latest from Crimson Education COO Arkesh Patel on Barnard’s admissions data and trends as Barnard’s Class of 2029 begins to take shape.

Class of 2029 Acceptance Results Overview

Often ranked among the top 20 Liberal Arts Colleges in the US, Barnard is a private university in New York City serving some 3,000 undergraduate students. Barnard has announced its Early Decision results for the Class of 2029, with Regular Decision results to after March 2025. 

While Barnard remains competitive on its own merits, this woman-only campus offers students access to the vast academic offerings of Columbia University, a top Ivy League school. This affiliation along with its New York City location make Barnard highly sought after and consistently hard to get into.

Below is an overview of this year's acceptance statistics and key trends, based on available data.

Early Decision Acceptance Results, Class of 2029

• Total Applications: TBA
• Accepted Students: TBA
• Acceptance Rate: TBA

Early Decision admissions results for the Class of 2029 have not been reported yet. Barnard officials do report, however, that the school typically accepts about 45% of each year’s new class from the ED pool.

Barnard’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate Trends

Last year, Barnard College received 1,694 Early Decision (ED) applications (for the Class of 2028) and admitted an estimated 620 ED students, for an estimated 24% ED acceptance rate, compared to the 9% overall acceptance rate the same year. Last year’s incoming class size was 719 students, 56% of whom were admitted in the ED round.

For the Class of 2027, Barnard admitted 451 students in the ED round, out of 1,667 ED applicants, for a 27% ED acceptance rate, according to the school’s Common Data Set.

What To Expect for Regular Decision Results

The Regular Decision results for the Class of 2029 won’t be available until after March 2025. Last year, however, we estimate Barnard’s Regular Decision acceptance rate was highly selective, hovering around 6%.

Estimated Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):

• Applications Received: ~10,100
• Students Accepted: ~626
• Acceptance Rate: ~6%

Barnard’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 rose slightly to 9%, up from the record low of 8% registered for the Class of 2027.

Key Trends and Insights

• Increasing Application Numbers: For the past three years the number of applicants applying in the Early Decision and Regular Decision rounds has remained quite competitive, but without any large statistical swings. This trend has resulted in acceptance rates at Barnard hovering at or near record-low overall acceptance rates.
• Holistic Admissions Approach: Barnard evaluates applicants beyond academic metrics, considering essays, extracurriculars, leadership roles, and recommendations. In the first year after the Supreme Court ruling striking down affirmative action programs, it was reported that the number of African American and Hispanic/Latinx students dropped by several percentage points, down to 9.5% and 10% last year respectively, continuing a steady three-year trend.
• Shifting Testing Policy: Barnard adopted a test-optional admissions policy four years ago recommending, but no longer requiring, test scores. This may affect the number of applicants and overall acceptance rates, even more so perhaps as other Ivy League schools are reinstating testing requirements. Barnard reports that it will remain test optional through the 2027 admission cycle.

This historical data demonstrates Barnard’s consistently competitive admissions process based on the school’s strong reputation, its unique affiliation with Columbia, and continued commitment to holistic admissions and a test-optional admissions policy.

What Makes Barnard Unique?

Barnard’s outstanding rankings, its location in New York City and affiliation with Columbia University, and its enduring commitments to academic excellence and diversity make it a highly attractive institution. With a holistic admissions process, Barnard selects students who not only excel academically but also contribute to its dynamic community.

Key Takeaways

• Barnard’s Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 reflects the increasing competition for spots at top universities, but applying ED to Barnard offers you a significant statistical advantage compared to the school’s Regular Decision acceptance rates.
• Historical trends show Barnard has remained highly competitive for admission.
• While several Ivy League schools are reinstating test score requirements for admissions, Barnard officials say the school remains test optional through the 2027 admission cycle.
• The deadline for Regular Decision applicants is January 6. With Regular Decision results due in March, students should continue preparing their applications with care.

What’s Next for Applicants?

For those admitted early, congratulations on joining Barnard’s prestigious Class of 2029! Regular Decision applicants should continue preparing strong applications and essays to maximize their chances.

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