Deadlines & Decision Programs

Admission Plans and Application Deadlines for First-Years

All First-Year students apply for entry beginning in the fall term. Apply for financial aid, if appropriate, at the time you apply for admission.

Early Decision

Deadline: November 1
Notification: Mid-December

Students who have selected Barnard as their first-choice college may choose to apply for admission through our binding Early Decision plan. Although she may initiate applications to other colleges, a student admitted under Early Decision agrees to submit a nonrefundable deposit and must withdraw all other applications upon acceptance to Barnard College. The Committee on Admissions may choose to postpone the decision on an Early Decision application until the spring. In that event, the candidate will be asked to submit the Midyear Report and would not be bound by the Early Decision agreement to enroll, if admitted in the spring.

Regular Decision

Deadline: January 1
Notification: Late March
National Reply Date: May 1

Students who have been enrolled at another college or university and will have completed less than one academic year and fewer than 24 credits at the time of matriculation must apply as first-year students. Students with 24 credits or more from another college or university following high school must apply as transfer students (see Instructions for Transfer and Visiting Student Admission). These 24 credits do not include credit granted for AP/IB scores, college courses completed in high school, or courses taken during the summer before matriculation.

Should I apply early or regular decision?

The early decision plan is intended for students who passionately believe that Barnard is their first choice for college. It is a binding program, meaning that if a student is admitted early decision, she will attend Barnard and will withdraw all other applications. This is not a decision to be made lightly. We expect that students who apply early decision will have explored the Barnard literature and website, and will have connected with current students, alumnae, admissions officers, or faculty to learn more. We strongly suggest that students visit campus (if possible). And, we require that students who apply early decision sign an early decision agreement, along with their parents, and guidance counselor.

Application Deadlines for Transfer and Visiting Students

Transfer and Visiting students may apply for the Spring or Fall term. No Early Decision option is available for transfer students. Apply for financial aid, if appropriate, at the time you apply for admission.

Entrance in January (Spring Term)

Deadline: November 1
Notification: Beginning December 1

Entrance in September (Fall Term)

Deadline: March 15
Notification: By the middle of May