Temporary Test-Optional Policy

Barnard is currently test-optional for students applying for Fall 2026 and Fall 2027 (First-Year class of 2030 and class of 2031), as well as Transfer applicants  applying for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027 and Spring 2028. This means that applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process. 

Barnard reviews applications through a holistic and contextual evaluation process. We seek students who are academically accomplished, intellectually motivated, community-minded, and excited for academic exploration within the liberal arts and we consider each applicant in the context of her school, community, and individual story. Applicants may submit self-reported SAT or ACT scores for consideration if they choose to do so. If a student chooses not to submit scores, their application will not be disadvantaged in any way. 

The test-optional policy was temporarily introduced during the 2020-2021 application cycle due to the pandemic and will be revisited in the future.

For more information on our temporary test-optional policy, please visit our FAQ page.