Welcoming new, transfer, visiting, and returning students to Barnard is a time-honored tradition that is celebrated every fall semester. The College is once again excited to introduce the new student body joining New York City’s only all-women’s college.
For the Class of 2028, Barnard received 11,836 applications and admitted 8.8% of those applicants. Of the 1,045 students admitted, 69% chose to enroll.
Our newest first-years arrive from 36 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Japan, Niger, Romania, and the U.K., and from 46 U.S. states, plus Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Seventeen percent identify as first-generation college students, and 34 students were recruited via Barnard’s partnership with Questbridge, which connects the College with high-achieving, low-income students. Forty-three percent of our first-years are interested in STEM, and more than 250 have participated in research. Forty-nine percent spent the summer on campus in one of Barnard’s Pre-College Programs. And 15 incoming varsity athletes will compete via the Barnard-Columbia Athletics Consortium — in track and field, archery, soccer, rowing, squash, and fencing.
“Every fall semester, we are excited to welcome some of the world’s most curious and compassionate students to Barnard’s campus to learn alongside some of the world’s most prestigious scholars and scientists,” says Leslie Grinage, VP of Campus Life & Student Experience and Dean of the College. “The Class of 2028 — many of whom have already launched research projects or found their creative voice early — will no doubt grow exponentially over their four years on campus, and we are privileged to be able to assist them on the journey from Convocation to Commencement and beyond.”
“The Class of 2028 have many things in common, but each one of them brings their own combination of interests, backgrounds, and experiences that make them unique,” says Jennifer G. Fondiller ’88, Vice President for Enrollment and External Affairs. “We were so impressed with their accomplishments, motivation to learn, and the energy that came through in their applications, and it is a tremendous honor and privilege to welcome them to Barnard.”
SCHOLARS IN STEM
With academic interests in pre-med, biology, environmental science, and more, it’s no surprise that some first-years have created an open-source project to analyze the biomechanics of rock climbing, explored the resonant vibration of a cello using the finite element method, founded a nonprofit to reduce the harmful impact of plastic waste along the Tuckerton Peninsula, or competed on the Mexican Math Olympiad State Team.
CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
A passionate student body, 28% said they’ve been involved in social justice issues. They also listed more than 1,000 different community service experiences. Others were proud to advocate for Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students, promote equal access to education and preventative healthcare for girls, or partner with the Arkansas House of Representatives to provide students with political campaigning experience.
PASSION PURSUERS
In addition to directing documentaries and financing a yogurt shop, Barnard’s newest members include students who wrote a fantasy novel, competed in bouldering and rock climbing, performed as a clown in the country’s only professional traveling youth circus, and assisted chef instructors with cooking and baking classes.
LEADING THE WAY
Hundreds of incoming students flexed their leadership skills even before coming to Barnard. Many embarked on socially conscious or environmentally savvy endeavors and businesses, such as making an app that tracks an individual’s carbon footprint, developing an entrepreneurship-focused curriculum, creating an eco-friendly, nontoxic nail paint line, and founding a handmade jewelry line that donates 50% of its proceeds to mental health charities.
