The start of the fall semester at Barnard is always a time for celebration, as the College excitedly welcomes new, transferring, visiting, and returning students to campus. Once again, New York City’s only all-women’s college has broken its own admissions record.
For the Class of 2027, Barnard received 11,804 applications and admitted 8% of those applicants, beating out last year’s record-breaking admissions rate. Of the 944 students admitted this year, 76% chose to enroll.
READ: “A Day in Morningside Heights” for tips on the best places to visit around campus, from current student Tara Terranova ’25.
Our newest first-years embody a diversity of backgrounds and interests, representing:
- 35 countries, such as Argentina, Cambodia, Iran, Nepal, Sweden, and Ukraine
- 43 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico
- 15% who identify as first-generation college students, and 18 recruited via Barnard’s partnership with Questbridge, which connects the College with high-achieving, low-income students from around the country
- 540 who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) — of which 274 noted it as their primary interest — including 10 for the Pathways Bridgewater Scholars Program and 18 for the Science Pathways Scholars Programs (SP)2 and E(SP)2
- 44 who came through Barnard’s Pre-College Programs
- 9 athletes who will compete in a range of sports, including archery, gymnastics, and volleyball
“Barnard has a long legacy of welcoming students who are as driven and determined as they are compassionate and inquisitive. The Class of 2027 is no different,” said Leslie Grinage, Dean of the College. “They are artists, activists, budding scientists, and leaders who will no doubt help to make the world better. The College is thrilled to meet and to support our newest members as they grow from first-years to seniors — and beyond."
Learn more about the incoming Class of 2027 and why the College can’t wait to welcome them:
SCHOLARS IN STEM
The sciences are of huge interest to many in the Class of 2027, as more than 200 were in STEM clubs or organizations. Their research consisted of:
- processing samples and identifying palynomorphs
- converting home food waste into fertilizer, reducing farmers’ costs
- assisting the government of Cameroon in planning the world’s first waste-to-biobutane project
CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
An active cohort, 548 first-years said they engaged in community service. Passionate about the planet, disability rights, and expanding equality and equity to everyone, they already have:
- taken trips to the Indian Ocean to help restore coral reefs
- published a children’s book on identity
- curated an LGBTQ+ sex education and awareness program for 800-plus students
- promoted circularity of used clothes
PASSION PURSUERS
Barnard’s newest members aren’t only academically driven; they’re also artistic movers and shakers who have worked with queer youth, won dancing competitions, and excelled as a:
- national competitive figure skater
- kaleidoscopic artist with a museum exhibition
- classical pianist who performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House
- production assistant on a TV show
LEADING THE WAY
Hundreds of incoming students have already flexed their leadership skills before coming to Barnard. Many founded businesses or were presidents of organizations, while others were team captains or top editors of publications. Some also:
- led the rehabilitation of a Buddhist temple in Bangkok
- created a student-led club focusing on the healthcare field
- founded an investment company centered on the gender gap and financial literacy
- collected and donated 62,000 sanitary pads to 1,800 girls in rural areas
“The members of the Class of 2027 have worked so hard to get to this moment. Their passion for learning and engaging intellectually with others came through in their applications, and we admire their commitment to action, social justice, research, and so much more,” said Jennifer G. Fondiller ’88, Vice President for Enrollment and Communications. “We look forward to watching and supporting them during their journey at Barnard and championing all that we know they will accomplish.”
