Pre-College Admissions
Pre-College Admissions
We look forward to learning about you and what draws you to Barnard Pre-College. Your application is a chance to share what excites you academically, the experiences that have shaped your interests, and what you hope to gain from a summer of learning in New York City.
Summer 2027 Overview
Review eligibility for your chosen program and gather the materials you’ll need to submit. Plan ahead if you intend to request need-based financial aid or an application fee waiver.
Key Dates
Applications Open
December 1, 2026
Financial Aid and Fee Waiver Deadline
February 15, 2027
Final Application Deadline
April 15, 2027
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be at least 14 years old at the start of their program and demonstrate strong academic performance in challenging coursework. We also consider engagement beyond the classroom, including school activities, paid work, and community involvement.
Grade levels refer to the grade you’ll enter in fall 2027.
Noncredit Institutes
Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Pre-Baccalaureate Program
Open to rising juniors and seniors.
Pre-Baccalaureate applicants should also demonstrate strong preparation in their chosen subject and readiness for undergraduate coursework.
Application Materials
Online Application
Provide your personal and school information and indicate the programs and sessions you’re interested in attending.
Unofficial High School Transcript
Submit a record of your coursework and grades. Current ninth-grade applicants must also provide mid-year grades.
Teacher Recommendations
Choose teachers who can speak to your academic work, engagement, and readiness for the program.
Current ninth-grade applicants need two recommendations; applicants in tenth grade and above need one.
Activities
Tell us how you spend your time outside class. Include activities, work, or community involvement that help us understand your interests and commitments.
500-Word Statement of Purpose
Explain what draws you to your chosen program, how it connects with your interests, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Use specific examples to help us understand your perspective.
Additional Requirement for Pre-Baccalaureate Applicants
Submit an additional writing sample with your application.
Financial Aid and Application Fees
Key Date: February 15, 2027
Financial aid deadline and last day of the automatic application fee waiver.
The application fee is automatically waived in your applicant portal through the date above. Applications submitted afterward require a $75 application fee.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Limited need-based financial aid is available to eligible applicants. To be considered, indicate your interest in aid within the application and submit both your Pre-College application and financial aid form by the deadline above.
Follow the instructions in your application portal to provide supporting financial documents.
Application Review and Decisions
Check Your Application Status
Use your application portal to confirm that required materials have been received and see whether anything is missing. Your application must be complete before it can be reviewed.
Admissions Decisions
Decisions will be released beginning January 12, 2027, with additional releases every two weeks. You’ll receive an email notification when a decision is available in your application portal.
Financial Aid Notifications
Financial aid decisions are communicated separately from admissions decisions and are expected to begin March 9, 2027. Continue checking your email and application portal for updates.
International Applicants
Barnard Pre-College welcomes international applicants to our noncredit institutes. Applicants must meet their chosen program’s age, academic, and application requirements.
International applicants are not eligible for the credit-bearing Pre-Baccalaureate Program.
English Proficiency
We do not require English proficiency test scores. However, our programs take place entirely in English, and students are assessed in English.
Students must be proficient enough to understand instruction, contribute to discussions, complete readings and assignments, and communicate with instructors, staff, and classmates. Before applying, consider whether your English skills will allow you to participate meaningfully in the academic and social experience.
Transcripts
If your transcript is issued in a language other than English, submit both the original transcript and a complete English translation with your application. The translation should allow our admissions team to review your coursework, grades, and any grading information included in the original document.
Tuition and Fees
International students pay the same published program rates as domestic students.Families should also budget for travel, any required visa or entry-document fees, and personal expenses.
International applicants are not eligible for Barnard Pre-College financial aid.
Health Insurance
International students must have health insurance that covers them in the United States for the full duration of the program. Review your coverage before enrolling to confirm that it applies during your stay.
Travel and Entry Requirements
Students and families are responsible for obtaining the appropriate travel documents and confirming the U.S. entry requirements that apply to their circumstances. Consult the U.S. Department of State or the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate, and allow sufficient time for any required application process.
Following admission, the Pre-College team can provide an acceptance letter and discuss available supporting documentation.
Visit our International Student FAQs for additional guidance or contact our team with program-specific questions.