Temporary Test-Optional FAQ

Barnard remains SAT and ACT test-optional for students applying for 2026 and 2027 entry. Students may choose to apply with or without submitting standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT exam. If they choose not to submit SAT or ACT results, no other materials will be requested in lieu of test scores.

Students can submit standardized test scores if they choose to do so and they will be evaluated within our holistic review process. This is a very individual decision and can only be decided by the student. We recommend consulting with your high school counselor or other advisors. As with all aspects of the college process, we want students to engage in self-advocacy and make choices that are best for them. Barnard seeks students who are academically accomplished, intellectually motivated, community-minded, and excited for academic exploration within the liberal arts. We consider each applicant in the context of her school, community, and individual story. The Office of Admissions has no preference whether a student chooses to submit scores or not. 

Test-optional only applies to the SAT and ACT. If you have not had four years of English as the primary language of instruction, you may be required to submit an English language exam. Please view our website to see if you qualify for a waiver for this exam.

Barnard does not require that students take the AP exam if they are taking the course. However, if you do take the exam, we hope that you will self-report those scores. Scores will be used to provide context to the application, and, if the student chooses to enroll, may be used for credit or placement for courses.

Students should still have their schools submit their predicted IB/A-level scores along with their academic transcripts (internal grades/marks). Final IB and A-Level scores should be submitted if the student chooses to enroll.

When students preview the final PDF version of their Common application, self-reported scores will not appear. Barnard has opted to have those hidden from view. Barnard will still receive their scores in the downloaded information from the Common Application. This measure is in place for those who may self-report scores but wish to not have them reviewed by Barnard. Students may also self-report their test scores in their Barnard Applicant Portal.

Prior to the application deadline date, students who have already submitted their application can change their test-optional status - whether they are choosing to opt in or out - by making the request in writing to admissions@barnard.edu. Students who choose to submit scores with their application will not be permitted to change to test-optional after the deadline date has passed.

Students who would like to have scores considered but do not have scores in hand by the application deadline date should submit their application indicating they would like their scores reviewed. Students will have until Nov 15th for ED and Feb 15th for RD to submit their scores. We will not be able to consider scores submitted after these deadlines and students who do not submit scores will be automatically changed to test-optional after these dates. Students who do not submit testing will not be penalized in any way.

If you are applying through Early Decision and wish to submit test scores, you must have taken the test before our November 1 application deadline. If you are applying through Regular Decision and wish to submit test scores, students may submit testing taken in January provided the scores will reach us by Feb 15. 

Students who are deferred from ED to RD cannot change their testing status. If they were reviewed under test-optional in ED, they will be reviewed under test-optional in Regular Decision. 

If you choose to submit your SAT or ACT score, you must submit all subsections and the composite score. We do not review the essay/writing portion of either exam.