Temporary Test-Optional Policy

Barnard recognizes the continued challenges that students are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in response, we are extending our temporary SAT and ACT test-optional admission policy for all first-year and transfer applicants. This policy is extended to those applying for Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 (First-Year Class of 2027 and Class of 2028) as well as Transfers applying for Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 enrollment.

This decision was made in consultation with the President and the Board of Trustees as a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and its continued impact on access to standardized testing.

Barnard has always practiced a holistic and contextual evaluation process and this will be no different during this temporary testing suspension. We consider each applicant in the context of her school, community, and individual story. Barnard seeks students who are intellectually motivated, community-minded, and excited for academic exploration within the liberal arts.

Under this temporary test-optional policy extension, students may apply without submitting standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT exam and their application will not be disadvantaged in any way. Applicants may still submit self-reported SAT or ACT scores for consideration if they choose to do so. As with all aspects of the college process, we want students to engage in self-advocacy and make choices that are best for them. Under this temporary policy, the Office of Admissions has no preference whether a student chooses to submit scores or not.

Division I-Ivy Varsity athletes planning to participate in the Barnard-Columbia Athletic Consortium are still required to comply with the admissions guidance and policy requirements set forth by the Ivy League Athletic Consortium. The Ivy League will not require prospective student-athletes to submit test scores during the 2023-2024 application cycle.

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