In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barnard revisits its policies for SAT and ACT score submission.

In a post to the Barnard website, as well as to the Barnard Admission Instagram account on Friday morning, Barnard announced that it has adopted a one-year SAT and ACT test-optional admission policy for Fall 2021 first-year admission. This change was the product of a conversation between the Board of Trustees and the President and recognizes the unique challenges students may be facing during a global pandemic. Prospective students are not required to submit standardized test scores from the SAT or the ACT, and no other materials will be requested in place of these scores. However, students may still submit self-reported SAT or ACT scores if they choose to do so. The Instagram post reminded followers that, as in past years, Barnard does not evaluate SAT Subject Test scores. The holistic nature of the Barnard admissions process was underlined, as well as the fact that the Barnard Admissions office seeks to understand each applicant in the context of their school or particular individual circumstances, in order to accept intellectually curious and motivated students.

More information about the Barnard admissions office can be found on their website.

The full text of the Instagram caption from the Barnard Admissions account (@barnardadmissions) is below:

Barnard recognizes the challenges that students are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in response, Barnard will adopt a one-year SAT and ACT test-optional admission policy for students applying for Fall 2021 first-year admission. This decision was made in consultation with the President and the Board of Trustees and is not intended as an admissions policy shift, but rather as a temporary measure driven by the current circumstances. Students may apply without submitting standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT exam and no other materials will be requested in lieu of test scores. Applicants may still submit self-reported SAT or ACT scores for consideration if they are able to do so. As in previous years, the College does not evaluate SAT Subject Tests. Please know that Barnard reviews all applications holistically. We consider each applicant in the context of their school, community, and individual story. Barnard seeks students who are intellectually motivated, community-minded, and excited for academic exploration within the liberal arts.

The full text of the post to the Barnard website is available below:

In response to the challenges that students are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barnard will adopt a one-year SAT and ACT test-optional admission policy for students applying for admission in fall 2021. This decision was made in consultation with President Sian Leah Beilock and the College’s Board of Trustees and is not intended as a permanent admissions policy shift but rather as a temporary measure driven by the current circumstances.

“We hope that this decision will relieve some of the pressure and worries that our prospective applicants are experiencing during these difficult times,” said Jennifer Fondiller, vice president for enrollment. “Now, as ever, we seek students who are intellectually motivated, community-minded, and excited for academic exploration within the liberal arts. Standardized testing is only one factor that we consider, and we are confident that this temporary adjustment will benefit students without compromising the rigor of our admissions process.”

Students may apply to Barnard’s Class of 2025 without submitting standardized test scores from the SAT or ACT exam, and no other materials will be requested in lieu of test scores. Applicants may still submit self-reported SAT or ACT scores for consideration if they are able to do so. Barnard reviews all applications holistically, in the context of students’ schools, communities, and individual stories. Read about the exceptional students who were recently admitted to the Class of 2024 here.

Milbank via Bwog Archives