Welcoming new, transfer, visiting, and returning students to Barnard is a time-honored tradition that is celebrated every fall semester. This year is no exception, as the College is once again excited to introduce the new student body joining New York City’s only all-women’s college.
For the Class of 2028, Barnard received 11,836 applications and admitted 8.8% of those applicants. Of the 1,045 students admitted this year, 69% chose to enroll.
READ: This year’s NSOP/Convocation story, welcoming incoming students to campus.
Our newest first-years embody a diversity of backgrounds and interests, representing:
- 36 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Japan, Niger, Romania, and the U.K.
- 46 states/territories, plus Guam, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.
- 17% who identify as first-generation college students and 34 students recruited via Barnard’s partnership with Questbridge, which connects the College with high-achieving, low-income students from around the country
- 43% who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and more than 250 who have participated in research
- 49 who spent the summer on campus in one of Barnard’s Pre-College Programs
- 15 incoming varsity athletes through the Barnard-Columbia Athletics Consortium, competing in track and field, archery, soccer, rowing, squash, and fencing
“Every fall semester, we are excited to welcome some of the world’s most curious and compassionate students to Barnard’s campus to learn alongside some of the world’s most prestigious scholars and scientists,” said Leslie Grinage, VP of Campus Life & Student Experience and Dean of the College. “The Class of 2028 — many of whom have already launched research projects or found their creative voice early — will no doubt grow exponentially over their four years on campus, and we are privileged to be able to assist them on the journey from Convocation to Commencement and beyond.”
Read up on the Class of 2028, which includes a sample of their achievements, hobbies, and advocacy interests:
SCHOLARS IN STEM
With academic interests in pre-med, biology, environmental science, and more, it’s no surprise that some first-years have:
- created an open-source project to analyze the biomechanics of rock climbing
- explored the resonant vibration of a cello using the finite element method
- founded a nonprofit to reduce the harmful impact of plastic waste along the Tuckerton Peninsula
- competed on the Mexican Math Olympiad State Team
CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
A passionate student body, 28% said they’ve been involved in social justice issues. They also listed more than 1,000 different community service experiences. Others were proud to:
- advocate for Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students
- promote equal access to education and preventative healthcare for girls
- partner with the Arkansas House of Representatives to provide students with political campaigning experience
PASSION PURSUERS
In addition to directing documentaries and financing a yogurt shop, Barnard’s newest members include students who:
- wrote a fantasy novel
- competed in bouldering and rock climbing
- performed as a clown in the country’s only professional traveling youth circus
- assisted chef instructors with cooking and baking classes
LEADING THE WAY
Hundreds of incoming students flexed their leadership skills even before coming to Barnard. Many embarked on socially conscious or environmentally savvy endeavors and businesses, such as:
- making an app that tracks an individual’s carbon footprint
- developing an entrepreneurship-focused curriculum
- creating an eco-friendly, nontoxic nail paint line
- founding a handmade jewelry line that donates 50% of proceeds to mental health charities
“The Class of 2028 have many things in common, but each one of them brings their own combination of interests, backgrounds, and experiences that make them unique,” said Jennifer G. Fondiller ’88, Vice President for Enrollment and External Affairs. “We were so impressed with their accomplishments, motivation to learn, and the energy that came through in their applications, and it is a tremendous honor and privilege to welcome them to Barnard.”
