The Seven Sisters is a term that refers to a group of seven liberal arts colleges that typically started as female colleges that worked together. Barnard College is one of the Seven Sisters. Established in 1889, the college originally started as an offshoot of Columbia College, Columbia University. At the time, Columbia only admitted male students but knew that females needed education opportunities as well. Though the university decided against admitting female students, it opened Barnard College as a way to educate those students. Classes initially met inside a private residence with just six professors teaching a little over 20 students. Though Columbia now admits female and male students, Barnard remains open only to females. Its front gates still alert students of the connection between the two schools, and students typically state that they attend Barnard College of Columbia University. While there were some talks over the two campuses merging over the years, both remain separate institutions of higher learning.
Barnard accepts fewer than 20% of students who apply, and its acceptance rate dropped below this figure in recent years, making it more selective than other schools of its type. When U.S. News and World Report announced its list of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States, it ranked Barnard at number 32 on that list. The college announced that it would work hard to make its campus more environmentally friendly in the coming years, which lead to an increased amount of publicity surrounding the school.
Barnard College Accreditation Details
Since its early days as a sister school to Columbia University, Barnard College worked hard to provide its students with all the opportunities they needed. The college launched its own self-study program as a way to identify the needs that current and incoming students had and as a way to find ways to meet those needs. The individuals who make up that program often meet in the years leading up to an accreditation renewal. Though Barnard has accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, it must go through a review to keep its accreditation. This most recently occurred in 2011, and the college credits its self-study program with helping it maintain its accreditation. Barnard College has plans to seek out additional accreditation from top organizations for some of the degree programs available through the school.
Barnard College Application Requirements
Barnard College encourages all students applying to the admissions department to meet with a representative of the school in advance. The college sends representatives out across the country to attend college fairs and other special events to inform students about the programs and activities available on campus. Also known as admissions officers, these representatives can answer any questions that students have.
Unlike other colleges that place a high level of importance on grades, Barnard College wants students who are more well rounded. When applying, students will need to show their hobbies and interests outside of school. Those who have high test scores, high grades and more after school activities have a better chance of getting accepted.
There are four major components to the Barnard application process. The first is an official transcript sent by the school the student attended that shows all his or her classes, grades obtained in those classes and a cumulative grade point average. Students must also submit one or more letters of recommendation and the scores received on either the SAT or ACT. The last part of the application is the student’s response to an essay prompt or question. This essay gives students the chance to tell the college more about themselves, their hopes for the future and their reasons for choosing Barnard.
Tuition and Fees
The total cost of attending Barnard is around $46,000 a year, which comes out to just under $23,000 a semester. This refers to tuition alone and allows students to take a full course load of 12 credit hours per semester. Tutiion rates vary for those taking classes part time and those taking more classes. Students are also subject to a comprehensive fee of around $1,800 per year. Those who take classes online pay less for their fees. Those living on campus can expect to pay a minimum of $9,500 for a room and meal plan. Both online and offline students are responsible for their own expenses, including school supplies and books.
While the cost of attending the school is high, Barnard offers financial aid packages to those who apply. Students who have a higher amount of financial need may receive grants that do not require any type of repayment. There are also some loans available directly through the school. Those who need financial aid can also complete the FAFSA and list Barnard on the form as they college they hope to attend. The government bases aid packages on the need students have. Students attending Barnard may receive a combination of subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, parental loans or grants. The college also has work study programs available that let students make money throughout the year.
Online Psychology Program
The Department of Psychology at Barnard offers both a major and a minor in psychology. Students declaring a minor in psychology will need to take a minimum of 15 credit hours of psych courses, which may count towards the electives required for graduation from another program. The college designed its psychology major program as a way for students to gain a basic understanding of psychology topics to assist them in working in different fields or attending graduate school.
This program consists of 10 required courses on psychology and research topics, including statistics, an introductory course and classes on cognition and perception. Two of the courses must have some type of laboratory component that allows students to gain hands on research skills. Students must also take a seminar, complete a thesis or create a senior project approved by the department as a senior. Seminar courses feature longer classes and ask that students write a detailed paper. Those who opt for the thesis route will spend two semesters researching and writing a paper on a psychology topic. Transfer students and those transferring credits from other schools must agree to take a minimum of 18 credit hours of psychology courses at or through Barnard. The online psychology program available through Barnard College requires that students meet all the same requirements for graduation.