Barnard Admits 28% to Incoming Class

Barnard College has offered places to 28 percent of 4,572 applicants who applied to become part of the class of 2011. The number of applications received remained about even with last year's figure.

The class represents 48 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and 32 countries worldwide. The group includes "nationally-ranked figure skaters, gymnasts and equestrians, certified EMTs, musicians of all kinds … and more," according to an e-mail from Barnard dean of admissions Jennifer Fondiller.

"The academic and personal qualities continue to impress, with over 80 percent of those students who provided a class rank in the top 10 percent of their class," added Fondiller.

She also emphasized the accomplishments of the incoming students in community service, noting that many of those who have been admitted have made impacts on their various communities by raising money for tsunami relief, working in local hospitals, and serving at animal shelters, among other things.

Skylar Cozen, from Malibu, Calif., one of the admittees to the class of 2011, said that she is really excited about her acceptance because Barnard is her top choice school. "I felt like it was my dream come true when I got in, especially because my best friend is going there also," she said, adding that she plans to double major in political science and music.

This month, Barnard will be hosting several open houses on campus, along with holding phone-a-thons and multiple receptions countrywide, Fondiller said. The college hopes to spark conversation and encourage campus visits during the crucial period when accepted students are trying to decide where to matriculate and which admissions offer to accept.