Barnard’s admit rate rises for 2013

A log-rolling champion, a first-place pie baker, and a finalist in the South Korean version of “American Idol” were all accepted to Barnard’s class of 2013, under a slightly increased admissions rate.

Barnard admitted 1,241 of its 4,174 applicants, according to a press release, at a rate of 29 percent. Expected enrollment in the class of 2013 is 570. After two years with a 28 percent admissions rate, the pool of applicants shrank this year by about 100 students. Last spring, Barnard accepted 1,207 prospective students from a pool of 4,273 applicants, maintaining 2007’s admission rate.

A total of 212 students were admitted early decision this year.

Admitted students, the release said, hail from 49 states and 32 countries.

“Across the board, this year’s applicants stood out for their academic excellence and their remarkable personal interests, achievements, and ambitions,” Barnard Dean of Admissions Jennifer Fondiller wrote in the press release. “Among these women are leaders who have already made indelible contributions to their schools and communities as class presidents, editors-in-chief, captains of sports teams, and founders of community-service initiatives.”

Barnard remains the most selective women’s college, according to the release.

For students who reported class ranks, 86 percent were ranked in the top decile and 50 valedictorians may call Barnard home next year.

“From published authors to creative entrepreneurs, this is a group who will make waves in their respective fields and at Barnard,” Fondiller said in the release.

Columbia College’s acceptance rate also grew somewhat this year—8.92 percent of students were admitted, slightly more than last year’s 8.71 percent. The School of Engineering and Applied Science saw a decrease in admittance—14.42 percent of applicants were accepted, down from last year’s 17.6 percent. Overall, CC and SEAS collectively admitted its most selective undergraduate class yet.

Alix Pianin can be reached at alix.pianin@columbiaspectator.com