Barnard / Interview
The Barnard interview
Optional interview, and it carries minor weight in the decision. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
Optional interview
Optional interview, ~20-30 min; on-campus with admissions staff (June-mid-December) or off-campus with a trained alumna in your area (mid-September-December, for applicants outside the tri-state NY metro area); virtual option also available
How to prepare for Barnard
- Complete your interview before the Early Decision deadline (November 1) if applying ED , interviews after that date will not factor into the ED round.
- Barnard's interview is conversational, not evaluative in the traditional sense; focus on articulating why Barnard specifically (the Columbia partnership, the all-women environment, specific programs) rather than generic college-fit talking points.
- If you live outside the tri-state area and want an alumni interview, request it early , alumnae slots fill up and availability varies by region.
- Barnard does not track demonstrated interest, so skipping the interview does not penalize you; only opt in if you feel an interview genuinely adds something your application materials cannot convey.
Practice before the real thing
Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.
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