Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Barnard College scored about 1470 to 1560 on the SAT, with an average of 1520. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1470 or lower and a quarter scored 1560 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Barnard at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1470 to 1560 | Average: 1520
Reading and Writing: 730 to 770 | Math: 740 to 790
ACT middle 50%: 32 to 34
Admission rate: 8.8%
Barnard SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 730 | 770 |
| Math | 740 | 790 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1470 | 1560 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does Barnard require the SAT?
No, for now. Barnard’s temporary test-optional policy covers students applying for fall 2027 (the class of 2031) and transfer applicants for spring and fall 2027. Barnard says applying without scores will not hurt your application, and it does not ask for anything in their place. Barnard calls the policy temporary and says it will revisit it.
- Superscoring: Barnard superscores SAT and ACT composite scores.
- Send every section: if you self-report, include all subsections and the composite.
- Regular Decision deadline for scores: self-reported scores are due February 28. After that, applicants without scores are treated as test-optional.
- SAT code: 2038.
Barnard’s own Class of 2026 profile gave a middle 50% SAT of 1430 to 1530, with half of the class admitted test-optional.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Barnard’s middle 50% is about 1470 to 1560 in College Scorecard, among students who sent scores. Send your score if it is about 1470 or higher. At 1560 or higher, it is in the top quarter.
Barnard’s sections are close: Reading and Writing 730 to 770 and Math 740 to 790. Because the score deadline for Regular Decision is February 28, you have time for a winter retake.
Where do you stand against Barnard’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 770 (Reading and Writing) and 790 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Barnard’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Barnard?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1470 to 1560.
What is the average SAT score at Barnard?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1520.
Does Barnard require the SAT?
No. Barnard's temporary test-optional policy covers fall 2027 applicants, and Barnard superscores if you submit.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Barnard College (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Barnard Admissions, Temporary Test-Optional Policy.
- Barnard Admissions, Temporary Test-Optional FAQ.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Barnard?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1470 to 1560.
What is the average SAT score at Barnard?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1520.
Does Barnard require the SAT?
No. Barnard's temporary test-optional policy covers fall 2027 applicants, and Barnard superscores if you submit.