HEOP at Barnard
Whether through our curriculum or the Office of Community Engagement, Barnard College is an intentional partner to New York. We are lucky to be located in a diverse city and state, which enhances our learning experience. Our Admissions Office carries this partnership with the state through our Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). I will dive into what these two state-based programs mean for you as an applicant from New York state.
Barnard is one of forty-eight HEOP colleges and universities accepting new students this year! HEOP provides an additional pathway to admission for bright New Yorkers who were at a financial disadvantage during high school. We established our HEOP Program in 1970 and have provided additional mentoring, financial support, and advising to our scholars ever since. Our HEOP Scholars have a higher graduation rate and job placement rate than the average Barnard College student.
To qualify for HEOP, you must be a New York state resident, have a high school GPA of 85 or above, and present a low-income profile as determined by New York State. We are continuing our test-optional policy this year, so you can apply without testing and qualify for HEOP. If you submit testing, you must have a 25 or below on the ACT English or a 33/40 or below on the SAT Reading section.
What else do you need to do? At Barnard, you can indicate your interest in HEOP on the Common Application. If you forget to check that box, do not worry! We will consider all students who qualify for admission to HEOP. We do not require an additional essay (check this blog out if you’re looking for supplemental essay tips). Rest assured that we will consider you for HEOP if you are a New Yorker.
If we think you would be a good candidate, we will reach out to schedule an interview with you. Keep an eye out for an email and be sure to schedule one. We promise, our interviewers are not intimidating! They are Access Barnard staff members who want to hear about your interest in Barnard College. They will be your advisors, your cheerleaders, and your guides during your undergraduate years. Remember to take a deep breath and be yourself during your HEOP interview.
Barnard College students come from all walks of life and types of schools. We know that our HEOP Scholars thrive on our campus. We are proud to give them additional mentorship, encouragement, and cheer them on as they obtain their degree.
-Virginia Hart, Associate Director of Admission