The Barnard Pre-College Health and Society Institute examines the interplay of science, medicine, and the experience of health and illness by way of epistemological questions—“How do we know what we know?”—to appreciate not only what becomes defined and recognized as a disease, but the power relationships that produce these effects. This program takes up current and historical examples to interrogate how the benefits of advances in science and medicine remain unequally shared, while exploring critical tools social scientists have offered as possible interventions. Major themes from this session will address biomedicine as a cultural system, the politics of surveillance and care, the performance and rituals of healing, the structure of the US public health system, and others. Students will be engaging with work from a range of scholars, including anthropologists, philosophers, historians, physicians, scientists, and journalists, also with an eye to how these perspectives can inform the health experience of living in New York City.
During the three-week program, students will also take a concurrent course on understanding the lived experiences of health and wellness through qualitative research techniques.
Location(s)
- Barnard College, New York, New York
Schedule
- July 21 - August 8, 2025
Cost/Compensation
- Residential Cost: $10,171
- Commuter Cost: $8,160
Eligibility Requirements
- Rising juniors and seniors in high school
Deadline
- Priority deadline (application fee waived): February 10th
- Applications close: April 15th
Application or Entry Requirements
- Online Application Form
- Unofficial High School Transcript
- List of Extracurricular Activities
- Recommendations
- 500 Word Statement of Purpose
- Application Fee
- Additional Writing Sample
Notifications of Decisions
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students can expect to receive a decision notification (via email) between 2-3 weeks after our office has received their completed application.
Regardless of application date, decisions will not start being released until January 13th, 2025.
Financial Aid Details
Our office is dedicated to helping students achieve their dream of a Barnard summer. With rolling admissions, we make it easy for students to begin planning early, and we’re proud to offer a limited amount of need-based financial aid to those who qualify.
To be considered for financial aid, students must submit the required financial aid application and documents along with their Pre-College Program Application. Financial aid applications, like program applications, are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible if they wish to apply for financial aid. After a student is accepted to the program, they will receive a follow up email letting them know whether or not they were awarded aid. Students who receive aid will receive a voucher code to reduce their tuition at the time of registration.
Financial Aid applications are due by February 10th, 2025.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Applications open: December 1
Have other questions?
Barnard was founded in 1889 as the first college in New York City to offer degrees to women. Since then, Barnard College has aimed to provide the highest-quality liberal arts education to promising and high-achieving young women. The College is known for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and collaborative environment dedicated to promoting women's education and leadership. Barnard students have the unique advantage of studying at an independent college which is also part of a major research university, Columbia University, located just across the street.
