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 20 - August 7, 2026
Cost/Compensation
- Residential Cost: $10,771
- Commuter Cost: $8,160
Eligibility Requirements
- Rising juniors and seniors in high school
Deadline
- Priority deadline (application fee waived): February 10
- Applications close: April 15
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.
Financial Aid Details
Barnard’s Pre-College Programs offer a limited amount of need-based financial aid each year.
International applicants are not eligible to apply for financial aid.
Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit both the Pre-College Program application and the financial aid form by February 9, 2026.
The financial aid form is embedded within the program application and becomes available when an applicant indicates their intent to apply for financial aid.
Applicants will then have two weeks after the February 9 deadline to upload all required financial aid documentation through their application portal. Financial aid applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
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.
