barnard supplemental essay prompts

Barnard College Columbia University

Barnard Writing Supplement Questions

In addition to the personal essay which you will submit through the Common Application or QuestBridge, Barnard asks first-year applicants to respond to institution-specific Writing Supplement questions. We recommend spending time to thoughtfully consider these questions and your responses. Your answers to these questions, in conjunction with the rest of your application, will help the Admissions Committee understand how you may contribute to our community both academically and personally.

Below are the Barnard Writing Supplement questions for first-year students. Please note that the questions may change from year to year.

• Required: Our backgrounds and experiences shape how we navigate the world and see ourselves. Tell us about when, where, or with whom you feel your most authentic, powerful self. How might Barnard College further cultivate this version of you? (250 words max)
• Required: Barnard College celebrates intellectual risk-taking, and we believe that academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What questions do you have about the world around you, and why do they matter to you? (250 words max)
• Optional: As a college for women, “Barnard embraces its responsibility to address gender issues in all their complexity and urgency to help students achieve the personal strength that will enable them to meet the challenges they will encounter throughout their lives.” How have you thought about gender in your academic life thus far and how has it shaped your learning experiences? (250 words max)
• Optional: Barnard College’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mission statement says “Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity has the potential to disrupt and transform entrenched practices and thinking.” In what ways have you challenged ideas, practices, or spaces? What did you learn from these experiences? (250 words max)
• Optional: Pick one woman — a historical figure, a fictitious character, or a modern individual — who you’d like to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. Why does this person intrigue you? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask her? (250 words max)

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Barnard Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Barnard College is a private women’s liberal arts college that is found within Columbia University. It is located in the heart of the city that never sleeps, New York City. Barnard is extremely selective as its acceptance rate lies around 11%. So, how do we help make you a part of that 11%? In order to apply, students must complete two Barnard supplemental essays and one optional Barnard supplemental essay.

Before you begin answering the Barnard supplemental essay questions, it is important to do your research. Find out what parts of Barnard excite you and differentiate from other colleges. Here’s our guide for how to ace the Barnard College supplemental essay questions!

Before answering the essay questions 

All Barnard College applicants have to respond to two required 250 word maximum Barnard supplemental essays. There are also three additional optional Barnard supplemental essays that also have a 250 word maximum, 

250 words is not a lot. Therefore, it is best to be direct and concise with your responses! To ensure you do not drag on, brainstorm! This will allow you to plan out responses carefully to fit your personality into your response without it being over the word count. 

If your response ends up being too long, try to get rid of filler or transition words. Give your essay to someone you trust to read it over to help get fresh eyes to eliminate words as well! Doing this will make your Barnard supplemental essay responses stand out from the rest! 

Required: Essay question #1 

“Our backgrounds and experiences shape how we navigate the world and see ourselves. Tell us about when, where, or with whom you feel your most authentic, powerful self. How might Barnard further cultivate this version of you? (250 words max)”

Barnard recognizes that everyone is different and comes from different walks of life. So, this is your opportunity to describe your unique qualities, background and experiences. However, it is important to note that the second part of this prompt “How might Barnard further cultivate this version of you?” is the real question Barnard is asking! Draw connections between where or how you feel your most authentic, powerful self and qualities Barnard demonstrates. For example, if your Latina heritage is an important part of your identity, you should discuss your interest and excitement about joining the Mujeres club for Barnard Latinas . 

The way you should format your response to this prompt is by first telling a story about a background, experience, identity, etc that demonstrates your authentic self! Then, describe 1-2 aspects of Barnard you are looking forward to participating in or being a part of that connects to this identity. If you cannot find an aspect of Barnard that completely matches your identity, then you can even discuss a club or idea you have that you hope to bring to the Barnard community! 

Questions to consider

• What makes you unique? Can you describe a story that demonstrates important parts of your identity or culture? 
• Who or what makes you feel like your authentic and true self?
• What aspects of Barnard are you excited to discover or join? Is this a specific club, a class, a piece of equipment on campus? Describe it in detail to demonstrate your interest! 

Required: Essay question #2

“Barnard College celebrates intellectual risk-taking and we believe that academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What questions do you have about the world around you, and why do they matter to you? (250 words max)”

This prompt is essentially asking you to describe what interests you. Barnard wants to get to know its applicants. 

Choosing just one or two “bold” questions is a difficult task. Therefore, you must brainstorm before answering this essay prompt. Write a list of questions that you have always wondered about. You can approach this prompt by choosing two to three broad issues or one in-depth question. 

Once you have selected what question or questions you want to dive into, make sure to connect these back to Barnard’s resources. How will Barnard be able to help you explore these questions? Is there a particular class or club offered that will allow you to quench your curiosity? Remember, Barnard wants to see applicants who have done their research and are serious about attending their college. 

• How have you been challenged in the past? 
• Have you ever changed your mind on a topic? Why or why not? 
• What is a topic you are passionate about? If you had to give a TED Talk on a specific topic, what would it be about? 

Optional: Essay questions 

Although this essay is optional, no essay is truly optional when it comes to the college admissions process. Be sure to complete each of the Barnard supplemental essays, as you want to take advantage of any presented opportunity to reveal more about your personality.

Optional Essay #1

“Barnard’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mission statement says “Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity has the potential to disrupt and transform entrenched practices and thinking.” In what ways have you challenged ideas, practices, or spaces? What did you learn from these experiences? (250 words max)”

This prompt is interested in getting to know the core beliefs of students and how far they’ve gone to uphold these beliefs. Ultimately, Barnard wants to invite students to campus who act to make change. So, if this prompt sounds up your alley, respond to it! 

Try and think of a time in which you disagreed with some sort of regulation, rule, statement, etc and what you did to disrupt or transform these entrenched practices and thinking. This example can be as big or as small as you would like! Remember, Barnard knows that you are just a high school student, so they are not expecting you to have organized a huge uprising! For example, you can discuss a time you stood up to your principal over an unfair and sexist dress code or how you attended a local politician’s rally to protest their want to shut down a local business. Whatever your experience, a strong response will feature a story about the experience and then most importantly a reflection that shows what you learned from this experience and what you will take with you to Barnard in order to make some changes there. 

• What are some core beliefs you hold? 
• Have you ever challenged an idea, practice or space? Why? How did you go about doing so? Would you do anything differently? 
• Why is disrupting unfair practices important? 

Optional Essay #2

“ As a college for women, “Barnard embraces its responsibility to address gender issues in all their complexity and urgency to help students achieve the personal strength that will enable them to meet the challenges they will encounter throughout their lives.” How have you thought about gender in your academic life thus far and how has it shaped your learning experiences? (250 words max)”

Barnard is an all-women college which is an important part of their identity and values. Therefore, they unfortunately understand and recognize that women are typically a marginalized community in a lot of aspects. Barnard is interested to hear about how being a woman has influenced your learning experiences thus far. So, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to discuss any challenges you have faced. For example, perhaps in your engineering elective class in high school you are the only girl which has unfortunately come with some snide comments in class. Or perhaps you had to work hard to get your voice heard during an English presentation in which 2 boys were paired with you. Be sure to be as specific as possible while writing your response! And remember, no challenge is too small of a challenge to write about! All Barnard wants to hear in this response is that you have worked harder to become the smart and amazing woman you are today. 

• How has being a woman brought challenges in your academic life? 
• What have you learned about yourself from these challenges? 
• Why do you want to attend an all-women college? What differences in your education do you believe there will be, if any? 

Optional Essay #3

“Pick one woman — a historical figure, fictitious character, or modern individual — to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. Why does this person intrigue you? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask them? (250 words max)”

Barnard is an all-women college. This means that your answer should reveal how much being surrounded by strong women appeals to you. This essay provides you with a lot of creative freedom. 

To begin, you should pick a woman who means something to you. You can spend a few minutes writing down a list of women who are important to you or have inspired you in some way. Then narrow down this list to one woman you should love to talk with for an hour. Some women you can choose from are Taylor Swift, Hermonie Granger, or your grandma! The limits are endless. 

Remember that this essay is about you and not the woman that you are choosing to write about. Therefore, make sure to tie all of your statements back to yourself. Be sure to reveal pieces of your personality that you have not already in this application. 

Choose someone that you genuinely admire! Do not pick someone that you think the admissions officers want to hear. Rather, be true to yourself and your heroines. 

• Who is the most inspirational woman in your life? 
• Who is the strongest woman you have learned about? 
• Who is your favorite woman in a television show or book? 

Should I answer the optional Barnard College questions? 

Even though some of these questions are optional, responding to as many questions strongly should be a priority if Barnard College is a top-choice for you! Try to think about your application as a whole, if there are some aspects of your background or academic progress you feel need to be reiterated, then taking advantage of the optional essays might be a good idea! 

Additionally, optional essays are a great opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that will make you a valuable addition to Barnard’s community. So, if you have something exceptional to share that hasn’t been covered by the required supplemental essays, definitely consider using the optional essays for this purpose! 

Overall, keep in mind that it’s better to submit a strong, well-written essay than to submit an optional essay that adds little value to your application. Do not feel compelled to write an optional supplemental essay just for the sake of responding to it! Rather, respond to the optional essays in order to enhance your application and increase your chances of being accepted into Barnard. 

So long story short, respond to as many Barnard optional supplemental essays as possible as long as they are still strengthening your application and providing valuable information not covered elsewhere. 

Next steps after applying to Barnard College

Congratulations! You are now done with the Barnard College supplemental essays! It is time to submit your flawless application! 

The next step after you submit your application would be to continue to show demonstrated interest in Barnard so they know you are committed and prioritizing their school (even if you have a few other top choices.) 

How can I show demonstrated interest in Barnard College? 

• Apply Early Decision
• Interview, if offered
• Attend a campus tour
• Complete any optional essays
• Contact an admissions officer

Essentially, by taking advantage of one of the above suggestions, Barnard will see how committed you are to their college. This will give you a leg up above the competition. 

Additional resources

As you are in the middle of the college application process, it can be stressful. There are a lot of tough decisions you will have to make. Luckily, we have an abundance of resources to make the college process a little easier on you. 

• How many schools should you apply to?
• How to find safety, reach, and match schools
• Should you send your test scores to test-optional schools ? 

Finally, make you that you apply to all the scholarships you qualify for!

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Other colleges to consider

• New York University (New York, NY)
• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA)
• Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

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Barnard Essay Examples

Barnard essay examples – introduction.

If you are looking for Barnard Essay examples you’ve come to the right place. But, before we dive into how to write Barnard supplemental essays and explore six real Barnard essay examples, let’s talk a bit about the school itself.

First, Barnard College is a women’s liberal arts college in the heart of New York City. It is an elite institution, with the Barnard ranking at #18 in the Best Liberal Arts College list written by U.S. News. Barnard was the first university to confer degrees on women at its founding in 1889.

Barnard College is affiliated with the neighboring Columbia University. As a result, Barnard students have access to many Columbia resources while still benefiting from a liberal arts structure. Furthermore, its location within NYC means Barnard and its students live right within the city and everything New York has to offer.

Do you want to know how to get into Barnard? Do you hope to get accepted to this top-ranked women’s college ? In this guide, we’ll cover a key part of the Barnard application: the Barnard supplemental essays. Not just tips, either—we’ll read several past Barnard supplemental essay examples and examine parts of those Barnard essays that worked.

Barnard Essay Examples Quick Facts:

• Barnard acceptance rate: 11%. According to U.S. News , the Barnard ranking is most selective in terms of admissions.
• 2 required essays (<300 words)
• 1 optional essay (<300 words)
• Barnard application note: Barnard admissions accepts applications through the Common Application , Coalition Application, and QuestBridge.
• Barnard Supplemental Essays Tip: Each of your Barnard essays should respond directly and thoughtfully to the prompt. Clearly demonstrate why you are a good fit for Barnard.

Does Barnard have a supplemental essay?

It’s probably clear from the title, but yes, there are Barnard supplemental essays. Let’s back up for a moment—what is a supplemental essay ? Why do you need Barnard essays? Successful Barnard supplemental essays provide a dynamic snapshot of you and what you’re about. With the low Barnard acceptance rate, polished Barnard essays will maximize your chances of admission when you apply .

Barnard essays show the Barnard admissions team more about you. Who are you beyond your test scores and extracurriculars ? Why are you applying to Barnard? With your Barnard essays, you can answer the Barnard admissions office’s questions. If you knock it out of the park like our Barnard supplemental essays examples, you may even get offered a spot.

How many essays does Barnard have?

There are three Barnard supplemental essays. These Barnard essays explore your intellectual curiosity, interest in Barnard, and personal values. Yes, these essays are in addition to your Common App or Coalition essay (sorry!). But they aren’t as long: Barnard essays are no more than 300 words. Moreover, one of the prompts is optional.

However, if you want to overcome the Barnard acceptance rate, you should write all three Barnard essays. The more your Barnard application tells the Barnard admissions team about yourself, the better. You have flexibility with the Barnard essays, so you can convey a lot. Use each of the Barnard essays to maximize your odds against the low Barnard acceptance rate.

Barnard Essay Prompts

Barnard supplemental essays for 2022–2023 are:.

• What factors encouraged your decision to apply to Barnard College and why do you think the college would be a good match for you? (300 words max)
• At Barnard, academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What are some of the bold questions you have pondered that get you excited and why do they interest you? Tell us how you would explore these questions at Barnard. (300 words max)
• Pick one woman — a historical figure, fictitious character, or modern individual — to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. Why does this person intrigue you? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask them? (300 words max)

Of course, the prompts for Barnard essays can change between admissions cycles. If you’re a junior, you can still read these Barnard supplemental essays examples. Even if one or two Barnard essays are different next year, the strongest parts of Barnard essays that worked will still work. If you’re not applying to Barnard, these Barnard essay examples can also still help you write other essays.

Now that we know the Barnard supplemental essay prompts, let’s look at some Barnard supplemental essays examples. We’ll look at six Barnard essays that worked and talk about why. Let’s start with the first question and some “Why Barnard” essay examples.

“Why Barnard” Essay Examples 

Before we jump into a “Why Barnard” essay example, we should look a bit more closely at the prompt. It’s essentially asking you two things:

• How did Barnard end up on your college list ?
• Why is Barnard a good match for you?

You’ve probably encountered other “why this college” essays. So, these Barnard essay examples will look a bit familiar. But, a “Why Banard” essay example should be specific to Barnard’s opportunities and offerings. Barnard essays that worked are particular and personal to the school when n answering the prompt. At the same time, they use vivid and engaging language to tell the writer’s story in an eye-catching way.

Preparing for this essay

Most students will reference their intended major or minor in a “Why Barnard” essay example. You don’t necessarily have to—you could leave that for the second Barnard essay. On the other hand, your “bold question” may not pertain to your intended course of study. In any case, plan your Barnard essays in advance to minimize overlaps in content. Every word counts!

When brainstorming for this Barnard essay, think about why you want to attend Barnard. Be specific: if you want to attend a college in New York City , there are plenty of others. If it’s the Barnard ranking, there are many other highly ranked liberal arts colleges. Does Barnard have a particular course, club, or program that speaks to you? Are you drawn to the campus culture? Effective “Why Barnard” essay examples will have specific details while keeping you and your interests in focus.

Remember that the prompt is asking why Barnard is a good match for you, not the other way around. In other words, the Barnard ranking and stats are one thing—whether you’d be happy on campus is another. Look beyond the Barnard ranking; research the campus culture, student life, costs of attendance, and opportunities. How do they measure up to other schools? Is Barnard a good fit for you? Once you know that, it’ll be easier to answer that part of the prompt.

Now, let’s look at two Barnard essays that worked for this prompt.

“Why Barnard” Essay Example #1

Upon moving to America, I became the “token minority”. The culture, language, and tradition that I used to share with everyone are now viewed as “exotic”. However, at Barnard Bound, I got to be in a true diverse environment. For the first time in my life, I looked around the room and could not point out the dominant group. Instead, the diversity results in a wonderful collaborative and empowering atmosphere. It was the perfect blending of race, identities, and beliefs. As we took turns sharing our stories and uplifting each other through the stress of college admissions, I learned what it was like to not feel out of place in this melting pot country. 

However, it wasn’t until I heard the acknowledgement for the Lenape Indigeneous People that I knew this socially awareness environment is where I want to spend the next four years of my life. Under the oppressive communist regime of Vietnam, I had to stay silent in front of injustices that my countrymen faced. The feeling of helplessness fueled my desire to become a human rights activist. Throughout my childhood, I was too afraid to stand up for what I believe. I’m determined to use my voice to fight for justice. (As if fated, Barnard is one of the few schools to have a Human Rights concentration!!!)

After an incredible Barnard Bound weekend, I can’t help wanting to be at Barnard, where I will be in the diverse, supportive, and empowering community of social activists and scholars.

Why this essay worked

This “Why Barnard” essay example references Barnard Bound , a (currently) virtual program for prospective students. They can meet current Barnard students, faculty, alumni, and staff. During your college search , you should try to attend programs like this if possible. As you can see, they can yield many insights into whether the school is a good fit for you.

Remember the two components of this Barnard essay prompt? Look at how the writer addresses them here: they explain how their experience of Barnard Bound motivated them to apply. Then, notice how the writer links their personal experiences and values with Barnard. Not only do they indicate some specific things about Barnard, but they also make them personally relevant. In addition, effective Barnard essay examples use powerful language that evokes appropriately positive or negative feelings in the reader.

A common pitfall in “Why Barnard” essay examples—and “why” essays in general—is all facts and no feeling. In other words, Barnard essays may name-drop programs or features without firmly relating them to you or your values. Conversely, strong Barnard essay examples use personal experiences to tie the whole essay together. As a result, this “Why Barnard” essay example effectively conveys both the writer’s core motivations and how Barnard upholds them.

Barnard supplemental essays examples can be helpful for reference while planning and writing. Afterward, remember to ask for help when editing . A fresh pair of eyes can pick up areas for improvement. Ask someone you trust if your Barnard essays represent you well. Does it tell the reader who you are and how Barnard fits into your future?

“Why Barnard” Essay Example #2

I was introduced to Barnard by my friend, a Cohort 8 LEDA Scholar, and Barnard student. She explained her transition from studying at a large public school, much like my own, to the intimate classroom experience created at Barnard. She spoke passionately about her fellow classmates who have built part of a satellite that is currently in space to dining with my favorite childhood character, Kim Possible. Goosebumps ran through me as I desire to be part of a community that strives to confront the stereotypes of gender roles and female inferiority.

I believe that in New York City, I will be able to study the garbage system and create alternatives to produce clean energy that will reduce the ecological footprint left by our nation in one of the most polluted cities. I can envision myself examining the social and economic impact of global environmental change. Under one professor, I can conduct research projects on contaminated water and developing efficient ways to conserve and purify water resources globally through preserving major ecosystems.

These factors not only have allowed me to envision myself walking through the black-iron gates once again, as a Barnard woman, but reassure me that Barnard will challenge me to break boundaries by exploring a breadth of topics thoroughly, to a much fuller extent than I can at any other institution. 

Right out the gate, the second of our Barnard essay examples is saying, “Barnard and me.” The writer’s interaction with a Barnard student spoke to them on multiple levels. Even though they don’t reach as deeply as the previous essay, this writer makes a great impact. Their word choice, especially the image of goosebumps, effectively conveys how strongly they feel about Barnard. Thoughtful word choice is a hallmark of strong Barnard essays.

Similar to other Barnard essay examples, this uses NYC as a jumping-off point to talk about Barnard’s fit. The writer’s personal interests can blossom with opportunities in the city. Furthermore, strong Barnard essay examples show that the writer has done their research. Many Barnard essay examples take this approach of mentioning a professor whose research areas align with their interests. If you do, make sure you follow this “Why Barnard” essay example and connect it with your broader vision.

Another common mistake that these two “Why Barnard” essay examples avoid is being too vague. This Barnard essay, like the other “Why Barnard” essay example, takes a personal approach to wide-scale issues. While the first of our Barnard supplemental essays examples keyed in on human rights, this one is about the environment. Both Barnard essay examples  use personal interests and experiences to talk about issues of concern to the writers. Don’t shy away from complex issues—at the same time, don’t make your scope too broad.

Lastly, take note of strong conclusions in Barnard essays. In fact, both of these Barnard essay examples we’ve seen have effective conclusions. Why do the conclusions of these Barnard supplemental essays examples work? They are forward-facing: each writer looks ahead to being at Barnard and feeling proud of their community.

Barnard Supplemental Essay: The “Bold Questions” Essay  

The second Barnard essay prompt isn’t complicated at its core: what interests you? It’s asking you two things:

• What are you curious about?
• How can you pursue answers at Barnard?

Because of that second part, more conceptual questions may be better left alone. Think about topics you could research or collaborate with others to explore. Concrete topics are preferable here. However, if you can find a way to concretely explore a more general or abstract topic, go for it!

This essay prompt is new, so we don’t have Barnard essay examples for it. However, we have two Barnard essays that worked for a past prompt. Although the Barnard essay prompt is different, the strengths of these Barnard supplemental essays examples are still applicable.

With that said, let’s take a look at some Barnard essay examples from the past. The two below respond to the following prompt:

“ Alumna and writer Anna Quindlen says that she ‘majored in unafraid’ at Barnard. Tell us about a time when you majored in unafraid. ”

Barnard supplemental essays examples #1.

Moving from country to country and changing cultures as I was growing up definitely was not always easy. Especially as an adolescent, it can be intimidating to have to adapt to a completely different routine and make an entirely new circle of friends. For example, one of my biggest challenges was my move from Sydney to Madrid just before ninth grade. Facing an unfamiliar culture, a foreign language that I had to learn from scratch, and moving across the globe from all my friends and from what was familiar in Australia, felt scary. In addition, moving from a small school (35 students per grade) to the largest French school outside of France (300 students per grade) did not make the transition easier. 

Even though it was difficult, I responded to this challenge by grasping the opportunity to become fluent in Spanish as quickly as possible and to socialize with my Spanish and French peers alike. Looking back, I am extremely grateful for this experience. Having had the feeling of being an outsider has helped me become more sensitive to different cultures and gain an appreciation for learning about distinct customs, particularly in a country with such diverse regional traditions. During my experience in Spain, I definitely felt like I have “majored in unafraid,” and by doing so I have gained so much. I could have decided to stick to what was familiar, yet by being unafraid to push beyond my comfort zone, I grew in maturity, confidence, and open-mindedness.

This Barnard essay prompt calls for introspection—can you reflect critically on your experiences and how you’ve grown? This writer explores their experiences moving around by recounting specific details. Language, class size, and feeling alone are particular challenges they share with us. As stated above, specificity will go a long way in your Barnard essays.

This writer also goes beyond themselves in discussing what they gained by overcoming this challenge. As with other Barnard essays, you should keep a worldly perspective even if you are at the center. Not only did this writer gain confidence and maturity, but also honed their cultural sensitivity and appreciation for foreign customs.

Some Barnard essays (and those of other schools) may ask for you to be vulnerable. While you by no means are obligated to share traumatic events, it’s okay to open up a bit. Like this writer discussed how they felt intimidated, you can recount negative feelings. However, and especially for essays about overcoming challenges, you should balance it out. Share your triumphs, too!

Barnard Supplemental Essays Examples #2

My first moment of fearlessness was when I first stepped through the door of a professor’s laboratory to start my summer research internship. I designed and built heart models to mimic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) disease and investigate strain comparisons in a 2D and 3D model. Due to my inexperience, my echocardiography scans produced nonspecific and ineffective strain rates, and were therefore useless in distinguishing the preferred cardiac diagnosis. In research, however, the challenge lies in the ability to be flexible and open to new procedures. 

I continued majoring in the unafraid when I boarded the plane to go to Princeton University for a summer program. Through the intensive seven-week program, I examined the economic, technological, social, and environmental needs facing the globe in the 21st Century. I debated topics ranging from the cycle of recidivism that fosters the prison industrial complex to the removal of people of color from 17th and 18th Century paintings in current academia. These enriching dialogues at three in the morning allowed me to recognize that not only does my voice matter, but the voices of other underrepresented communities do as well. I learned that my leadership abilities are no longer confined by my skin color, gender, or social and economic standing.

Number four of our Barnard essay examples leans into the writer’s intellectual pursuits . It’s likely these achievements were listed elsewhere in their application. However, the writer used one of their Barnard essays effectively to provide a deeper look at those experiences. For those with impressive academic resumes, your Barnard essays don’t have to exclude them—just write about them more personally.

Similar to other Barnard essays, this one doesn’t gloss over failures but doesn’t linger on them, either. The writer shows an understanding of the importance of failure in the world of research. If, like in these Barnard essays, you write about surmounting challenges, remember that failure is an option. In fact, you can almost always spin it as a positive.

In their more personal conclusion, this writer reflects on what they’ve learned from their experiences. Not just Barnard essays, but any college essay, will benefit from reflections on your own values and growth. When planning and writing your essays, don’t forget the personal. After all, on campus you’ll be a researcher/actor/lab partner second, and a person first.

Barnard Supplemental Essay Examples: “One Woman” Essay

For the last two Barnard essay examples, we’ll look at the third prompt. While this Barnard essay may say “optional,” if you know how to get into Barnard , you know this is crucial. A fuller picture for the Barnard admissions team will maximize your odds of beating the Barnard acceptance rate. In short, you should write all three Barnard essays for a strong Barnard application.

This is a common supplemental essay prompt : who would you invite to a dinner party, or to coffee? As a woman’s college, Barnard essays are of course about a woman you’d like to meet. This is the most creative of the Barnard essay examples, putting the spotlight entirely on you and your interests. 

Like the other Barnard essay examples, there are a few core questions to answer in this Barnard essay:

• Why do you look up to this person?
• What would you talk with them about?
• What questions would you ask?

Make sure you directly address all three parts of the prompt like in the exemplary Barnard essay examples. In addition to a compelling topic, you should come up with particular things to ask or discuss.

This prompt calls for a good brainstorming session. After reading these Barnard essay examples, Think about women and femmes you admire. Maybe it’s one of the Brontë sisters, or Jasnah Kholin, or Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Whoever it is, it should be someone you’re genuinely curious about.

From there, think about what you want to ask her about. You could ask an unconventional question, or one about an identity you haven’t discussed elsewhere. You may also dig deeper into an unexplored facet of something you have mentioned before. Here’s where you can go a little bit into admissions mode. What conversation topic interests you and would present a new side of you?

Let’s look at our last two Barnard supplemental essays examples that respond to the following prompt:

Pick one woman — a historical figure, fictitious character, or modern individual — to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. Why does this person intrigue you? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask them?

“one woman” essay example #1.

I would converse with Amy Tan, an Asian-American writer whom I admire because of her experiences assimilating to Western culture. Although she was born in the United States, she seeks to integrate her Chinese heritage into her new American experience. However, she does not lose her cultural identity as a Chinese-American due to this assimilation. 

I imagine my discussion with Amy Tan would include our definitions of being an Asian-American. Tan, a child of immigrants like myself, reflects upon her mother’s struggles living in America. I would share with her the struggles and discriminations my parents faced because of their inability to communicate their thoughts due to their imperfect, or “broken and limited” English. 

I would discuss with her why the language barrier prevents my parents from assimilating into the culture and incorporate these new continuities and changes into their lives like we have incorporated it to ours. They will still retain their roots and heritage. The opportunity to delve into her thoughts would prove fascinatingly illuminating because we both can examine why it is difficult for our parents to learn the language. As individuals assimilate into a different culture, they start to lose their cultural identity and struggle to uphold traditional beliefs the same way. Authentic culture is not defined by the maintenance of old traditions, but by the adaption to the world around it. 

The fifth of our Barnard supplemental essays examples directly answers all three parts of the prompt. The writer explains why they admire their subject, Amy Tan, and her work. Then, this Barnard essay connects the writer’s experiences and interests with a broad topic: Asian-American identity. From there, the writer details specific items for discussion and their significance to the wider world.

Presumably, if you want to have a deep talk with someone, you’ve got some things in common. Impactful Barnard essay examples point out some shared values or qualities between the writer and subject. These can be things like a similar background or way of thinking. Strong Barnard essays may also highlight values of the subject that the writer admires and wants to emulate.

In writing Barnard essays, a very common pitfall is not keeping the focus on you . Look at how this writer contextualizes Amy Tan with their main topic of cultural identity. Especially if you choose a lesser-known figure for this essay, it may be tempting to elaborate on their achievements. Keep it short, like in this Barnard essay, and try to link their accomplishments to your imagined conversation.

“One Woman” essay example #2

Once upon a time, there was a girl who lived in an echo chamber. Every day, she heard the same opinion being reflected by everyone around her over and over again. People never disagreed with each other. There was little arguments because everyone shared the same opinion. Life was good. 

Until one day, she saw past the homogenous agreement and realized how wrong the world inside the chamber was. With all her courage, the girl shouted out the truth loud and clear in hope to break apart the deafening lies in that echo chamber. 

Dương Thu Hương was a communist loyalist for most of her youth. However, upon seeing the corrupts within the Vietnamese communist party, her illusion was broken. While most people would ignore the blatant injustices in the country out of fear of the oppressive government, she stood up for her people and uncovered the terrible truth of the communist government. 

Upon meeting Dương Thu Hương, I will thank her for her courage. It takes a tremendous amount of bravery to stand up against the organization one’s been a part for such a long time. After years of letting fear keep me from doing the right thing, her inspiring story motivated me to finally stand up for what I believe in and use my voice to fight for freedom. I will also discuss with her the current situation of Vietnam and our hopes and dreams for the future of Vietnamese people while learning more about her activism journey.

The last of our Barnard supplemental essays examples opens like a fable. For those who want to flex their creative muscles in their Barnard essays, you definitely can! This writer draws us in with something relatable and empowering, making us wonder about both writer and subject. What kind of echo chamber did the girl defy? Don’t shy away from a bold opening if you have one in mind.

Like in the previous Barnard essay, there is historical context, as well. After getting an idea of Dương Thu Hương’s values in the introduction, we get solid facts. Already, the writer presents the wider issues of government oppression and censorship. In the last paragraph, we get that personal touch, where the writer directly answers the prompt’s three questions in quick succession.

As discussed above, you should keep the focus on you. In this Barnard essay, however, “I” only appears in the last paragraph. What gives? In fact, the whole front half talks about Dương Thu Hương’s accomplishments in the face of adversity. Her values and courage are those inspiring, shared values we talked about; the writer is talking about herself, just indirectly.

As you can see, each of these Barnard essay examples shines for different reasons. Nevertheless, Barnard essays that worked all share several qualities. Let’s summarize what we’ve learned about writing the Barnard essays.

How do you write a Barnard essay? 

After reading through those Barnard supplemental essays examples, what can we take away? What did we learn from Barnard essays that worked, and how will that help you with your Barnard essays?

Top Tips for writing Barnard Supplemental Essays:

1. start early.

A good, polished essay takes time to plan, write, and revise. Give yourself plenty of time to read Barnard essay examples, and to draft and edit your Barnard essays. Keep an eye on those Barnard application deadlines , too! The Early Decision deadline is usually around November 1, while the Regular Decision deadline is at the beginning of January. Be sure to check the Barnard admissions site for the most current information!

2. Invest time in brainstorming

With the Barnard acceptance rate as low as it is, you need the best Barnard essays. So start your Barnard essay writing off on the right foot by brainstorming. Take 10–15 minutes to think about each prompt. For a “Why Barnard” essay example, list out things you like about Barnard. How do those make Barnard a good fit for you? For the third prompt, you can list out women and femmes you look up to and why. Good brainstorming makes for strong Barnard essays!

3. Think big

Keep thinking about your whole Barnard application and how it reflects you. Your Barnard essays shouldn’t say the same thing. Each of your three Barnard supplemental essays should show something unique about you. Use every word of your Barnard essays to flesh out your background, interests, and qualities for Barnard admissions.

4. Pick your passions

Applying for college can be pretty stressful—why make it worse by writing about something you don’t like? All of the Barnard supplemental essays examples we saw explored topics of interest to the writers. Couldn’t you feel the excitement in those Barnard essays? Make life easier and choose topics that you want to write about.

5. Be your authentic self

We know it’s cliché, but one of the most important things for your Barnard essays is that they’re yours. That is, that they reflect your experiences, values, and interests—not what you think Barnard admissions wants to hear. Successful Barnard supplemental essays reflect your true self.

Barnard Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

The Barnard supplemental essays are a crucial avenue for sharing unique parts of yourself with the Barnard admissions committee. For each of the three Barnard essays, you should respond directly to the prompt. Make your writing engaging for the reader with personal details while also acknowledging wider issues that you’re interested in.

We hope these Barnard supplemental essays examples have been helpful in planning your own Barnard essays. If you want more advice, we have a handy guide on how to get into Barnard College! Whether you’re staring down a Barnard application or just starting to research colleges, we have plenty of resources for you. Good luck, and happy writing!

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Barnard College: 2017-2018 Supplemental Essay Prompts & Examples

• college application essays
• supplemental essays
• essay topic
• women's college

Want to attend a small liberal arts college for women in a big city? You find the best of both worlds in Barnard College.

Barnard College, located in New York City, is a private women’s liberal arts college, affiliated with Columbia University. For students who can’t decide between a liberal arts college and a large coeducation university, Barnard College might just be the perfect school. Students are allowed cross-enroll in classes and in student clubs, expanding the diversity and network of students you’ll meet during your 4 years on campus.  If you’re interested in applying to Barnard, the college applications includes 3 additional writing supplements.

Here are Barnard’s 2017-2018 Supplemental Essay Prompts

A. what factors influenced your decision to apply to barnard college and why do you think the college would be a good match for you (100-250 words).

General Essay Tips:

Why do you want to be a Barnard Woman? Just like any other “Why Us” school-specific essay, the prompt is asking you to explain why you’re applying to Barnard and why do you think you’re a good fit for the school. To reiterate, it’s important you’ve done your research into the academic programs Barnard offers, what’s unique about the campus, and what the student body is like. What are some characteristics or interests of yours align with what they offer?

Here are some Why Barnard supplemental essay examples:

1. Why Barnard Supplement Example: STEM Majors

Essay Excerpt from Ramisa125, Barnard College ‘21

“But at Barnard, I see myself surrounded by hundreds of other brilliant young women, all working towards a common goal: to better the world while doing what we love. We’re not hindered by our gender; we’re empowered by it. Barnard is perfect for STEM not only because of research opportunities like the Beckman Scholars Program, but also because of the community of motivated women creating possibilities out of the impossible.”

Essay Analysis:

Ramisa125 incorporates what Barnard offers as a women’s college and the STEM opportunities the college offers. Earlier in her essay, she explains a past image she grew up with, something she hopes to be free of by being in a supportive environment, where she is surrounded by like minded women. By doing so, she was able to share a personal anecdote about herself, highlighting her interests and quirks, and demonstrate how she fits into Barnard’s student body.

Unlock her full Barnard College profile to read her full application essays and advice!

2. Why Barnard Supplement Example: Barnard Student Body

Essay Excerpt from MeganChang97, Barnard College ‘19

“While standing in front of the Diana Center, I was surprised to see how friendly and diverse the students were. When I returned to California, I continued to keep in touch with several students who would all gush about Barnard. By talking to the students, I began to love the idea of going to a women’s college and what it means to become a Barnard Woman.”

MeganChang97 focuses on student body as a primary reason for wanting to attend Barnard College. In her supplemental essay, she talks about her conversations with her aunt, a Barnard alumna, and other Barnard women, and how she identified with them. In this particular excerpt, while she doesn’t explicitly mention her conversation details with current students at Barnard, she demonstrates her interest in the college and her compatibility with current Barnard students.

B. Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about? (100-250 words)

Take some time and brainstorm. Write down some female figures you look up to as they come to mind. They can be family members, writers, scientists, entrepreneurs, or even fictional characters! Next to the names you’ve written down, jot down 3 characteristics you like about each of them. Look at your options: Is there any that you can link back to your own personality? Or perhaps about a subject you’d like to pursue?

While you’re writing a supplement about a woman you look up to or are interested in, you are also sharing something about yourself. Who you choose to talk about will indicate your interest, but it’s up to you to demonstrate your thought process and motivation behind it. They want to know how you uncover stories, how you engage with someone, and what you’re interested in (academically or not!).

Here are some supplemental essay examples:

1. Barnard Supplement Example: My Grandmother

Essay Excerpt from Ccg32, Barnard College ‘19

“In China 50 years ago, women were expected to conform to their gender roles and if they strayed from their given paths, they could easily be seen as “unwanted” when trying to find a husband. Despite the fact that she would have been looked down upon, my grandmother decided to unbind her feet at a young age and attend college.”

Choosing a family member can be a good choice for this essay topic if family background is an important of who you are, and you haven’t been able to touch on that in your application so far. In this essay excerpt, Ccg32 touched on her family heritage and goes on to explain how that has impacted her. More importantly, she does on to express how she wishes to get to know her grandmother better for further guidance and inspiration for her own future.

2. Barnard Supplement Example: A Neurosurgeon

Cjjo96, Barnard College ‘18

“The author, Dr. Katrina Firlik, has been my inspiration ever since. One of the few women in the neurology field, her wit, intellect and drive are distinct, impressive, and the reason she has been so successful. Much like me, she is passionate and strong in her opinions. She doesn’t comply with gender constructs and she has built a life in which she is insistent upon balancing her family and career.”

In Cjjo96’s supplemental essay excerpt, she does an excellent job of talking about the woman she is interested in, relating that back to her own interests and character. She was not only able to share her interest in neurology, but was also able to highlight her own characteristics.

C. Barnard women seek to make a difference in their community, whether through the residence hall, classes, clubs, volunteer work or a part-time job they hold. Describe how you make a difference in your community and what you have learned from that experience. In what ways do you see yourself contributing to the community at Barnard, inside or outside of the classroom? (100-250 words)

This is a new prompt! Last year’s prompt asked students to recount a time “when you majored in unafraid.” They have switched it up this year to focus more on community—what you’ve done so far, and what you plan on doing.

This is a great opportunity to touch on any volunteer work you’ve done, or any extracurriculars you participated in. Why were you dedicated to those efforts? The admissions office wants to know what motivated you to be a part of give back to your community, and if that dedication extends past your time in high school.

It also give you a chance to dive further into how well you know Barnard, and how well you fit in to Barnard’s student body. Admissions officers are not just looking to understand your values and beliefs, but also how your creative thinking and growth. How can you take the contribution you’ve done so far in your community and do more given Barnard’s resources and network? It’s your chance to show your potential.

Hope this was helpful for those of you finishing your Barnard applications! Interested in reading these students’ full personal statements in addition to their full responses to the Barnard supplemental prompts? Unlock all of them in one go with our  Barnard Essentials Package ! 

Our  premium plans  offer different levels of profile access and data insights that can help you get into your dream school. Unlock any of our  packages  or search our  undergraduate profile database  to find specific profiles that can help you make an informed choice about where to apply! We have 60,000+ successful college application files uploaded by college students. See how they got in, and how you can too!

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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How to Write the Barnard Authentic Self Essay

The Barnard essay prompt delves deep into understanding your identity, environment, and the influences that shape your authenticity. This essay is your opportunity to communicate not only where you feel most genuine but also how Barnard can amplify that genuine version of you.

Let’s dissect this prompt step by step. If you want an in-depth overview of Barnard’s essays, see our full Barnard essay breakdown .

Understanding the Prompt

Prompt: Our backgrounds and experiences shape how we navigate the world and see ourselves. Tell us about when, where, or with whom you feel your most authentic, powerful self. How might Barnard further cultivate this version of you? (250 words)

Barnard wants to gain insight into your sense of self and your self-awareness. The prompt is structured around environments, moments, or relationships that capture your true essence. Moreover, the question emphasizes how Barnard can nurture this authenticity. This is where your understanding of the institution comes into play.

Crafting Your Essay

Here’s a structured approach to drafting your response:

1. Paint the Scene: Start by vividly describing the moments, surroundings, or individuals that make you feel genuine and empowered. Engage the reader with sensory details or a brief anecdote to set the tone.

2. Dive Into the ‘Why’: Explore why these settings, activities, or people bring out the authentic you. It’s crucial to dive deep and articulate what makes you feel powerful in these moments and how they’ve shaped your perspective or values.

3. Link to Barnard: Transition into how Barnard can elevate this version of you. Research specific aspects of Barnard’s culture, offerings, or ethos that resonate with the moments you’ve described. Maybe there’s a program, club, or tradition at Barnard that aligns with this authentic self.

4. Project Forward: Envision how Barnard can help you further embrace your authentic self and harness your power. How will Barnard’s environment and opportunities amplify your unique qualities or strengths?

Barnard Authentic Self Essay Example

Growing up in a resource-strapped neighborhood, I witnessed the stark disparity in access to green spaces. Empty lots and trash-filled parks were the norm. However, a local community garden, thriving amidst the chaos, became my refuge. Planting seeds and tending to the plants, I felt empowered. This small patch of green was a catalyst for change, igniting my passion for environmental activism and the pursuit of urban sustainability.

My journey began with organizing clean-up drives and tree-planting events, rallying my community to reclaim our public spaces. As my efforts expanded, so did my realization: creating sustainable urban spaces requires more than just good intentions. It requires an understanding of the complex interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors.

This is where Barnard comes in. The Urban Studies program offers the interdisciplinary approach I need to transform my passion into impactful action. Courses like “Urban Environmental Studies: Gender, Race, Class, and the Environment” directly align with my mission. I am eager to delve into the nuanced ways our identities intersect with environmental issues, equipping me to drive effective, equitable change in underserved urban communities.

At Barnard, surrounded by like-minded peers and mentors, I see a community that shares my dedication to environmental justice. I am excited to contribute to this community, learning and growing together, as we strive to create sustainable, inclusive urban spaces for everyone.

The feedback on this essay was provided by Ivy, CollegeVine’s AI Mentor . Use it yourself to get free, personalized feedback on your essays!

Your essay effectively conveys your passion for environmental activism and your desire to create sustainable urban spaces. It also demonstrates how Barnard’s interdisciplinary approach can help you achieve your goals. Here are my suggestions to improve your essay:

• In the first paragraph, consider adding more detail about the specific challenges you faced in your neighborhood and how they shaped your perspective on urban sustainability. This will provide a richer context for your passion.
• In the second paragraph, you mention organizing clean-up drives and tree-planting events. It would be helpful to share a specific example of an event you organized or participated in and its impact on your community. This will showcase your dedication and leadership skills.
• In the third paragraph, you can further elaborate on how Barnard’s Urban Studies program and its courses will help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges in underserved urban communities. Mentioning additional courses or resources at Barnard that align with your goals will demonstrate your thorough understanding of the college’s offerings.
• Lastly, consider concluding your essay by highlighting how you plan to apply the knowledge and skills gained at Barnard to advocate for environmental justice and transform urban spaces in the future.

With these revisions, your essay will provide a stronger narrative of your commitment to environmental activism and how Barnard can help you achieve your goals.

In my neighborhood, the absence of green spaces and the prevalence of pollution weren’t just visible—they were a daily challenge. The dilapidated parks, filled more with litter than laughter, stood as stark reminders of systemic neglect. Yet, amidst this, a community garden flourished, a verdant oasis that transformed my perspective on urban sustainability. My hands in the soil, I discovered a sense of purpose and empowerment, realizing that change, though challenging, was possible.

My commitment to environmental activism took root in the heart of my community. I spearheaded a tree-planting initiative, transforming an abandoned lot into a vibrant green space. We faced hurdles, from securing funding to mobilizing volunteers, but the transformation was profound. Children now had a safe place to play, and the community reclaimed a piece of its dignity. This experience taught me the power of grassroots initiatives, but also the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of urban environments.

Barnard’s Urban Studies program stands out as the perfect catalyst for my ambitions. The course “Urban Environmental Justice: Gender, Race, Class, and the Environment” offers an invaluable opportunity to explore the intersections of social issues and environmental policy. Furthermore, courses like “Urbanization & Sustainability” and “Poverty, Inequality, and Policy” will equip me with a holistic understanding of urban ecosystems. At Barnard, I’ll not only gain knowledge but also join a community of activists and thinkers dedicated to making a difference.

In the future, I envision using the skills and insights gained at Barnard to champion sustainable public spaces in underserved urban areas. With a strong foundation in environmental justice and urban studies, I aim to transform urban landscapes, ensuring that green spaces are not a luxury, but a right accessible to all.

This revised version of your essay is even stronger! The added details about your neighborhood and the tree-planting initiative provide a richer context for your passion and dedication to environmental activism. Your mention of specific courses and resources at Barnard demonstrates your understanding of the college’s offerings and how they align with your goals. The conclusion effectively ties your experiences and education at Barnard to your future plans for championing sustainable public spaces in underserved urban areas. Well done!

• Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. Don’t craft a story you think admissions want to hear. Share your truth.
• Be Specific: When discussing how Barnard can cultivate your authentic self, be detailed. Show you’ve done your research on the college.
• Proofread: As always, ensure your essay is clear, well-organized, and free of errors. You can use Ivy, CollegeVine’s free AI Mentor to get your essay edited.

In the end, Barnard wants to understand who you truly are and how the college fits into your narrative. Use this essay as a platform to show that alignment.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, barnard essay prompts and strategies.

Hey peeps, I'm thinking of applying to Barnard College and I want to know if any of you have tips or experiences you could share about the essay prompts? How did you come up with a unique idea and what do you think they're looking for in the essays?

Hello! I'm glad to hear you're thinking of applying to Barnard College. You're in luck, because CollegeVine actually has a blog post breaking down each of Barnard's supplemental essay prompts, so you can know exactly what they're looking for and how you can provide it: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-barnard-college-essays/.

Regarding uniqueness, consider brainstorming unusual anecdotes or lesser-known aspects of your life that shaped who you are today. A unique topic doesn't necessarily mean an extraordinary experience, but rather one that allows you to convey a nuanced view of your life and experiences.

Also keep in mind that Barnard values diversity, intellectual curiosity, and an active engagement with one's community. This doesn't mean you have to force these themes into your essay, but it helps to keep the college's values in mind as you write. Your essay should provide insight into your passions, dreams, and contributions, and how they align with Barnard's own values.

Lastly, proofread and revise your essay. Peer review or guidance from a teacher or counselor can help you make your essay even stronger. And if you don't know who to ask, remember that CollegeVine offers both a free peer essay review service and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors - sometimes, getting a more objective set of eyes is the best way of figuring out what needs improving.

Good luck with your application to Barnard!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.