barnard college supplemental essay examples

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How to Write the Barnard College Essays 2024-2025

For all applicants, Barnard College has two required supplemental essays and one optional essay that gives you a choice between three different prompts. If you are applying to the Science Pathways Scholars Program (SP)2 or Bridgewater Scholars Program, you will also have one additional essay to write.

Barnard’s location in New York City, elite academics, and status as a historic all-women institution make admissions incredibly competitive, which means your essays will need to truly shine in order to set your application apart. In this post, we’ll break down how to tackle each prompt, so you can be confident that you’re putting your best foot forward.

Along similar lines, although one of Barnard’s supplements is optional, we strongly encourage you to write a response. College applications are limiting by their nature, so you don’t want to pass up any opportunity to share more about yourself and how you’d enrich Barnard’s campus community.

Read these Barnard essay examples to inspire your writing.

Before You Write

When composing your essays for Barnard, you need to be thinking about 1) larger issues in the world, 2) your relationship to them, and 3) your contribution to a meaningful solution. Barnard is a very “outward-looking” college, and admissions readers will be looking for applicants that share this wide, “macro” perspective. You should talk about larger issues in a personal way, and demonstrate your knowledge with both academic achievements and personal connection. 

It might be worth it to brainstorm the following things: 

• Values . What values listed on Barnard’s website really hit home with you? Print out this Mission page and this Fearless History page from Barnard’s website, and circle words that resonate with you. List reasons why they’re important to you. Then emphasize those value-oriented words and themes in your essays.
• Womanhood. Big topic, isn’t it? And it’s a good one, because everyone relates to it a different way.  Because Barnard is a women’s college, you should sit down with some blank paper and list your experiences in relation to this category. Make a flow chart; list the things that come to mind. How have you engaged with, experience, and wrangled with “womanhood” in a way that sets you apart? Do you have a unique cultural understanding, experience, or research perspective? 

All right, let’s take a deep breath and dive in!

Barnard College Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 1: Barnard College is an extraordinary community of women committed to fostering curiosity and the exploration of new experiences and ideas. By utilizing the resources of our campus, our Foundations curriculum, and New York City, our students expand their world and discover their own capabilities. How do you envision these intersecting components of Barnard shaping your academic and personal journey? (200 words)

Prompt 2: Barnard College students engage in the bold questions that define their generation. Choose one question that you have about the world around you, and explain why it matters to you. (150 words)

Prompt 3: In college, you will encounter others with diverse viewpoints and experiences. Describe an instance where you engaged with someone who held a different opinion and explain how it shaped your perspective on the issue. (150 words)

Science Pathways Scholars Program Applicants

The Science Pathways Scholars Program (SP)2 aims to support underrepresented students of color and first-generation students as they pursue careers in science research. Please discuss your interest in science research and future career goals. You may choose to reflect on past experiences or projects, role models, or ideas for research that you would like to explore. (300 words)

Barnard College is an extraordinary community of women committed to fostering curiosity and the exploration of new experiences and ideas. By utilizing the resources of our campus, our Foundations curriculum, and New York City, our students expand their world and discover their own capabilities. How do you envision these intersecting components of Barnard shaping your academic and personal journey? (200 words)

This prompt is a version of the “Why This College” essay , as it asks you to describe how you hope to show up at Barnard. In this prompt, unlike many others, you’re given specific aspects of Barnard to talk about in your essay. Let’s talk about how to do this most effectively. 

First, you’ll want to acknowledge each of the three characteristics mentioned in the prompt. Start thinking about how you’ll engage with the Barnard campus, the curriculum, and the NYC location. Here are some questions to help you brainstorm.

For the Barnard campus:

• Are there any clubs or organizations you hope to join, or perhaps start? 
• What specific courses, professors, or areas of study do you hope to explore?
• Are there labs, libraries, or other academic resources you’re particularly excited about?

For the Barnard Foundations curriculum:

• What is interesting, surprising, or intriguing about the Foundations curriculum? Is there a particular aspect of it or guiding strategy that resonates with you?
• What qualities do you hope to develop or refine through the Foundations curriculum? Will it especially aid in your ethical leadership, global citizenship, critical thinking, etc?
• How will the Foundations curriculum shape your intellectual journey at Barnard?

For New York City:

• Are there specific cultural institutions, internships, museums, or other New York history that will influence and inform your studies?
• How will the context of studying in New York City shape your academic journey?
• Are there opportunities for civic engagement, community outreach, or fieldwork that will aid in your studies?

As you consider these questions and more, make sure that your responses are specific and authentic, and demonstrate deep knowledge of these resources. Writing generic responses about how the campus opportunities are vast, the curriculum is comprehensive, and the city is diverse, will make you a forgettable applicant. Doing some research, connecting your responses to yourself, and integrating them with each other to create a holistic view of your Barnard future will do just the opposite. 

This might sound like an overwhelming amount of considerations to balance. Let’s look at some hypothetical student examples to envision what a well-written response might look like.

• Aspiring Journalist: A student passionate about storytelling who has written for her high school’s newspaper writes about how she plans to major in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. She is eager to explore New York’s literary scene, and she would write about using Barnard’s Writing Fellows program and the city’s numerous literary events to hone her craft. She plans to combine the Foundations curriculum’s emphasis on critical thinking with hands-on experience in NYC’s diverse media outlets. 
• Environmental Studies Enthusiast: A student with a deep interest in environmental justice, who has led a sustainability club in high school. She could focus on how Barnard’s Environmental Science department, coupled with access to NYC-based NGOs, will help her develop the skills needed to make a tangible impact on urban sustainability, aligning with Barnard’s Foundations curriculum that fosters global awareness.
• Future Entrepreneur: A student passionate about social entrepreneurship and interested in Barnard’s Athena Center for Leadership. She could discuss how the interdisciplinary approach of the Foundations curriculum, along with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in New York City, will provide her with the tools to launch ventures aimed at social good.

Barnard College students engage in the bold questions that define their generation. Choose one question that you have about the world around you, and explain why it matters to you. (150 words)

The key to this prompt is showing that you can think critically about the world around you, through the lens of particular topics or issues you’re passionate about, and offer some explanation about what your interest in this thing says about who you are in general – why they matter to you, to use Barnard’s own words.

The key here, like with pretty much all college essays, is specificity. At Barnard you’ll be given much more independence in your classes, so admissions officers want to see that you’re able to look at a broad topic and zero in on one particular feature that you feel is especially important. So, rather than asking “How will we respond to the climate crisis?” ask the much narrower “How can we ensure safe and equitable access to clean water both locally and globally as temperatures rise and access is complicated by climate disasters?”

This specificity not only shows superb critical thinking skills, but also teaches Barnard admissions officers much more about who you are. You’re engaging with an issue that is current and pressing, and demonstrating your ability to think deeply about many different aspects of the issue. By asking this question you show awareness, critical thinking skills, and empathy for those who can’t access clean water. 

As you brainstorm, keep in mind that you don’t have to answer this prompt in a purely academic way. College essays, and applications as a whole, are usually pretty dry, structured affairs, but this prompt presents an opportunity to discuss parts of yourself that might not show up anywhere else.

For example, maybe you want to know how Taylor Swift was motivated enough during quarantine to write two Grammy-nominated albums. While this is a fun question, you’ll want to make sure that you engage with the “bold” aspect of the prompt. Maybe you can connect your curiosity about her drive to an interest in mental health, inspiration, and lengthening attention spans that have been shortened by technology. 

You can still use this more playful question to highlight your academic potential. While showing admissions officers a more “fun” side of you might feel risky, in reality mixing up your tone can provide a breath of fresh air that makes your application as a whole more engaging.

The key to a strong response is connecting the questions you have to personal experiences and anecdotes that show who you are as a person. If your essay is just a bunch of questions, and associated discussion of the topics they concern, Barnard admissions officers may come away with a much better understanding of, say, water synthesizing technology, but not of what you have to offer their school.

Instead, you could connect your interest in this kind of technology to your lifelong fascination with water, as you’re from Arizona and have always marveled at how many animals and plants manage to thrive in the desert, and describe a particular hike you went on to learn more about different kinds of cacti.

Keep in mind that, to craft a response that’s engaging throughout, you’ll likely need to discuss two or even three questions. Even if you have one that you could talk for hours about, evaluating some topic, like space colonization technology, from a variety of angles will make your essay livelier, as you’ll keep your readers on their toes.

Ideally, those questions will be at least somewhat related, as if you jump from talking about space colonization to your Taylor Swift’s songwriting, your essay will likely feel disjointed, even if your discussion of each topic is independently engaging. 

One other mistake to avoid is failing to include a question, like the prompt is directly asking for. It’s easy to get carried away talking about passions and interests, but you don’t want to get so excited that you immediately get carried away by your own fascination and forget to provide the one thing the prompt is directly asking for.

In college, you will encounter others with diverse viewpoints and experiences. Describe an instance where you engaged with someone who held a different opinion and explain how it shaped your perspective on the issue. (150 words)

This prompt falls under the Diversity archetype , which asks you to write an essay that reflects on your own identity, that of others, and the intersection between the two. The focus on a difference of opinion provides an opportunity to demonstrate your openness to diverse viewpoints, your ability to listen and engage thoughtfully, and how this experience influenced your understanding of the issue at hand.

So, what makes a good response to this prompt? First, you’ll want to make sure that you pick a specific anecdote. Not only is this what the prompt is directly asking for, but it will help anchor your essay, providing a memorable reference point for a college admissions team. 

Next, you’ll want to pick a disagreement of sufficient importance to make a meaningful statement about yourself and your qualities. You might be able to write a very entertaining essay about arguing with your sister over the best fast food restaurant, but this subject won’t tell the committee much about your interests or best self. However, you should also try to avoid topics that are too major and polarizing, such as abortion; the admissions committee is likely to get many essays on these topics, and there is a small chance you could alienate your reader, even if Barnard is a progressive school.

Finally, you’ll want to use this story to demonstrate growth and reflection. You don’t need to have changed your opinion entirely, but you should show your ability to learn from encounters with others, as well as your potential for thoughtful consideration. These are especially attractive qualities in a potential student, as they show the admissions committee that you will use challenges and opportunities alike to benefit your development. 

What does it look like to put all these elements together? Consider the example below of a strong Barnard essay for this prompt. 

In a school debate about animal testing, I initially defended it as necessary for medical advancement, believing that the benefits to human health justified the means. However, my opponent shared insights from his experience volunteering at an animal shelter, describing the trauma that animals can endure even in controlled environments.

After the debate, I researched the topic more deeply and was shocked to learn about alternative methods, like computer modeling and cell cultures, that can replace animal testing without compromising research quality. This new information challenged my original stance, leading me to advocate for these alternatives in future discussions. The experience taught me the importance of questioning widely accepted practices and being open to more humane solutions, even in fields where tradition and progress are deeply intertwined.

This example works well because it shows a clear, specific instance where the student’s perspective was directly challenged by another viewpoint, leading to a significant change in their thinking. The essay demonstrates the student’s willingness to research and reconsider their beliefs, ultimately leading to advocacy for more ethical practices. Not only does this essay respond to the prompt, it gives us insight into the kind of person the author is, presenting them in a great light as a future student at Barnard.

 Science Pathways Scholars Program

The science pathways scholars program (sp) ² aims to support underrepresented students of color and first-generation students as they pursue careers in science research. please discuss your interest in science research and future career goals. you may choose to reflect on past experiences or projects, role models, or ideas for research that you would like to explore. (300 words).

This prompt has some similarities to the classic “Why Us?” supplement. Namely, as you brainstorm your answer the key is to focus on the commonalities between your education goals and the Science Pathways Scholars Program. Notice how instead of Barnard as a whole, we now have to focus on the (SP)²    in the righthand column. And instead of yourself as a whole, you should focus on your scientific foci and how your personal experiences intersect with these foci. 

Again, it’s essential to be specific. Specificity should be present in both your goals, what you like about (SP)² , and any personal history you want to include. Integrate all three areas into a blended whole. To start, brainstorm a research question or area of inquiry you have, and then sketch out how you could learn more and improve your abilities through (SP) ² . 

Example: I want to explore therapeutic treatment for OCD

• (SP) ² would allow me to spend the summer working in Columbia’s Martinez Laboratory, which is at the forefront of finding novel psychiatric treatments for compulsions
• (SP) ² mentorship would ensure that I have an experienced perspective guiding me towards the labs and classes that best fit my niche

Alternatively, start with an inciting incident or personal history, and discuss how it shaped you and how you’re passionate about your field, despite systemic disadvantages. 

When COVID-19 first started to spread in Alaska, I was worried. In the early 1900s, Native communities were devastated by the Spanish Flu, and I was worried history would soon repeat itself. But instead, my Native town made the decision to seal itself off. We closed the road and pooled our resources. Although we never had a case of COVID, our isolation meant we had to ration our medical resources for other emergencies. Seeing the sacrifices made by my community has strengthened my commitment to improving how America approaches Native healthcare. By majoring in biology, with a pre-med track, I’m hoping to do my part to lessen the burden on indigenous communities like my own. 

Where to Get Your Barnard Essay Edited 

Do you want feedback on your Barnard essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

Need feedback faster? Get a  free, nearly-instantaneous essay review  from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Barnard College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 6

You Have: 

Barnard College 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 200 words; 2 essays of 150 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why ,   Diversity

Barnard College is an extraordinary community of women committed to fostering curiosity and the exploration of new experiences and ideas. By utilizing the resources of our campus, our Foundations curriculum, and New York City, our students expand their world and discover their own capabilities. How do you envision these intersecting components of Barnard shaping your academic and personal journey? (200 words)

Even if this prompt doesn’t have the word “why” in it, it’s still a classic Why Essay. Why Barnard? Admissions wants to know how you believe Barnard’s community, curriculum, and location will shape your academic and personal journey, as well as expand your world and help you to discover your own capabilities. So do as you would with any other Why Essay and start with research. Explore Barnard’s website , or attend a campus tour if you can, and paint a picture of how you will take advantage of Barnard’s offerings when you get to campus. Maybe it’s always been a dream of yours to pursue a degree in Theatre in New York City, home of iconic Broadway productions. Perhaps you can’t wait to network with other women in STEM while pursuing your passion for fashion with other like-minded students at Hoot Magazine . The more details you can provide, the more you’ll demonstrate your interest and fit.

Barnard College students engage in the bold questions that define their generation. Choose one question that you have about the world around you, and explain why it matters to you. (150 words)

Admissions wants to invite the kinds of students to campus who aren’t afraid to think critically and challenge the status quo, so reflect on one bold question you have about the world around you and why you believe the answer(s), or lack thereof, is important. What do you find particularly interesting or flummoxing? What was the last topic/idea/event that you read a five-page thinkpiece about? Admissions seeks to accept intellectually curious students who are passionate about learning, enriching their understanding of the world around them, and putting what they’ve learned into practice. Pro tip: try not to fall down too many Reddit rabbit holes while brainstorming for this prompt; instead, focus on one (just one) question that keeps you up at night and demonstrate what that question shows about you as a learner and seeker of truth.

In college, you will encounter others with diverse viewpoints and experiences. Describe an instance where you engaged with someone who held a different opinion and explain how it shaped your perspective on the issue. (150 Words)

Whether you cherish early-morning car rides to school with your dad, conversations with your teammates during pregame pasta parties, or chatting with neighbors at your annual block party, we’re willing to bet you’ve encountered at least one person who has held a differing viewpoint. And Barnard wants to hear about it.

Barnard has even gone so far as to ask you to cite a specific instance, so be as specific and purposeful as possible and follow through with a detailed account to make sure your response stands out from the pack. Maybe you had your beliefs challenged by a cousin who leads a very different lifestyle from you over Thanksgiving dinner. Or, perhaps, you asked probing questions about your dad’s beliefs in order to better understand his worldview during a game of mini golf. If you can’t recall where you were at the time, no problem; but details are your friend here to add credibility. 

Whatever conversation you decide to write about, remember to address the second part of the question: how did the exchange or experience shape your perspective on the issue? Were you introduced to a point of view that you hadn’t considered before? Did you and your conversation partner find a middle ground or did you feel even more resolute in your viewpoint than you had before the conversation? Show Barnard that you are not afraid to consider new ideas and engage with others about important issues.

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Barnard Supplemental Essays 2023-24

One of the key steps to getting into Barnard is writing your Barnard College supplemental essays. Like many top schools, Barnard uses supplemental essays to learn more about their applicants during the admissions process. Before we start our discussion of the Barnard supplemental essays, let’s learn a bit more about Barnard.

In this guide to the Barnard supplemental essays, we’ll go over Barnard’s essay and application requirements. Mainly, we will discuss the required Barnard college essays, like the Why Barnard essay, along with the optional Barnard essays. Throughout, you’ll find tips on approaching the Barnard College essays and advice on how to get into Barnard.

Ready to get started? First, let’s review some quick facts about the Barnard College application process.

Barnard Essays: Quick Facts

Barnard college supplemental essays quick facts.

• Barnard Acceptance Rate: 11% – U.S. News ranks Barnard as a highly selective school. 
• Why Barnard essay
• Intellectual curiosity essay
• Gender essay
• Challenging ideas essay
• One woman essay
• Barnard Application: Students must submit their application through the Common Application or Questbridge . Be sure to have your Barnard supplemental essays and all other required materials ready when you submit your application.  
• Early Decision: November 1
• Regular Decision: January 1
• Barnard Supplemental Essays Tip: The Barnard acceptance rate is highly selective, so your Barnard College supplemental essays must be pristine if you want to gain acceptance. Give yourself plenty of time to rethink and revise your drafts to make sure your ideas are clear and compelling. Then, make sure you do a close, proofreading edit of your final draft – pristine essays don’t have typos!

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

More info on Barnard

Barnard College is a private, liberal arts women’s college located in New York City. Founded in 1889, Barnard was the first college in NYC to offer degrees to women. Barnard consistently ranks highly among women’s colleges and is currently ranked #11 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News.

The college is affiliated with Columbia University , another highly prestigious school in New York. This partnership allows Barnard students to share academic resources with their Columbia student counterparts across the street. So, it should be no surprise that Barnard, like Columbia, is quite selective. That means you’ll need to ace all parts of your application, especially the Barnard College supplemental essays, to gain admittance. Let’s get into it.

Does Barnard have supplemental essays? 

Yes, Barnard College has supplemental essays, which are incredibly important. They contribute greatly to the overall impact of your application and are vital to crafting your personal narrative . Your Barnard College essays, in combination with the rest of your application, should paint a picture for Barnard Admissions. Who are you, and how will you contribute to the Barnard community?

The Barnard supplemental essays give you the perfect opportunity to stand out among other competitive applicants. Some of the Barnard supplemental essays, like the Why Barnard essay, are required, while others are optional. Whichever prompts you choose to answer, be sure to address the questions with thoughtful and unique responses.

When choosing how many Barnard essays to submit, consider the writing process. You’ll want to brainstorm , plan, edit, and revise your Barnard supplemental essays several times before submitting them. Consider your Barnard supplemental essays as critical personal reflections – there are no shortcuts to achieving depth and cohesion in your essays.

As previously mentioned, there are required Barnard essays and optional Barnard essays. Let’s start with the most important: the required Barnard essays.

How many essays does Barnard require? 

In addition to your Common Application or Questbridge essays , first-year applicants must submit responses to the Barnard supplemental essays questions. Currently, Barnard requires two Barnard supplemental essays and allows students to write responses to three optional prompts. For the best shot at overcoming the Barnard acceptance rate, we recommend submitting responses for all five Barnard supplemental essays.

Currently, each of the Barnard supplemental essays allows responses of no more than 250 words. So, while completing all five Barnard essays sounds like a lot, they do not require long responses. The goal of the required Barnard supplemental essays is to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, interest in Barnard, and personal values.

One of the required prompts is a Why Barnard essay, while the other pertains to curiosity. Both the required and optional essay prompts are outlined below.

What are the Barnard essay prompts? 

Barnard’s application provides prompts for two required Barnard supplemental essays and three optional Barnard supplemental essays. Below are the Barnard Writing Supplement questions for first-year applicants. (Remember, the Barnard supplemental essays may change from year to year, so be sure to visit Barnard’s Admissions website.)

Why Barnard Essay

The Why Barnard essay requires you to explain why you want to attend Barnard College. Many colleges and universities ask students to write a Why This College essay as part of their application. A Why This College essay should include the specific details that have drawn you to the school. Additionally, it should demonstrate how you would fit into the campus community. The Why Barnard essay is no different!

The Why Barnard supplemental essay prompt is as follows:

Why Barnard College Essay 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 college further cultivate this version of you.

This prompt requires you to explain to the admissions team why you think Barnard is the best college for you. Specifically, they want to know how the college will impact your personal growth and future goals. While the Why Barnard essay may seem simple, you’ll want to make your answer as rich and detailed as possible.

Your Why Barnard essay should be specific to Barnard’s academic experience and offerings. To best prepare your response to the Why Barnard essay, research Barnard’s curriculum, location, campus culture, and values. Being informed about Barnard will help you craft a more compelling Why Barnard essay.

Focus on the qualities that set Barnard apart from other colleges and universities. If you want the experience of living and learning in New York City, tell them why Barnard specifically. Be specific and purposeful when answering the Why Barnard essay prompt. And, rather than writing a long list, focus on only the most important details.

Remember, the Why Barnard essay is a required component of the Barnard application. Be sure to invest adequate time and energy into writing a compelling response. Want to read more about Why This College essay prompts and other college essay prompts? Check out our 8 College Essay Topics guide! You can also find Why Barnard essay examples and other Barnard essay examples here . 

Barnard Supplemental Essay #2: Bold Questions

We’ve talked about the Why Barnard essay. Now, let’s talk about the second of the two required Barnard supplemental essays:

Barnard College Supplemental Essay Prompt #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.

The key to this prompt is in the wording. Make sure your interest is framed as a question/questions in the context of academics. If your topic doesn’t relate to an academic area of study, it probably isn’t a strong topic for this essay.

This prompt is a great place to touch on something the admissions team may not know about you yet. Or, you could elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities that relates to a topic you are curious about. However, be sure to focus on the framework of the prompt. For instance, don’t just state that you are interested in robotics and are on your school’s robotics team. Share the questions your experiences have prompted in you, and why you are driven to find answers to them.

Even though this isn’t a Why Barnard essay, it’s still an opportunity to show you are a good fit for Barnard. Barnard values critical thinking, openness, engagement, and diversity. How can you embody these values in your approach to your chosen topic?

Because the choice is yours, you get to set the narrative. Be sure to choose something you are genuinely passionate about or that is thought-provoking for you. An uninspired essay may fall flat and won’t give admissions the same idea of you that an inspired essay will.

Optional Barnard Supplemental Essays

There are three optional Barnard supplemental essays. However, just because they are optional doesn’t mean you should skip them. The highly selective acceptance rate requires you to stand out in every way possible. So, you should take advantage of all the optional Barnard supplemental essays. 

The three optional Barnard supplemental essays cover a spectrum of topics. This is valuable because they allow you to demonstrate yourself as a well-rounded and culturally competent individual. To help you feel confident approaching these additional essays, let’s go over each prompt in more detail!

Barnard essay #1 – Gender

Here is the first optional Barnard supplemental essay prompt:

Barnard College Optional Essay Prompt #1

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”.

In developing your response, you’ll want to demonstrate how gender has played a role in your studies so far. While not explicitly asked in the question, you’ll also want to consider how it’s ultimately impacted your desire to attend Barnard. Women’s-only colleges offer a unique academic experience, which you may want to touch on in your essay. 

A successful essay will reflect on your personal experience with concrete support. It may be helpful to ground your essay in a specific anecdote or situation you’ve found yourself in. Maybe there was a moment when you felt gender was somehow an obstacle to your learning. Or, maybe you’ve noticed patterns or made connections between gender and different topics you’ve studied.

While technically optional, writing a reflective, insightful, and motivated response to this prompt can significantly strengthen your application. This is a great opportunity to connect to Barnard’s values, especially given gender is highlighted in Barnard’s mission :

“As a college for women, Barnard embraces its responsibility to address issues of gender in all of their complexity and urgency and to help students achieve the personal strength that will enable them to meet the challenges they will encounter throughout their lives.”

Barnard supplemental essay #2 – Challenging ideas

The prompt for the second of the optional Barnard supplemental essays is as follows:

Barnard College Optional Essay Prompt #2

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.

Barnard is looking to enroll in a class that is culturally competent and shares the same values and mission. This essay requires you to demonstrate your relationship with cultural diversity. How has it shaped your identity and what have you learned from it? This Barnard College supplemental essay prompt requires the student to be personal, specific, and vulnerable.

Your response can be broken up into two parts. First, you’ll need to detail the specific experiences you’ve had challenging others. Maybe you’ve had discussions in your church group or with your family where you question the status quo. Or, maybe, you’ve created opportunities to hold space to discuss conflicting and challenging ideas. Whatever your experience, make sure to touch on what you learned from it. How did this particular experience help you grow, and what lessons will you take with you into the future?

Barnard essay prompt #3 – One woman

Finally, we have the fifth Barnard College supplemental essays prompt:

Barnard College Optional Essay Prompt #3

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.

Prompts in this style are common across college applications. If you could pick anyone, who would you invite to dinner or coffee? Since Barnard is a women’s college, it makes sense that this prompt is interested in knowing which woman you would choose. 

This Barnard College supplemental essays prompt really gives you free rein. Use the opportunity to develop yourself beyond your academic accomplishments. This Barnard College supplemental essays prompt presents multiple questions. Be sure to answer all components of the prompt entirely. It is important to remember there is a 250-word count max, so you will have to balance being clear and succinct in your response with addressing all three questions. 

Start by brainstorming a list of women you would be interested in writing this essay about. Just as with any of the prompts, you should not pick a woman to write about with the sole purpose of sounding impressive. Remember, there is no right answer. Be sure to write about a woman you are truly curious about and explain your reasoning. The admissions team should be able to feel the inspiration behind your choice. 

Are these Barnard essays really optional? 

The optional Barnard College supplemental essays are not a technical requirement of the application, so yes – they’re really optional. If you don’t feel like you have something to say that speaks to your character or values – don’t worry. You won’t be penalized for not writing all five essays. However, if you’re truly excited about attending Barnard, you’ll certainly have something valuable to speak on in response to these prompts.

If you’re passionate about attending Barnard, show admissions you’re invested by writing all five essays. The more essays you write, the more the Barnard admissions team gets to know about you. Not only that, but the essays allow you to control the narrative of your application. Taking the opportunity to write the optional Barnard College supplemental essays demonstrates your willingness to go above and beyond!

Choosing which essays to write 

There are many reasons to write optional Barnard College supplemental essays, but let’s start with some reasons why you should not. When choosing which optional essay prompts to respond to, you should consider your passions, strengths, and weaknesses. Don’t write optional Barnard College supplemental essays just for the sake of writing. Admissions officers will be able to spot this misguided and uninspired attempt from a mile away. Only craft a response to an optional essay if it is purposeful and passionate.

With that being said, the more essays you write, the better chance you have of letting Barnard get to know the real you. Use the optional Barnard College essays prompts as an opportunity to elaborate on yourself and your interest in Barnard College. These essays are especially useful if you feel like your academic portfolio is not an accurate reflection of who you are as a student and a person. 

When choosing which Barnard College essays to write, read the prompts carefully so you can answer the question fully. Barnard College supplemental essays provide you with an opportunity to provide additional information to the admissions committee. However, avoid repeating yourself or recycling information found elsewhere in your application. Writing about different topics demonstrates that you are a well-rounded applicant who will contribute to various aspects of Barnard’s community.

5 Tips for writing outstanding Barnard essays

Tip #1 – start early.

Writing outstanding essays that beat the highly selective Barnard College acceptance rate requires ample time to plan, write, and revise. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the application deadlines and current supplement questions, especially the Why Barnard essay. Most importantly, make sure you have budgeted enough time to write both required and all three optional Barnard supplemental essays.

Tip #2 – Show, Don’t Tell

Use the Barnard supplemental essays as an opportunity to show the admissions team who you are beyond your academic achievements. The best way to do so is by painting a vivid picture and engaging the reader with stories. If you claim to have certain traits, qualities, or values, you should demonstrate these with specific anecdotes and actions. Use this technique to make your application come alive and your essays shine . 

Tip #3 – Write authentically

We’re sure you have heard it before, but the most vital aspect of any successful college essay is being yourself. Your Barnard supplemental essays should accurately reflect your experiences, values, and interests. Don’t write what you think the admissions team wants to hear. Being true to yourself has the power to demonstrate your unique perspective and strength of character. 

Tip #4 – Be clear and concise

Your Barnard supplemental essays are limited to 250 words. So, you have to make every word count and showcase your ability to communicate effectively. Narrow your thoughts down to your strongest arguments and most valuable experiences and only elaborate on these. This will make it easy for you and the admissions team to follow your reasoning and connections between points!

Tip #5 – Leave time to proofread and revise your essays 

Your Barnard essays are evaluated for content as well as writing style and grammatical skills. When you think you have finished your Barnard College essays, you should:

• Proof-read for spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Edit out unnecessary words or phrases
• Ensure you have responded directly to the prompt and have answered all parts of the question.

Before you submit, it’s a good idea to get input from trusted sources. While you should consider external input, it is vital that you maintain your own writing style and voice. That way the admissions team gets to know the real you. 

Be sure to use these tips to help you plan your own Barnard essays! And, feel free to refer to this guide when you begin your Barnard College essays writing process.

Barnard Supplemental Essays: Final Takeaways 

If you’re looking for a final takeaway, it’s this: prepare careful and thoughtful responses to all of the Barnard supplement questions. While your grades and test scores are important parts of your application, they aren’t enough to gain admission. Your Barnard essays have the power to round out your application and help you stand out in a competitive application process. Use your supplemental essays to tell the admissions team who you are beyond your academic achievements. Wow them by showing the Barnard admissions team something they won’t see anywhere else in your application.

If you want more advice pertaining to Barnard College, check out this guide on how to get into Barnard College. And, take a look at past Barnard essay examples for inspiration while writing your own. Want to learn more about going to school in Manhattan? Get the inside scoop on what it’s like to attend NYU, Columbia, and Barnard by watching this webinar . 

We hope this guide has helped you better understand the Barnard College essays and how to get into Barnard. Whether you’ve just started your college list or you are already working on your application – CollegeAdvisor has tips for you. Happy writing!

This essay guide was written by Bailey Bennett. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Applying to Barnard College means you’ll need to effectively articulate your ambitions and reflections through three supplemental essays. Here’s how you can approach each prompt to stand out among applicants.

1. How do you envision these intersecting components of Barnard shaping your academic and personal journey? (200 words)

For this prompt, Barnard College encourages applicants to reflect on how its unique resources, such as the campus, Foundations curriculum, and New York City, will influence their growth. In your essay, aim to discuss specific resources at Barnard that resonate with your academic and personal interests. How will the environment foster your curiosity and exploration of new ideas?

For example, if you’re passionate about urban studies, highlight how New York City's landscape serves as a living classroom. Mention the Foundations curriculum and specific courses that intrigue you. Sups AI can assist you in brainstorming ideas and refining your response to make it compelling.

2. Choose one question that you have about the world around you, and explain why it matters to you. (150 words)

This prompt urges you to identify a bold question that you’re passionate about. Whether it’s societal, scientific, or philosophical, provide context on why this question is significant to you. Draw connections to your studies or personal experiences that have sparked your curiosity.

For instance, if you’re interested in climate change, explain how events or literature have shaped this concern for you and why it’s critical in today’s world. Sups AI offers one-on-one chats with current students who can provide insights on how to link your personal experiences with your broader question coherently.

3. Describe an instance where you engaged with someone who held a different opinion and explain how it shaped your perspective on the issue. (150 words)

Here, Barnard seeks to understand your ability to engage in and learn from diverse viewpoints. Reflect on a meaningful conversation you’ve had where differing opinions were present. Discuss how the interaction influenced your outlook and the growth you experienced from it.

For example, you might write about a class debate or a discussion with a friend during a volunteering experience. Describe the nuances of the differing viewpoint and how it contributed to your own understanding of the subject. Utilizing Sups AI can help you refine your narrative and ensure your essay showcases your open-mindedness and ability to incorporate different perspectives.

In summary, Barnard College’s supplemental essays provide a platform to convey your individuality, inquisitiveness, and ability to engage with complexity. Leveraging Sups AI can enhance your application process, offering tailored guidance and insights to help your essays shine.

How to Write the Barnard College 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays

Admitted Essay for Barnard College: Supplemental Essay Guide

Writing an essay for barnard college: a challenge worth conquering....

If your college essay prompt requires you to choose an inspirational figure from history, you might be struggling to decide where to start. The sheer number of influential people who have shaped history can make choosing just one difficult, and that's only the beginning of the challenge.

Writing an essay focused on a single, specific individual from history can be a daunting task. Fortunately, by selecting a well-known figure who genuinely inspires you, you can craft an impressive essay that showcases your personality and aspirations to college admissions officers, making you a standout candidate for their institution.

What You’ll Find in This College Guide:

Barnard supplemental essay prompts, an example essay for barnard college, expert analysis of barnard essay.

• How To Apply These Strategies To Your Own Essays

How To Use Historical Figures to Reveal Your Character

Barnard College is known for its rigorous academic environment and commitment to empowering women. To gain a deeper understanding of each applicant, Barnard includes several supplemental essay prompts as part of the application process. These prompts are designed to help applicants showcase their unique perspectives, experiences, and goals. Here are the current supplemental prompts for Barnard College:

• Prompt 1:  What factors influenced your decision to apply to Barnard College and why do you think the College would be a good match for you?
• Prompt 2:  Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about?
• Prompt 3:  Barnard’s culture encourages engagement across differences. Tell us how you think you could contribute to this culture and community.
• Prompt 4:  Describe a time when you were challenged by a perspective, belief, or opinion different from your own. How did you respond and what did you learn from the experience?

These prompts allow applicants to highlight their intellectual curiosity, personal values, and how they envision contributing to the Barnard community.

Prompt: Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about?

"In 1974, U.S. Representative Bella Abzug sought a credit card from American Express but was denied because she needed her husband’s signature to secure a line of credit. This incident propelled her to leverage her congressional authority to change credit laws, ensuring women could obtain credit independently. This scenario was one of many where Abzug demonstrated her intelligence, wit, perseverance, and commitment to women's rights. Known as 'Battling Bella,' she served three terms in Congress, ardently championing causes related to the environment, war, and women's rights. Her unwavering dedication to fighting for others' rights continues to resonate today.

Two years ago, I volunteered for a state assembly candidate advocating for marginalized communities. If given the chance, my passion for activism would drive me to ask Abzug about the changes she witnessed in women's rights over the years. I would seek her advice on maintaining steadfast positions amidst opposition, her perspective on today's political climate, and strategies for achieving equality, especially following events like Hillary Clinton’s presidential defeat. Lastly, I would request her guidance for young women aspiring to be community leaders. Abzug's legacy empowers me to pursue a career in psychology and inspires me to make a meaningful impact through my work."

Writing an essay that necessitates selecting a historical figure can be overwhelming for students. With so many significant individuals to choose from, students may feel pressured to pick the perfect role model. Additionally, the limited word count adds to the challenge of conveying their thoughts effectively.

However, this student adeptly addresses the prompt by immediately summarizing why Bella Abzug is significant, linking her actions to personal admiration. The essay effectively highlights the student's perspective, which is crucial. Rather than providing a biographical sketch, the student connects Abzug's contributions to their own passions and goals, adding depth to the essay.

How To Apply These Strategies to Your Own Essays

Choose a well-known figure:.

Selecting a prominent historical figure can streamline your essay, reducing the need for extensive background information. With limited space, choosing someone widely recognized allows you to focus more on connecting their work to your aspirations. Remember, college admissions officers are interested in learning about you through your essay, not just about the historical figure.

When writing, consider these questions:

• Is this person well-known enough to require minimal introduction?
• How can I succinctly summarize their work?

DRAW A CONNECTION:

After introducing your chosen figure, emphasize the connection between their work and your interests. Similar to the example, discuss your passions , what you plan to study, or what you aim to achieve in college.

Regardless of the essay prompt, linking the figure’s work to your own endeavors adds depth to your writing.

Ask yourself:

• How did this person’s work inspire my own?
• Do I aspire to continue their kind of work in the future?

MAKE THE “WHY” CLEAR:

Briefly explain why you chose this person. Your personal connection to them is what matters. Clearly articulating how you relate to them and their work will engage your reader.

Reflect on:

• Why did I choose this person, and how do I personally relate to them?
• How can I empathize with them and their contributions?

The key to a compelling person-focused essay is showcasing your personality through your subject.

For an engaging essay:

• Choose a well-known figure.
• Spend less time on their biography and more on your personal connection.
• Explain how their work inspires your ambitions.
• Clearly state why you chose them.

When writing, stay true to yourself and proudly highlight how specific historical figures have inspired you. By being direct and authentic, you can craft an essay that not only addresses the prompt but also positively reflects who you are.

Remember, essay writing is a very challenging part of the college application process. If you need assistance with your college essays, check out Admit AI , which provides automatic feedback to help write essays that will get you accepted!