barnard supplemental essay examples

Barnard College Columbia University

Barnard Short Answer 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 short answer 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  2024  questions for first-year students.

• Required:  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 max)
• Required: 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 max)
• Required: 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 max)

*Please note that the questions may change from year to year.

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!

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Barnard College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 6

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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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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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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Barnard Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

By Eric Eng

When it comes to applying to the top schools in the country, your application is vitally important. In order to give yourself the best chance of gaining admission, you need to make sure all aspects of your application are top-notch. In this post, we’re going to do a deep dive into how to write Barnard supplemental essays and everything you need to keep in mind as you write.

Barnard uses the common app, and this means that you will be asked to answer essay questions contained in the common app. But like many top schools, Barnard also requires that you complete a few short essays about your personal or intellectual growth. The Barnard supplemental essays 2022-2023 allow applicants a certain amount of freedom when choosing their supplemental essay topics, but we’re going to look at each essay prompt and discuss the best way to respond to each topic.

Barnard Supplemental Essay Prompts 2022-2023

So, let’s start by looking at each supplemental essay prompt, and then we will discuss how to approach each one individually.

When it comes to answering the Barnard supplemental essays 2022, there are some things to keep in mind. First, these essays are in addition to the personal statement found in the common app. Second, all of the Barnard supplemental essays 2022-2023 are required. The Barnard supplemental word limit for each essay is 300 words, so you will have enough space to fully develop your essays. Let’s take a look at this year’s prompts, and then we’ll discuss how to approach them.

What factors encouraged your decision to apply to Barnard College and why do you think the college would be a good match for you?

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.

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?

While the third essay is technically optional, we don’t consider any essay to be optional. Barnard is giving you the opportunity to tell them more about yourself. Take it! Now, let’s look at each prompt individually.

How to write the Barnard supplemental essays?

Applicants often wonder how to write Barnard supplemental essays because they are somewhat different from the supplemental essays you will see on other applications. Despite that, these essay prompts are still asking you to reflect on your personal academic journey, and where you see yourself in the future. Let’s take a look at the first prompt.

The first Barnard supplemental essay 2022 is a fairly straightforward prompt. It asks you to elaborate on why you have chosen Barnard, but the key is to focus on specifics. There’s a good chance that you are applying to a number of schools, so what are the factors that attracted you to Barnard, specifically?

In reality, there are plenty of reasons to apply to Barnard, but you want to make sure that your response focuses on some key points. Are you attracted to the idea of an all-women’s college? If so, why? What are your feelings about living in New York City? Are you an experienced city-dweller or will this be your first time living in a big city? What programs have attracted you to Barnard?

The key to writing this essay is research. Then, once you’ve learned all you can about the school and its surroundings, you can work on your personal story, and how it relates to your decision to apply to Barnard.

This is a highly personal question because it asks you to think about the questions that define your academic pursuits. This is a chance for you to highlight your intellectual curiosity, which will demonstrate that you take your studies seriously. But this essay doesn’t have to be solely about your academic interests.

Because the subject of this essay is fairly broad, you can talk about any kind of “big” question that you ponder. Once you’ve spent some time thinking about the topics and questions that are on your mind, it’s time to explore how your education at Barnard will be relevant to your interests. The most important factor is demonstrating your passion. Barnard wants students who have more than a casual interest in subjects. They’re looking for people who are truly driven by their intellectual curiosity, and that needs to be evident in your essay.

As a member of the Seven Sisters, Barnard is one of the world’s top all-women’s colleges. This prompt, while technically optional, is a great way to explain how women—either real or fictional—have played a part in your life. The best way to approach this topic is by making a list of women who fascinate you. Making separate lists of real and fictional women may make this easier.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, think about the woman you would most want to talk to for an hour. It doesn’t need to be the most famous or historically significant person on your list, but it should be someone with whom you feel a particular connection. Is there a life experience that you have both shared? Do you have common backgrounds or struggles? Do you draw inspiration from this woman in a specific way? These are the kinds of questions you can ask yourself to narrow your list even further.

Finally, think about the specific questions you would ask this person. Consider how their answers would impact your life. Think about the insight this person could give you based on their experiences.

At AdmissionSight, our goal is to help you with every step of the college admissions process. The Barnard supplemental essays 2022 can seem daunting at first, but our experience and expertise will help you navigate the entire process with confidence. Hopefully, this guide to the Barnard supplemental essays 2022-2023 has been helpful, but if you want more information about how AdmissionSight can help you realize your dreams, set up your free consultation today.

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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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Hey guys, I'm applying to Barnard and could use some guidance. Can anyone share examples of essays that worked or some tips on how to nail the Barnard supplemental essays?

Hi there! It's great to hear that you're applying to Barnard. CollegeVine has an article with three example essays submitted by real students, along with feedback on what worked well and what could be improved upon: https://blog.collegevine.com/barnard-essay-example

Also check out this CollegeVine article with tips on writing each of the Barnard essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-barnard-college-essays

Lastly, don't forget to proofread your essays and have someone else review them for clarity and coherence. This will ensure that your writing is polished and free of errors.

Good luck with your application to Barnard!

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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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Barnard supplemental essay #2

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)

Am I the only one having major trouble with this prompt? I'm still also kind of unclear as to what it is actually asking...

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So Many Supplemental Essays

Last year my 2024 graduate applied to 11 that had supplemental essays as part of of the application. She wrote more than 20 essays. Some were re-usable and only needed to be re-worked…but still, sometimes a similar topic is assigned at different schools and at one school it’s 150 words and at another it’s 300 or more so it’s like writing a whole new essay. It is SO MUCH work. Most schools that had supplementals only had one or two. But some schools she applied to had 4 or 5 supplements. I think this is crazy and wonder why schools do this.

As I start early to think about college options for my 2026 grad, I am hoping to help guide her to create a college list that takes into account the workload of all the supplements. One of her top choices has SEVEN (granted one of the 7 is just a short list but the other six require actual writing) and its a huge reach so very unlikely to get in…maybe it’s not even worth trying? But I hope she does.

Why do colleges do this? They can get a good sense of a candidate through a couple of essays…why so many? I would actually love to hear from an AO as to what the thinking is around assigning so many.

In my non-AO opinion, I think well written supplements can help with yield prediction and it also helps pare down applications to kids who really want those schools.

It’s also why I cringe when I see kids with 20+ schools on their list. My D applied to 8 and had to write 18 unique essays. It’s a ton of work!

I agree it can be a way to cut down on the number of apps (some schools have stopped requiring a supplemental essay and their app numbers increased.) It’s also a way to differentiate between applicants…meaning it can be clear who didn’t take the time to create good supplemental responses.

With that said, some schools take responses to supplemental materials in context, for example, students from under-resourced HSs aren’t expected to necessarily have top notch essays and/or short answer responses.

I get that. And I’m not entirely opposed to supplemental essays. I just can’t understand why a school would require 4,5, 6 or 7(!) supplements. Wonder which school requires the most?

BTW - I also agree that some schools use “no supplement” as a way to bump up applications and resulting selectivity. Ahem…Northeastern.

It is crazy! Even if they are just short answer responses, it’s time consuming and requires some thought and/or research.

Good question, not sure!! USC Dornsife requires 3 essays and 12 short answer responses (3 of the 12 are just one word.) Georgetown has 4 essays. I think the UC PIQs are tough, as are the U Chicago essays (2 supplementals.)

Columbia has five ranging from 100-150 words. The school at Cornell that S25 is applying to has one, but it’s a LONG one plus there is another one for all Cornell applicants. I’m not sure which is worse - a bunch of short responses or one that feels like you are writing a class paper.

Agree with all the above. Was discussing applications with a friend and she told me a broad list of which/how many schools (Ivy’s, T20, UCs, etc) to which her D25 was considering applying. My first comment was, has she looked at how many supplementals she will need to write for those schools? She looked at me with a blank stare as she obviously had no idea.

If the supplementals cut down on the number of “no chance in %^&” applications it’s a good thing for everyone.

Not that I love this logic, but more essays, particularly more essays that are not of the sort easily satisfied with rewritten essays, presumably help determine even higher levels of real interest.

Yea, I mean you’re right but…ugh.

Since the Common App, the number of schools kids apply to has gone up to so many schools. Some even apply to 20.

Essay readers here on CC can attest to the fact that once working with a kid on an essay, we may end up helping with upwards of 10-15 essays in some instances.

One solution is to apply to fewer schools. Back in the day my kids only applied to schools they actually visited. Quaint! (We were frugal and only drove…) My kids applied to 2, 4 and 6 schools respectively and the 6 only because it included conservatories and colleges. Fifteen years or so ago. Two of them did essays on December 31. Now they start in the summer or even earlier. So much anxiety.

Another solution is to stop making such a big deal about those short answers. Honestly applicants are trying to make “unique” essays about of a simple question like “Why X College.” They research and mention classes and professors and it is just so time consuming.

In fact with my kids, if they were applying now, I would deemphasize essays in general - partly because I don’t believe most essays move the needle and partly to reduce stress.

I wish colleges would get rid of the question about overcoming challenges. Kids actually feel they are failing the essay if they haven’t suffered enough. I had one kid writing about being in a Kenyan refugee camp and one kid writing about the challenge of losing a soccer game. I am digressing…

It certainly seems that asking for numerous essays is a way of winnowing out non-serious applicants to protect yield. I still think actually visiting is a better way to show interest (and urge students to mention visits in their “Why us” essays). I believe colleges keep track.

This is because that’s what the schools tend to want and students know this from in person/virtual visits. At the school where I read apps the supplementals are important and >>>>> the common app personal statement.

Generally these essays are truly optional.

Depends on how the student covers this. Don’t talk about the beautiful campus, or gothic architecture, for example.

Separately, and IMO of course, it’s really difficult for people who aren’t current on college admissions, meaning listening/talking to admissions staff webinars/presentations and the like to give good advice on essay content. Note I am not talking about structuring essays or editing grammar. I do agree that at many schools (tend to be less selective schools that don’t even have supplementals), the common app personal statement is not that important.

Not to go off on a tangent but some of the “Why us” essays lack authenticity in my view. I would rather see something about class size, undergrad focus, outdoor or cultural activities nearby rather than how they want to work with Prof. so and so on such and such. So many do the latter and it just must seem tiresome. How refreshing it would be to read something from someone who visited and shared their impressions. Young people tend to make gut decisions. We can agree to disagree! @Mwfan1921 clearly you have a lot more experience and contacts.

I think people who get info on ultimate results from essay writers can have some idea of what works. Authenticity, likability and of course interesting.

We attended an admissions session at an elite school with several supplementals. They were clear that they prioritize their supplementals and that they read the Common App essay last, if they read it at all.

Why supplementals? While loads of applications bring down their acceptance rate, the AO really need to know if their university is a priority to the applicant. If accepted, will the student attend? Asking university specific questions lets them know how much the student knows about the institution and allows them to assess if the student will be a good fit.

My daughter is currently a senior applying to schools. She already fired off an application to Northeastern b/c “why not? there are no supplementals”.

She came up with a list of safety schools and eliminated all with supplemental essays. Has sent applications her 2 “no extra essay” safeties.

Currently working on supplementals for most of the remaining schools on her list…

Any of these can work! It’s important to give admissions what they want though…as communicated in live/virtual admissions sessions, or even a personal conversation with one’s AO. Obviously that does take time, but it allows the schools to gauge fit like @lkg4answers said, and also helps the student know if the school is a fit too (which many students just don’t care about, they only want schools with a low acceptance rate.)

Totally agree.

Thats a good strategy IMO. One thing my daughter did to reduce her essay workload…she chose not to write the supplemental essay at two schools that SHE considered safeties.

(I considered one of them a high safety and the other a low target)

She was admitted to the high safety without even writing the supplemental essay. She was deferred at the low target. (And then withdrew that app after being admitted to her top choice).

Definitely some risk in foregoing the supplement…but if a school is truly a safety it may still work out.

The supplementals are a pretty useless anachronism IMO. By now the schools should be aware that many are written by advisors or AI anyway. For example, the general consensus is that the “why us” essay should somehow regurgitate stuff from the school’s vision…how is that useful to anyone? The schools tell you to “just be yourself” in your essays but you know that if you don’t tell them things they like to hear you could be disadvantaged…it is a strange system

Instead of supplemental essays, northeastern uses campus visits and such to gauge applicant interest.

I don’t believe that’s true based on my experiences. Do you have a citation?

Big picture, the essays will never be as important as grades, rigor, and test scores (school dependent wrt test scores.)