How to Write the Barnard College 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays
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.