What are some tips for writing strong Barnard College essays?

Barnard’s essays are indeed unique, and they’re a great way to show off both your intellectual interests and your authentic self. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that Barnard isn’t just looking for smart students—they’re looking for people who are engaged, curious, and ready to contribute to their community.

Balance is key: you want to bring your personal perspective and story into your answers, but also connect your experiences or ideas to Barnard’s distinctive environment and values. For example, if the prompt asks about a woman in history or fiction you’d want to converse with, don’t just name someone famous and list their qualities; instead, tell a quick story about how their legacy or ideas intersect with something you genuinely care about. Maybe you spent an entire summer reading Audre Lorde’s poetry, and one poem made you start a zine at your high school—share that turning point, and then explain the conversation you’d have as a result. Personal, but also intellectually engaged.

Barnard also values students who use their voice for impact. If there’s a prompt asking about community or making change, don’t focus on generic statements like “I like to help others.” Instead, zoom in on a moment where you challenged a system or started a conversation—maybe you advocated for adding gender-neutral bathrooms at your school, and you hit a roadblock with administration, but you kept pushing by surveying your peers to gather data and presenting your findings. That kind of narrative is memorable and sincere, while also aligning with Barnard’s mission.

Above all, avoid trying to sound overly polished or like the “ideal applicant.” If your writing feels like a unique extension of how you think and act, you’re on the right track. Don’t be afraid to show off a quirky interest or the complexity of your thought process. One Barnard student I know wrote about her fascination with bees as a metaphor for community care and leadership, tying her curiosity to Barnard’s collaborative atmosphere.

So: stay true to yourself, make connections between your ideas and Barnard’s values, and use specific moments to anchor your essays. That’s what makes for a compelling application.