How can I use resources like College Essay Guy specifically for Barnard's supplemental essays?

Leveraging advice from resources like College Essay Guy can be really effective for Barnard’s supplemental essays, but it often means translating his general strategies into answers that address Barnard’s very specific prompts. College Essay Guy is big on the idea of focusing on "values, vulnerability, and voice," which fits well with Barnard's supplementals, especially the one about having the "courage to take risks."

For this specific prompt, think about College Essay Guy’s "Essence Objects" exercise: list out objects, memories, or experiences that say something meaningful about you. Find one that illustrates a time you took a risk, even a small one, and get really specific with the details. Rather than telling a generic story about standing up in class or taking a hard class, you might focus on a unique moment—maybe you started a community project that felt completely out of your comfort zone, or you challenged a family tradition in a memorable way. For example, I knew a student who wrote about being the lone member advocating for menstrual equity at her high school, describing the awkward but pivotal first meeting she called with school administrators. That story didn't have some huge, dramatic outcome, but the honest vulnerability and risk-taking came through clearly.

For connecting with Barnard's values, use College Essay Guy’s "Why Us" technique: research how Barnard uniquely encourages intellectual curiosity and boldness, then tie your specific risk-taking story into one of Barnard’s opportunities. For instance, if your risk involved stepping into a leadership role, you could mention how Barnard's Athena Center for Leadership would allow you to keep building on that firsthand experience.

Finally, remember the "show, don’t tell" advice. Concrete examples, written in your authentic voice, work much better than simply stating you are a risk-taker. After your anecdote, reflect on how that experience changed you and prepared you to thrive at Barnard. Combining this level of personal detail with a clear connection to Barnard’s programs and community will help you stand out.

To brainstorm, set a timer for 10 minutes and write out every moment from the last few years where you felt uncomfortable or nervous, but did something anyway. Review the ones that most align with Barnard’s values—maybe one jumps out as a story only you can tell. Good luck! That combination of College Essay Guy’s tools and Barnard-specific research should help you make your supplementals really compelling.