How to Write the Barnard College Essays 2025-2026
For all applicants, Barnard College has a required supplemental essay and one optional essay.
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 shine 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 provide a limited view into your life, 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 who 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 connections.
It might be worth it to brainstorm the following things:
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Values. What values listed on Barnard’s website 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 differently. Because Barnard is a women’s college, you should sit down with some blank paper and list your experiences about this category. Make a flow chart; list the things that come to mind. How have you engaged with, experienced, 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: Rooted in a history of trailblazing women, Barnard College is a collaborative community of care shaped by bold women with diverse perspectives. Choose one woman— historical, fictional, contemporary, or personally significant— whose views differ from your own. Imagine a conversation with her. What would you discuss? How might her perspective challenge or shift your own? Share how this new mindset could influence your approach to learning and engagement both in and beyond the classroom at Barnard. (250 words)
Prompt 2 (Optional for applicants who wish to take a gap year): In the box below, please indicate if you are considering a deferral to Fall 2027 if you are offered admission for Fall 2026. Please note that admitted students will be required to submit an official deferral request form with a detailed outline of their plans by February 2026 (if admitted through Early Decision in December) and by April 2026 (for students admitted through Regular Decision). (250 words)
Prompt 1
Rooted in a history of trailblazing women, Barnard College is a collaborative community of care shaped by bold women with diverse perspectives. Choose one woman—historical, fictional, contemporary, or personally significant—whose views differ from your own. Imagine a conversation with her. What would you discuss? How might her perspective challenge or shift your own? Share how this new mindset could influence your approach to learning and engagement both in and beyond the classroom at Barnard. (250 words)
Understanding the Prompt
This prompt asks you to engage in empathetic, intellectual dialogue with a woman you disagree with, and imagine how that disagreement could shape you as a person and a future Barnard student. It’s about:
- Exploring conflicting perspectives with curiosity and care
- Demonstrating openness to transformation
- Connecting ideological growth to your academic and community goals at Barnard
Barnard isn’t looking for you to “win” a debate, but rather to show how meaningful disagreement can lead to personal and academic evolution.
Additionally, in picking a woman—real or fictional, historical or living—you will review more about qualities you admire or look up to (or, on the flip side, qualities that don’t align with your values) in influential women.
Brainstorming Questions
To start your thinking, consider the following:
- Who is a woman (real or fictional) whose views or values challenge your own, but whom you still respect or find fascinating?
- What specific disagreement would you want to explore with her?
- What do you think she could teach you? How could her worldview make you rethink something?
- How might that changed perspective influence your academic interests, career plans, or community involvement?
- What does this imagined conversation reveal about your intellectual maturity, your empathy, and your values?
Some potential categories of women to consider:
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Historical figures (e.g., Margaret Thatcher, Ayn Rand, Zora Neale Hurston)
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Public intellectuals or artists (e.g., Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Virginia Woolf, Cardi B)
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Fictional characters (e.g., Lady Macbeth, Katniss Everdeen, Dolores Umbridge—yes, even her, if done carefully)
- Personal connections (e.g., your conservative grandmother, a debate rival, a mentor with opposing views)
What Makes a Good Response
When it comes to thinking about what will make your essay stand out, there are a few factors to consider.
First off, you want to be specific about the woman and the disagreement you have with her. Don’t just say, “I disagree with Amy Coney Barrett’s political views.” Get more precise. What specific views? Why does it matter to you personally? A stronger statement might look something like this: “As the daughter of two proud Guatemalan immigrants, I would look across the table at Amy Coney Barrett with disdain as she defends protectionist immigration policies.”
Another hallmark of a good response is to show a level of mutual respect and curiosity in your conversation partner’s views. Even if they are highly controversial, you should show a desire to understand. This demonstrates to Barnard that you are capable of growth and intellectual flexibility.
The best responses will demonstrate how you came to reconsider a belief or how your thinking evolved as a result of the conversation. Perhaps you think it was foolish for Juliet to die with Romeo when she still had so much life to live, but hearing her describe the passion and love she felt for him made you reflect on one of your passions and how you would be willing to do anything to pursue it.
While you can have fun imagining these fictional conversations, remember that at the end of the day, this is a college essay, so don’t forget to connect your newfound mindset to Barnard. Make it clear how it will influence how you learn, collaborate, and engage with your community at Barnard. Admissions officers are especially curious about this part of your essay, so don’t neglect it!
Lastly, good responses will bring the conversation to life with literary devices like vivid descriptions, strong voice, internal monologues, etc., to help it stand out. Feel free to add actual dialogue as well—just be mindful of the word count.
Hypothetical Student Examples:
- A social justice-minded student raised in a liberal household chooses to imagine a conversation with her immigrant mother, who holds more conservative views about feminism. In their conversation, the student explores intergenerational feminism, the complexity of cultural identity, and how care can look different across cultures. This shifts her thinking toward more intersectional, community-based activism at Barnard.
- A STEM student interested in bioethics imagines a conversation with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein character, Victor. They debate the moral implications of scientific discovery. Through the discussion, the student learns to balance innovation with ethical responsibility, shaping her plans to study science through Barnard’s Science and Public Policy initiative.
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A queer student involved in theater chooses to speak with J.K. Rowling, whose controversial views on gender conflict with their identity. The conversation, while painful, forces the student to reckon with the complexity of separating art from artist and motivates them to create inclusive art spaces at Barnard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you begin brainstorming and writing, don’t fall into the following traps:
- Choosing someone you already fully agree with: The prompt is about tension. If you pick someone whose views match yours, you miss the point. The whole essay risks sounding like flattery rather than intellectual engagement.
- Vague or clichéd disagreement: “We disagree about politics” is too broad. Instead, try something like: “She believes self-reliance eliminates the need for social safety nets, while I think community support is essential.”
- Not connecting to Barnard: This isn’t just about the conversation; it’s about what you do with it. Be explicit about how this mindset shift will shape your time at Barnard, in class, clubs, research, or activism.
- Overly academic tone: While intellectual engagement is important, this essay is also about personal growth. Avoid turning it into a thesis paper—show emotional complexity, vulnerability, and curiosity.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example (250 words):
At 16, I watched Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story,” and found myself nodding vigorously—until I didn’t. She warned against reducing people to one narrative, but then described a trip to Mexico, where her initial fear was based on media stereotypes.
I was stunned. My parents are undocumented Mexican immigrants. My fear has never been of people—it’s been of the systems that surveil us. If I could talk to Adichie, I’d thank her for her honesty, but challenge her too. I’d ask: When the “single story” causes real harm, how do we forgive those who believe it?
Her answer, I imagine, would focus on power. Who controls the narrative? Who benefits from it? I’d see that her experience—though different—mirrors mine in some ways: we both carry stories others wrote for us. I might still disagree with her framing of fear, but I’d better understand the vulnerability behind it.
At Barnard, where difference is not just accepted but expected, I want to lean into discomfort like this. I plan to join the Harlem Semester to examine how communities shape and resist dominant narratives. In the classroom, I’ll approach texts and peers alike with less certainty and more curiosity. Like Adichie, I want to be a storyteller—but one who listens just as hard as she writes.
Why it works:
- It shows specific disagreement, framed respectfully
- It demonstrates the student’s growth in her perspective, not just an argument with her chosen figure
- The essay connects the student’s transformation to Barnard opportunities both in and out of the classroom
- It is reflective, personal, and intellectually engaging
Bad Example (250 words):
I would like to speak with Hillary Clinton. We have very different political views—I identify more as progressive, while she is more moderate. I would ask her why she didn’t support Medicare for All and how she feels about the 2016 election. It would be interesting to hear her thoughts on losing to Donald Trump and what she would have done differently.
Even though I disagree with her on some issues, I think I could learn a lot from her experience in politics. She has faced many challenges and broken barriers for women. Talking to her would teach me how to be more resilient and stand up for myself.
At Barnard, I want to use that resilience to work hard and not be afraid to speak my mind. I hope to take classes in political science and maybe run for student government. I will also support other women who are trying to make a difference.
Why it falls short:
- The disagreement is vague and fairly shallow, with no depth or further context about why the student is connected to the topic
- There isn’t a clear shift in thinking, as it’s mostly admiration from the student
- It does a poor job of connecting to Barnard because no specifics about the school are included
- It lacks vivid storytelling or emotional insight
Prompt 2
Optional for applicants who wish to take a gap year and defer their enrollment to Fall 2027:
In the box below, please indicate if you are considering a deferral to Fall 2027 if you are offered admission for Fall 2026. Please note that admitted students will be required to submit an official deferral request form with a detailed outline of their plans by February 2026 (if admitted through Early Decision in December) and by April 2026 (for students admitted through Regular Decision). (250 words)
This is a gap year deferral prompt, and while it’s technically optional, it’s very important for students who are considering taking a gap year. Schools use this to evaluate whether your proposed year off will be purposeful, productive, and aligned with your long-term goals.
Understanding the Prompt
This prompt is asking two main things:
- Are you thinking about taking a gap year if admitted?
- If so, what do you plan to do during that year?
This is NOT a place to be vague or to brainstorm on the fly. Schools want to see that if you defer, you’re doing so for a clear and meaningful reason, not simply to take a break or delay college.
The admissions committee wants to see:
- That you have a specific and constructive plan in place.
- That your plan reflects maturity, curiosity, or personal growth.
- That your gap year would enhance, not hinder, your college readiness.
Brainstorming Questions
Ask yourself the following before you begin writing:
- Why am I considering a gap year? Is it for travel, work, service, research, family, health, or personal development?
- What are the concrete plans I have in place (or am developing) for this year?
- How will I grow or gain skills during this time?
- How does this plan connect to my goals—academic, professional, or personal?
- How will this year make me a stronger, more prepared student when I enroll in college in Fall 2027?
Once you have answers to some or all of these questions, you are ready to begin writing.
What Makes a Good Response
When developing your response, clearly state that you are considering a deferral and share details about your plan for the gap year. This is not the time to be indecisive or vague, but confident and clear. Be specific and present a well-thought-out plan that is logistically feasible. Outline various organizations, locations, projects, goals, or timelines when possible.
Your response should connect to your values and goals. Share reflections of why your plan is important to you – whether that’s service work, global perspective, skill-building, or personal wellness. Explain why this plan is meaningful and how it fits into your broader life path.
Lastly, you need to show how this experience will develop your maturity, leadership, independence, or curiosity. The admissions officers should be left with the impression that this gap year will make you a better contributor to the Barnard community when you return.
Hypothetical Student Examples
Here are a few strong topic ideas from specific student profiles:
- Kai, a student interested in Global Public Health, plans to work with an international NGO in Ghana that focuses on sanitation education and maternal health. She will also spend part of the year learning Swahili and shadowing doctors in a rural clinic. This gap year connects directly to Kai’s future career goals and academic interests.
- Mariana, a visual arts student burned out from an intense high school experience, plans to spend time at a residential artist retreat in New Mexico, followed by a 6-month apprenticeship with a muralist in her hometown. This is restorative but also aligned with her creative goals.
- Susan, a future computer science major, wants to spend the year interning at a local AI startup while taking an online machine learning course and building her open-source software. She shows initiative and continued academic development even outside the classroom.
- Zara, who lost a parent recently, will use the year to focus on healing and caretaking for her younger sibling while volunteering at a local food bank. She also plans to take a few community college classes. This plan reflects emotional maturity and life responsibility, with a realistic balance of personal and productive goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you begin writing, be aware of the following traps to avoid:
- Being vague or non-committal: Avoid saying, “I might want to travel,” or “I’m not sure yet, but I think a gap year could be good for me.” Instead, state your interest clearly and outline potential plans—even if they’re still in development.
- Framing the gap year as a break from work: Don’t say you want to take a gap year to “relax,” “explore,” or “take a mental break,” without context. Colleges want to know that your time will be meaningful, even if it’s not entirely academic.
- Listing random ideas without a unifying purpose: “I’ll travel, volunteer, take a class, maybe get a job…” sounds scattered unless tied together with a theme or goal.
- Overly ambitious or unrealistic goals: Don’t claim you’ll cure cancer or travel to 12 countries on your own without a clear explanation of how.
- Using the essay as a backup plan excuse: Avoid implying that you’ll only take a gap year if you don’t get into another school. This should be about you, not your admissions strategy.
Good and Bad Examples
Good Example (Word Count: 248)
After years of academic rigor and a deeply personal loss during my junior year, I’m strongly considering deferring enrollment to Fall 2027 to pursue a structured, restorative, and growth-oriented gap year. I’ve been accepted into the Global Citizen Year Fellowship, which places students with host families and social impact organizations in Brazil. There, I’ll support a local education NGO to help expand digital learning access in under-resourced communities. Outside of work, I plan to improve my Portuguese, maintain a blog reflecting on cross-cultural learning, and engage with the host community’s environmental initiatives.
Following the fellowship, I’ll return home and intern at a local environmental nonprofit while also taking an evening anthropology course at my community college. I see this year as an opportunity to deepen my global perspective, reconnect with myself after a challenging few years, and bring a more grounded, mature perspective to college. As someone interested in international development and cultural anthropology, I believe this time away from traditional academics will enhance my sense of purpose and direction, and allow me to arrive on campus ready to engage fully, not only as a student, but as a more empathetic and intentional global citizen.
Why it works:
- The opening statement reflects a personal loss which has led to the need for self care and thus, the gap year request. However, the student pursued learning opportunities for growth and development during the year.
- There is maturity reflected in this well thought out plan on how they will spend their gap year.
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It is reflective, personal, and intellectually engaging.
Bad Example (Word Count: 179)
I’m not completely sure yet, but I may want to take a gap year before starting college. I think it would be good to have a break from school and recharge before diving into another four years. I’ve thought about traveling through Europe or Asia, maybe doing some volunteering or taking a few classes online. I’d like to use the time to explore different interests and figure out more about myself before committing to a major. I also want to work part-time to save up for college expenses. Overall, I feel like a gap year could help me be more ready for college, but I’m still thinking about what I’d do.
Why it falls short:
- The statement is too vague. There’s no clear plan or commitment for the gap year.
- It lacks specificity regarding the plan, as no details are provided. Travel and volunteering are mentioned, but it does not spell out the where, how, or why.
- There’s no reflection on how this ties into goals, values, or growth. It lacks a personal connection or maturity.
- It sounds like a casual break, not a purposeful year that will provide growth.
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