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Barnard College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

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Barnard College 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 3 essays of 300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Oddball , Diversity

The Seven Sisters aren’t just women’s colleges, they’re also historic institutions that have helped carve out space for women in higher education. Barnard admissions will be looking for a commitment not just to women’s education but to the type of community they aim to create as they build each incoming class. In other words, a perfunctory application won’t cut it! The smaller the school, the higher the scrutiny. So give yourself time to brainstorm, draft, and refine before you hit submit!

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)

Admissions is curious to learn when, where, and with whom you feel most like yourself. So, tell them a story that captures the environment in which you feel your most powerful and free. The story you tell can be about a place (the lake behind your grandmother’s house, the kitchen counter with a new recipe, behind a telescope), a person or people (your core friend group, your mom, the queer community), or an activity (playing an instrument, competing, teaching). No matter what you choose, use sensory details to pull your reader into your story and make them feel like they’re in the room with you. Then, address the latter part of the prompt by drawing connections between where/when/how you feel your most authentic and powerful to Barnard’s offerings. If you feel most yourself behind a telescope, maybe you can’t wait to observe the stars from the telescopes on the roof of Pupin, Columbia’s physics building, in between astronomy courses. If you feel most authentic surrounded by other queer people of color, perhaps you look forward to getting involved with Barnard’s Proud Colors . If you can tell admissions a story of authenticity with a vision of your future on campus, we’re sure they’ll be thinking about you long after they put down your application!

Barnard 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)

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 some bold questions you have about the world around you and why you believe the answers, or lack thereof, are 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 wants 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 the kinds of questions that keep you up at night and what those questions show about you as a learner and seeker of the truth.

If you would like to respond to one of our optional questions, please choose from the selected prompts below (250 words):

If you’re thinking that the “optional” part of these instructions means you can pass this section by, think again. We recommend that students take every opportunity afforded to them to tell admissions more about themselves! So, let’s review your options:

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?

This prompt makes us think of the now-famous quote from Rep. John Lewis, which reads, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” Barnard is interested in inviting disruptors to campus, so if this prompt calls out to you, lean into it. Whether you confronted your school’s administration over their outdated dress codes or attended your local town hall meetings to advocate for the community’s right to clean air and water, admissions wants to hear about a time when you challenged the status quo. A strong response will feature some reflection that shows how you process new information and experiences and apply those takeaways to the future.

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?

Part of growing up is realizing that the grown ups do not, in fact, have it all figured out and that the world is an imperfect place, especially for marginalized communities (which women still are in many spaces). Barnard is interested to hear about the personal strength you have had to muster as a young woman and the ways in which gender has influenced your learning experiences thus far. This could be the perfect place to talk about your experiences as a woman in STEM and how microaggressions have only lit the fire in your belly to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Or maybe you want to write about the ways in which you’ve seen gender roles play out in your everyday life and how noticing these subtle differences in class participation and chore assignments have spurred your interest in sociology and psychology. Be sure to be as specific as possible while writing your response, so that no one else could possibly put their name at the top of your essay and call it their own.

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?

You’ve probably been asked a version of this question before: Who would you invite to an imaginary dinner party? If you could summon anyone from the grave, who would it be? In this case, unsurprisingly, Barnard wants you to write about a woman. A question like this one is probing for an inkling of your interests and motivations. Who do you admire? What are your aspirations? What kinds of things drive your curiosity? When you come upon a prompt that directly or indirectly asks you to demonstrate your academic or cultural knowledge, the key is to be confident and genuine. Don’t second guess your own interests or strain to write about a topic simply because you think it will impress admissions—spoiler alert: they’ll be able to tell. It will be easier to write about someone you are genuinely interested in, and the results will be more personal and memorable!

Set a timer for five to ten minutes and jot down every person that comes to mind: Charlotte Bronte , Tarana Burke , your great-great grandma, your biological mom, Katherine Johnson , Katniss Everdeen, Hermione Granger… no idea is too absurd during the brainstorm; and historical, local, or fictional femmes are equally welcome! Once you have a solid list, you’ll be in a better position to hone in the right person. Who do you know the most about? Which person would give you a chance to reveal something new about yourself to admissions, like an otherwise unspoken interest in politics, fashion, or ancient history? What are some unknown aspects of your personal history? You could even try to put a twist on a person that might feel like a common choice. Many women interested in computer science might like to bend Ada Lovelace’s ear, but how many of them would ask her about the representation of women in the media?

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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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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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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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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Other colleges to consider

• New York University (New York, NY)
• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA)
• Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

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Admitted Essay for Barnard College: Essay Review

Writing An Essay That’s Focused On One, Specific Person Can Be A Real Challenge...

If your college essay prompt asks you to choose a person from history that inspires you, you may be wondering how to even begin. After all, there are so many people that have changed the course of history, and choosing the person to focus your essay on is only half the battle.

Fortunately, by choosing someone who is well-known and ensuring that you’re truly inspired by them and their work, you can create an impressive person-focused essay that helps college admissions officers learn more about you; and learn what makes you a perfect fit for their college!

An Admitted Essay For Barnard College

Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about?

“In 1974, U.S. Representative Bella Abzug went to American Express to obtain a credit card. However, she was denied because she was told she needed her husband’s signature to obtain a line of credit. Shocked, she decided to use her congressional power to change credit laws so all women would be able to obtain credit by themselves. This was one of the many circumstances where she used her intelligence, wit, perseverance, and values to help women obtain their inalienable rights. Nicknamed “Battling Bella,” Abzug served in Congress for three terms, fighting passionately for activist causes pertaining to the environment, war, and particularly women’s rights. I admire her dedication to fight for others’, which continues to be a pertinent issue in our lives.

Two years ago, I volunteered with a state assembly candidate who sought to voice the concerns of members of marginalized communities. If given the opportunity, my passion for activism in my community would compel me to ask Abzug about the changes she witnessed in relation to women’s rights. I would seek her advice on how she maintained her positions despite fierce dissent, her opinion on today’s political situation, and how we can achieve equality, especially after events such as Hillary Clinton’s presidential defeat. Finally, I would seek her advice for young women who are working to become leaders of their community. Abzug is one of the reasons why I can pursue psychology as a profession, and she inspires me to make a difference through my work.”

Our Expert Review

It can be easy for students to overthink an essay that requires them to choose a person from history. After all, there are so many significant figures to choose from, and a student may have multiple role models. With the added stress of getting their point across in only a couple hundred words, students have a real challenge on their hands with person-focused essays.

Fortunately, this student got right to the point in the very first sentence of their Barnard College essay by giving a short summary of why this historical figure is important. They also did a great job clearly connecting what the historical figure did and why they admire this person. The student’s perspective is what matters most in essays like this. This is why students should be careful to not just give a biographical essay; they should go deeper and connect why the person they chose means a lot to them.

How To Apply This Advice To Your Own College Essays

Choose someone well-known:.

When you choose someone from history who is well-known, you significantly cut down on the amount of explaining you’ll have to do about the person. Remember that you don’t have much space in your college essay to give an in-depth background about someone. If you’ll be writing an essay on a historical figure, choose someone who is widely recognized. This way, when you give their name, your reader will already have a general idea of what kind of work they did.

Once you give the name of your chosen figure, you can dedicate a larger majority of your essay connecting this person and their work to yourself and your future goals. The most important thing for you to remember is that college admission officers want to know more about you through your choice, not more about the historical figure themselves.

When writing your own college essays, ask these questions:

• Is this person prominent enough that I won’t have to give a lengthy explanation about their place in history?
• How can I quickly and efficiently give an accurate summary of my chosen person’s work?

DRAW A CONNECTION:

After you provide a short summary of the person you’ve chosen as the centerpiece of your essay, focus on drawing clear connections between yourself and them. The best way to do this is to emulate what this student expressed in the second paragraph of their essay. Talk a bit about the work you’re passionate about, and even consider explaining what you plan on studying or what you hope to accomplish in college.

With this specific prompt, the student was automatically given the opportunity to draw their connection because they were asked to express what they’d like to ask their chosen historical figure. However, regardless of the specifics of your essay prompt, connect your person’s work to your own work and you’ll be adding depth into your essay.

• How did this person’s work inspire your own work?
• In the future, are you interested in doing the same kind of work they did?

MAKE THE “WHY” CLEAR:

Lastly, you’ll want to briefly explain why you chose this person. You may not necessarily even like this person as an individual; all that matters is that you’re able to connect to them and their place in history. The better you can describe how you relate to this person, the more you’ll be drawing in your reader.

• Why did you choose this person, and how do you relate to them personally?
• How are you able to empathize with them and their work?

Use Someone Else To Reveal Who You Are

The most important thing to remember when you’re writing your person-focused essay is that your admission officers want to learn more about you through your essay’s subject.

For an essay that will grab their attention and keep them invested:

• Choose someone well-known
• Spend a small portion of your essay explaining who your subject is, and a larger portion focusing on yourself
• Connect how their work inspires your work and passions
• Make your reasons for choosing that person clear

As you’re writing your college essay, be confident in your writing style and who inspires you! When it comes to delivering a unique, one-of-a-kind essay, your best bet is to stay true to who you are and be proud of how specific historical figures have inspired you. By being direct and simple, you can write an essay that answers the prompt quickly and accurately and showcases who you are in a positive way.

Of course, essay writing is probably one of the more difficult and time-consuming steps of the college application process, so if you run into any hurdles along the way, remember that WeAdmit’s professional counselors are experts when it comes to essays. We’d love to help you with everything from choosing the right prompts to polishing your final draft before you send it off to your dream college!

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How to Write the Barnard College Essays 2019-2020

Barnard College is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, just across the street from Columbia University. This women’s college was founded in 1889 when Columbia refused to admit women. Since then, it has flourished as one of the premier women’s colleges in America. Barnard offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum to its 2,600 students and has a very competitive acceptance rate of 11.3%. 

Barnard requires two supplemental essays for all applicants, plus additional essays for applicants to the HEOP Scholars Program, Science Pathways Scholars Program, and Arts Program. Read on to learn how to tackle this year’s prompts! Want to know your chances at Barnard? Calculate your chances for free right now.

How to Write the Barnard College Essays

The first two essays were removed partway through the admissions cycle. They are no longer required on the Common App, but we left them here for reference.

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words) **REMOVED PARTWAY THROUGH THE APPLICATIONS CYCLE. NO LONGER REQUIRED.**

Think of the activity in which you’ve shown the most commitment, or the one that has shaped you the most. Is there an activity that has equipped you with new skills, strengthened your personality traits, or changed your perspective? Activities like these tend to be the best subjects for your essay.

If you already elaborated upon the activity to which you’re most dedicated in your Common App essay, pick the “next best” activity. You want to make sure you’re sharing different aspects of your personality. You should also avoid activities that “look good” on a resume, but you don’t have a strong passion for, as this will show in your essay. 

A strong extracurricular essay is not about your achievements, as those can be learned about via your activities list. Instead, a strong extracurricular essay is about two things: your state of mind in the moment you participate in an activity, and how that activity has helped you develop skills and positive personality traits. This can be achieved by either a deep dive into an anecdote that prioritizes in-the-moment reflection, or a reflection interspersed with at least one anecdote. 

For in-the-moment reflection, you can take the reader to a specific experience that stands out in the arc of your extracurricular. Maybe it was auditioning for the lead role of a play for the first time and the nervous excitement you felt. You can also choose to narrate something more mundane but equally important, such as your daily soccer practice and the thoughts in your head as you dribble. 

The vital thing to remember is to incorporate reflection into your writing, not just to tell a story. It’s easy to get caught up in the details of your anecdote without showing how the extracurricular shaped you. Let us know what skills you’ve developed because of the activity, what personality traits have been strengthened, and whether the activity impacts the way you live other parts of your life.

If you don’t want your anecdote to span the entire essay, you can take the route of reflection interspersed with one anecdote. In this case, the opening of your essay might take us to a specific moment as you do your activity, which can be 20-30% of the essay, but the rest should be devoted to how the activity impacted you.

Who in your life is depending on you? What are they depending on you for? (250 words) **REMOVED PARTWAY THROUGH THE APPLICATIONS CYCLE. NO LONGER REQUIRED.**

You may not have entered the so-called “real world” of postgrad life, but there are already people who depend on you to meet their needs big and small. Applicants often choose a family member, friend, or teammate as the subject of this essay, but remember that you can pick a more creative focus too; your garden, the ingredients you cook with — basically anything is fair game as long as the topic reveals more about who you are, and the subject isn’t too far of a stretch .

To get started, describe why and how this person/thing depends on you. Maybe you support your family financially by working at the local grocery store. Maybe your volleyball teammates depend on you to organize bonding events. Maybe you tutor a classmate in math and help boost their confidence. Maybe the vegetables in your garden depend on you to be watered and cared for.

If you have responsibilities for someone that exceed what is required of your typical American high school student, be sure to use this space to discuss that dynamic in your essay. For example, if you have a child or financially support another family member, this is the place to describe that relationship.

Even though you are writing about someone/something that depends on you, make sure the focus of your essay is still you. Show us your responsibilities and how this relationship has shaped who you are.

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)

You want to consider a few factors when crafting your response to this prompt. 

First, identify what you are looking to get out of college in general. What excites you about embarking on this journey?

Next, think about what Barnard does best. You may want to do some research on the school, including scouring the school website and making a visit if it’s possible.

Write about the intersection of what you want and what Barnard has to offer. Be as specific and enthusiastic as you can. You can include the names of professors, courses, clubs, or programs on campus to show admissions officers that this school has what you need to fulfill your dreams. 

Maybe you’re a prospective psychology major who wants to one day work as a lawyer. You could mention the Forensic Psychology course, which explores the role of psychology in legal situations. In the class, you would cover relevant questions such as: What is the risk of a violent offender repeating the offense? What kinds of information influence juries? This class fuses two of your passions, and would help prepare you for your career in law.

Or, maybe you’re passionate about arts education and want to join Meet Me At the Museum, a group dedicated to providing educational museum tours to elementary school students. Be sure to mention at least one extracurricular aspect of Barnard, along with at least one academic one. Attending college is not just about what you do in the classroom, but also how you engage with the campus and broader community!

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)

It’s time to get creative! The sky is the limit when it comes to answering questions like this one. The more personal and unique your answer is, the better.

While you can choose absolutely anyone, we recommend selecting a figure about whom you know a good deal and consider a role model. Many applicants might choose Michelle Obama, Sheryl Sandberg, or JK Rowling even though they don’t really relate to them. Their stories are so widely discussed as to feel like common knowledge, but you want to come across as someone with a deeper understanding of whomever you select. 

A better example might be someone like Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teen climate change activist. Maybe you, too, are an environmentalist, and you admire Thunberg’s staunch dedication. You might ask her about her transatlantic sailboat crossing and how she recommends talking about climate change with others. Remember that you can also pick a fictional character. Maybe you would like to sit down with Aibileen, one of the main characters in The Help . You might ask her whether writing has helped her find closure in her son’s death and the harsh reality she faced as a Black woman in the sixties. You would discuss with her the current state of race relations in the U.S. and hear about how things have changed, or not.

What’s most interesting about this essay is not who you pick as much as why you pick her. You can and should give a brief summary (50-100 words) of who she is and what she’s done (especially if she’s lesser-known), but most of your essay should focus on the hypothetical conversation (150-200 words). What questions would you ask her? What would you tell her? How do you think the two of you would get along, and why? Use this essay to reveal more of your interests and the qualities you admire in others.

Applicants to the HEOP Scholars Program

Describe the impact that an academic or personal challenge had on you during high school. how did you overcome the challenge what sources of support did you utilize along the way (100-250 words).

This scholarship exists to help students who have not had the same privileges as others excel in a college setting. The brief essay helps admissions officers figure out who will benefit most from this gift. In the few words you have, you want to write an essay that shows you can overcome major challenges.

With that in mind, we recommend writing about a pretty significant setback you have faced. A lot of students don’t feel comfortable writing about challenges they have faced. They think it’s too personal.

While it is always your call what to put in an essay, we encourage students to be as vulnerable as they can be for this prompt. Unless you show the admissions officers what you have overcome, they have no way of knowing how you’ll react to challenges in the future.

As you write about a particular challenge you have faced, be sure to emphasize the ways in which you have overcome it. For that reason, be sure to pick a past challenge rather than something you are working through currently.

Focus on what you did to resolve the issue. By the end of the essay, your readers should feel as though you have succeeded even though the odds were stacked against you.

Applicants to the Science Pathways Scholars Program for Underrepresented Minority and First-Generation Students

Please outline your interest in pursuing science and scientific research. you may reflect on your past experiences, discuss your role models, or describe your educational and career goals. (350 words).

If science is your passion, the committee for the Science Pathways Scholars Program wants to know it. This essay offers you the opportunity to explain what drives your scientific curiosity directly to the people who decide whether to grant you the scholarship.

When you first read the prompt, you may notice that it’s really broad. It asks for information about past experiences, role models, future goals, basically an outline of everything that makes you want to pursue science.

The good news is that you DO NOT have to address each of those areas in your essay. They have provided a list to give you ideas, but the question you really want to focus on is, “Why does pursuing science matter to you?” Feel free to use any anecdote that speaks to that core question, even if it doesn’t fall neatly into the categories given by the prompt.

Since most people learn best by stories, it’s a good idea to think of one or two turning points in your pursuit of science so far. Maybe learning about someone else’s work made you want to follow in their footsteps. Perhaps you made your own exciting discovery in a science class.

Try to remember one or two of the defining moments in your relationship with science, and portray it in your essay. From there, go on to explain the reasons why that defining moment sparked or deepened your love of science.

“Passionate” is the best tone for this essay. After you write your essay, give it to a trusted friend or mentor and ask, “Does this essay make it sound like I really want to study science?” If the answer is a resounding yes, then you are spot-on.

Applicants to the Arts Program

Optional: artist’s statement—briefly address your choice of medium, influences, themes, or approaches you feel would help us in understanding the sample you have submitted..

While this essay is optional, it is common for artists to write about their work. Keep in mind that this is not a creative essay. Your creativity is already on display in the art itself. Instead, keep your Artist’s Statement short and sweet.

Spend no more than two paragraphs introducing your work. If a few words will help the committee experience your work with new eyes or ears, be sure to share. Otherwise, simply state the medium and title of each piece.

You can use technical jargon, but on the whole make sure your statement is understandable even to someone outside your field.

Here is an example:

I have included photographs of my paintings for your review. All featured works use oil paints on canvas. I prefer this medium for the vast palette it offers and in honor of Vincent Van Gogh, whose art has inspired my own.

In all my paintings, I try to capture optimism in the face of adversity. The first image, “Acadia,” is an open air work inspired by the mountains of Acadia National Park. The three self-portraits explore light, texture, and color respectively. The two still life paintings, “Lilac” and “Lily” can be viewed separately or as a diptych. Photographs of each one on its own and of the two together are included. Thank you for your consideration.

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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Barnard Writing Supplement 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 Writing Supplement 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 Barnard Writing Supplement questions for first-year students. Please note that the questions may change from year to year.

• Required: 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? (250 words max)
• Required: 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)
• Optional: 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)
• Optional: 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? (250 words max)
• Optional: 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? (250 words max)

Barnard College Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Barnard College college application essays were written by students accepted at Barnard College. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Barnard College

Harmony anonymous, barnard college.

Entering the music room in LaGuardia Community College for the first time, I sit down before the upright piano and take out Mozart's Fantasy in D Minor. It is a simple piece, but one of my favorites. It consists of three parts, the first with a...

The Summer Volunteer Anonymous

Ping! The elevator doors opened on Floor Nine, and I was in another world. Leaving the chaos of panicking patients and bustling doctors in the floors below, I found myself walking down a deserted hallway.

This was my first day volunteering at the...

A Newfound Nostalgia Katherine Perry

Describe an aspect of your childhood/upbringing that shaped the person you are today.

In a navy blue Volvo station wagon my entire childhood evolved. Inside, memories rested alongside the hardened French fries and squashed fruit snacks that lined...

Crack & Grow Up Grace Anzalone

I firmly believe that antidrug campaigns whose values instill the “just say no” attitude in elementary school children should be extended to encompass the wretched habit of knuckle cracking. I have done it since I was a young tot, I am told, which...

A Fork Rose Tran

I have encountered a fork. Should I again submit to my father’s demands as I am sent to the kitchen to serve or should I refuse and risk tainting my role as the ideal Vietnamese daughter? I succumb, and fetch a repulsive-smelling platter of duck,...

Walking My Dog Anonymous

Every morning before I go to school, I take my dog, Buxton, on a walk around the neighborhood. It is a very mundane task, but because of the struggle I faced to finally own Buxton, the time I spend with him each morning is special to me. I had...

"We've Done It." Wong Jia Yi Geraldine

I wish I could do it all but I’m no superwoman; I’m just an ordinary girl with 24 hours a day. Deciding to write and direct for DramaFest, an intra-school Drama competition, meant sacrificing other clashing commitments including leading in...

The Backyard Anonymous

I remember when the flowers stopped blooming.

All throughout my childhood there was always one thing that would instantly make me happy. I had a beautiful backyard in my childhood home. The smell of the ripe red mango trees and the chirping of the...

Augusta, Nice to Meet You Najaad Dayib

With as much grace as I can summon, I'd begin a conversation with Augusta Savage by thanking her. I’d tell her, “Thank you. Thank you for being a warrior in the Civil Rights Movement, for following your passion and being a great educator, artist,...

Fighting Sexism with Lightsabers Loie Plautz

“This Jedi is female, so she’s not as smart.” The young man, Max, chortled this to his scene partner as our improvised Star Wars play came racing towards its climax. I stood backstage, suddenly feeling jarred. My character throughout the play had...

Feminist Photographer Anonymous

Behind the camera’s shutter, I am never calm or collected. I am, more often than not, trying to figure out my next shot, my eyes darting from my subject to the light source to a detail of the scene. However, I am perfectly content.

When taking...

A Place in the Sky Anonymous

There’s something oddly comforting about sitting in an airplane and barreling through the sky at 37,000 feet. Granted, the food could be better and the seats a little bigger, but I’ve never been able to find a place quite like this one. When I’m...

A Meaningful Place Sophie Lis

The soft reminder of warm light, the neat rows of novels and biographies and volumes of poetry against mahogany shelves back to back in a literary continuum… I walk further into Barnes and Noble. Swim in circles around the small brown tables in...

Virginia Woolf Sophie Lis

The thick aroma of yellowed pages wafting in and out the small library room, I sit on the small stool, knees hunched together nervously, my back bent over in a style that would render Rodin pleased. In the first glimpse of the tip of the large...

Majoring in Unafraid Anonymous

“There is a one percent chance of rain,” my camp counselors told us as we packed for our overnight. We threw in just what we needed, leaving our raincoats behind.

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Tea with a Trailblazer Anonymous

If given the opportunity to sit down with any woman and converse for an hour, I would select Jeanine Tesori, the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Original Score. Tesori is credited with composing the musicals Fun Home, Thoroughly Modern...

Why Barnard? Anonymous

When I was in eighth grade, during the 2012 Presidential Election, I ran to represent President Obama in my American History class’ mock election. Despite the obvious differences between the President and myself, I believed that with preparation,...

The American Dream in All Its Flavors Anonymous

My childhood included everything from waking up to my mom’s dramatic wake up calls in the mornings, eating ice cream from the carton with my siblings, rough-and-tumble play with my father, to family dinners at our Chinese restaurant, filled with...

Being the Next Generation Role Model Anonymous

Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code, awed me when I first met her at Fashion Institute of Technology. Originally a politician who became the first Indian American woman to run for Congress, Mrs. Saujani had no technological skills to...

K-Pop Blooms a Thousand Stories Anonymous

It was my turn to speak.

The Korean girl across the table and I had spent the past hour in a back-and-forth of stilted conversation. Our pre-collegiate institute had demanded that all disciplines “mingle,” and the silence told a story of two...

Jaggery Shyla Singh

The alarm heralding the dawn becomes redundant as a mix of dread and excitement has kept me up all night. It’s 5 am. Today I will compete in my third Junior National Equestrian Championship in Pune at the National Defence Academy.

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How Grief Helped Me Recognize My Vulnerability Anonymous

I search “how to grieve properly” in the naive but hopeful belief Google knows the answer. An article tells me “broken crayons still color.” This strikes me as not only condescending but false. I am in pain and I am healing, but I am not broken....

Barnard as a Catalyst for Self-Discovery Audrey Pettit

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The Incredible Barnard Community Anonymous

“We’re so close... We can just talk on and on,” the Barnard tour-guide said to our group, laughing. To my surprise, she wasn’t talking about a relationship with a faculty member, as was customary on college tours. She was actually talking about...

Recent Questions about Barnard College

The Question and Answer section for Barnard College is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, barnard essay prompts and strategies.

Hey peeps, I'm thinking of applying to Barnard College and I want to know if any of you have tips or experiences you could share about the essay prompts? How did you come up with a unique idea and what do you think they're looking for in the essays?

Hello! I'm glad to hear you're thinking of applying to Barnard College. You're in luck, because CollegeVine actually has a blog post breaking down each of Barnard's supplemental essay prompts, so you can know exactly what they're looking for and how you can provide it: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-barnard-college-essays/.

Regarding uniqueness, consider brainstorming unusual anecdotes or lesser-known aspects of your life that shaped who you are today. A unique topic doesn't necessarily mean an extraordinary experience, but rather one that allows you to convey a nuanced view of your life and experiences.

Also keep in mind that Barnard values diversity, intellectual curiosity, and an active engagement with one's community. This doesn't mean you have to force these themes into your essay, but it helps to keep the college's values in mind as you write. Your essay should provide insight into your passions, dreams, and contributions, and how they align with Barnard's own values.

Lastly, proofread and revise your essay. Peer review or guidance from a teacher or counselor can help you make your essay even stronger. And if you don't know who to ask, remember that CollegeVine offers both a free peer essay review service and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors - sometimes, getting a more objective set of eyes is the best way of figuring out what needs improving.

Good luck with your application to Barnard!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Harvard University Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)

The following essay examples were written by several different authors who were admitted to Harvard University and are intended to provide examples of successful Harvard University application essays. All names have been redacted for anonymity. Please note that Bullseye Admissions has shared these essays with admissions officers at Harvard University in order to deter potential plagiarism.

For more help with your Harvard supplemental essays, check out our 2020-2021 Harvard University Essay Guide ! For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (50-150 words)

Feet moving, eyes up, every shot back, chants the silent mantra in my head. The ball becomes a beacon of neon green as I dart forward and backward, shuffling from corner to far corner of the court, determined not to let a single point escape me. With bated breath, I swing my racquet upwards and outwards and it catches the ball just in time to propel it, spinning, over the net. My heart soars as my grinning teammates cheer from the sidelines.

While I greatly value the endurance, tenacity, and persistence that I have developed while playing tennis throughout the last four years, I will always most cherish the bonds that I have created and maintained each year with my team.

Why this Harvard essay worked: From an ex-admissions officer

When responding to short essays or supplements, it can be difficult to know which info to include or omit. In this essay, the writer wastes no time and immediately captivates the reader. Not only are the descriptions vivid and compelling, but the second portion highlights what the writer gained from this activity. As an admissions officer, I learned about the student’s level of commitment, leadership abilities, resiliency, ability to cooperate with others, and writing abilities in 150 words.

I founded Teen Court at [High School Name Redacted] with my older brother in 2016. Teen Court is a unique collaboration with the Los Angeles Superior Court and Probation Department, trying real first-time juvenile offenders from all over Los Angeles in a courtroom setting with teen jurors. Teen Court’s foundational principle is restorative justice: we seek to rehabilitate at-risk minors rather than simply punish them. My work provides my peers the opportunity to learn about the justice system. I put in over fifty hours just as Secretary logging court attendance, and now as President, I mentor Teen Court attendees. My goal is to improve their empathy and courage in public speaking, and to expand their world view. People routinely tell me their experience with Teen Court has inspired them to explore law, and I know the effort I devoted bringing this club to [High School Name Redacted] was well worth it.

This writer discussed a passion project with a long-lasting impact. As admissions officers, we realize that post-secondary education will likely change the trajectory of your life. We hope that your education will also inspire you to change the trajectory of someone else’s life as well. This writer developed an organization that will have far-reaching impacts for both the juvenile offenders and the attendees. They saw the need for this service and initiated a program to improve their community. College Admissions Quiz: If you’re planning on applying to Harvard, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible. Take our quiz below to put your college admissions knowledge to the test!

Harvard University Supplemental Essay Option: Books Read During the Last Twelve Months

Reading Frankenstein in ninth grade changed my relationship to classic literature. In Frankenstein , I found characters and issues that resonate in a modern context, and I began to explore the literary canon outside of the classroom. During tenth grade, I picked up Jane Eyre and fell in love with the novel’s non-traditional heroine whose agency and cleverness far surpassed anything that I would have imagined coming from the 19th century. I have read the books listed below in the past year.

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Purple Hibiscus *
• Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger *
• Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility
• Aphra Behn, The Fair Jilt ♰
• Mongo Beti, Mission Terminée * (in French)
• Kate Chopin, The Awakening
• Arthur Conan-Doyle, A Study in Scarlet
• Kamel Daoud, Meursault, contre-enquête * (in French)
• Roddy Doyle, A Star Called Henry *
• Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and the Profane *
• Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man
• William Faulkner, As I Lay Dying *
• Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary
• E. M. Forster, Maurice
• E. M. Forster, A Passage to India
• E. M. Forster, Where Angels Fear to Tread
• Eliza Haywood, The City Jilt ♰
• Homer, The Iliad
• Christopher Isherwood, All The Conspirators
• Christopher Isherwood, A Meeting by the River
• Christopher Isherwood, Sally Bowles
• Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man
• Shirley Jackson, We Have Always Lived in the Castle
• James Joyce, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
• Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis
• Franz Kafka, The Trial
• Jhumpa Lahiri, Interpreter of Maladies *
• Morrissey, Autobiography
• Rudolph Otto, The Idea of the Holy *
• Boris Pasternak, Doctor Zhivago
• Charlotte Perkins-Gilman, Herland
• Marcel Proust, Swann’s Way
• Marcel Proust, Within a Budding Grove
• Mary Renault, Fire From Heaven
• Mary Renault, The Friendly Young Ladies
• Mary Renault, The King Must Die
• Mary Renault, The Persian Boy
• J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
• Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Terre des hommes * (in French)
• Shakespeare, Hamlet *
• Mary Shelley, The Last Man
• Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead *
• Kurt Vonnegut, Breakfast of Champions
• Kurt Vonnegut, The Sirens of Titan
• Evelyn Waugh, Brideshead Revisited
• Evelyn Waugh, Scoop
• Evelyn Waugh, Vile Bodies
• Jeanette Winterson, The Passion
• Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary: A Fiction ♰
• Mary Wollstonecraft, Vindication of the Rights of Woman ♰
• Virginia Woolf, A Haunted House and Other Stories
• * indicates assigned reading
• ♰ indicates independent study reading

Harvard University Supplemental Essay Option: What would you want your future college roommate to know about you? (No word limit)

Hi Roomie!!!!

You probably have noticed that I put four exclamation points. Yes, I am that excited to meet you, roomie!

Also, I don’t believe in the Rule of Three. It’s completely unfair that three is always the most commonly used number. Am I biased in my feelings because four is my favorite number? Perhaps. However, you have to admit that our reason for the Rule of Three is kinda arbitrary. The Rule of Three states that a trio of events is more effective and satisfying than any other numbers. Still, the human psyche is easily manipulated through socially constructed perceptions such as beauty standards and gender roles. Is having three of everything actually influential or is it only influential because society says so? Hmm, it’s interesting to think about it, isn’t it?

But if you’re an avid follower of the Rule of three, don’t worry, I won’t judge. In fact, if there’s one thing I can promise you I will never do, it’s being judgmental. Life is too short to go around judging people. Besides, judgments are always based on socially constructed beliefs. With so many backgrounds present on campus, it really would be unfair if we start going around judging people based on our own limited beliefs. My personal philosophy is “Mind your own business and let people be,” So, if you have a quirk that you’re worrying is too “weird” and are afraid your roommate might be too judgy, rest assured, I won’t be.

In fact, thanks to my non-judginess, I am an excellent listener. If you ever need to rant with someone about stressful classes, harsh gradings, or the new ridiculous plot twists of your favorite TV show (*cough* Riverdale), I am always available.

Now, I know what you are thinking. A non-judgmental and open-minded roommate? This sounds too good to be true. This girl’s probably a secret villain waiting to hear all my deepest and darkest secrets and blackmail me with them!

Well, I promise you. I am not a secret villain. I am just someone who knows how important it is to be listened to and understood.

I grew up under the communist regime of Vietnam, where freedom of speech and thought was heavily suppressed. Since childhood, I was taught to keep my opinion to myself, especially if it is contradictory to the government’s. No matter how strongly I felt about an issue, I could never voice my true opinion nor do anything about it. Or else, my family and I would face oppression from the Vietnamese government.

After immigrating to America, I have made it my mission to fight for human rights and justice. Back in Vietnam, I have let fear keep me from doing the right thing. Now, in the land of freedom, I won’t use that excuse anymore. I can finally be myself and fight for what I believe in. However, I can still remember how suffocating it was to keep my beliefs bottled up and to be silenced. Trust me, a conversation may not seem much, but it can do wonders. So, if you ever need a listener, know that I am right here.

See, I just shared with you a deep secret of mine. What secret villain would do that?

See ya soon!!!!!

[Name redacted] : )

P/S: I really love writing postscripts. So, I hope you won’t find it weird when I always end my emails, letters, and even texts with a P/S. Bye for real this time!!!!!

Harvard University Supplemental Essay Option: Unusual circumstances in your life

I would like the Harvard Admissions Committee to know that my life circumstances are far from typical. I was born at twenty-four weeks gestation, which eighteen years ago was on the cusp of viability. Even if I was born today, under those same circumstances, my prospects for leading a normal life would be grim. Eighteen years ago, those odds were worse, and I was given a less than 5% chance of survival without suffering major cognitive and physical deficits.

The first six months of my life were spent in a large neonatal ICU in Canada. I spent most of that time in an incubator, kept breathing by a ventilator. When I was finally discharged home, it was with a feeding tube and oxygen, and it would be several more months before I was able to survive without the extra tubes connected to me. At the age of two, I was still unable to walk. I engaged in every conventional and non-conventional therapy available to me, including physical and speech therapy, massage therapy, gymnastics, and several nutritional plans, to try to remedy this. Slowly, I began to make progress in what would be a long and arduous journey towards recovery.

Some of my earliest childhood memories are of repeated, often unsuccessful attempts to grip a large-diameter crayon since I was unable to hold a regular pencil. I would attempt to scrawl out letters on a page to form words, fueled by either determination or outright stubbornness, persevering until I improved. I spent countless hours trying to control my gait, eventually learning to walk normally and proving the doctors wrong about their diagnoses. I also had to learn how to swallow without aspirating because the frequent intubations I had experienced as an infant left me with a uncoordinated swallow reflex. Perhaps most prominently, I remember becoming very winded as I tried to keep up with my elementary school peers on the playground and the frustration I experienced when I failed.

Little by little, my body’s tolerance for physical exertion grew, and my coordination improved. I enrolled in martial arts to learn how to keep my balance and to develop muscle coordination and an awareness of where my limbs were at any given time. I also became immersed in competition among my elementary school peers to determine which one of us could become the most accomplished on the recorder. For each piece of music played correctly, a “belt” was awarded in the form of a brightly colored piece of yarn tied around the bottom of our recorders- meant as symbols of our achievement. Despite the challenges I had in generating and controlling enough air, I practiced relentlessly, often going in before school or during my lunch hour to obtain the next increasingly difficult musical piece. By the time the competition concluded, I had broken the school record of how far an elementary school child could advance; in doing so, my love of instrumental music and my appreciation for the value of hard work and determination was born.

Throughout my middle and high school years, I have succeeded at the very highest level both academically and musically. I was even able to find a sport that I excelled at and would later be able to use as an avenue for helping others, volunteering as an assistant coach once I entered high school. I have mentored dozens of my high school peers in developing trumpet skills, teaching them how to control one’s breathing during musical phrases and how to develop effective fingering techniques in order to perform challenging passages. I believe that my positive attitude and hard work has allowed for not only my own success, but for the growth and success of my peers as well.

My scholastic and musical achievements, as well as my leadership abilities and potential to succeed at the highest level will hopefully be readily apparent to the committee when you review my application. Perhaps more importantly, however, is the behind-the-scenes character traits that have made these possible. I believe that I can conquer any challenge put in front of me. My past achievements provide testimony to my work ethic, aptitudes and grit, and are predictive of my future potential.

Thank you for your consideration.

In this essay, the writer highlighted their resilience. At some point, we will all endure challenges and struggles, but it is how we redeem ourselves that matters. This writer highlighted their initial struggles, their dedication and commitment, and the ways in which they’ve used those challenges as inspiration and motivation to persevere and also to encourage others to do the same.

Harvard University Supplemental Essay Option: An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper, poetry, or research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry) that has meant the most to you.

I want to be a part of something amazing, and I believe I can. The first line of the chorus springs into my mind instantaneously as my fingers experiment with chords on the piano. In this moment, as I compose the protagonist’s solo number, I speak from my heart. I envision the stage and set, the actors, the orchestra, even the audience. Growing increasingly excited, I promptly begin to create recordings so I can release the music from the confines of my imagination and share it with any willing ears.

My brother [name redacted] and I are in the process of writing a full-length, two-act musical comprised of original scenes, songs, characters. I began creating the show not only because I love to write music and entertain my friends and family, but also with the hope that I might change the way my peers view society. Through Joan, the protagonist of my musical, I want to communicate how I feel about the world.

The story centers around Joan, a high schooler, and her connection to the pilot Amelia Earhart. Ever since I saw a theatrical rendition of Amelia Earhart’s life in fifth grade, she has fascinated me as an extraordinary feminist and a challenger of society’s beliefs and standards. As I began researching and writing for the show, I perused through biographies and clicked through countless youtube documentaries about the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, astounded by her bravery and ability to overcome a troubled childhood and achieve her dream. In my musical, as Amelia transcends 20th century norms, changing the way that people regard women and flight, Joan strives to convince her peers and superiors that the worth of one’s life spans not from material success and grades, but from self-love and passion.

As I compose, the essence of each character and the mood of each scene steer the flow of each song. To me, it seems as though everything falls into place at once – as I pluck a melody out of the air, the lyrics come to me naturally as if the two have been paired all along. As I listen to the newly born principal line, I hear the tremolo of strings underscoring and the blaring of a brass section that may someday audibly punctuate each musical phrase.

The project is certainly one of the most daunting tasks I’ve ever undertaken – we’ve been working on it for almost a year, and hope to be done by January – but, fueled by my passion for creating music and writing, it is also one of the most enjoyable. I dream that it may be performed one day and that it may influence society to appreciate the success that enthusiasm for one’s relationships and work can bring.

These essay examples were compiled by the advising team at Bullseye Admissions. If you want to get help writing your Harvard University application essays from Bullseye Admissions advisors , register with Bullseye today .

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Perspective

When pto stands for 'pretend time off': doctors struggle to take real breaks.

Mara Gordon

A survey shows that doctors have trouble taking full vacations from their high-stress jobs. Even when they do, they often still do work on their time off. Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images hide caption

A survey shows that doctors have trouble taking full vacations from their high-stress jobs. Even when they do, they often still do work on their time off.

A few weeks ago, I took a vacation with my family. We went hiking in the national parks of southern Utah, and I was blissfully disconnected from work.

I'm a family physician, so taking a break from my job meant not seeing patients. It also meant not responding to patients' messages or checking my work email. For a full week, I was free.

Taking a real break — with no sneaky computer time to bang out a few prescription refill requests — left me feeling reenergized and ready to take care of my patients when I returned.

But apparently, being a doctor who doesn't work on vacation puts me squarely in the minority of U.S. physicians.

Research published in JAMA Network Open this year set out to quantify exactly how doctors use their vacation time — and what the implications might be for a health care workforce plagued by burnout, dissatisfaction and doctors who are thinking about leaving medicine.

"There is a strong business case for supporting taking real vacation," says Dr. Christine Sinsky , the lead author of the paper. "Burnout is incredibly expensive for organizations."

Shots - Health News

Health workers know what good care is. pandemic burnout is getting in the way.

Researchers surveyed 3,024 doctors, part of an American Medical Association cohort designed to represent the American physician workforce. They found that 59.6% of American physicians took 15 days of vacation or less per year. That's a little more than the average American: Most workers who have been at a job for a year or more get between 10 and 14 days of paid vacation time , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

However, most doctors don't take real vacation. Over 70% of doctors surveyed said they worked on a typical vacation day.

"I have heard physicians refer to PTO as 'pretend time off,'" Sinsky says, referring to the acronym for "paid time off."

Sinsky and co-authors found that physicians who took more than three weeks of vacation a year had lower rates of burnout than those who took less, since vacation time is linked to well-being and job satisfaction .

And all those doctors toiling away on vacation, sitting poolside with their laptops? Sinsky argues it has serious consequences for health care.

Physician burnout is linked to high job turnover and excess health care costs , among other problems.

Still, it can be hard to change the culture of workaholism in medicine. Even the study authors confessed that they, too, worked on vacation.

"I remember when one of our first well-being papers was published," says Dr. Colin West , a co-author of the new study and a health care workforce researcher at the Mayo Clinic. "I responded to the revisions up at the family cabin in northern Minnesota on vacation."

Sinsky agreed. "I do not take all my vacation, which I recognize as a delicious irony of the whole thing," she says.

She's the American Medical Association's vice president of professional satisfaction. If she can't take a real vacation, is there any hope for the rest of us?

I interviewed a half dozen fellow physicians and chatted off the record with many friends and colleagues to get a sense of why it feels so hard to give ourselves a break. Here, I offer a few theories about why doctors are so terrible at taking time off.

We don't want to make more work for our colleagues

The authors of the study in JAMA Network Open didn't explore exactly what type of work doctors did on vacation, but the physicians I spoke to had some ideas.

"If I am not doing anything, I will triage my email a little bit," says Jocelyn Fitzgerald , a urogynecologist at the University of Pittsburgh who was not involved in the study. "I also find that certain high-priority virtual meetings sometimes find their way into my vacations."

Even if doctors aren't scheduled to see patients, there's almost always plenty of work to be done: dealing with emergencies, medication refills, paperwork. For many of us, the electronic medical record (EMR) is an unrelenting taskmaster , delivering a near-constant flow of bureaucratic to-dos.

When I go on vacation, my fellow primary care doctors handle that work for me, and I do the same for them.

But it can sometimes feel like a lot to ask, especially when colleagues are doing that work on top of their normal workload.

"You end up putting people in kind of a sticky situation, asking for favors, and they [feel they] need to pay it back," says Jay-Sheree Allen , a family physician and fellow in preventive medicine at the Mayo Clinic.

She says her practice has a "doctor of the day" who covers all urgent calls and messages, which helps reduce some of the guilt she feels about taking time off.

Still, non-urgent tasks are left for her to complete when she gets back. She says she usually logs in to the EMR when she's on vacation so the tasks don't pile up upon her return. If she doesn't, Allen estimates there will be about eight hours of paperwork awaiting her after a week or so of vacation.

"My strategy, I absolutely do not recommend," Allen says. But "I would prefer that than coming back to the total storm."

We have too little flexibility about when we take vacation

Lawren Wooten , a resident physician in pediatrics at the University of California San Francisco, says she takes 100% of her vacation time. But there are a lot of stipulations about exactly how she uses it.

She has to take it in two-week blocks — "that's a long time at once," she says — and it's hard to change the schedule once her chief residents assign her dates.

"Sometimes I wish I had vacation in the middle of two really emotionally challenging rotations like an ICU rotation and an oncology rotation," she says, referring to the intensive care unit. "We don't really get to control our schedules at this point in our careers."

Once Wooten finishes residency and becomes an attending physician, it's likely she'll have more autonomy over her vacation time — but not necessarily all that much more.

"We generally have to know when our vacations are far in advance because patients schedule with us far in advance," says Fitzgerald, the gynecologist.

Taking vacation means giving up potential pay

Many physicians are paid based on the number of patients they see or procedures they complete. If they take time off work, they make less money.

"Vacation is money off your table," says West, the physician well-being researcher. "People have a hard time stepping off of the treadmill."

A 2022 research brief from the American Medical Association estimated that over 55% of U.S. physicians were paid at least in part based on "productivity," as opposed to earning a flat amount regardless of patient volume. That means the more patients doctors cram into their schedules, the more money they make. Going on vacation could decrease their take-home pay.

But West says it's important to weigh the financial benefits of skipping vacation against the risk of burnout from working too much.

Physician burnout is linked not only to excess health care costs but also to higher rates of medical errors. In one large survey of American surgeons , for example, surgeons experiencing burnout were more likely to report being involved in a major medical error. (It's unclear to what extent the burnout caused the errors or the errors caused the burnout, however.)

Doctors think they're the only one who can do their jobs

When I go on vacation, my colleagues see my patients for me. I work in a small office, so I know the other doctors well and I trust that my patients are in good hands when I'm away.

Doctors have their own diagnosis: 'Moral distress' from an inhumane health system

But ceding that control to colleagues might be difficult for some doctors, especially when it comes to challenging patients or big research projects.

"I think we need to learn to be better at trusting our colleagues," says Adi Shah , an infectious disease doctor at the Mayo Clinic. "You don't have to micromanage every slide on the PowerPoint — it's OK."

West, the well-being researcher, says health care is moving toward a team-based model and away from a culture where an individual doctor is responsible for everything. Still, he adds, it can be hard for some doctors to accept help.

"You can be a neurosurgeon, you're supposed to go on vacation tomorrow and you operate on a patient. And there are complications or risk of complications, and you're the one who has the relationship with that family," West says. "It is really, really hard for us to say ... 'You're in great hands with the rest of my team.'"

What doctors need, says West, is "a little bit less of the God complex."

We don't have any interests other than medicine

Shah, the infectious disease doctor, frequently posts tongue-in-cheek memes on X (formerly known as Twitter) about the culture of medicine. Unplugging during vacation is one of his favorite topics, despite his struggles to follow his own advice.

His recommendation to doctors is to get a hobby, so we can find something better to do than work all the time.

"Stop taking yourself too seriously," he says. Shah argues that medical training is so busy that many physicians neglect to develop any interests other than medicine. When fully trained doctors are finally finished with their education, he says, they're at a loss for what to do with their newfound freedom.

Since completing his training a few years ago, Shah has committed himself to new hobbies, such as salsa dancing. He has plans to go to a kite festival next year.

Shah has also prioritized making the long trip from Minnesota to see his family in India at least twice a year — a journey that requires significant time off work. He has a trip there planned this month.

"This is the first time in 11 years I'm making it to India in summer so that I can have a mango in May," the peak season for the fruit, Shah says.

Wooten, the pediatrician, agrees. She works hard to develop a full life outside her career.

"Throughout our secondary and medical education, I believe we've really been indoctrinated into putting institutions above ourselves," Wooten adds. "It takes work to overcome that."

Mara Gordon is a family physician in Camden, N.J., and a contributor to NPR. She's on X as @MaraGordonMD .

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After Weeks of Protests, Columbia Cancels Main Commencement Ceremony

Columbia’s president had earlier said that she did not want to deprive students of an in-person celebration after many graduated high school during the pandemic.

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By Sharon Otterman

• May 6, 2024

After weeks of student protests, Columbia University announced Monday that it would be canceling its main commencement ceremony, and holding smaller ceremonies for each of its 19 colleges, mostly at its athletics complex some 100 blocks north.

The university’s main campus has been in a state of near lockdown since last Tuesday, when hundreds of police officers swarmed Hamilton Hall to remove some 46 pro-Palestinian protesters who had occupied the building and arrested more than 100 people protesting in and around the campus.

Dozens of police officers are still on and around campus, leaving questions as to how some 15,000 graduates and their guests could easily be admitted to the area around it for the May 15 commencement.

Nemat Shafik, Columbia’s president, had previously cited her desire to host the graduation on campus as one of the key reasons that she called in the police on April 30 to remove both the occupiers from Hamilton Hall and the large tent encampment that had taken over a central lawn for two weeks.

But on Monday, Columbia officials explained that security was one of the main reasons for canceling.

“We have decided to make the centerpiece of our Commencement activities our class days and school-level ceremonies, where students are honored individually alongside their peers, rather than the University-wide ceremony,” the university wrote in a statement.

The school said that it was still considering holding a “festive event on May 15” instead of the main ceremony, and that it would follow up with more details. The celebrations for the different colleges will begin on Friday and run through May 16.

“Holding a large commencement ceremony on our campus presented security concerns that unfortunately proved insurmountable,” Ben Chang, a university spokesman, said. He added that the school had made extensive efforts to identify an alternative venue and was unable to locate one that could host such a large event. “Like our students, we are deeply disappointed with this outcome.”

The main campus quad has become an emotionally charged site as the location of the protest encampment and arrests. The 21-acre football and other playing fields at 218th Street in Inwood, known as the Baker Athletics Complex , is more neutral ground.

But the decision was also about capacity. In its announcement, the school said that rather than divide its resources to keep both the school-level events and the main commencement ceremony safe, it would instead focus “on those school ceremonies and on keeping them safe, respectful, and running smoothly.”

Parents from around the world will be flying in to celebrate commencement with their graduates, which include those completing the undergraduate college, law school, medical school and many other degree programs.

Many of this year’s graduating seniors, officials had pointed out, also had their high school graduations canceled because of Covid-19 precautions, and many had started their college experience in remote learning.

“We also do not want to deprive thousands of students and their families and friends of a graduation celebration” Dr. Shafik said last week. “Many of them are the first in their families to earn a university degree. We owe it to all of our graduates and their loved ones to honor their achievement.”

At other universities around the nation where protests have broken out, administrators have also canceled or altered commencement events, out of concern over renewed protests.

Typically at the end of the school year, the heart of Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus becomes a sweeping venue with bleacher seating and thousands of graduates arrayed around the steps of Low Library. The university president takes center stage, officially conferring the degrees on the graduates from the school’s different colleges.

Two weeks ago, the University released a video of several graduates in their blue-and-white robes, explaining how important an in-person ceremony was to them.

But the way the administration has handled its pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including by calling in police to crack down and make more than 200 arrests on two separate days, has proved to be deeply unpopular with many students and faculty. Officials also became concerned that an event meant to unite the campus would divide it further.

The commencement decision also caused anger, however, including from some of the Jewish students who had felt most targeted by the protests.

“For the last three-plus weeks, I’ve had to listen as students on campus and protesters off campus shout for Zionists to get out of Columbia,” said Josie Toubin, the co-president of an organization of Jewish students at Columbia’s business school. “I am a Zionist, so they are yelling for me to leave.”

“Moving graduation is another action that punishes Jewish students without justification,” she said, adding that the main campus has been cleared of protesters so graduation should be held there. “Don’t isolate us to a site 100 blocks north of campus as a response to the unrest on campus.”

Tazia Mohammad, a freshman living on Columbia’s campus, was also upset, particularly with the ongoing police presence.

“It’s hypocritical to say you’re acting for the graduating class and then cancel their commencement,” she said of the crackdowns Dr. Shafik authorized. “It’s just silly.”

Khepera Lyons-Clark, 22, a senior at Barnard College, which is affiliated with Columbia University and normally participates in its main commencement ceremony, said the decision to cancel commencement seems to have demoralized students more.

“I just don’t understand what the motive is,” she said.

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul criticized Columbia’s decision to cancel its main graduation ceremony. The governor said she had offered her support in devising security plans for the upcoming ceremonies at all New York colleges.

“One thing I did not want to do is have the lives and the families and all the young people who’ve worked so hard disrupted,” Ms. Hochul said during remarks at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles. “I wanted them to have the benefit of walking across the stage. They earned it.”

The governor added that she had spoken to leaders at N.Y.U., Cornell University, City College and the State University of New York on Monday morning and those schools all confirmed they would proceed with graduation ceremonies as planned.

Karla Marie Sanford and Claire Fahy contributed reporting.

Sharon Otterman is a Times reporter covering higher education, public health and other issues facing New York City. More about Sharon Otterman

Our Coverage of the U.S. Campus Protests

News and Analysis

Columbia : After weeks of student protests, Columbia University announced that it would be canceling its main commencement ceremony .

UChicago : The University of Chicago, which says that free speech is sacred, has allowed protest encampments. But they have also disrupted campus life, and the school’s leaders want the tents down .

U.S.C.:  The Los Angeles Police Department and campus police removed a pro-Palestinian encampment for the second time  at the University of Southern California.

Outside Agitators:  Officials in New York City have blamed “external actors” for escalating demonstrations at Columbia, but student protesters reject the claim .

Clashes at U.C.L.A.: A New York Times examination of more than 100 videos from clashes at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows how counterprotesters provoked the violence .

Reactions Abroad:  The world is watching what is happening on American campuses with shock, pride, relish and alarm. Here is a selection of views from outside the United States .

A Spotlight on Student Journalists:  Columbia’s radio station and other student-led news outlets have provided some of the most detailed coverage  of the turmoil engulfing campuses.