Barnard College has released its essay prompts for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle. Applicants to the Barnard College Class of 2026 will be asked to answer three essay prompts, each in 300 words, although one is labeled as optional. So what are the questions applicants to the Manhattan-based institution will be asked to answer? Wonder no more!

The first prompt reads, “What factors encouraged your decision to apply to Barnard College, and why do you think the college would be a good match for you?” In short, it’s a Why College essays but loyal readers of our college admissions blog likely already discerned precisely what Barnard’s admissions committee is asking in this prompt.

The second prompt reads, “At Barnard, academic inquiry starts with bold questions. What are some of the bold questions you have pondered that get you excited and why do they interest you? Tell us how you would explore these questions at Barnard.”

And the third prompt, which is optional, reads, “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?” Of course, that which is “optional” in highly selective college admissions should not be considered optional. Applicants who wish to give themselves the best odds of admission to Barnard will thus answer all three essay prompts.

Have a question about the Barnard College 2021-2022 essay prompts? Let us know your question by posting it below. We look forward to hearing from you!