1000 characters each
- How did you first learn about Barnard College and what factors have influenced your decision to apply? Why do you think the College would be a good match for you?
During my search for a new educational nest, I looked at multiple liberal arts colleges, because I wish to meet people who share my varied interests in literature, philosophy, language, social studies and the humanities. I first heard of Barnard through my guidance counselor after my parents asked about colleges whose names have influential reputations. She mentioned Barnard as having an "artsy" community of students with a high concentration on academics. After requesting information from Barnard's website, I was surprised to read the interesting facts and statistics that prove women who study at all women's colleges end up doing better overall. Another component of Barnard that I loved was its focus on diversity and confidence. As an ethnic minority female, it is often a struggle to relate to the masses. As a student whose main focus is on academics and becoming an overall well-rounded individual, I think Barnard would be a wonderful opportunity to join a community of intelligent, confident and sophisticated women.
- Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about?
The ancient Chinese poem, The Ballad of Mulan was the inspiration for multiple stories, folklore and even a Disney movie. The story of Mulan is incredibly inspiring for young women everywhere however, I personally associated her story with mine being an only child of working class parents. Sitting down with this headstrong, selfless woman would be an absolute honor for me. I would ask her about her struggles in the army, and how she overcame any insecurities she faced being a woman in a man's world. I would just feel like listening to everything she said, because I'm sure she would have a lot to say and before going to the army I'm sure not many people listened to her. I would tell her how the role of women has changed, and how certain societal expectations for women have not changed.
- Alumna and writer Anna Quindlen says that she "majored in unafraid" at Barnard. Tell us about a time when you majored in unafraid.
A work of art essentially is a product of the artist's personal feelings, opinions and overall understanding of the world. To put this on display during a critique in an art class, studio, or workshop can be frightening and challenging, especially if you don't know your classmates very well. I have been through many official and unofficial "critiques" as I've lugged around my artwork from place to place. For me, "majoring in unafraid" means willingly sharing something personal even if you know that not everyone is going to approve. I make artwork because it I enjoy it, and not for anyone's praise or approval. In my opinion, the best critiques are when people disagree and share constructive criticism rather than just approving and saying that it is "good".
- Community - educational, geographic, religious, political, ethnic, or other - can define an individual's experience and influence her journey. How has your community, as you identify it, shaped your perspective?
Upon looking at the demographics of my local community, one will find that 85% of the population is white, the median household income is well above the state's and country's average, and the population of minorities are left in the single digits. Upon transitioning to Woodmere Middle School from my little public school in Bayside, Queens, I thought I would never feel at home here. "Fitting in" to my community had been a real challenge for me at first. However, I learned that sometimes it is our differences that should bring us together, and that we have a lot to learn from each other. From growing up in Hewlett, I learned to look beyond one's appearance because although someone may seem very different from you, this individual might end up becoming your best friend.
i feel like some are too short or too vague i don't even know what I'm doing helppdsakdsa
Really great job! I enjoyed reading your "women in history" response. Just a few suggestions I have:
TheAn ancient Chinese poem, The Ballad of Mulan was the inspiration for multiple stories, folklore and even a Disney movie. The story of Mulan is incredibly inspiring for young women everywhere however, I personally associated her story with mine being an only child of working class parents. Sitting down with this headstrong, selfless woman would be an absolute honor for me. I would ask her about her struggles in the army, and how she overcame any insecurities she faced being a woman in a man's world. I would just feel like listening to everything she said, because I'm sure she would have a lot to say and before going to the army I'm sure not many people listened to her. I would tell her how while the role of women has changed, certain societal expectations for women have not changed .
Or
I would tell her how the role of women has changed, but certain societal expectations have not.
Best of luck! I'm applying to Barnard too so hopefully we'll be part of the class of 2017 together!
Having attended a co-educational school my entire life, I decided to take a different route for my last year of high school. I surprised myself by opting for an all-girls boarding school in a country I had never been to before. Nevertheless the rewards have been amazing. The support and motivation for success, the active classroom environment and the unrestrained relationship between both teachers and students definitely won me over in terms of my desire to attend a women's college. After spending hours on different websites and in different books, I concluded that Barnard College was a place I desired to be a part of. Its strong sense of community, its student-faculty ratio, its academic rigor as well as its location in a city that is a classroom in itself are all factors that are certain to help me thrive. Hoping to study architecture, I am confident that the liberal arts education offered at Barnard will adequately prepare me and also give me the chance to concurrently explore other fields.
