<p>It seems like Barnard is an activist community, and I would like to know how much admissions appreciate activism, because that’s probably going to be a big part of my application.</p>
<p>Jennifer, just be yourself with your application. The Barnard ad com wants to get a good sense of who you are – of course they like students who are enthusiastic about learning and actively involved in their communities, but they are not trying to find a specific “type” of student. Don’t focus on what you think they want to hear – simply focus on how you can put together an application that best expresses whatever it is you want them to know about you. Have fun with your application. You have plenty of time – so you don’t need to stress out.</p>
<p>Thank you so much calmom. I’ve seen some really great advice from you throughout this discussion board, and even though you said not to stress out, I was just curious: is there any way I would come off as desperate in my application to Barnard, or any other college?</p>
<p>Jennifer, I don’t know. All I can tell you is that my d’s college essays were lighthearted, self-effacing, and humorous. Her GPA stood for itself, she didn’t need to brag about it. My d. had a pretty impressive history with dance, but didn’t plan to pursue dance at college – so rather than write about it, she just submitted a 1-page dance resume as supplemental material. So that gave more information without overdoing it, or putting her in the position of needing to write some sort of sentimental essay about how much she loved dance or its importance in her life. </p>
<p>My comment above was prompted largely by your own question about how much Barnard appreciates activism. Of course it makes sense to select colleges that will appreciate what you have done… but you don’t want to turn it around into a situation where it looks like you have done things out of a desire to impress colleges. And that suggested that maybe you would be tailoring your essay about yourself based on how it would impact your perceived chances.</p>
<p>But my feeling – and my kids’ feelings - were always along the line of being able to say: “this is who I am” – and if the college doesn’t like you for who you are, then you wouldn’t want to attend that college anyway. So I’m telling you to write with that attitude – how much the particular college “appreciates” who you are is irrelevant.</p>
<p>Thank you :)</p>