I think they updated the common app stuff, and there’s this part that says ‘who is dependent on you? why/how so?’ (or something like that). It is not under the actual writing section but is still listed as ‘writing’, separately. It also does no have an asterisk next to it, so I don’t know if I am supposed to fill the box up only if it applies to me. If I am meant to fill it up regardless, am I supposed to actually answer it literally and factually, like “I come from a single-parent family so I work night-shifts so as to provide help provide for my 3 younger siblings” or in abstract…more like an essay. Like “last year, I went to xyz community and was so deeply touched by the underprivileged children I saw, I decided to come back and volunteer every week. I eventually started an after-school programme for them… if it weren’t for my contributions…”. The difference between the first and second example is that the people in the second one probably don’t depend on you 100%, although your contributions may be meaningful. Also, in the first example, while it may be some people’s realities, it is not mine: as someone in a comfortable family with no proper familial responsibilities per say, nobody is really depending on me, for living or livelihood etc. At my age I am still a dependant of my parents rather than a provider. I hope you guys understand what I mean by all this and can help clarify this issue. Thank you!
I was stuck on this one too but for the complete opposite reasons. I do come from a single-parent household where I have to work to pay for anything I need that isn’t an absolute necessity. I was worried about writing that cliche essay about the kid from the immigrant family whose mom is depending on her to succeed - even though that happens to be my reality. I think ultimately you should write the essay that reflects the most on you in an honest way, not so much as fitting the prompt perfectly but interpreting it.
Because this question wasn’t in the writing supplement section, wasn’t required, and was given limited context, my first instinct was that it was a really confusing question meaning to ask if you had any dependents like children or ill parents, but after reading your thoughts I’m starting to think it might be just a strange evaluation question.
Hello ladies – I’m a parent of a Barnard alum from a while back, so this question is a totally new one on me – but with a little bit of Googling I found this link: https://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/supplemental-essay/barnard-college-2019-20-supplemental-essay-guide/ – which gives suggestions for all the essays & short answers. And they seem to see it as an essay that everyone should answer, as opposed to being targeted to young women who have unusual family or personal responsibilities — so I would say, go for it. Basically between the main common app essay and the supplement questions, plus whatever this “who is depending on you” question is – these are your opportunities to show the ad com something about what makes you special.
I think that for those of you who really do have life responsibilities tied to your parents and siblings, a straightforward answer would be fine. And if not – then there’s room for creativity. Do focus on what they are asking – but you certainly can think outside the box and you want to avoid cliches or hackneyed topics. Do some brainstorming and think of broadly about what “depending” can mean. Don’t just answer for the sake of filling in the box, but if a direct answer doesn’t work for you, then use the prompt as a launching point to give an opportunity to reveal something about your personality or character that isn’t covered elsewhere.
Thanks so much calmom ! I’ve seen your replies on some other barnard threads and you’ve been a big help
I JUST CALLED BARNARD ADMISSIONS THEY TOOK OFF THE “WHO DEPENDS ON YOU” ESSAY
Yeah I noticed that a few days ago, I guess they realized it was an odd question.