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Columbia-Specific Application Questions
Columbia-specific questions, also known as the writing supplement, tell the Committee on Admissions more about your academic, extracurricular and intellectual interests. These questions provide insight to your intellectual curiosity, habits of mind, love of learning and sense of self. They also allow the Committee on Admissions to learn more about you in your current community and why you feel Columbia’s distinctive experiences in and out of the classroom would be a good fit for your undergraduate education. We review your responses to these questions as an essential part of our holistic and contextual review , in order to get a fuller sense of you as a unique individual beyond the standard parts of the application.
A Columbia admissions officer talks about the Columbia-specific application questions, also known as the writing supplement.
2024-2025 Columbia-Specific Questions
Instructions.
For the list question that follows, there is a 100 word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering this question:
- Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons.
- Items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order.
- It is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications.
- No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.
For the four short answer questions, please respond in 150 words or fewer.
- List a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy. ( 100 words or fewer)
- A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia's diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer)
- In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. It is important to us, therefore, to understand an applicant's ability to navigate through adversity. Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities, skills or insights you have developed as a result. (150 words or fewer)
- Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (150 words or fewer)
- What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)
5 Columbia University Supplemental Example Essays (2024)
If you want to get into Columbia University in 2024, you can make sure you have the best chances of getting accepted by writing powerful essays.
In this article I've gathered 5 of the best college essays that got accepted into Columbia University to help you improve your own essays.
You can see how real students answered Columbia's writing supplement section and Common App personal statement.
What is Columbia University's Acceptance Rate?
This past year 60,377 students applied to Columbia and of those 2,253 were admitted for the Class of 2026.
That gives Columbia an overall admit rate of 3.73% , or in other words about 1 in 25 students are offered admission.
Columbia University Acceptance Scattergram
Admissions into Columbia is clearly highly competitive, but there's an upside:
The more selective a college is, the more your application essays matter.
What are Columbia University Supplemental Prompts for 2024?
This year, Columbia requires applying students to respond to several "list" questions, short answers, and short essay prompts.
Here are the Columbia writing supplement questions for 2024:
Columbia Writing
The questions on this page are being asked by Columbia University Applicants are asked to respond to Columbia-specific questions to tell the Admissions Committee more about their academic, extracurricular and intellectual interests. These questions allow us to better understand your intellectual curiosity, habits of mind, love of learning and sense of self. These questions also allow the Admissions Committee to learn more about you in your current community and why you feel Columbia’s distinctive experiences in and out of the classroom would be a good fit for your undergraduate education.
For the three list questions that follow, there is a 75 or 125 word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering these questions:
- Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons.
- Items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order.
- It is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications.
- No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.
For the three short answer questions, please respond in 200 words or fewer.
For additional guidance, visit our website.
Please note that the third short answer question will not appear until you have selected Columbia College or Columbia Engineering in the "Academics" section of Columbia's application questions.
List the titles of the required readings from academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)
List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)
We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (125 words or fewer)
A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and live in a community with a wide range of perspectives. How do you or would you learn from and contribute to diverse, collaborative communities? (200 words or fewer)
Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words or fewer)
For applicants to Columbia College, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
For applicants to Columbia Engineering, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
5 Columbia University EssaysThatWorked
Here are 5 of the best essays that worked for Columbia University.
Below you can read answers to the 2022-23 Columbia writing supplement, as well as past year's prompts. I've also included personal statement essays from admitted Columbia students.
Columbia University Essay Example #1
Columbia university essay example #2, columbia university essay example #3, columbia university essay example #4, columbia university essay example #5.
Prompt: List a few words or phrases that describe your ideal college community. (150 words max)
Filled with activity around the clock. A place to come home to.
Trying to get past locked doors (literal and metaphorical).
Offering intellectual freedom and curiosity, without forcing specialization. Accommodating students who are unwilling to wait to make a difference. Willing to look critically at itself.
Socially conscious and politically active.
Never taking its eye off the national or global stage.
Buzzing with so much life it flows beyond the campus into the outside world.
So much life that sometimes it intimidates, that it yearns for more hours in the day. With too many options to choose from, Too much to do in four years.
Filled with clever eyes that see new ideas in the lessons of history.
Diverse of origin, of culture, of opinion, of religion, of personality, Diverse like an international center of thought and ideas and passions. An urban wonderland.
Supporting of extraordinary ambitions.
Prompt: List the titles of the required readings from academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (150 words max)
Survival of the Sickest - Sharon Moalem
What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses - Daniel Chamovitz
The blockade of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy - Drew Pardoll
The Physical Universe - Arthur Beiser
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Between the World and Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates
Jane Eyre - Charlotte Brontë
The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
Sexual Politics and Religious Reform in the Witch Craze - Joseph Klaits
The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers - Paul Kennedy
The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli
On World Government - Dante Alighieri
Postwar: A History of Europe since 1945 - Tony Judt
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Prompt: List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (150 words max)
A Most Incomprehensible Thing (the mathematics of relativity) - Peter Collie
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind - Hayao Miyazaki
Weapons of Math Destruction - Cathy O’Neil
Algorithms to Live By - Brian Christian
Giant of the Senate - Al Franken
The Sublime Object of Ideology - Slavoj Zizek
The Theoretical Minimum - Leonard Susskind
Battling the Gods: Atheism in the Ancient World - Tim Whitmarsh
The Casual Vacancy - J.K. Rowling
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller - Italo Calvino
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Mark Haddon
The Feynman Lectures on Physics: Volume 1 - Richard Feynman
Meditations - Marcus Aurelius
The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss
Pale Fire - Vladimir Nabokov
Justice by Lottery - Barbara Goodwin
History: A Very Short Introduction - John H. Arnold
Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II - John Dower
Prompt: We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (125 words max)
The Economist
The New York Times
Reddit - /r/programming /r/machinelearning /r/lifeprotips /r/iwanttolearn /r/politics /r/science /r/physics /r/economics Hacker News
The Atlantic
The Washington Post
Paulgraham.com
Waitbutwhy.com
whatif.xkcd.com arXiv.org - arXiv-sanity.com
Scientific American
Flowingdata.com
StackExchange
Prompt: For applicants to Columbia College, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the field or fields of study that you noted in the Member Questions section. If you are currently undecided, please write about any field or fields in which you may have an interest at this time. (300 words max)
Studying computer science gives me the opportunity to be in a field that evolves so quickly I can always be on the forefront and do cutting-edge work. This summer at an ad-tech company, I moved the data science team’s analysis programs to a novel cluster-computing engine (Kubernetes), which can manage and distribute tasks across thousands of computers at once. Kubernetes is so new that barely any information has circulated about it. Because of this novelty, I was able to publish the first existing documentation of a data science pipeline in Kubernetes.
Computer science can also automate the manual drudgery of life. For example: to manage my clubs, I’ve written a program that checks for emails from members with excuses for missing meetings and automatically logs their absences.
Since computers have become the platform for every science, coding allows me to contribute to numerous fields. When I started at Einstein College of Medicine last year, I knew nothing about computational biology. Our project showed me that basic programming was all I needed to find fascinating results in the mostly unstudied mountains of genomic data.
As a person, I’m drawn to seemingly impossible challenges, in particular, the quest to teach machines and create mechanical consciousness. When I started taking online courses in AI, I became fascinated by the gradient descent method in machine learning. The method casts complex input data (e.g. photos) as thousand-dimensional surfaces and attempts to descend to the lowest points (minima) of those surfaces. It works best on data with underlying patterns, like pictures of human faces. This indicates that, in some way, the very nature of what a ‘face’ is, what unique structure is shared by nearly all faces, is found in the minima that AI models descend towards. My dream is to do foundational artificial intelligence research.
If you're trying to get into Columbia, you'll need to stand out from the competition. These 5 Columbia essays that worked showcase successful examples of responses to the Columbia writing supplement for 2022.
What did you think of these Columbia essays?
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Princeton Admitted Essay
People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is... uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable...
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Columbia Supplemental Essays 2022-2023
By Eric Eng
Welcome aspiring scholars and future leaders to this comprehensive guide on Columbia supplemental essays for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.
Columbia University—a name that evokes images of ivy-clad buildings, rigorous academic programs, and a bustling New York City backdrop. But before you get lost in the dream, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The application process for elite institutions like Columbia is a gauntlet and one of the most challenging—and rewarding—hurdles you’ll face are the supplemental essays.
The Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 allow applicants a certain amount of freedom when choosing their supplemental essay topic. Still, we will examine each essay prompt and discuss how best to respond to each case.
Why Columbia University?
Columbia University is not just any Ivy League institution; it’s a world-renowned center for research, a hub for social activism, and a melting pot of global cultures—all set against the backdrop of the city that never sleeps, New York City.
The university offers a unique Core Curriculum to provide a well-rounded education. It boasts a plethora of student organizations, research opportunities, and internships that can catapult your career to new heights.
But here’s the kicker: Columbia receives tens of thousands of applications every year from students who are just as qualified, just as ambitious, and just as eager as you are. So, how do you stand out? That’s where the supplemental essays come in.
The importance of supplemental essays in the admissions process
Regarding the Columbia supplemental essays for 2022-2023, consider them your golden ticket—a chance to showcase your personality, aspirations, and, most importantly, your fit for Columbia University.
These essays are the lens through which the admissions committee sees the real you beyond the numbers and accolades. They’re your opportunity to demonstrate why you want to attend Columbia and why Columbia should want you.
Please don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted essay; it can tip the scales in your favor, especially when competing against a sea of applicants with similar academic profiles.
As you embark on this journey, remember that each essay is a brushstroke in the giant portrait of who you are. Make each one count.
Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023
Several important factors must be remembered when responding to the Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023. Columbia asks you to respond to list-based questions before moving on to the short answer questions. Let’s take a look at the list of list-based questions first.
For the following questions, we ask that you list each response using commas or semicolons; the items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order.
No explanatory text or formatting is needed. (For example, it is unnecessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. No author names, subtitles, or explanatory remarks are needed.)
- List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories, or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)
- We’re interested in learning about some ways you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content you regularly engage with. (125 words or fewer)
As you can see, when it comes to answering the Columbia supplementary essays 2022, you don’t have a lot of room to work with. These first two prompts are meant to be lists only. No further explanation is required. Be honest and choose the books or resources that made a difference.
How do you write Columbia supplemental essays?
Regarding how to write Columbia supplemental essays, it’s important to remember that Columbia wants to see your intellectual curiosity shine through. Let’s look at the short answer questions and analyze them one at a time.
- A hallmark of the Columbia experience is learning and thriving in an equitable and inclusive community with many perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your view, viewpoint, or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (200 words or fewer)
This question is pretty broad and asks you to do a lot with two hundred words. The Columbia supplemental essay word limit isn’t absolute, but you should stick to it as closely as possible.
As with many essay questions, this one has two parts. The first part asks you to explain your perspective. Still, the second part asks you to apply this perspective to how it might specifically contribute to Columbia’s culture.
Columbia recognizes that part of being a well-rounded person means having your worldview challenged, but they want to see how you have approached this challenge and how you can use it in the future. Have you had conflicts that required specific solutions? If so, go into detail about the competition and resolution.
The following prompt asks you to explain why you want to attend Columbia University.
- Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words or fewer)
This question requires you to research Columbia and what it offers you. Why do you want to go to Columbia rather than another prestigious school?
- Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study you noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
Like the first prompt, this one asks that you reflect on what has led you to your chosen field of study. The Columbia supplementary essays 2022-2023 focus on the events or experiences in your life that defined your path. For this prompt, you must use your response to show that your commitment to learning and intellectual curiosity runs deep.
- In Columbia’s admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals and achievements. In the last words of this writing supplement, we would like you to reflect on a source of happiness. Please help us get to know you further by describing the first thing that comes to mind when you consider what brings you joy. (35 words or fewer)
You may have noticed that many schools are now interested in your happiness. They want to know what brings you joy because they’ve realized that being successful academically is about more than studying hard. The things that bring you joy are likely the things that will help define your path in education and life. That’s why it’s so important to use this space wisely.
Columbia probably doesn’t want to hear that the thing that brings you the greatest joy in life is studying for finals. And they probably won’t believe you if you say that.
This is the space where you can open up about what truly gives your life meaning and how you can apply it to the values you hold as a person. Does music bring you happiness? If so, why specifically? Maybe you love nature, and it brings you a sense of peace.
Again, there is no “right” way to answer this or any of these questions, so honesty and enthusiasm are always the best places to start. When you respond to the Columbia supplementary essays 2022-2023, remember that Columbia wants exciting and engaged students who bring honor and integrity to everything they do.
At AdmissionSight, we aim to help you with every step of the college admissions process. The Columbia supplemental Essays 2022 can initially seem daunting, but our experience and expertise will help you navigate the entire process confidently.
Hopefully, this guide to the Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 has been helpful, but if you want more information about how AdmissionSight can help you realize your dreams, set up your free consultation today.
Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!
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Essay Series: Guide to 2022-23 Columbia Essays
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A Guide to the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2021-2022
Padya Paramita
July 13, 2021
Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia University has long been one of the most competitive schools in the world. Consistently ranked among the top five colleges in the U.S., Columbia attracts a wide range of students from all over the world. Although it is no easy task, it’s time to think about ways to distinguish yourself among a strong pool of applicants. If your interest in Columbia stems from genuine enthusiasm towards the unique opportunities offered by the school, then the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 can help you bolster your candidacy.
The Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 are designed to help the admissions committee understand your intellectual pursuits, interests outside the classroom, and the real motivations behind your interest in Columbia beyond its esteemed ranking. Help the admissions officers understand why you’d be an ideal Columbia student by carefully considering and answering the prompts below. To guide you through a smooth-sailing writing process, I’ve outlined each prompt, provided some tips and tricks for answering them, and included some further advice to help you write your Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022
Prompts for the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2021-2022
For the four list questions that follow, we ask that you list each individual response using commas or semicolons; the items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order. No explanatory text or formatting is needed.
- List the titles of the required readings from academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school.
- List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school.
- List the titles of the print or digital publications, websites, journals, podcasts or other content with which you regularly engage.
- List the movies, albums, shows, museums, lectures, events at your school or other entertainments that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school (in person or online).
The instructions make it very clear that there’s no minimum number of titles you must include. That being said, don’t just insert one answer for each topic. For the first prompt in this question, don’t just mention the classics just for the sake of letting admissions officers know you’ve read them. They are aware of the usual high school reading lists, so they have a good idea of the kinds of books most applicants have read. Think honestly about what you actually enjoyed. It doesn’t have to be a novel - or even limited to your literature courses. It could be a chapter in your chemistry textbook, an essay on a historical event, or a particular poem that you’ve been unable to get out of your head.
From your answers to the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 , the university also wants to know what kind of topics and genres you enjoy outside academics. All of these could follow a particular theme - your answer to the latter three bullets could be a great way to show that you’ve pursued your academic interests through more than just schoolwork. Or, you could highlight a passion outside your intended major, such as sports or cooking, by mentioning relevant books or magazines.
Don’t list big-name publications such as The New York Times just because you think it sounds impressive. It will probably be one of the more common answers anyway. Go through your subscriptions, browser history, and think about which publications you’re always drawn to when at a newsstand or library.
Check out all supplemental essay prompts here!
Columbia students take an active role in improving their community, whether in their residence hall, classes or throughout New York City. Their actions, small or large, work to positively impact the lives of others. Share one contribution that you have made to your family, school, friend group or another community that surrounds you. (200 words or fewer)
Because so many academically qualified students apply to Columbia, admissions officers want to pinpoint the candidates who will meaningfully contribute to their community. Through this supplemental prompt, Columbia is interested in knowing exactly what you’ll bring from your current life as a high schooler to the Morningside Heights campus in Manhattan. If we break this prompt down further, you’ll notice that the word “community” is broad here — the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 has given you flexibility by listing some possible examples of the type of community you might write about — as well as saying “another community” if it’s more applicable.
As you brainstorm, start thinking about all of the communities you interact with on a daily basis—school, student group, sports team, neighborhood organization, family, etc. From there, think about what—from any of these communities—you’ve had the most impact on and why. The list could go on, but may include things like helping your parents with your siblings, or stepping up as a leader to initiate a new community center in your neighborhood. From there, you want to think about how your skills can benefit others, specifically at Columbia University. When approaching this essay, try to be as specific as possible. 200 words is a short essay, so make sure you get straight to the point and explain the unique contributions you would bring from your current life to Columbia.
Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? (200 words or fewer)
Now we come to the “why this school” portion of the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 . Remember that this essay isn’t about what makes Columbia a good school - admissions officers already know that it is! What do you find the most appealing about the university? How do these great features relate to your learning and your future plans? The points you should try to get across are why the college’s resources are a good fit for you, how you will benefit from all that it offers, and the aspects of campus life where you believe you can contribute the most.
The best strategy in answering this question is conducting research specific to your interests and goals, as Columbia wants to see an emphasis on what you “value.” Since you have a good number of words, you can mention both academic and extracurricular offerings that call out to you. At the same time don’t go all over the place - stay within describing two to three of the most appealing factors, and then elaborate on them. What classes and activities do you currently enjoy that you hope to continue at Columbia? Which particular Columbia courses align with your ideal career? Is there a unique student organization that you want to join, such as Columbia Undergraduate Film Productions or the Columbia University Glee Club?
Don’t just think about the internal resources - but the external aspects of Columbia that make it great as well. You can mention the New York City environment - but don’t dwell on this as this essay should be about Columbia and not how much you love Manhattan! Are there ways in which this particular urban academic setting works better for you than a suburban or rural one? Use your response to the first prompt for clues about what you’re looking for from your college experience (but don’t be repetitive!) and articulate how Columbia is the perfect place to explore your aspirations.
For applicants to Columbia College, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
Continuing from the “why Columbia” question, this prompt among the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 asks you to delve deeper into the academic aspect of your interest in Columbia. A memorable answer to this prompt should successfully tie in where your passion for your academic interest stems from, as well as how Columbia can help you explore it further.
If you’ve chosen creative writing, for example, think about when this interest started, how your love for the topic grew, and how you’ve honed your writing skills. Perhaps you participated in competitions or creative writing clubs. Anecdotes outlining these activities and accomplishments should dominate your essay. If you have space remaining, talk about how Columbia’s creative writing program is the perfect place to help you as a budding writer. Is there a professor whose writing you’ve followed? Are there any specific courses that perfectly suit the genre you dream of mastering someday such as WRIT UN2110 Seminar Approaches to the Short Story?
No matter which field of study you’ve chosen, admissions officers should leave with no doubts regarding your dedication and commitment to the discipline. Columbia appreciates individuals who avidly pursue intellectual growth . Use your answer to demonstrate that your interest in the topic is deep and sustained.
For applicants to Columbia Engineering, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
This prompt is the same as the previous one - but only for engineering applicants. Just like applicants to Columbia College, your answer to this question should focus on tying in your previous engineering experiences to the opportunities available to you at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering at Columbia. Don’t just write about engineering as a broad discipline. Think about the area you’ve chosen - such as Electrical Engineering or Earth & Environmental Engineering - and express how your curiosity about that specific field arose.
Detail any specific instances of you working with topics that fall under your chosen concentration. If you want to study computer science, for example, what specific experiences do you have with programming or app-building? Was there a particular incident where you decided that this was the field for you? Then, connect your answer to the Fu Foundation School. Which courses under Columbia Engineering’s Computer Science curriculum fit with your plans the most? Is there a particular research program that perfectly augments your interest within computer science?
Your experiences and active persuasion of your choice of concentration should leave admissions officers with the confidence that you’re not just a good fit for Columbia, but for Columbia Engineering specifically.
Further Tips on answering the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2021-2022
- Let Your Personality Shine - The purpose of the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 is to get to know you . You can’t be a memorable candidate if admissions officers are unable to gauge who you are, sense what you’re passionate about, and identify your goals. Don’t just repeat your personal statement. Instead, exemplify each point as concretely as possible. Whether reading about your favorite books or learning about your interest in biology or history, the reader must be able to get a clear picture and learn new information from every essay.
- Demonstrate an In-Depth Knowledge of Columbia - The Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 strike a balance between asking questions specific to your experiences and asking about what appeals to you regarding the university. A lot of students apply to Columbia only because it’s an Ivy League school or because it’s located in Manhattan. Assure them that you’re not one of those students by showcasing a comprehensive knowledge of the school’s curriculum and resources, and demonstrating that you’ve done the research to understand how those opportunities specifically pertain to your aspirations. Your essays should convince the admissions officers that you and Columbia are a perfect fit.
- Think about Your Application Persona - A lot of the questions asked by Columbia want you to reflect on your chosen disciplines, so you need to stay true to your application persona in your responses. Your application persona is the overall theme of your application. You could be a student who’s worked with environmental issues throughout your time in high school. Or, you could be a budding director who has taken charge of all the school plays. Think about how your approach to the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 can convincingly harmonize with your application persona and portray authentic interest in your field of choice.
Your answers to the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 should convey who you are through an exploration of topics you’re interested in and how you want to continue pursuing them in college. When reading your responses, admissions officers should clearly understand what your goals are and how Columbia can help you get there. By perfectly blending your passions with what appeals to you about Columbia, you should be able to write standout essays that help separate you from the rest of the impressive applicant pool. Best of luck!
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How to Write the Columbia Supplemental Essays (2021-2022)
Adrianne is a Master Admissions Counselor and TV/film director, producer, writer, and actress currently based in LA. She uses her experience in multiple disciplines to help students achieve their personal and academic goals.
Welcome to the Columbia supplemental essay prompts for the 2021-2022 college application cycle! Here’s everything you need to know to write the best supplemental essay possible.
There’s no doubt that Columbia University is highly competitive. In last year’s college application cycle, Columbia University saw 60,548 applications for first-year students , about 33% more than the previous year, so in this year’s cycle, it will be important for applicants to write excellent supplemental essays.
Columbia says that these supplemental essays help them “better understand your intellectual curiosity, habits of mind, love of learning and sense of self, “you in your current community,” and” why you feel Columbia’s distinctive experiences in and out of the classroom would be a good fit for your undergraduate education.” You can refer to the Columbia University website if you want to see how exactly they’re presenting their essay prompts for this year.
Columbia uses the holistic application review process to evaluate your application, which means that all the parts of your application — GPA, the rigor of your courses, standardized test scores (if submitted), essays, extracurriculars, art portfolio, and more — are considered. While academic performance is still the most crucial part of the college admissions process, the other facets of an applicant’s profile may also make a significant difference in the admissions decision.
List Questions
Most college essays ask you to explain and reflect on experiences and interests, but Columbia is just looking for you to list some resources that are interesting to you in order to get a better sense of your personality. Since you only get 75 words, it’s important to choose them wisely.
When answering these list questions, take heed of the guidelines on the Columbia website:
For the three list questions that follow, please refer to the below guidance when answering these questions:
Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons.
Items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order.
It is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications.
No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.
List the titles of the required readings from academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)
This seems like a straightforward question, but the way you choose to answer it will say a great deal about you. Just keep this in mind. The tricky thing here is that you don’t have much space to justify your choices. So. if you say that your favorite required readings were Hamlet and 1984 , you’re not going to stand out from the pack much, even if you had a truly unique connection with these books that everyone in the country has (hopefully) read. Your strongest choices will be books that — even though someone technically made you read them — fit in with your narrative about who you are. What classes did you excel in? What are the most fascinating things you learned in your classes? These questions will help you narrow down your choices.
List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)
This question is a little more interesting and gives you more of an opportunity to show who you are. Again, it’s a straightforward question, but do your best to use this list to give admissions people a sense of your unique personality, and also show that you aren’t reading exactly what everyone else is — that you have your own individual tastes. The one thing you will definitely want to avoid here is listing titles that look like required reading, even if you were not required to read them. Again, Hamlet and 1984 won’t give you a lot of personality here.
This list should reinforce and expand on the personal narrative you are building throughout your college application. This doesn’t mean that if you’re a history buff all your favorite books have to be things like The Federalist Papers . Maybe you’re more of a Howard Zinn person, or a Walter Scott person for that matter. But if all your books are on or related to history you will risk looking a little one-dimensional. Let us know you’re also into horror fiction, feminism, old Toyota pickup maintenance, whatever. But there is no need to find a book you’ve never read just to fit an image of yourself you’ve constructed — that will become obvious.
We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (125 words or fewer)
Same story: show your unique personality. More personality, more uniqueness. If the only things you read are highly predictable publications like the New York Times or the Washington Post, at least tell them which sections you read.
Don’t worry about trying to look cultured — if you have a genuine passion for opera or chamber music or lectures on Proust, that’s great, but don’t force it. Don’t worry about whether or not the admissions committee will share your interests. Maybe there’s an artist whose work has shaped your worldview or a podcast that you’re obsessed with. Perhaps you’ve watched every movie. While you should refrain from mentioning anything inappropriate, reflect on the kind of media that will keep you engaged for hours to months on end, especially if it reveals an academic curiosity you may have.
Short Answer Questions
A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and live in a community with a wide range of perspectives. How do you or would you learn from and contribute to diverse, collaborative communities? (200 words or fewer)
This is a textbook example of a supplemental essay that asks about community, and there’s a good chance that whatever you write here can be used in a few other supplemental essays. Given that, it’s worth spending some time thinking about your most meaningful communities. One way to ask this is who do you know and where from. You probably have some friends you know from classes, but might also have others from church on the weekends, jazz band in the morning, your dance studio, or any number of other things you do.
There are two important parts of community questions — how you have impacted the community and how it has left a mark on you. Ideally, your story will communicate both. Perhaps through making your dance studio more accessible to the differently-abled, you discovered an interest in activism. Aim for the greatest magnitude of positive impact in both directions for the most effective essay, and provide as much evidence and as many numbers as you can smoothly. It’s easy to claim you made a change, but harder to back it up. Raising five thousand dollars for a local nonprofit to purchase 1000 meals for the homeless is more impressive than just saying you ran a fundraiser.
Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words or fewer)
Hopefully, you read all the prompts before you started your response because you want to make sure you’re not repeating yourself, and I’d advise you always to plan out all your responses before you start writing.
This question is really two questions: What are you looking for in college? And what is it about Columbia that fits with those values? Give this one some thought and do your research into the particularities of Columbia carefully to see how the opportunities the school provides will meet your values. Try to go deep into the particularities of Columbia, beyond its Core Curriculum, for example, since you can bet almost everyone talks about this.
Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
I’m not a big fan of the “tell us what you’re going to major in” question since by answering it, applicants risk-reducing themselves to “prospective manager,” “prospective med school applicant” and so forth. But that’s not exactly what this question is asking. Here, you get to talk about yourself and your own experiences.
Ultimately, this question is less about your major and more about you . This is your chance to write about your experiences and how they relate directly to what you want to study. It’s a good chance for you to describe your accomplishments. Remember to be matter-of-fact and avoid hyperbole. Quantify your accomplishments when you can.
Looking for some help in writing your Columbia supplemental essays? Schedule a free consultation with one of our college application consultants today.
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The Ultimate Guide to Applying to Columbia
What’s covered:, average stats of accepted columbia university students, columbia university application process, columbia university financial aid, what are your chances of acceptance.
From its door-opening Ivy League education to its location in one of the world’s great cities—New York, New York—Columbia University possesses a number of qualities particularly appealing to college-bound students. Columbia is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious universities (it was founded before the American Revolution) and has a long tradition of attracting the best and brightest applicants hoping to join the ranks of the university’s celebrated alumni.
Like other Ivy League schools, Columbia attracts high-performing students who consistently rank at, or near, the top of their class and who perform extremely well on standardized exams. Competitive applicants to Columbia will need to have a strong GPA and test scores.
- Average GPA and rank: 95.7% of first-time freshmen graduated in the top tenth of their class
- Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1490-1560/34-35
Great academics alone aren’t enough to earn admission to Columbia, but they help to ensure an applicant is considered. Highly selective schools that receive an abundance of applications use a tool known as the Academic Index to screen out unqualified applicants. Academic Index is a summation of an applicant’s entire academic performance into a single numerical score and failure to meet Columbia’s benchmark can rule an applicant out before their application is even read.
Columbia University is practicing test-optional admissions for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 application cycles, meaning that applicants aren’t required to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. However, it’s generally considered a wise strategy to submit test scores if they fall within the middle 50% range, especially if they are on the high end of the spectrum.
Here’s what to expect when applying to Columbia University.
Application Overview
Columbia accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application. It will also accept the QuestBridge Application from QuestBridge Finalists. There is an $85 application fee at Columbia. For applicants for whom the fee poses a significant financial burden, fee waivers are available.
There are two pathways to admission into Columbia: early decision and regular decision. Early decision is binding and applicants who apply for it commit to attending the university if accepted. Early decision candidates have an advantage in admissions—Columbia’s early decision acceptance rate is 11.9% while its overall acceptance rate is a scant 3.8%.
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Early Decision | November 1 |
Regular Decision | January 1 |
Application Components
- Secondary school report
- Two teacher recommendations (engineering applicants are required to have one of the recommendations provided by a science or math teacher)
- Standardized tests (optional)
- Columbia-specific essays
- Interview (not required)
Supplemental Essays: Columbia applicants are required to respond to four-short answer prompts as part of their application:
- Prompt 1: A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (200 words or fewer)
- Prompt 2: Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words or fewer)
- Prompt 3: Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
- Prompt 4: In Columbia’s admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals and achievements. In the last words of this writing supplement, we would like you to reflect on a source of happiness. Help us get to know you further by describing the first thing that comes to mind when you consider what simply brings you joy. (35 words or fewer)
Columbia applicants are also asked to submit two short lists as part of their application:
- List 1: List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)
- List 2: We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (125 words or fewer)
Essays are a valuable tool for students intent on standing out in a crowded field of applicants, and strategically responding to Columbia’s questions can make the difference in finding yourself in New York the following fall or not. CollegeVine’s article, How to Write the Columbia University Essays 2022-2023 , provides valuable insight into how to craft attention-grabbing responses. CollegeVine Essay Review can provide free feedback from other students or paid feedback from experts to those who’ve already begun crafting their responses.
Interviews: Interviews are conducted by student interviewers and volunteer members of Columbia’s Alumni Representative Committee. Applicants outnumber interviewers, consequently, they’re not a required part of a Columbia application. The university places minor emphasis on interviews in admission decisions and those not offered an interview are not at an admissions disadvantage.
When Will You Hear Back?
Early decision applicants will receive their admission notifications by mid-December, while regular decision applicants will receive their admission decisions by April 1.
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Early Decision | Mid-December |
Regular Decision | April 1 |
Financial Aid Generosity
Columbia University has taken steps to alleviate the financial burden of its students. Roughly half of its undergraduates receive financial aid, and students from families with annual incomes less than $66,000 a year (and typical assets) are not expected to contribute to the cost of attendance. Low-income students also receive a $2,000 start-up grant to help ease their transition to college.
The sticker price of Columbia University is $85,967.
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Tuition and fees | $65,524 |
New student fees | $615 |
Room and board | $16,156 |
Books and personal | $3,672 |
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Columbia practices need-blind admissions. That is, the ability of an applicant to pay for Columbia is not considered in admissions decisions. The university will also meet 100% of the demonstrated need of first-year students. Columbia is a no-loan university—meaning grants and student employment are used to meet the financial need of applicants in place of loans.
The economics of a college education is more complex than simply cost; another consideration is how well a college returns on a student’s investment in it. In this respect, Columbia shines—the website Payscale ranks Columbia 32nd in the nation on its list of best-value colleges.
New York City is the most expensive city in the country to live in and this trickles into the finances of Columbia students in a variety of ways. Check out our article, What Does it Really Cost to Attend Columbia University in the City of New York? , to learn more about what you can expect to actually pay at this prestigious institution.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Columbia applicants applying for financial aid will need a FAFSA, family tax documentation, and a completed outside scholarship and external payment form. The deadline to submit financial aid information for early decision applicants is November 15, while regular decision applicants have until February 15 to submit their financial aid applications.
Thanks to its Ivy League status, long history, and prestigious reputation, admissions at Columbia are extremely competitive. CollegeVine’s free Chancing Engine can help applicants better understand their odds at this super-selective school along with hundreds of other colleges and universities across the nation. The possibility of admission at Columbia varies from student to student and our chancing engine considers numerous unique factors—like academics, extracurriculars, and demographics—to estimate an applicant’s individual odds of college admission while also providing valuable insight into their profile!
Learn more about Columbia University , including its diversity, the majors offered, and how long your application should take.
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Columbia University Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)
The following Columbia University essay examples were written by several different authors who were admitted to Columbia University. All names have been redacted for anonymity. CollegeAdvisor.com has shared these essays with admissions officers at Columbia University in order to deter potential plagiarism.
For more help with your Columbia University essay supplements, check out our 2020-2021 Columbia 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.
List a few words or phrases that describe your ideal college community. (150 words or less)
Supportive and collaborative (Let’s trauma bond and get through college together!); Tight-knit and friendly; Accepting; Socially and environmentally-aware; Quirky but also down-to-earth; Know how to enjoy a good movie/book/tv show marathon; Appreciate the arts, scientific achievements, and social accomplishments; Be willing to help out a first year being lost around campus for the first few weeks; Not afraid to stand up for what is right and use our resources to create a difference in the world.
List the titles of the required readings from courses during the school year or summer that you enjoyed most in the past year. (150 words or less)
Uncle Tom’s Cabin -Harriet Beecher Stowe (APUSH): This book offered me the raw and emotional look at slavery and showed me the complexities of the US society before the Civil War.
The Grapes of Wrath -John Steinbeck (APUSH): Another emotional book that offered me a raw look at how the migrant workers were hurt during the Great Depression. This book along with Uncle Tom’s Cabin humanize history for me.
L’Étranger -Albert Camus (AP Lang): Existentialism. Interesting read. It really made me question life.
Sociologie des pratiques culturelles (Sociology of Cultural Practices) by Philippe Coulangeon is a required text I particularly appreciated this year. I enjoyed how the novel examines the principle trends that characterize the evolution of modern cultural practices, as well as the results of the democratization of culture in modern-day France.
Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil) by Baudelaire is an extremely powerful poetry collection that I found to be at the same time thought provoking and a pleasure to read. The poet expresses both his “Spleen,” or his agony, and his Ideal through beautiful and captivating verses.
I also absolutely loved Don Juan by Moliere, a play written and set in 17th century France during the reign of Louis XIV. Moliere’s clever mix of the classic and baroque styles was a joy to read, and the way he uses comedy as a tool to criticize society was brilliant.
Why this Columbia University essay worked, according to an ex-admissions officer
This response to the Columbia University essay prompt works well because it highlights the cultural and linguistic diversity of the student. The student succinctly and convincingly discusses what they connected to in the various works, showing their intellectual curiosity as well their ability to appreciate mature pieces of literature. Applying to Columbia, or any other prestigious university, can be challenging. Take our quiz to see just how prepared you are to tackle the Columbia admissions process!
List the titles of the books you read for pleasure that you enjoyed most in the past year. (150 words or less)
Most haunting book: Kindred -Octavia Butler (Like Dana, I rooted for Rufus, hoping he wouldn’t turn out to be a villainous and selfish enslaver. I was betrayed)
Most emotional book: Thirteen Reasons Why -Jay Asher (This is one of those books that makes you question your entire life after reading it. It just has the power to make you wonder: Am I a good person? Have I made a good or bad difference in the lives of others? Highly recommended)
Best reread of the year: To All the Boys I’d Loved Before -Jenny Han (Three claps for Asian representation in YA books!)
Most nostalgic book: The Percy Jackson series-Rick Riordan (Earlier this year, I was at the Met, where Percy willed his power to push Nancy Bobofit into the water! Bucket list item #14: checked)
Honorable mentions: The Jungle -Upton Sinclair, The Hate U Give -Angie Thomas, Jurassic Park -Michael Crichton, and The Sympathizer -Viet Thanh Nguyen.
I like this response to this Columbia University essay prompt because the student is unapologetically herself. A lot of students feel the need to make themselves more impressive, or more sophisticated/well read, and the risk in that is that they lose that personal warmth, genuine voice, and connection with the reader. It’s far better to be honest and forthcoming, inviting the reader into your world view, humor, experience, and unique and fun perspective on the world.
One novel I read for pleasure that I found gripping and profound is Brave New World by Huxley. In addition to being a call for freedom during the rise of totalitarian societies, the novel also addresses philosophical and ethical questions that remain relevant today.
Bel Ami by Maupassant is another novel that spoke to me. This naturalist novel depicts the journey of the protagonist’s rise to power through manipulation and corruption in late 19th century France. I enjoyed following how this anti-hero climbs the social ladder from his humble working-class beginnings to become one of the most powerful men in Paris.
I was inspired by Histoire de l’autre (Story of the Other), a book that presents both the Israeli and Palestinian points of view on key historical events throughout the conflict. It was written by six Israeli and six Palestinian history professors, who narrate the same events from different perspectives.
List the titles of the print, electronic publications and websites you read regularly. (150 words or less)
I get caught up on current events from three main news sites: the Saint Louis Post Dispatch for the local perspective, the New York Times for the national perspective, and the BBC for the international perspective. It’s a habit of mine to read about current events from at least 3 perspectives. That way, I know I’m getting the most objective view of the world.
Entertainment news: Buzzfeed and Kenh14 (a Vietnamese newsite)
News not covered by mainstream media but are highly important: Stories on Instagrams, Facebook, and Reddit.
Again, I feel like this student is being honest and forthcoming. You get a sense of ethnicity/identity, and also of a person who is willing to be informed without trying to prove anything. There’s a fine balance between being genuine and trying to seem impressive.
I follow the news on BBC (www.bbc.com). BBC gives me a well-rounded view of political, economic and social events from around the world, with the necessary background information to understand today’s global issues.
I also use the mobile app News Republic on a daily basis. News Republic provides articles from over 1,000 trusted news sources, so I can be informed of global issues from multiple perspectives. Further, I can design my news page to follow the topics I am most interested in.
Another website I follow regularly is Time Out Madrid ( www.timeout.com/madrid ). It helps me take full advantage of all the opportunities Madrid has to offer, such as cultural exhibitions, hidden parks and cafes, concerts, plays and movies. My latest discovery is a list of eleven original bookshops, where, in addition to finding books, friends and I can have a coffee, enjoy a concert or listen to a lecture.
Again, what works about this kind of response is that the reader can get a sense of the global perspective and experience of the student. Without being too obvious with it, the student brings the reader into their life – bookstores, social life, international experience – and makes the reader a part of it.
List the titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits, lectures and other entertainments you enjoyed most in the past year. (150 words or less)
Musical: Hamilton, Legally Blondes, Miss Saigon (I love the music but hate the historical inaccuracies as well as the ignorance of Vietnamese culture portrayed in the musical)
Films: Avengers: Endgame, Spiderman: Far from Home, Candy Jar, Lincoln, Us, Get Out.
TV shows: Marvel’s Agents of Shield (My all time favorite show. I learned English watching Shield in middle school), Goong (amazing soundtracks, jump started my K-drama binge for the last 2 months, inspired a Viet-styled Goong fanfiction currently in the works), and High Kick Through the Rooftop (It’s an awesome Korean sitcom. I highly recommend it. Just ignore the last 6 episodes)
Music: Soundtracks. My current favorite is Dah Ji Mot Han Ma Eum from Goong!
I saw back-to-back Ionesco’s two classic plays, La cantatrice chauve (The Bald Soprano) and La leçon (The Lesson), at Le Théâtre de la Huchette in Paris, where they have been playing non-stop since 1957. It was fascinating to see these plays with the same original mise-en-scene dating back to the era when they were written.
Additionally, I loved the exhibition Pop Art Myths at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid. I enjoyed seeing how this art form developed in the 50s and 60s and its witty critique of consumerism.
Finally, I was inspired by the documentary Beyond Right and Wrong . It follows the stories of individuals who lost their loved ones in terrible conflicts from Northern Ireland, the Middle East and Rwanda, and shows what it took for them to forgive the other side. Their strength impressed me, and their courageous acts allowed me to observe forgiveness under a different light.
The reader gets a strong sense that art, in a variety of forms, is an important part of this student’s life.This is someone who looks beyond the entertainment factor. An admissions officer would most likely get the impression that as a student, this is someone who considers historical context and likes to make deeper connections with the curriculum.
Please tell us what you value most about Columbia and why. (300 words or less)
I hate the word “common” and avoid being associated with it at all cost. Being called “Common” is the worst insult possible. It implies that I’m just another face in a sea of faces and reminds me that not so long ago, in order to blend in with the crowd, I had ignored the injustices I saw. To me, a common person of a common society is nothing more than a lonely cog in the machine who is unable and unwilling to protest against the injustices in the society.
Given my hatred of all things common, it’s a surprise to see me apply to Columbia University, a place famous for its Core Curriculum. However, after October 14, 2019, all my negative thoughts about the Core Curriculum have vanished. Instead of a group of passive ancient philosophers in modern vessels molded by the Core, I got to see a vibrant, accepting, and socially aware group of changemakers on Campus that morning. Columbia students are powerful individuals who are not hesitant to use their power to demand changes. Exhibit A: the mini awareness events to demand the recognition of Indegenous People’s Day that I got to witness. The students made their presence known with posters and chants, demanding for recognition.
It was this display of bravery that changed my view of Columbia. Upon closer research, I can see that the Common Core is not a rigid mold but rather a template for empowerment by making sure that all students are equipped with the knowledge to lead courageous lives and be informed citizens. After all, why else would the university has all students learn about Contemporary Civilization?
Columbia’s Common Core will prepare me to lead a life of courage. Haizz, of course Columbia would be the place that makes me tolerate the word “common.”
This essay works for a number of reasons. Overall, the reader gets a great understanding of what the author values. This is someone who has grown in terms of their thinking, and will continue to seek opportunities for growth. This is a student who will more than likely be involved in a number of communities both on and off campus; a future change agent.
Naturally, most applicants will write about Columbia’s Core Curriculum, for which they are well known. However, this student’s evolved understanding of why and how it’s central to Columbia’s pedagogy, and how they would engage the curriculum is radically refreshing, I would imagine. As an admission officer I would get the sense that while the author is opinionated, they will likely lead and contribute to great classroom discussions. However, what’s equally important in a university setting is that they can listen to others’ perspectives and are also open to change, which it seems this applicant is.
Lastly, the student incorporated the fact that they had been on campus in an effective way that communicated their connection to the University, and allows an admissions officer to understand how this student would fit on campus.
In 2013, I embarked on a whirlwind tour of seventeen American universities. Of all the schools I visited, Columbia stood out. In addition to stellar academic programs, its emphasis on civic and global engagement really spoke to me. It is vital for me to attend a college where both academic rigor and openness to the world are widely promoted.
Perhaps what draws me to Columbia the most is the impact it has had on my sister, Maysa (Columbia College 2018). I have never seen her happier than she is today, as she talks about the diversity of the student body, her amazing professors and advisor, and the truly transformative and eye opening educational experience the Core Curriculum is giving her. Her experience at Columbia makes me dream of having my very own Lit Hum discussion sessions, surrounded by a group of passionate Lions.
At Columbia, I would also take advantage of the many enriching clubs and student organizations. For example, I would like to become a member of the Columbia Model United Nations Team, one of the most renowned in the United States, and the Peace by PEACE club. In addition, I would like to join or set up a Club or Intramural Swim Team.
Being at Columbia would also allow me to take advantage of everything New York has to offer, from acclaimed guest speakers visiting campus to world-class performances and exhibitions. I believe Columbia is the place where all the aspects of my personality would thrive. Columbia students and faculty are motivated, active, and inspiring. At Columbia College, I would grow both academically and socially in an international and openminded environment. It would be an honor to spend the next four years “in the greatest college, in the greatest university, in the greatest city in the world.”
This student took a more traditional approach to writing this essay. The author gave a well rounded response as to how they would engage in Columbia’s community both inside and outside of the classroom. They named specific clubs and organizations they envision becoming a member of, and highlighted characteristics of the University that resonates with them. Lastly, because the author’s sister attended Columbia, they were able to incorporate some personal reflections as to why they too wish to attend.
Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the field or fields of study that you noted in the Member Questions section. If you are currently, undecided, please write about any field or fields in which you may have an interest in at this time. (300 words or less)
In seventh grade, a phenomenon exploded at my school: YA stories about a world without adults. The premise is simple: A strange accident evaporated all the adults, leaving only young people to inhabit the new world.
Like everyone, I was in love with those stories and enjoyed fantasizing how I would be in that situation. However, something didn’t sit right with me: Why only the adults? How come anyone under the age of 16 got to stay? I was desperate for an answer and since I couldn’t find them in the pre-existing stories, I decided to write my own story with a valid reason for the disappearance of the adults. After weeks of theorizing and researching, I finally got it. The story premise was similar: All adults on Earth have been turned into zombies by invading aliens. Luckily, thanks to a DNA mutation caused by a live virus vaccine that was administered to all children aged 17 and younger, the young people were spared. Now, they are our planet’s last hope.
What started as harmless research to satisfy my curiosity quickly developed into a long lasting fascination with cells and mutations. I marvel at how simple changes in our genetic codes could have great impact on our bodies. It’s interesting and scary to realize how easy it is for our DNA to be manipulated by outside factors. Similar to the unforeseen benefit of the DNA mutation in my story, my research has helped me discover a great passion of mine.
This is a great story! Colleges, particularly top tier schools, are looking for intellectually curious students. The author effectively demonstrates that curiosity, shows its inception, and how they have further pursued their interest. This applicant is clearly a deep and creative thinker who has discovered their passion and will fully engage in furthering their understanding in their chosen field.
Columbia University offers many fields of study closely aligned with my academic and career goals.
My Middle Eastern heritage and international background have made me passionate about social justice, peace, and conflict resolution. I am especially interested in Middle Eastern international affairs and social problems. The unrest and violence in this region have repercussions all over the globe. I believe it is vital for our generation to find long-lasting solutions for peace in the Middle East and to protect the rights of women, children, and ethnic minorities that are being abused in the region. I hope to pursue an undergraduate program focused on Human Rights, taking classes such as “International Human Rights Law,” “Equality, Identity & Rights” and “Human Rights and Human Wrongs.”
For example, in summer 2013, I participated in a two-week course called “Identity, Diversity, and Leadership” at Brown University. This course challenged me to study my own social and individual identity. I learned the values of listening, sympathizing, and understanding those who are unlike me. Similarly, in October 2014, I took part in a seminar on Non-Violent Communication organized by Seeds of Peace, focusing on ways to bridge dialogue divides and maintain empathy during difficult conversations.
Like us, an American-Lebanese-Colombian family living in Madrid, my extended family all have very international backgrounds and have lived all around the world. I have American-Lebanese-Austrian cousins living in London and American-Lebanese- Belgian cousins living in Hong Kong. Even though we all have lived very different lives, we have something in common – the feeling of being citizens of the world, immersed in a plethora of distinct cultures, yet being part of one close-knit family.
I am lucky to have been raised in this environment. It has helped me become a more adaptable, flexible, and understanding person with intellectual curiosity and openness to the world.
Additionally, Columbia College would offer me the opportunity to take an array of classes taught by leading scholars in the Departments of Political Science; Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies; and Linguistics. These classes would give me a global view of the complex world we live in, help me better understand the international challenges we face today, and further expand my global outlook and knowledge of world cultures and customs. I look forward to taking classes such as “National Security Strategies of the Middle East: A Comparative Perspective”, “Rethinking Middle East Politics” and “Language and Society”. I am also keen on continuing to build on my Arabic language skills to complement my interest in Middle Eastern history and politics through the amazing resources provided by the Columbia Global Center in Amman, where I hope to spend at least two summers.
With my background and experiences, I believe I would contribute new perspectives to class discussions and learn from the ideas of the inspiring and diverse students that Columbia University attracts.
This essay works because the author did a great job at showing what their interests are, ways they have already pursued them, and how they will take advantage of Columbia’s curriculum to further pursue and achieve their academic and personal goals. While not every student has the opportunity to participate in tuition-based summer programs (colleges do not expect this), this student was able to highlight their participation and the ways in which they grew as a result.
The author has an incredibly diverse background and global perspective, which they effectively used to demonstrate what they will be able to contribute to the classroom as well as take away from it. This is precisely why diversity is important in a college setting. More importantly, however, the reader gets a strong sense of this student’s values and what’s important to them in terms of the contributions they hope to make to society.
These Columbia University essay examples were compiled by the advising team at CollegeAdvisor.com . If you want to get help writing your Columbia University application essays from CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.
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2022-2023 Columbia (Vagelos)
- Thread starter chilly_md
- Start date Apr 21, 2022
Full Member
- Apr 21, 2022
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Interview Feedback
wantabedoctor
- Jul 8, 2022
Anyone receive secondaries yet?
saltedcaramel20
Received OOS 6/29
dafluffysamoyed
saltedcaramel20 said: Received OOS 6/29 Click to expand...
received without verified primary just now? whats up w that
capt_levi_93
Have the prompts changed?
rodneyzwm said: received without verified primary just now? whats up w that Click to expand...
deleted1135362
same, received without verified profile.
@chilly_md Have you previously applied to Medical School? (200 characters) If you took time off from your undergraduate studies, please briefly summarize your reasons for doing so. (250 words) Did you work for compensation during college (either during the school year or summers)? If so, what did you do? How many hours a week did you work? (300 words) If you have graduated from college, please briefly summarize what you have done in the interim. (300 words) Please describe your most meaningful leadership positions. (300 words) Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons values diversity in all its forms. How will your background and experiences contribute to this important focus of our institution and inform your future role as a physician? (300 words) Is there anything else you would like us to know? (400 words) *CV and photo also required
deleted910026
OOS received
IS received
I've also received the secondary w/o verified primary...I'm applying md/phd though maybe that has an effect?
Anybody else applying Bassett? The program looks amazing!
swimmyfish said: I've also received the secondary w/o verified primary...I'm applying md/phd though maybe that has an effect? Click to expand...
Received, OOS, Verified on 6/8
xxxyyyzzzaaabbbccc
Received a few hours ago OOS, was in my spam folder
Hey I got a secondary even though I’m not verified yet, do they release secondaries to all applicants even before verification?
UCO said: Hey I got a secondary even though I’m not verified yet, do they release secondaries to all applicants even before verification? Click to expand...
hmm, received a secondary without an MCAT score...
crunchwrap360
- Jul 9, 2022
OOS Secondary received
hoping_for_peds
Hi! Any other psych major applicants out there? If so, are you categorizing your major as biological science or social science?
hoping_for_peds said: Hi! Any other psych major applicants out there? If so, are you categorizing your major as biological science or social science? Click to expand...
chilly_md said: Thank you @rltw275 for sharing this year's questions! 2022-2023 Columbia (Vagelos) Essay Prompts 1. Have you previously applied to Medical School? (200 characters) 2. If you took time off from your undergraduate studies, please briefly summarize your reasons for doing so. (250 words) 3. Did you work for compensation during college (either during the school year or summers)? If so, what did you do? How many hours a week did you work? (300 words) 4. If you have graduated from college, please briefly summarize what you have done in the interim. (300 words) 5. Please describe your most meaningful leadership positions. (300 words) 6. Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons values diversity in all its forms. How will your background and experiences contribute to this important focus of our institution and inform your future role as a physician? (300 words) 7. Is there anything else you would like us to know? (400 words) *CV and photo also required Good luck to everyone applying! Interview feedback: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Interview Feedback Review of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Interview Feedback. Get the latest information, opinions of fellow students, and LizzyM and SDN Rankings. www.studentdoctor.net Click to expand...
hzhang1202 said: For number 3, are they asking for something like a list with a very brief description for each activity (especially if I have multiple things to talk about?) Click to expand...
deleted1119806
- Jul 11, 2022
anyone not receive secondary yet? im OOS with ties ORM verified 6/3
dr_rick_progressive
I don't know why but I've been resistant to create a CV, sticking with the old one-page resume. Ugh, guess I'll finally have to do it now!
MyStateofMind
bante said: anyone not receive secondary yet? im OOS with ties ORM verified 6/3 Click to expand...
MyStateofMind said: Me. Nada, zilch, zero, nothing. I'm ORM verified 6/1. I'm IS, but attend college OOS. So not sure what that makes me... Click to expand...
bante said: I think that could warrant having ties esp if ur from the city! also nice username haha Click to expand...
Secondary received 7/8, OOS, unverified. Is this some sort of mistake?
- Jul 12, 2022
5. Please describe your most meaningful leadership positions. (300 words) --- Are most people doing resume style for this one with bullets or full essay? Also are you writing about more than one meaningful leadership position in 300 words? hmmm
dimart5 said: 5. Please describe your most meaningful leadership positions. (300 words) --- Are most people doing resume style for this one with bullets or full essay? Also are you writing about more than one meaningful leadership position in 300 words? hmmm Click to expand...
deleted1118591
Super late because it went to my junk folder and I didn't find out until yesterday, but I also received a secondary on 7/8 before being verified (OOS, regular MD)
Hedgedoggie
For Q3 ("work for compensation during college"), is this only relevant if we participated in work/study or had to work to pay for our education? Fortunately, I had financial support and didn't need to work during undergrad, but I still held paid positions (Residential Peer Leader, TA, Research Intern). Do ya'll think I should still answer the question? Thanks and gluck to everyone!!
Hedgedoggie said: For Q3 ("work for compensation during college"), is this only relevant if we participated in work/study or had to work to pay for our education? Fortunately, I had financial support and didn't need to work during undergrad, but I still held paid positions (Residential Peer Leader, TA, Research Intern). Do ya'll think I should still answer the question? Thanks and gluck to everyone!! Click to expand...
anonuser12345
If i am a reapplicant but not a reapplicant to vagelos, do I need to say that I am a reapplicant?
- Jul 13, 2022
Received OOS 7/8, unverified. It also went to my spam so I just saw it today which is terrifying.
Is anyone else having trouble paying the secondary fee? It keeps telling me that my billing address doesn't match the card (it does). I called admissions yesterday and they said they'd get back to me by the end of the day (they did not).
ynwa21396 said: Is anyone else having trouble paying the secondary fee? It keeps telling me that my billing address doesn't match the card (it does). I called admissions yesterday and they said they'd get back to me by the end of the day (they did not). Click to expand...
Does anyone know what additional information our CV is supposed to reveal about ourselves? I feel like I crammed everything into the "Activities" section of my primary app already. :/ Should I include hobbies/interests or something? Thanks x
Hedgedoggie said: Does anyone know what additional information our CV is supposed to reveal about ourselves? I feel like I crammed everything into the "Activities" section of my primary app already. :/ Should I include hobbies/interests or something? Thanks x Click to expand...
- Jul 15, 2022
Verified 06/01, OOS, haven't received the secondary. I've checked all folders of my email and Columbia is the only school I have yet to receive. Should I reach out to admissions in case there was an error?
WeOutHereWaiting
- Jul 18, 2022
By the way, just a heads up to people who didn’t know this like me: CV is supposed to be longer than a resume (which is limited to one page) and is supposed to cover your whole “course of life”
For Q4 (graduation from college), it only asks about what have I done since, should I not include what I plan on doing until matriculation into medical school?
Analog_Emeritus
- Jul 19, 2022
ColZee9 said: Verified 06/01, OOS, haven't received the secondary. I've checked all folders of my email and Columbia is the only school I have yet to receive. Should I reach out to admissions in case there was an error? Click to expand...
deleted1017183
submitted 7/12
- Jul 21, 2022
For question 3, did people just do a bulleted list, or did you write out a description for each job, why you pursued it, and hours/week?
For those of you who are MD applicants and are worried about making a CV, according to their website ( FAQs ) they accept both resumes and CVs with not preference to which is submitted. I do not think this holds true for MD/PhD's though. "Even though the format and function of a CV can differ from a resume, we accept both and have no preference on which type you submit, with exception to the 3-year PhD-to-MD program that requires a CV."
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IMAGES
COMMENTS
Columbia-specific questions, also known as the writing supplement, tell the Committee on Admissions more about your academic, extracurricular and intellectual interests. These questions provide insight to your intellectual curiosity, habits of mind, love of learning and sense of self. They also allow the Committee on Admissions to learn more ...
1. List items that build on each other. Key word: synergy. In the same way that wearing two matching items together can say a lot about your fashion taste, including two similar items in your list can communicate a sustained interest in a topic.
Step #1: Imagine a mini-movie of the moments that led you to your interest and create a simple, bullet point outline. Step #2: Put your moments (aka the "scenes" of your mini-movie) in chronological order, as it'll help you see how your interests developed. It also makes it easier to write transitions.
Here are 5 of the best essays that worked for Columbia University. Below you can read answers to the 2022-23 Columbia writing supplement, as well as past year's prompts. I've also included personal statement essays from admitted Columbia students. Prompt: Ideal College Community. Columbia University Essay Example #1; Prompt: List Required Readings
What's Covered: Essay Example 1 - Mechanical Engineering. Essay Example 2 - Trailblazing. Essay Example 3 - The Core and Community. Essay Example 4 - Cancer Research. Essay Example 5 - Joy in Birds. Essay Example 6 - Psychology. Essay Example 7 - Slavic Languages and Cultures. Essay Example 8 - Diversity.
Learn how to write the 2022-23 Columbia essays with CollegeVine co-founder Vinay Bhaskara and expert admissions consultant Joseph Recupero!This clip was take...
Part 4: 2024-2025 Columbia supplemental essays (examples included) (Note: While this section covers Columbia's admissions essays specifically, we encourage you to view additional successful college essay examples.). In addition to the Common App personal statement, Columbia requires numerous supplemental essays.The Columbia-specific application questions are a crucial way that your child ...
The Columbia supplementary essays 2022-2023 focus on the events or experiences in your life that defined your path. For this prompt, you must use your response to show that your commitment to learning and intellectual curiosity runs deep. In Columbia's admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals ...
The Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 are designed to help the admissions committee understand your intellectual pursuits, interests outside the classroom, and the real motivations behind your interest in Columbia beyond its esteemed ranking. Help the admissions officers understand why you'd be an ideal Columbia student by carefully ...
Description. Learn how to write the 2022-23 Columbia essays with CollegeVine co-founder Vinay Bhaskara and expert admissions consultant Joseph Recupero! Vinay and Joseph will be going over how to brainstorm and craft a strong narrative for each prompt while giving insight into just what Columbia is looking for in their applicants.
Posted Nov 27 2022 Perhaps one of the most daunting, yet important tasks of the admissions process is writing the required essays. The number of essays asked in the admission process can be overwhelming, especially with such a small word limit! ... how Columbia could help you understand the importance of diversity more.
The Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022 are designed to help the admissions committee understand your intellectual pursuits, interests outside the classroom, and the real motivations behind your interest in Columbia beyond its esteemed ranking. Help the admissions officers understand why you'd be an ideal Columbia student by carefully ...
Columbia University has released its essay prompts for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle. So what questions will applicants to the Columbia Class of 2027 be asked to answer? This year's prompts are quite similar to last year's prompts, reflecting a change the school made last year when it reduced the word counts on some of its hallmark lists.
Columbia hasn't changed their supplement from last year (or the year before) except for the addition of one 35-word limit question. Let's look at their questions and explore some strategies for writing the best supplement possible. For the two list questions that follow, there is a 75 or 125 word maximum.
These Columbia University essay prompts can boost your application if you have a lower than average GPA or SAT score. Use this guide as a step-by-step aid when approaching the Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022, and start earlier than you think you should. Especially with the Columbia University essay prompts that are lists; you may think ...
Adrianne OwingsAdrianne is a college admissions consultant and TV/film director, producer, writer, and actress currently based in LA. She uses her experience in multiple disciplines to help students achieve their personal and academic goals. Welcome to the Columbia supplemental essay prompts for the 2021-2022 college application cycle! Here's everything you need to know to write the […]
CollegeVine's article, How to Write the Columbia University Essays 2022-2023, provides valuable insight into how to craft attention-grabbing responses. CollegeVine Essay Review can provide free feedback from other students or paid feedback from experts to those who've already begun crafting their responses.
This response to the Columbia University essay prompt works well because it highlights the cultural and linguistic diversity of the student. The student succinctly and convincingly discusses what they connected to in the various works, showing their intellectual curiosity as well their ability to appreciate mature pieces of literature. ...
Thank you @rltw275 for sharing this year's questions! 2022-2023 Columbia (Vagelos) Essay Prompts 1. Have you previously applied to Medical School? (200 characters) 2. If you took time off from your undergraduate studies, please briefly summarize your reasons for doing so. (250 words) 3...
2. In chapter 1, this book will provide an overview of How To Write A Comparison Essay A Learning Let. The first chapter will explore what How To Write A Comparison Essay A Learning Let is, why How To Write A Comparison Essay A Learning Let is vital, and how to effectively learn about How To Write A Comparison Essay A Learning Let. 3.
Kazan Global Youth Summit. This is the unique educational and expert platform for exchanging opinions and best practices on youth policy and involvement of children and youth locally, regionally, and globally. The Summit is designed for 4 days on 21-24 August 2024 and consists of ministerial plenary sessions, panel discussions, interactive ...
23rd June 2022. ANNOUNCEMENTS, KAZAN. We are calling for applications for the Kazan Global Youth Summit! 📍Location: Kazan/Tatarstan (Russian Federation) 🗓Date: 27-30 August 2022. The Summit aims to bring governors of youth policy, international organizations, young leaders, influencers, entrepreneurs, and experts to collect best practices ...
Cape Coral is a city located in Lee County, Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico. Founded in 1957 and developed as a planned community, the city's population has grown to 194,016 as of the 2020 Census, a rise of 26% from the 2010 Census, making it the 117th most populous city in the United States.
Soaring up from Kazan's main pedestrian thoroughfare, its brick-red façade flanked by peddlers hawking Chinese souvenirs, stands the bell-tower of the Church of the Epiphany, one of a handful of Russian Orthodox churches in this mostly Muslim city, the capital of the Russian republic of Tatarstan.. On a recent Sunday in March, the three spires of the tower each have a fresh blanket of snow ...
New York: Columbia University Press. Google Scholar. Sergeev S (1998) Youth subcultures in the Republic (of Tatarstan), Socls [Sociological Studies], 1: 95-102. Google Scholar. Werbner P (1995) From commodities to gifts: Pakistani migrant workers in Manchester.