columbia university essay questions

How to Write the Columbia University Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

How to Write the Columbia University Supplemental Essays TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are the columbia university supplemental essay prompts.

• How to write each supplemental essay prompt for Columbia
• Prompt #1: "Intellectual development" essay
• Prompt #2: Short answer questions
• Prompt #3: Short answer questions
• Prompt #4: "Why us?" essay
• Prompt #5: Columbia College: "Why major?" essay
• Prompt #5: Columbia Engineering: "Why major?" essay

If you’re applying to Columbia University, a quick scan of its required supplemental essays will give you a good sense of what Columbia admission reps are looking for: students who’ll thrive in the Core Curriculum.

Fair warning: If you don’t consider yourself a regular consumer of culture (i.e., literature, art, film, shows, music, podcasts, and all things that are distillers of the human experience), you might be struggling to come up with things to write about.  

What do we mean? Take a look at Columbia’s Core Curriculum and then its required supplemental essays below, and you’ll see.

But don’t worry: Even if you aren’t a self-described lover of arts and culture, we’ve got a few things to share to help you make the most of these supplemental essays.

Before you begin writing, you may want to get deeper insights into the kind of student Columbia is looking for, and how it views itself. You’ll find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at its offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set . For a better sense of how Columbia envisions its role in academia and how it wants to grow and evolve, read its strategic plan here .

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.

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)

For the four short answer questions, please respond in 150 words or fewer. NOTE: One of the short answer questions will not appear until you have selected Columbia College or Columbia Engineering in the "Academics" section of Columbia's application questions.

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)

Prompt #5 - Columbia College

Columbia College - What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College? (150 words or fewer)

Prompt #5 - Columbia Engineering

Columbia Engineering - What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

That application is no joke. Let’s take a look at how to tackle it.

How to Write Each Supplemental Essay Prompt for Columbia University

A word (or 2) about columbia’s list prompts.

Columbia makes clear in the prompt what it wants here: 

Here’s our tip for answering these: Don’t overthink it一it’s really not a trick question. Columbia really wants to know what you read, what movies you love, and which newspapers and podcasts you follow. That’s it. So heed the bulleted advice, make your lists, and save your brain power for the short-answer prompts. 

One more tip: Try to show some variety in your answers, but be honest about it.

See examples for each below. 

How to Write Columbia Supplemental Essay #1

• 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.

Note that the example below was from when Columbia asked for multiple lists, but the content still points you in a clear direction.

Books, plays, etc. The Art of Political Manipulation, William H. Riker The Better Angels of Our Nature, Steven Pinker Leonardo’s Brain, Leonard Shlain The Power of One, Bryce Courtenay Hopscotch, Julio Cortazar Gang Leader for a Day, Sudhir Venkatesh Who Gets What--and Why, Alvin E. Roth Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie Lectures The Future of American Economy, Nicholas Bloom Politics from an Ethical Perspective, Rob Reich Mechanics of Genomic Sequencing, Mike Snyder Machinery of Freedom, David Friedman Engineering your Luck, Tiffany Zhong Fighting for Minority Rights, Congressman Ted Lieu Multiculturalism, Wajahat Ali The Satire Paradox, Malcolm Gladwell U.S. Supreme Court Tour Thomas Jefferson Memorial Tour Exhibits Smithsonian Renwick Gallery: WONDER The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Design for Eternity--Architectural Models from the Ancient Americas Cantor Arts Center: She Who Tells a Story--Women Photographers from Iran and the Arab World TV Sherlock Holmes House of Cards Last Week Tonight The Daily Show War and Peace Designated Survivor Quantico Concerts/Shows War Horse Mamma Mia Movies Now You See Me Pride and Prejudice Interstellar The Age of Adaline — — —

How to Write Columbia Supplemental Essay #2

While “an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience” can point to many things, generally the easiest way to approach it is to treat this as essentially a “Community Essay” with a bit of “Why us?” and “How will you contribute?” thrown in. You can find our comprehensive guide on how to write the Community Essay here . Or, if you’re short on time, here’s the abbreviated version:

Step 1: Create a “communities” chart by listing all the communities you’re a part of. Keep in mind that communities can be defined by ...

Place: Groups of people who live/work/play near one another

Action: Groups of people who create change in the world by building, doing, or solving something together (Examples: Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, March for Our Lives)

Interest: Groups of people coming together based on a shared interest, experience, or expertise

Circumstance: Groups of people brought together either by chance or external events/situations. 

Step 2: Use the BEABIES Exercise to generate your essay content. Once you’ve chosen a community, map out your content using the BEABIES Exercise . That exercise asks:

What did you actually do? (Tip: Use active verbs like “organized” and “managed” to clarify your responsibilities.)

What kinds of problems did you solve (personally, locally, or globally)?

What specific impact did you have?

What did you learn (skills, qualities, values)? 

How did you apply the lessons you learned?

Step 3: Do some “how will you contribute” research.

You’ll want to offer a few specific ways that show how the experience/s you’re discussing in your essay will allow you to contribute to Columbia. The easiest way to do this is to do some “Why Us”-like research and find ways you’ll engage with and contribute to the Columbia community. 

Step 4: Pick a structure. The Narrative Structure works well for students who have faced a challenge in or with this community. Otherwise, the Montage Structure works well.

Consider answering these three questions in your essay if you choose the Narrative Structure:  

What challenge did you face?

What did you do about it? 

What did you learn?

How do those things shape how you will contribute to Columbia? (Ideally with some Why Us detail)

Here’s an example using the Narrative Structure.

In the summer of COVID-19, I formed two virtual clubs to offer my peers a continued sense of community. With most summer activities canceled, I felt it was important to our mental health to provide alternative social connections in the absence of face-to-face interaction.  For Book Club, teachers and students met in advance, creating thoughtful presentations that illustrated each presenter's passions and perspectives. For Debate Club, conversations got heated with teachers arguing alongside students, each person advocating their position. After summer, I was told by students and teachers alike that the clubs were the highlight of their week. To my delight, the Debate Club was so popular, I am continuing it during this school year.  At Columbia, I will shift my focus to fostering community between my LGBTQ+ peers and other members of the community. From my summer club experience, I have a new appreciation for how social interactions can develop stronger bonds between students, staff, and faculty. I intend to find similar opportunities through Columbia iQ where I can organize social events like a book club or even a group cooking class to help foster new champions for the LGBTQ+ community. (192) — — — 

Tips + Analysis

Answer the question. This student effectively uses a simple narrative to answer the question clearly and directly. Here’s how she does it:

The first quick paragraph sets up the what and the why (built two virtual clubs to maintain sense of community) of the challenge she faced. 

Next, the student efficiently addresses how her experience shaped her engagement with complex, perhaps controversial ideas, and how learning to effectively engage can promote social cohesion. 

Finally, she explores how she wants to apply these insights to her experience and engagement with the Columbia community, including a specific school opportunity (Columbia iQ) that she envisions contributing to in specific ways. 

Show your values. This student packs tons of values into this essay. Read it again and see how many you count. Don’t know what your values are? Do our Values Exercise , and identify the core values you want Columbia to come away with after reading your essay.

Use structure to guide your reader. Each paragraph has a clear structural purpose—1) Problem I faced; 2) What I did, the impact it had, and what I learned; 3) What I’ll bring to Columbia because of 1 + 2. Clear topic sentences and transitions are your friends.

Add a “why Columbia” specific detail or two + “how will you contribute” language. The specific examples in the final paragraph can help a reader envision how this student will become part of and contribute to Columbia’s community. Whether it’s continuing your advocacy work with an on-campus organization, or honing your debate skills in your discussion-based core classes, let Columbia admission reps know you’ve explored why you fit with Columbia’s community and that you’re thinking of how you can apply your experiences to life on campus. Finally, one small way the essay above could be strengthened is by adding or tweaking language to more directly address the “the way you would learn from” part of the prompt.

How to Write Columbia Supplemental Essay #3

Here, Columbia wants to know about your ability to rise to adversity. Why? Well, college will throw a whole bunch of new experiences at you, and while you may be prepared for some, others may take you by surprise: Classes may be harder than you thought, people may be talking about ideas you’ve never heard of before, you may have never been away from home for a long period of time, etc… So when you invariably do face new challenges in college, Columbia wants to know how you’ll respond.

If you’ve looked at some of our guidance on personal statements, you might think this prompt sounds a lot like a shorter narrative essay . And, in many ways, it is. You’re going to want to quickly and clearly explain a “barrier or obstacle” you’ve faced, explain the effect it had on you, explain what specific things you did to overcome it, and then explain “the personal qualities, skills, or insights” you learned. The trick here is to do all of that in fewer than 150 words. So how do you do it?

Focus on what matters most:  

what did you do to respond to the challenge, and 

what did you learn from how you responded? 

These are the two key questions readers will be most interested in learning about.

This is a new prompt for Columbia this year, but the example below, written for a very similar prompt for another school (with a larger word count), would work well.

I’ve gotten used to running around, waving my arms, trying to get students enthusiastic about exercise. As a volunteer teacher at a special needs fitness camp, I usually ended up getting more of a workout than the kids. After a few moments of tirelessly waving my arms, I noticed that Connor hadn’t moved from his starting position, but was instead on his third round of a video game on his phone. Once again, I tried my method of excitedly jumping and shouting to motivate him, but my exuberance was not enough. Eventually, he stood up, walked up to me, and slapped me in the face. Realizing the gravity of his mistake, he apologized profusely, and then in typical Connor fashion, gave me a big bear hug.  That’s when I realized my teaching style wasn’t going to work with every student. So I tried something different with Connor. Instead of shouting encouraging words from the bench, I ran laps with him. Rather than the usual pushups, we made up new exercises, like the burpee ball-pass. Connor taught me that overwhelming students with instructions was less effective than finding creative ways to engage them.  Jasmine taught me about self-love. She was overweight, and as her coach, I thought it was my job to teach her healthy habits. But as I watched Jasmine exercise with vitality and enthusiasm, I realized that I’d been focusing on the wrong thing. Jasmine yearned to improve her form in the exercises and stay active, and I focused on helping her find enjoyment in it. Her attitude demonstrated to me that health is not defined by pants size, but by an eagerness to learn and grow.  John made me a better instructor. A new student in the fitness program, he was quiet and timid. As his mentor, I gave him space to open up, but I soon realized that in my patience, he only withdrew further. I discovered that sometimes, the solution isn’t patience, but some impatience. Pushing and challenging John helped him find more confidence in himself and his movements, and it taught us both to work outside our comfort zones.  My students have taught me that it’s not enough to be good at something to be a good teacher. I also have to be good at recognizing my own shortcomings and adjusting my approach when needed.  — — —

Think broadly about what a “challenge” can be. When asked to write about adversity, we’ve seen a lot of students say something along the lines of “but I haven’t really experienced any adversity.” Many of these students think that if they haven’t fled war, fought off some obscure disease, or saved a child from a burning building, they don’t have anything worth writing about. And sure, those could make for amazing essays. But you don’t need something extreme here. To be clear, if you have experienced significant challenges, and you’re willing to write about them, you can certainly do so. But notice that this writer’s challenge works, too. Their challenge isn’t something as tangible as a fire or war . Instead, it’s the challenge of overcoming their “own shortcomings” in an effort to connect with their students. That’s definitely worth writing about.

Get specific with what you did. This writer uses details like “big bear hug”, “ran laps” and “jumping and shouting” to show key moments in the essay. The result is that it’s easy to “see” actions this writer took over the journey of this essay. This essay explores relationships with three different students, which is partly why it ends up stretching out to 390 words. If this writer were to revise this essay for the Columbia prompt, they’d need to reduce the amount of context they provide about the camp in the opening paragraph, and really sharpen the examples in their essay. Instead of writing three separate paragraphs for each student, they could instead condense them all into a single paragraph with clear and precise “what I did” and “what I learned” components.

Get specific with what you learned. It's also easy to “see” this writer’s growth. They found “creative ways” to engage their students; they learned to “work outside” their “comfort zones”; they learned to define health not “by pants size, but by an eagerness to learn and grow.” The specificity makes it clear that they’ve reflected deeply on the relationships they’ve created with their students. The result is that readers trust that this student will continue to reflect on how they navigate adversity in the future. And, believe it or not, colleges don’t want or need you to have all the answers. They will think it’s pretty cool if you have the humility to reflect clearly on moments of growth, though.

Check out this bonus essay below for another example of how you could approach the “overcoming adversity” prompt. Like the one above, this one would need to be shortened to meet the word limit, but the content is a good example of what kinds of things you could discuss in a response to this prompt.

Bonus example:

We were walking down Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv, just a few months after the Revolution of Dignity, when people rallied there to stand up to the government and oust a corrupt president. My father explained to me that volunteers help others because of their belonging to a community; their contribution became vital to Ukraine’s rebirth. From that moment, I started to look for opportunities to engage in the community. In the 9th grade, I stood in front of the thirty students who promised to say “Wow!” to any physics experiment. I wanted to show them how to set fire to cotton wool using a battery and foil, but I tried this experiment shortly before the demonstration. I quietly set fire with a lighter, since a short circuit in the battery happens only once. As part of the student council, I successfully conducted the following science fairs sessions. My first volunteering contribution beyond the school walls happened in my 10th grade. Reaching out to the regional coordinator of a children’s film festival, I suggested my help. During ten days of the festival, I greeted the cinema workers. With another volunteer, every morning, we talked about the festival, presented films, and counted the torn corners from the tickets — the votes for the best film. But at this event held at the city level, only two volunteers engaged in the organization. Why did not other people join us? To tackle this issue, I decided to develop a united volunteering community in my town. Communicating with participants about logistics, fundraising, and writing posts on social media, I carried out two Schools of Volunteering, trainings #VTalk and FAQ: Volunteering, cleaning in the park, and walking dogs. As a result, 250 people volunteered and joined the community, and five of them became members of our team to continue developing the community. Over the past year, I started to push my limits. I learned how to cover transportation and accommodation costs for speakers and lunch for participants, having two hundred dollars. Dealing with children, I needed to be creative, for I fashioned a “tree of dreams” for the Children’s Day festival using a coat rack, scotch tape, and some colored paper. As I joint a pet shelter, I overcame my fear of dogs. I cherish my experience of volunteering community in Chernihiv, and I look forward to joining a similar community in college. (397 words) — — —

How to Write Columbia Supplemental Essay #4

This prompt is your classic “Why us?” essay, only it’s a bit on the short side with a max of 150 words. We recommend checking out our complete guide on how to write the “Why us?” essay and pay close attention to the “Why Cornell” and “Why Penn” examples, which are our favorites. The “Why Tufts” essay is a nice example of how you can write a shorter version of the “Why us?”

Here’s the abbreviated version of how to write the “Why us?” essay:

Spend 1 hr+ researching 5-7  reasons why Columbia might be a great fit for you (ideally 3-5 of the reasons will be unique to Columbia AND connect back to you).

Per the last sentence of the prompt, make sure you’re focusing on opportunities you can only (or mostly only) find at Columbia (and not, say, New York City). That’s so important to school officials, they made a point to add that clarification to the prompt this year.

Make a copy of this chart to map out your college research (see it below as well).

Create an outline for your essays based on either Approach 1, 2 (recommended), or 3 in my full guide above.

Write a first draft!

Here’s a great sample essay for this prompt. Note that this essay is nearly 300 words (Columbia’s word count used to be longer)—yours will need to be a bit shorter.  

Columbia cultivates a focus on diversity of intellect, research, art, and tradition that brings me home.  At North Carolina Governor’s School, the My Lai Massacre, determinism vs. free will, and epistemology were just a few of the topics we discussed in seminars. During the 5.5 week program, I asked myself countless questions: How should we define truth and knowledge? What principles would rule the ideal society? How does Plato’s Allegory of the Cave apply to my experiences? Similar to that found at Governor’s School, the discourse surrounding the Core forges a sense of community and curiosity that will allow me to delve further into these inquiries. In fact, the Contemporary Civilization course closely resembles the GS focus on the investigation of relevant political, moral, and social issues. Further, the flexibility to take unique courses such as Cognitive Mechanics and Economic Behavior and Research Ethics & Philosophy will allow me to gain a clearer understanding of the connections between my chemistry research and impactful societal, religious, and technological decisions and realities. The research opportunities at Columbia are unparalleled. The SURF program will allow me to further my knowledge of the applications of chemistry by delving into research in a laboratory at Columbia. I hope to build upon my research in catalysis through work in Dr. Robert Farrauto’s lab, which places a refreshing focus on environmental sustainability through catalysis engineering. Outside of the classroom and the lab, whether it be through CU China Dance or Raw Elementz, I hope there is a stage in NYC that will embrace my dancing. Further, the tree-lighting, hot-chocolate drinking, and acapella singing that occur each year are just a few of the many traditions that strengthen the Columbia community–ones that I want to be a part of.  — — —

Identify unique opportunities at Columbia. The prompt is asking you kindly not to write about its location, or its friendly students, or any other quality you could ascribe to hundreds of other schools. You can tell this student spent a good deal of time doing her research. The great thing about a “Why Us?” essay is that once you’ve compiled your research, it almost writes itself. 

Follow the formula. This essay answers the question using a template that’s very basic, and we don’t mean that pejoratively. The writer gives us “example + personal connection” over and over again. Her examples include most of the “Why us?” greatest hits: In the author’s own words, “intellect, research, art, and tradition.” So, find specific coursework and research opportunities and faculty that align with your (hopefully specific) interests, extracurriculars that nourish your creative side, and campus culture-y things you identify with. Then put these in an order that makes sense to you. And don’t forget:

Make it personal. Even though she packs a lot of research into these 291 words, this is not a merely expository essay. We learn a lot about what matters to her and what stokes her curiosity—the intellectual vitality leaps off the page. That string of questions she asks herself do a lot of the legwork early on.

Remember, “Why us?” = Why Columbia + Why Me.   Another great thing about this essay is the way the writer matches her own values with Columbia’s. As important as identifying your own values is identifying those of the schools you’re applying to, and connecting the two in ways that show the two of you are compatible.

How to Write Columbia Supplemental Essay #5

Columbia College - What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College? (150 words or fewer) Columbia Engineering - What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

This essay is what we call a “Why Major” essay. 

You’ll find a step-by-step guide to writing this essay at this link , but here’s the short version:

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.

Step #3: Decide if you want to include a specific thesis that explicitly states your central argument—in this case what you want to study and why. This thesis can be at the beginning, middle, or end of your essay.

Step #4: Write a draft!

Here’s a great example from a previous version of the prompt. Note that this example is nearly 300 words, and yours will need to be no more than 150 words. 

Hikes along the Great Wall. Sharing freshly fried green onion pancakes from a food stand with my cousins. Three-person moped rides through busy streets. Dinners with my extended family.  Every trip back to Wuhan, China, is marked by these events and numerous other shared moments with family. Yet, when I am reminded of China, I instead envision people rushing around busy streets wearing face masks to avoid pollutant inhalation, the rarity of blue skies on any given day, and the disturbing level of air contamination that prevents my relatives from leaving their homes. Seeing this phenomena so clearly on a day-to-day basis during my visits has been a call to action.  Working with Dr. Hotz in the Department of Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering at Duke allowed me to combat these problems directly. Throughout the summer of 2016, I explored methods of improving the efficiency of the Dry Reform of Methane (DRM), a reaction that transforms harmful waste gas to a useful syngas, through catalysis. I was able to investigate a novel method of catalyst synthesis that drastically reduced the costs associated with catalyst creation and increased the efficiency of the Dry Reform of Methane. These benefits may propel the reaction towards use in industry. Breakthroughs in catalytic research for the DRM have the opportunity to transform energy sustainability and increase environmental sustainability. In a “values” auction at Governor’s School, I bid $800 of my allotted $1000 dollars on a single value: Making an Impact. My experience in chemical research thus far has shown me that chemistry has an incomparable ability to influence lives in substantial ways, which is why I hope to study chemistry at Columbia. (277 words) — — —

Show you have skin in the game. The writer is clearly invested in the cause of environmental sustainability. He makes a smart choice by opening with that lovely “mini-movie moment” of cherished memories, then laments how these memories are polluted by China’s dangerous air quality. His cause is personal. And he has literally bought in. 

Geek out when possible. How ’bout that third paragraph? This guy knows his stuff and has the experience to back it up. Knowledge of specialized language is a great way to demonstrate fit to major, so use a measured amount of geeky (read: insider) language. But be careful not to overdo it or you risk alienating your reader. This essay is a nice example of how to walk that line.

Look to the future. Not only does this student prove he’s a good fit for his major, he tells us that Columbia is the right launchpad for his mission to use chemistry to “influence lives in substantial ways.” Wouldn’t you want someone like that on your campus?  Since “Why Major” essays offer natural connections to potential future careers, if you know what career you want to pursue, consider ending the essay with that look forward. Even if you don’t know what you want to do yet, you can still share some insights into how your major will prepare you for life after college.

And here are two more examples to illustrate the direction you’ll want to head with this prompt, regardless of your major:  

I fell in love with computers at nine when I learned how to make a graphical turtle crawl across the screen, and I’ve written code every week since. I am self-taught in nine programming languages (my favorite is C++), which I learned through iteration and persistence. Teaching advanced algorithms at a programming bootcamp for the past two years allowed me to share my love of computer science with others. My interest in CS runs deep—from studying memory virtualization to the beauty of the B-Tree O(log n) search algorithm. Writing protein folding simulations for my biology teacher peaked my interest in computational science. Building real-world machine learning models during each of the last two summers expanded my awareness of the types of problems computers can help solve. Over the years, though, I have shaped a focus: security. In the process of running multiple servers, developing custom security software, and configuring the switching and routing for a 96-computer network, I became fascinated with the challenge of creating secure systems. Software has found its way into all aspects of our lives, creating staggering risks to privacy and security. These are problems I want to study, understand, and solve. — — —

Bonus Example:

Engineering primarily appeals to me because of my nuclear engineering summer internship with Applied Research Associates. Initially, my team and I conducted static tests, placing a radioactive isotope in the center of the room and then reading the output to look for certain outcomes based on our government contract. Then we did dynamic testing where professionals took out the detectors in different scenarios to see how they would perform in real-life operations. At the end of each detector run, I handed out surveys and interacted with the professionals before categorizing their survey opinions. The remaining weeks alternated between static testing and dynamic. I analyzed the data and results with my coworkers. I loved speaking with my incredible team, six of twelve of whom held PhDs, and learning about the broad range of nuclear engineering careers. Asking them about their college experiences, I found that most of them wished they had conducted more research earlier. Their insights were invaluable as I headed into my senior year. This internship demonstrated what life as an engineer could look like and solidified the fact that I want a career in engineering. — — —

Special thanks to Nick Muccio for writing this blog post.

Rather than candy, Nick (he/him) went searching for people’s vacuum cleaners when trick or treating. He’s since found other ways to help people clean, usually involving their essays (though he has great ideas on carpet maintenance, too). He earned a degree in Psychology from Bates College, where he rowed boats and acted in plays. Teaching high schoolers English for seven years taught him about the importance of presence and knitting sweaters. He sweats a lot, usually on purpose, and usually involving running shoes, a bike, or a rock climbing harness. His greatest fear? Heights. His greatest joys? Numerous, though shared laughter is up there. 

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How to Get Into Columbia: Strategies and Essay Examples

How hard is it to get into columbia learn columbia’s admissions requirements and find approaches to write superb columbia supplemental essays to improve your chances of getting in.

LEARN HOW TO GET INTO COLUMBIA

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: columbia university admissions requirements, part 3: applying to columbia early decision vs. regular decision, part 4: 2023–2024 columbia supplemental essays (examples included) .

For some Ivy League-bound teenagers, the average campus—think green quads with falling autumn leaves surrounded by historic buildings—isn’t enough. They might want to belong to a thriving, vibrant city as much as a campus. If this sounds like your child, you might suggest they take a look at Columbia University in the City of New York .

An Ivy League education in America’s largest city is quite the unparalleled experience, as it provides students with the resources of studying at a world-class university and living in the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world.

At Columbia, your child might study the Western canon in the morning, head to work to research at a cancer laboratory in the afternoon, or intern at the United Nations or on Wall Street in the evenings or on weekends. They might collaborate with musicians and artists at The Juilliard School , conduct research on neurological disorders and the genomes that cause cancer, or explore a career in theater, film, or publishing with the Columbia Arts Experience (CAE) internship program.

Your child can also spend their summers conducting research or interning outside of New York City. Thanks to Columbia’s alumni network and the university’s funding opportunities, your child may pursue research on indigenous languages in rural Ecuador, travel to Senegal to work with an NGO in agriculture, or intern with tech giants such as Facebook or Google in Silicon Valley.

And what about after graduation? Alumni earn prestigious fellowships such as the Rhodes and Fulbright , win Pulitzer prizes for writing and journalism, enter the arts and media world in New York City, and become President of the United States. Your child would join an alumni network that includes CEOs, famous poets, Hollywood actors, Supreme Court Justices, Nobel winners, and world-class journalists.

Because of its reputation and location, your child’s largest obstacle will be getting into Columbia, closely followed by deciding how to pick the best opportunities for them! That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to get into Columbia for you and your child, including how to tackle Columbia’s application and essay questions.

Columbia University ranking

Columbia is routinely at or near the top of Ivy League rankings :

U.S. News & World Report: 18

Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education: 8

Where is Columbia located?

Columbia is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Just blocks away from the iconic Central Park and a twenty-minute subway ride away from Times Square, Columbia’s Upper West Side campus offers easy access to the heart of NYC. 

With a population of 8.8 million, New York City is a major metropolitan city that offers unparalleled access to some of the country’s most important arts, cultural, and financial institutions.

Columbia University setting

Urban. Morningside Heights—bustling yet safe—offers its own restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and shops. Just north lies Harlem, the heart of much of the city’s art world for many years, and just south are the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan, home to some of the world’s greatest museums, from the Guggenheim to the Met.

Bus and subway lines connect the campus to the rest of New York City’s boroughs.

Columbia University student population

Undergrad population: 9,739 (including nontraditional students in the School of General Studies)

Grad and professional school population: 22,063

Columbia acceptance rate

Here are the admissions statistics for Columbia’s class of 2026:

Applications: 60,377

Acceptances: 2,253

Acceptance rate: 3.73%

(Suggested reading: Ivy League Acceptance Rates )

Columbia University tuition and scholarships

Columbia’s 2022–2023 cost of attendance per year (i.e., tuition, room, board, and fees) is $85,967.

Columbia meets 100 percent of first-year students’ demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants and work study—no loans. Families earning under $150,000 per year are generally not expected to contribute to their child’s cost of attendance. 50 percent of Columbia students receive financial aid in the form of grants, and the average grant award is $62,850.

Who gets into Columbia?

Let’s review the demographics and academic statistics for the class of 2025:

95% of students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.

Average GPA: Columbia doesn’t publish its average admitted student GPA.

Columbia average SAT score:

25th percentile: 1510

75th percentile: 1560

Columbia average ACT score:

25th percentile: 34

75th percentile: 35

International students: 13%

First-generation college students: 17%

54% of the class of 2025 identify as white. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders make up the next largest percentage at 28%. 20% are Hispanic or Latino, and 18% are African American or Black.

26% of incoming freshmen intend to major in math and natural sciences, 26% in the social sciences, 24% in engineering, and 23% in the arts and humanities.

Over 90% of our students get into one or more of their top 3 schools

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Columbia academic requirements

Like other Ivy League schools, Columbia is looking for students who are intellectually curious and ready to leave a mark on the diverse urban campus. Columbia wants to admit students who will not only succeed in their rigorous Core Curriculum but who will also thrive in Columbia’s distinct collegiate yet unquestionably urban campus.

Columbia seeks more than just excellent grades and test scores. Dedication to extracurricular activities , such as clubs, teams, or an individual project, can help demonstrate that your child will take advantage of Columbia and New York City’s unparalleled resources. 

Admissions officers expect that your child will have taken advantage of the opportunities that they were afforded. If your son’s school didn’t offer calculus, for instance, Columbia will be delighted to see that they took AP Statistics and Calculus I at the local community college over the summer. If your daughter’s school offers a wide variety of APs, they will be looking for success in a rigorous course load throughout her junior and senior years.

Columbia doesn’t have a specific set of expectations for what your child has studied in secondary school, but the Columbia admissions website recommends the following course load for students applying to Columbia College:

Four years of English literature and composition

Four years of math (at least through precalculus), unless your child has already completed what’s available at their school

Three to four years of history and social studies

Three to four years of foreign language (ancient or modern)

Three to four years of laboratory science.

Columbia encourages aspiring scientists, physicians, and dentists to take as many courses in math and science as possible.

For applicants to the engineering school, Columbia recommends a rigorous program of math and science that includes four years of math (preferably through calculus), four years of lab science including one year of physics and one year of chemistry, four years of English, two to three years of foreign language, and three to four years of social studies and history.

Columbia encourages all students to dive deeper into their interests. A student interested in writing should consider taking a creative writing or journalism elective in addition to four years of English, while a student dedicated to medicine might add an elective course in anatomy.

Columbia application requirements

Here’s the nitty gritty. Columbia accepts the Common Application, which means your child will need the following to apply:

Common App Essay

Columbia supplemental essays

Optional during the 2022–2023 application cycle: ACT or SAT test scores

Teacher recommendations (engineering students must submit one letter from a math or science teacher)

Secondary school report (sent from your child’s school)

Columbia also accepts the Coalition App and the QuestBridge Application.

Your child can apply early to Columbia by November 1 and receive a decision of either accepted, deferred, or denied, by mid-December.

Columbia follows the early decision (as opposed to early action) model, which is binding. This means that your child must commit to attending Columbia if accepted. If your child is deferred, they will enter into the regular decision pool and hear back by the end of March. They can be accepted, waitlisted or rejected then. If accepted, they are no longer in the early decision binding agreement. 

If your child applies early decision to Columbia, they are unable to apply to restrictive or single choice early action programs (e.g., Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford). They can, however, apply to non-restrictive early action programs, such as MIT, Caltech, and the University of Chicago.

Your child can also apply regular decision, by January 1.

How do you know if your child should apply to Columbia early? 

Early decision might be the right choice for your child:

If Columbia is their top choice

If they are willing to commit to attending Columbia no matter what the financial aid package is

If there’s no other school they’d like to apply to via early decision or restrictive early action

If they are interested in applying to non-binding early action programs

If their test scores and grades are strong by the end of junior year 

Columbia, like many of its peers in the Ivy+ category, accepts a significant portion of its class early—around 30 percent. Students who apply early decision, however, tend to be highly prepared, which helps explain why the early decision acceptance rate is higher. Most of these students have thought deeply about why they are an excellent fit for Columbia and have the grades and test scores to prove that they will succeed there. 

Because Columbia’s early decision program is binding, they are looking for students who demonstrate a true passion for the university. If Columbia is truly your child’s top choice, it may be advantageous to apply early. 

(Suggested reading: Early Action vs. Early Decision )

Part 4: 2023–2024 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 can provide a window into their character, passions, and creativity. Most importantly, Columbia’s supplemental essays give your child the chance to show that they are a great fit for Columbia.

Question 1: 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. 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. (100 words or fewer)

Like Harvard’s optional supplemental essay (view the prompt and an example in our guide on how to get into Harvard ), this prompt asks students to share books, publications, performances, exhibitions, and other outlets that reveal something unusual or interesting about the applicant’s personality.

Here’s how Janet, an ambitious Chinese American student answered this prompt. 

Meditations; On the Shortness of Life; The Tao Te Ching; The Tao of Pooh; Plato at the Googleplex; Digital Minimalism; Freedom, Books, Flowers & the Moon; Black Chick Lit; The Scent of Time: A Philosophical Essay on the Art of Lingering; At Blackwater Pond; Giovanni’s Room; The Burnout Society; Persuasion; Open Me Carefully: Emily Dickinson's Intimate Letters to Susan Huntington Dickinson; A Border Passage; I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; 1917; Life of Pi; The Canterbury Tales; Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass; Pachinko; The Crucible; Tess of the D’Urbervilles; Medea; Samarkand; Graceful Atheist; Devotions; Walden; Maud Martha

Here’s why Janet succeeds in answering this Columbia supplemental essay:

She includes a series of texts that represent a wide array of interests. By including books that range from philosophy ( The Tao Teh Ching and The Scent of Time: A Philosophical Essay on the Art of Lingering ) to Victorian novels ( Tess of the D’Urbervilles ) and even a biography of Frederick Douglass, Janet demonstrates that she is intellectually curious and excited by a wide variety of topics.

She answers the questions succinctly. As the prompt states, the Admissions readers are not looking for a narrative or an explanation. They simply want to know what you are reading, seeing, and consuming. Many students believe that they should use up all 100 words by including every book they have ever read or foreign movie they have ever seen. However, Admissions readers are looking to see that you have thought about your entries carefully. It’s hard to see what your tastes and interests are if you list one hundred books, for instance.

Short answer questions:

Question 2: 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)

Question 3: 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)

Question 4: 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)

Question 5: What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

Gain instant access to essay examples for every supplemental essay prompt from the top universities and BS/MD programs in the United States.

Final thoughts

Because of Columbia’s academic prestige and access to New York City, getting into this Ivy League school is no simple task. Like other schools in the Ivy+ category, it’s a reach even for the students with the highest grades and test scores. By demonstrating a passion in a specific area of study and by showing how they would fit into Columbia’s campus culture by writing compelling supplemental essays, your child can greatly improve their odds of getting into Columbia.

About the Author

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.

THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.

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August 3, 2023

2023-2024 Columbia University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Columbia University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 college admissions cycle. There are five essays in this year’s Columbia supplement. These essays are required of Columbia’s applicants in addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement. So what are this year’s Columbia supplemental essays? Let’s dive in!

2023-2024 Columbia Essay Topics and Questions

1. 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)  

Columbia’s admissions office truly wants a list of items separated by commas or semicolons. Year after year, many students submit prose in response to this prompt, which is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea. Columbia has given clear instructions, and thus students would be wise to adhere to the instruction.

In short, Columbia wants to know that an applicant will appreciate New York’s culture within which Columbia lives and breathes if admitted to their institution. Including books that appear on required reading lists in classrooms across America, like  The Great Gatsby , is as solid an indicator as anything that a student doesn’t read for pleasure. And if a student doesn’t read for pleasure, how intellectually curious could they be? In every Columbia essay prompt, it’s vital to showcase intellectual curiosity.

2. 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)

This essay prompt is Columbia’s retort to the Supreme Court’s outlawing of Affirmative Action . While colleges are now outlawed from explicitly considering a student’s race in the admissions process, Chief Justice Roberts wrote in his majority opinion, “At the same time, as all parties agree, nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.” Herein lies that opening.

But even if a student is not an underrepresented minority, it’s a chance to convey their story and what interesting viewpoints and perspectives they can offer the Ivy League institution. Students should thus not shy away from voicing a view that some may deem unpopular.

If a student is passionate about environmental science, for instance, and, in an essay, eloquently substantiates the economic benefits of fracking — from their own lived experience growing up in North Dakota — they’ve accomplished the task. Of course, it would also behoove them to write about some of the environmental harm from the practice — and what can be done about it.

3. 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)

Applicants need not have survived cancer to answer this prompt powerfully. They need not have grown up in an underprivileged community. But they need to pick a genuine obstacle and showcase how they overcame it. Maybe there were few research opportunities for astrophysicists in a student’s area. Maybe their school curriculum didn’t reach AP Physics 1 , much less AP Physics C . Whatever the story, this is an applicant’s chance to tell it.

That being said, applicants should avoid writing about issues that may lead them to face discrimination in the admissions process, such as learning disabilities. Because while no college will tell you that they discriminate against students with learning disabilities, it has long been our belief at Ivy Coach that these schools don’t want to deal with special accommodations if they can avoid it.

4. 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)

Every college includes language here that’s slightly different, but — make no mistake — this is a Why College essay prompt . This essay needs to be filled with specific after specific of how a student will contribute their singular hook — rather than well-roundedness — to the school’s community. And, no, name-dropping professors and class names do not count as specifics. Students should instead endeavor to capture specifics about a school that are enduring and paint a detailed portrait of their life at Columbia .

5. What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering?  (150 words or fewer)

This prompt, which only pops up once an applicant clicks an intended major, asks, in short, Why Major? Columbia’s admissions committee wants to know why a student has chosen a given field and how they hope to contribute to that field over the next four years. Columbia seeks to admit students who will change the world in one super specific, often small way. So if students aren’t clear on what they want to study — at least in their application — it fails to inspire readers. Of course, once at Columbia College or the School of Engineering and Applied Science , students can change their intended major every Tuesday. But on the application, it’s another story entirely.

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A Guide to the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

October 3, 2023

Situated in the vibrant heart of New York City, Columbia University has long been renowned as one of the most fiercely competitive institutions in the world. With a consistent top-five ranking among colleges in the U.S., Columbia attracts a diverse array of exceptional students from across the globe. As you embark on the challenging task of distinguishing yourself from this impressive pool of applicants, it is crucial to consider how the Columbia supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle can greatly enhance your candidacy.

The purpose of the Columbia supplemental essays is to provide the admissions committee with deeper insights into your intellectual passions, extracurricular interests, and the genuine motivations behind your desire to join Columbia's prestigious community. By thoughtfully addressing the prompts below, you can help the admissions officers understand why you are an ideal fit for Columbia. To facilitate a seamless writing process, I have meticulously outlined each prompt, offered invaluable tips and tricks for crafting compelling responses, and provided additional advice to ensure your Columbia supplemental essays for 2023-2024 truly shine.

Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Question 1 (100 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..

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. From your answers to the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 , the university 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.

Question 2 (150 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..

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 2023-2024 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.

Question 3 (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..

In this prompt, you have the chance to share a personal story of a barrier or obstacle you have faced and delve into the personal qualities, skills, or insights you have developed as a result. It could be a difficult academic journey, a setback in your extracurricular activities, or a personal struggle you have overcome.

By sharing your experience, you can demonstrate to the admissions officers your ability to navigate through challenges and your willingness to learn and grow from them. Remember to also highlight the specific lessons you have learned, such as perseverance, adaptability, problem-solving, or the importance of seeking support.

Ultimately, this essay is an opportunity to showcase your resilience, determination, and personal growth. Emphasize how overcoming obstacles has shaped you into a stronger individual, capable of navigating the unpredictable challenges of college life and beyond.

Question 4 (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..

Now we come to the “why this school” portion of the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 . 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.

Columbia College (150 words or fewer)

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia college.

Continuing from the “why Columbia” question, this prompt among the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 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. 

Columbia Engineering (150 words or fewer)

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia engineering.

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.

Additional Tips for Writing the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Columbia supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Let your personality shine: The purpose of the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 can convincingly harmonize with your application persona and portray authentic interest in your field of choice.

Your responses to the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 should serve as a window into your true self, showcasing your interests and how you plan to continue pursuing them during your college years. The admissions officers should gain a clear understanding of your goals and recognize how Columbia can play a pivotal role in helping you achieve them. By skillfully intertwining your passions with what intrigues you about Columbia, you have the opportunity to craft exceptional essays that set you apart from the impressive pool of applicants. I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor!

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools. 

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Columbia University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Book short response.

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.

Diversity Short Response

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.

Overcoming Challenges Short Response

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.

Why This College Short Response

Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.

Why This Major Short Response

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College?

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia Engineering?

Trinity College Dublin and Sciences Po Dual BA Essay

Describe how your experiences, both personal and academic, have shaped your decision to pursue the Dual BA Program. Why is an international academic experience important to you as you consider the ways in which it may influence your future?

Successful essays should not only identify and describe specific elements of the Dual BA Program that meet your needs as a student, but should also explain why the academic courses you have chosen for your time at Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University are compatible with your aspirations, academic or otherwise.

School of General Studies Essay

Tell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. Please make sure to reflect on why you consider yourself a nontraditional student and have chosen to pursue your education at the School of General Studies of Columbia University. Successful essays should identify and describe specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, that meet your needs as a nontraditional student. The admissions committee is particularly interested in situations in your life from which you have learned and grown. This may include past academic experiences, professional accomplishments, or turning points and transformative events: new beginnings and personal achievements, but also events that may have affected your education, such as health and family challenges, personal obstacles or even issues with the justice system. Our expectation is that your reflection on your experiences will demonstrate your potential to add a unique perspective to the Columbia classroom.

Postbac Premed Program Essay

Please submit an essay of approximately 500 words discussing your decision to pursue a career in medicine or an allied health profession. A successful essay will not only describe the factors that contributed to your decision, but will give us a sense of you as an individual by discussing why you want to pursue this career and how you feel you will contribute to the profession.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

5 Columbia University Supplemental Example Essays (2023)

If you want to get into Columbia University in 2023, 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 2023?

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 2023:

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.

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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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Her baking is not confined to an amalgamation of sugar, butter, and flour. It's an outstretched hand, an open invitation, a makeshift bridge thrown across the divides of age and culture. Thanks to Buni, the reason I bake has evolved. What started as stress relief is now a lifeline to my heritage, a language that allows me to communicate with my family in ways my tongue cannot. By rolling dough for saratele and crushing walnuts for cornulete, my baking speaks more fluently to my Romanian heritage than my broken Romanian ever could....

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A cow gave birth and I watched. Staring from the window of our stopped car, I experienced two beginnings that day: the small bovine life and my future. Both emerged when I was only 10 years old and cruising along the twisting roads of rural Maryland...

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How to Write the Columbia University Supplemental Essays 2019-2020

Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia University is one of the world’s leading institutions for research and commitment towards education. With its 265 years of history and ideal location, Columbia has had a major influence in history and continues to be at the forefront of innovation to this day. Offering both a rigorous curriculum as well as ample opportunities to explore one of the largest cities in the world, Columbia attracts thousands of top-performing students from all across the world.

However, with an ever-expanding reputation also comes the increased difficulty of gaining acceptance. For the class of 2023, Columbia admitted only 5.3% of its applicants, making it a highly selective institution. Yet, despite the competition, having a strong set of supplemental essays will be the first step in standing out in the admissions process. Want to know your chances at Columbia? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what Columbia University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering Columbia University needs to know.

Columbia University Application Essay Prompts

Columbia has four supplemental “essay” questions they want applicants to answer. These essays can be broken down into two groups:

Group 1: The first group of essays are specific to Columbia. Instead of requiring you to write a traditional college “essays,” Columbia instructs you to provide lists, such as what you look for in an ideal college community, what you’ve read over the past year, and more. 

Group 2: These questions will get to the heart of why exactly you want to attend Columbia University, how you have prepared for your intended course of study. 

Luckily, the experts at CollegeVine are here to help you navigate the Columbia essays so that you have the best chance possible for admissions. Keep reading for our suggestions on writing the Columbia essays so that you stand out to adcoms. 

Prompt #1: In 150 words or fewer, please list a few words or phrases that describe your ideal college community.

The first thing you should notice about this prompt is the limited number of words you are given to answer. As such, you should keep your answer sweet and simple. There is no need to open with a flowery but vague introduction, as that will only serve to use up the space that you could actually be using to talk about Columbia. That being said, even lists can be written in a way that allow for some personality.

To answer this question, listing out words and phrases that would encapsulate your ideal community and separating the terms with periods would definitely be a valid method. Content-wise, make sure that as you are compiling this list, you go in-depth into what kind of person you are as well. Even though this essay is not asking about you directly, your personal passions and life experiences shape what kind of college you would like.

For example, stating that you are looking for a top university in an urban setting with opportunities to work with top finance companies is a good start, but that information can be found with any cursory glance at Columbia’s website—as well as dozens of other schools’ websites. To show that you would really fit into Columbia’s community as a contributing member, you might try to say something along the lines of wanting a community that welcomes a history buff who also wants to learn more about the intricate workings of the solar system . The key is to be honest with what would really make you excited to go to a school. After all, you are being asked to list qualities in your ideal school.

Also keep in mind that the word “community” can be as large or as small as you make it. Your professors, friends, and whoever else you come into direct contact with on a daily basis are an obvious choice, but don’t forget about the food vendors just outside the gates of campus, the multi-talented subway performers just a stone’s throw away, or the friendly residents of Morningside Heights.

The possible ways of writing this essay are truly endless, which is what makes this essay really fun as there is the potential to get really creative with the terms that you choose. That being said, the one thing you should be careful of doing is using terms that sounds very good, but are actually very vague in nature and sounds more like it belongs in a campus advertisement. Writing things like a university that values academic debate and challenges the status quo not only applies to most universities, but doesn’t reveal much about who you are either.

Prompt #2: 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 narrative or explanatory text is needed. It is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. Author names may be included, but are not required. You do not need to fill the entire space or use the maximum number of words; there is no minimum word count in this section, so please respond to the extent that you feel is appropriate.

At first, you may think that this prompt is a trap and that Columbia is expecting you to include specific works. However, we assure you that that is not the case. Honesty should be a general policy for all of your essays, but with this type of question that is even more the case. Remember that you are not just sending in your supplemental essays. The college sees what classes you are taking, as well as the kinds of extracurriculars you are involved in. As a result, the admissions counselor already has some sort of idea of what kind of interests you have, so being as truthful as possible in your list will only serve to strengthen your whole application.

That being said, make sure that the books and publications you do list are reflective of a high school level of reading, and if you want to throw in a few series for nostalgia, have a good balance between the more unique titles and your other titles. As an institution which highly values interdisciplinary studies and the idea of a universal foundation of knowledge, don’t be afraid to list books that span a wide variety of fields. That will only show that you are intellectually curious and would enjoy the Core Curriculum that all Columbia students go through.

Part 1: The titles of the required readings from courses during the school year or summer that you enjoyed most in the past year

This question is pretty straightforward, as should be your answer. Just think back to all the English classes you have taken and choose some of the titles that you genuinely enjoyed working through. If you are an international student, feel free to include titles that are not commonly found in an American high school curriculum. This may include readings that are in another language, but as long as you give the translated title, it will still be a good choice. We recommend a minimum of three books and a maximum of around ten.

Part 2: The titles of books read for pleasure that you enjoyed most in the past year

This list will be a bit broader as you can showcase the kinds of books that you read outside of an academic setting. That means including titles in both the fiction and non-fiction categories. For example, you may include Fun Home by Alison Bechdel—an autobiography of the author as she discovers who she is and explores her relationship with her father in the process—or Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami—a story about the circumstances surrounding one girl’s disappearance.

Whatever you list, the titles should not be ones that you have read in school, unless it’s a book that you have read before it was taught in a class you were in. Additionally, try to stick with things you have read in the past year as it will reflect your most updated level of reading. Like the previous part, including anywhere between three to ten books is a good amount.

Note on formatting: If you read these titles in a language other than English, feel free to make a small note in parentheses after each title noting this, for example, Les Misérables (read in French).

Part 3: The titles of print or electronic publications you read regularly

Since most publications are available both in print and online, there is no great need to try and find examples for both of these requirements. Publications spanning across all fields can be included, and some example of publications include (but aren’t limited to): The New York Times, Nature, The Economist, Time Magazine, National Geographic, etc. A list of three to ten schools should be sufficient.

Something to be aware of is that there are a lot of “news” outlets floating around that don’t necessarily follow strict journalism integrity. A prominent example of a site like this which has recently come under fire is InfoWars by Alex Jones. If that is an outlet that you really do follow regularly, then it is up to your discretion as to whether or not you should include it. That being said, as a controversial site, you may want to elaborate with a sentence or two your reasoning for following the site. As an example, you may say that it is a source you read often so that you can see how much of an influence popular media sites can have on the everyday viewer.

Part 4: The titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits, lectures and other entertainments you enjoyed most in the past year

This category is in some ways the most casual, as it is the most general category. Really all that it is asking is that you list other forms of media that you spend your time on that are not reading related. Feel free to include whatever you are currently following, and aside from the entertainment options listed in the prompt, you can also consider including video games. As always, try to keep your list between three to ten titles.

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Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details.

Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details. We’ll let you know what your chances are at your dream schools — and how to improve your chances!

Prompt #3: Please tell us what you value most about Columbia and why. (300 words or fewer)

This essay can really be thought of as a more detailed version of the first prompt. Now, instead of creating your “ideal” campus, you want to explain why Columbia is that ideal. The admissions team wants to know why Columbia in particular attracts you out of all the other fantastic institutions in the country, so doing your research is key.

Try to avoid looking at the admissions page for your information, as the admissions page is designed to give you a brief overview of the programs of study and other offerings but not deep information. Instead, take your time and really go through each of the pages on the main university website. Try to find things that genuinely make you excited about the school, as that excitement will carry over into your writing if it is genuine.

Please note that the prompt is asking what you value most about Columbia, so base your answer around your own interests. What the admissions team or another student values about the university could be completely different from your own reasons.

In general, mentions about Columbia’s location, its famed Core curriculum, and spirit of activism are very commonly mentioned . This is not to say that you can’t include one or all of those points in your essay (if those things really matter to you), but it may not be the best idea to center your essay on any one of those three topics.

A good idea would be to start from either an academic interest of yours or an extracurricular interest and then try to see if Columbia has programs that would satisfy your passions. From there, expand your search to include things like what sports and clubs you may want to try out as well as what you hope to gain from the city environment.

Be as specific as you can, and wherever possible, try to make connections between Columbia programs and your own interests instead of just praising the institution. For example, if journalism and social justice is something you are really passionate about, then you may want to focus on the recent work done by Columbia’s School of Journalism in reporting on the issue of deportation in the US.

Program Specific Essays

For columbia college applicants:, if you are applying to columbia college, 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..

In this question, the committee is interested in knowing what fascinates you and what steps you have taken to learn more about that specific field. This is a question designed to really gauge your intellectual curiosity, and to see if you will be a student who will take advantage of the stellar academic programs the college offers.

If you have a specific major in mind when answering this question, be prepared to answer the following questions:

1)    Why do you want to study this subject?

2)    Why are you qualified to study this subject?

3)    What would you potentially want to use this major for?

Your essay should answer all three questions in some capacity — be as specific as you can. While having general interests is fine, in this essay you really want to show that you are serious about the field that you have indicated and that you understand at least some of the intricacies that go into that major.

If you are currently undecided, don’t fret! Even most college students are still exploring their options and don’t know exactly which major they should choose. In this case, you should still list some general interests you have, and instead of focusing on describing why you are qualified to study said subjects or what you want to do with it later, focus more on the fact that you are intellectually curious and show what you have done to further that specific academic interest.

For the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science Applicants:

If you are applying to the fu foundation school of engineering and applied science, 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..

In many ways, this prompt is very similar to the prompt in Part 1. The only difference is that since you are applying specifically to an engineering school, your academic interests should fall within the STEM fields, and more specifically within an area of engineering.

Still, the same three questions apply:

1)    Why do you want to study this field of engineering?

2)    Why are you qualified to be in this field?

3)    What would you potentially want to use your training for?

Try to highlight more of your problem-solving skills, and draw connections to how certain instances in your life make you a better engineer. As always, try to inject a personal narrative to your essay. For example, if you are really intrigued by computers, you may share a story of how you took apart an old desktop to see how the pieces fit together or maybe how your interest in coding took flight after you decided to create your own website.

For Sciences Po Dual BA Applicants:

“describe how your experiences or ideas have shaped your decision to pursue the dual ba program. why is an international academic experience and a two-year focus on the social sciences important to you as you consider the ways in which it may influence your future (750-1000 words) successful essays should not only identify and describe specific elements of the dual ba program that meet your needs as a student, but should also explain why the region of focus that you have chosen for your time at sciences po is compatible with your aspirations, academic or otherwise.”.

Unlike all the other Columbia supplements up to this point, this essay has the greatest word count. The increased space also means the possibility to go more in depth into the reasons applying to such a specific program. Let’s break down this prompt into its individual questions:

1)    Why do you want an international academic experience?

2)    Why is a two-year focus on the social sciences important to you and the kind of future you want?

To answer the first question, try to avoid general statements about how experiencing different cultures can make you a worldlier person or that it allows you to start traveling at a young age. You need to be specific about what an education internationally can offer you that you wouldn’t be able to find at just Columbia.

While we usually recommend that people stay away from name dropping professors in most essays, this program is specific enough where mentioning the work of the professors at the partner school would be a good way to explain your interest. One thing you may want to mention is how living in the country that you are learning about offers a more robust experience. You will probably have greater and easier access to a lot of first-hand source material, added with the bonus of interacting with the greatest academics in your field of choice.

Beyond that, talk about the kinds of hands-on work opportunities you will have in a foreign country. Just be sure to explain in detail how the work experience fits into your goal for a future career.

As for the second question, once again you can answer in the same way you would respond to a “Why Major” essay. While it may be daunting to tackle the entire question at once, break it further into three smaller prompts:

1)    Why do you want to study social sciences?

2)    Why are you qualified to study this field?

Start by brainstorming a list of answers that immediately come to mind when reading these questions. Then, see if there is a common thread that connects what you have written down. While you are answering the last prompt, it is also a good idea to include mentions of how the Sciences Po curriculum and other offerings will aid you in your endeavors.

As a mathematician in ancient Greece, Euclid made a famous statement to King Ptolemy, “there is no royal road to geometry”. Given your success, can you describe a failure, either personal or academic, that you have experienced (where you “lacked a royal road” to be followed), and what you have learned from this experience? (500-750 words)

This prompt already starts by giving you two possible paths—a personal or academic failure—to follow. The broadness of these two options gives you a lot of freedom in choosing the topic of your essay, so anything that you can justify as a “problem” will be a valid topic to write about.

Regardless of whether you end up choosing an intellectual research challenge or a personal ethical dilemma, make sure that you are choosing a problem that genuinely concerns you and is also one that you have really thought through. To answer this prompt fully you will not only need to walk the reader through the way that you solved the issue, but also why it matters in the first place. You can do this by either recalling how your interest in the subject at hand originated (if you are describing a research question, for example) or why the potential consequences are bad (if you are writing on an ethical dilemma).

One thing to keep in mind if you are writing on a more academic-focused issue is that you stay away from jargon that would slow down the pace of the essay and cause more confusion for the readers. Try to simplify the academic issue down to the level where any reader will be able to understand, since the problem itself is not the main focus of the essay. More so, you are describing how you found an answer to some obstacle.

It’s always safer to spend more time describing the process of how you came to solve the problem, and the specific steps you took. Each step of the way, try also to highlight your thought process and show your process for working through similar issues that may come up in the future.

For Trinity College Dublin Dual BA Applicants:

Describe how your experiences or ideas have shaped your decision to pursue the dual ba program. why is an international academic experience important to you as you consider the ways in which it may influence your future successful essays should not only identify and describe specific elements of the dual ba program that meet your needs as a student, but should also explain why the academic course you have chosen for your time at trinity college dublin is compatible with your aspirations, academic or otherwise. (750-1000 words).

Unlike all the other Columbia supplements up to this point, this essay has the greatest word count. With the increased space also means the possibility to go more in depth into the reasons applying to such a specific program.

To answer the question of how an international academic experience can enhance your education, try to avoid general statements about how experiencing different cultures can make you a worldlier person or that it allows you to start travelling at a young age.

You need to be specific about what an education internationally can offer you that you wouldn’t be able to find at just Columbia. While we usually recommend that people stay away from name dropping professors in other essays, this program is specific enough where mentioning the work of the professors at Trinity College would be a good way to explain your interest.

One thing you may want to mention is how living in Ireland can offer you a more robust experience. You will probably have greater and easier access to a lot of first-hand source material, added with the bonus of interacting with the greatest academics in your field of choice.

Beyond that, talk about the kinds of hands-on work opportunities you will have in Ireland, possibly mentioning how the proximity of the European countries will offer you greater opportunities to find internships in your chosen field. Just be sure to explain in detail how the work experience fits into your goal for a future career.

Additionally, you should take this essay to be another iteration of the “Why Major” essay. To sufficiently explain why you are interested in studying the majors offered in this program, be sure to answer the following three questions:

4)    Why do you want to study this major?

5)    Why are you qualified to study this field?

6)    What would you potentially want to use your training for?

Start by brainstorming a list of answers that immediately come to mind when reading these questions. Then, see if there is a common thread that connects what you have written down. While you are answering the last prompt, it is also a good idea to include mentions of how the Trinity College curriculum and other offerings will aid you in your endeavors.

Similar to the advice given in part 4, the essay you write for this prompt should explore a problem that genuinely concerns you and is also one that you have really thought through. To answer this prompt fully you will not only need to walk the reader through the way that you solved the issue, but also why it matters in the first place. You can do this by either recalling how your interest in the subject at hand originated (if you are describing a research question, for example) or why the potential consequences are bad (if you are writing on an ethical dilemma).

Since the focus of this program is based heavily around English and European history, you may want to consider discussing an obstacle that relates to either of these two fields. Give yourself ample space to discuss what the issue is, or in other words, setting up the background. Then, aside from explaining how you tackled the issue, it’s also important to discuss the implications of your problem in a larger context, whether that’s your local community, country, or even the whole world.

For School of General Studies Applicants:

Tell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. please make sure to address why you consider yourself a nontraditional student and have chosen to pursue your education at the school of general studies of columbia university. successful essays should not only identify and describe specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, that meet your needs as a nontraditional student, but should also explain why gs is the place for you. (1000-2000 words).

As a nontraditional student, a very valuable part of your application is simply your experience! Returning to school is a very big decision and you probably wouldn’t be applying in the first place unless you have already thought long and hard about the benefits that doing so would provide. Therefore, this essay is simply a place for you to put those thoughts on paper.

Though the prompt asks a series of questions, you should still try to weave the answers to each of those questions into a larger narrative that shows the admissions committee more about who you are as a person. Since this essay allows up to 2000 words, one way you can break down the components would be to spend the first 1000 words discussing your background and answering the questions of:

1)    Why do you consider yourself a nontraditional student?

2)    What is your educational history?

3)    What is your work experience?

4)    What is your present situation?

The next 500 words or so should be spend answering questions that are more specific to your future goals and what kind of support you would need from an institution that would help you get there. Then, use the remaining space to tie in that list of support to programs and resources that Columbia offers. This way, not only have you provided a good background on who you are as a person, but you’ve also explained what you are looking for in a college and why Columbia fits that ideal.

In Conclusion…

It’s true that Columbia requires quite a few supplements, and that can definitely be overwhelming. However, more supplements also means that you have more chances to show Columbia how amazing you are and all the unique things that would make you a great addition to their campus.

We hope that this guide has been helpful to get you started on your writing, but don’t be afraid to look for essays of applicants who have successfully been admitted to Columbia either. While you can’t and shouldn’t use their ideas directly, it will show you the kinds of profiles that really speak to the admissions officers. Best of luck from the CollegeVine team!

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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How To Answer Columbia's 2023/24 Supplemental Essays: Tips & Insights

What's New

What Are Columbia's Essay Prompts?

How to Answer Columbia's Essay Prompts?

General Guidelines

Columbia's supplemental essays are a crucial part of the application, offering a deeper insight into your fit with the university. This guide provides detailed prompts, tips, and insights to craft compelling responses that resonate with Columbia's ethos. Approach with authenticity, align with Columbia's offerings and showcase your unique perspective to stand out.

The Essay That Got Me Into Columbia

Columbia's 2023/24 Supplemental Essay Updates: What's Changed?

Securing a spot at Columbia University , with its acceptance rate of around 4% , is a monumental achievement. In the intricate dance of college admissions, your supplemental essays are instrumental in portraying your distinctive narrative and alignment with Columbia's ethos.

Elite institutions like Columbia refine their application criteria each academic year to ensure they gain a holistic perspective of their prospective students.

For the 2023/24 admissions cycle, Columbia has made several pivotal changes to its supplemental essay questions:

• Consolidation of Prompts : The initial list-based questions about favorite readings from high school courses and beyond and resources and outlets of interest have been merged into a single comprehensive prompt. This new question seeks to understand the texts, resources, and outlets influencing the applicant's intellectual journey outside formal education.
• Word Limit Reduction : Several questions now have reduced word limits, emphasizing the need for applicants to provide concise and focused responses.
• Emphasis on Inclusivity : The question about learning from diverse communities has been refined to underscore the importance of an "equitable and inclusive community." This change prompts applicants to reflect more deeply on their perspectives and experiences.
• Introduction of a Resilience Question : A new question has been added to gauge the applicant's resilience. It asks them to describe an obstacle they've faced and the steps they took to overcome it.
• Minor Adjustments : While the question about the applicant's interest in Columbia remains, its word limit has been shortened. The prompt about attraction to specific areas of study at Columbia has been slightly rephrased but retains its essence.

These modifications highlight Columbia's evolving admissions approach, emphasizing a deeper understanding of the diverse life experiences and intrinsic values that applicants would bring to its dynamic undergraduate community.

What Are Columbia's Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2023/24?

For the 2023/24 application cycle, Columbia University has meticulously crafted supplemental essay prompts to delve deeper into the profiles of its applicants. These prompts aim to uncover your intellectual influences, personal perspectives, resilience, and your vision for your journey at Columbia.

List-Based Question

Columbia's list-based question offers a glimpse into your intellectual influences outside the classroom.

• Intellectual Influences : 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)

Short Answer Questions

These questions provide deeper insights into your perspectives, experiences, and values.

• Equitable and Inclusive Community : 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)
• Navigating Adversity : In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. 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)
• Interest in Columbia : 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)
• Areas of Study : What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words)

Requirements

For the list question, adhere to a 100-word maximum. Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons without the need for numbering, italicizing, or underlining titles. No author names, subtitles, or explanatory remarks are required. Responses should be limited to 150 words or fewer for the four short answer questions.

Columbia's application process is undeniably competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 4%. These prompts offer applicants a unique opportunity to showcase their intellectual influences, personal growth, and the distinct perspectives they'll bring to the Columbia community.

Looking for inspiration? Dive into these  Columbia essay examples  to see what successful applications look like!

How to Answer Columbia’s Supplemental Essay Questions?

Prompt 1 (list-based question), 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.

This prompt is an invitation to showcase the diverse range of materials that have shaped your intellectual journey outside the confines of a classroom. It's a chance to provide a snapshot of your intellectual curiosity, interests, and the resources instrumental in your growth .

Diversify Your List

While focusing solely on academic or highbrow materials might be tempting, remember that intellectual growth can come from various sources. A podcast episode might have changed your perspective on a social issue, or a museum visit might have deepened your appreciation for art or history.

Be Authentic

It's essential to be genuine in your selections. Don't list items you think might impress the admissions committee but don't resonate with you. Your list should reflect your true intellectual diet.

Consider the Impact

While the prompt doesn't ask for explanations, the items you choose should have clearly impacted your intellectual development. Whether it's a book that introduced you to a new field of interest or a documentary that deepened your understanding of a global issue, each item should have contributed to your growth.

Format and Presentation

Given the word limit, you'll need to be concise. List items in a clear, organized manner, using commas or semicolons to separate them. While you don't need to provide detailed explanations, the order and grouping can subtly indicate connections or themes.

• "1984" by George Orwell; "The Daily" podcast; TED Talks; The Louvre; "The Social Dilemma" documentary; National Geographic website; "The Future of Humanity" by Michio Kaku; Shakespeare's "Hamlet"; The Economist.
• "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho; MoMA; "How I Built This" podcast; "The World in a Grain" by Vince Beiser; TED-Ed videos; "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Díaz; The Smithsonian Magazine.

Columbia's first list question is a window into your intellectual world outside school. It's an opportunity to showcase the breadth and depth of your interests and the resources that have been pivotal in your academic journey. Approach this list with authenticity, diversity, and a clear sense of how each item has contributed to your growth .

Prompt 2 (Short Essay)

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.

This prompt delves into your personal experiences and how they've shaped your perspective. Columbia is seeking students who will not only benefit from its diverse community but also actively contribute to it .

Reflect on Your Unique Perspective

Start by identifying a specific experience, background, or aspect of your identity that has profoundly influenced your perspective. This could be related to your cultural background, personal challenges, unique experiences, or any other facet of your life that has shaped your worldview.

Show, Don't Just Tell

Instead of merely stating your perspective, narrate a brief anecdote or experience that encapsulates it. This makes your essay more engaging and provides a clearer insight into your viewpoint.

Connect to Columbia's Community

Reflect on how your unique perspective will enrich Columbia's community. How will you engage with others, participate in discussions, or contribute to campus activities? Consider how your viewpoint can foster understanding, spark meaningful conversations, or inspire collaborative projects.

Embrace the NYC Advantage

Given Columbia's unique location in New York City, consider how your perspective aligns with NYC's dynamic, diverse, and cosmopolitan environment. How might the city's cultural resources amplify your learning and contributions?

• "Growing up in a multicultural household, I've learned to navigate and appreciate multiple cultures simultaneously. This has taught me the value of open-mindedness and adaptability. At Columbia, I aim to bridge cultural gaps, fostering understanding and collaboration in this diverse community, while also immersing myself in NYC's rich tapestry of cultures."
• "Facing economic hardships, I've developed resilience and a deep appreciation for education as a tool for change. My experiences have instilled in me a drive to advocate for equitable opportunities. At Columbia, I'd champion initiatives that support underprivileged students, leveraging the resources and platforms that NYC offers."

Columbia's second short essay question invites you to share how your unique experiences and perspectives will enrich its vibrant community. By weaving a narrative that connects your journey to Columbia's ethos and the broader NYC environment , you can effectively convey the value you'll bring to the university's diverse and collaborative landscape.

Prompt 3 (Short Essay)

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..

This prompt seeks to understand your resilience, adaptability, and growth in facing challenges . Columbia wants students who persevere, learn from adversity, and contribute positively to the community despite unexpected obstacles.

Identify a Genuine Challenge

Begin by pinpointing a specific challenge or obstacle you've encountered. This could be academic, personal, social, or even professional. Ensure it's a situation where you faced genuine difficulty, uncertainty, or setback.

Narrate the Journey, Not Just the Outcome

While it's essential to discuss how you overcame the challenge, also delve into the emotions, thoughts, and processes you went through. This provides depth to your narrative and showcases your problem-solving and coping mechanisms.

Highlight Personal Growth

Discuss the qualities or skills you developed from facing this challenge. Did it make you more empathetic? Did you develop better communication or analytical skills? Maybe it gave you a fresh perspective or a renewed sense of purpose.

Connect to the College Experience

Reflect on how this growth prepares you for the unpredictable challenges of college life. How will these qualities or skills help you navigate Columbia's academic and social intricacies?

• "When a close family member fell ill, I had to balance school with significant home responsibilities. This period taught me time management and the value of support networks. I've learned that seeking help isn't a sign of weakness but of strength. At Columbia, I'll proactively join study groups and access available resources."
• "Facing academic challenges in my calculus class, I initially felt defeated. However, I sought tutoring, collaborated with peers, and spent extra hours practicing. This experience honed my perseverance and collaborative spirit, qualities I'll carry into challenging coursework at Columbia."

Columbia's third short essay question provides a window into your character, resilience, and growth mindset. By detailing a genuine challenge and the subsequent personal development , you can effectively convey to Columbia how you'll handle the unpredictable challenges of college life and contribute positively to the community.

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Prompt 4 (Short Essay)

Why are you interested in attending columbia university we encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about columbia..

This is a classic " Why This School " essay, a staple in the college application process. Columbia wants to understand not just why you want to attend an Ivy League institution but why you're specifically drawn to Columbia over other prestigious schools .

Research, Research, Research

Before you start writing, research Columbia's programs, culture, and opportunities. Go beyond the obvious and look for unique offerings or traditions that resonate with your interests and aspirations.

Connect to Your Goals and Interests

Discuss specific Columbia programs, courses, or opportunities that align with your academic and extracurricular interests. Maybe there's a particular professor you're excited to work with or a unique program that aligns with your career goals.

Beyond Academics

Columbia is more than just its academic programs. Maybe you're drawn to its location in New York City, diverse student body, or its commitment to community engagement. Highlight aspects of Columbia's culture or values that resonate with you.

The Core Curriculum

While many applicants will mention the famed Columbia Core Curriculum, make your mention stand out. Dive deep into specific courses or texts within the Core that excite you. How do you see the Core enriching your academic journey?

• "Columbia's interdisciplinary Science and Society program perfectly aligns with my passion for bioethics. The blend of rigorous scientific study with philosophical inquiry offers a holistic education I'm eager to dive into."
• "Being in the heart of NYC, Columbia offers unparalleled opportunities for real-world learning. I'm excited to engage with the city's diverse communities and bring those experiences back to the classroom."

Columbia's fourth short essay question is your chance to showcase your genuine interest in the university and how it aligns with your goals. By connecting specific Columbia offerings to your aspirations, you demonstrate a clear vision of your future at the university .

Prompt 5 (Short Essay)

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia college or columbia engineering.

Columbia wants to understand the driving force behind your academic choices . This question delves into your intellectual passions and how they align with what Columbia offers in your preferred study area.

Reflect on Your Journey

Begin by considering the experiences, both academic and personal, that have shaped your interest in your chosen field. Was it a particular class, a personal project, or maybe an internship or mentorship?

Specificity is Key

Avoid generic statements about the value of education or the prestige of Columbia. Instead, delve into specific programs, courses, or opportunities within Columbia College or Columbia Engineering that resonate with your interests.

Connect Past, Present, and Future

Discuss how your past experiences have prepared you for your intended major. Then, bridge this with how Columbia's offerings will further your academic and career goals.

• "My internship at a local tech firm ignited my passion for computer engineering. Columbia Engineering's renowned Data Science Institute offers the perfect platform for me to delve deeper into machine learning applications."
• "After spearheading a community art project, I realized the power of visual storytelling. Columbia College's interdisciplinary approach to art and media studies will allow me to explore the intersection of art, culture, and social impact."

Columbia's fifth short essay question seeks to understand the depth of your commitment to your chosen field and how Columbia's specific offerings align with your academic journey. Connecting your past experiences with Columbia's resources demonstrates a clear vision of your academic future at the university . Remember to be genuine and specific, and show how your background and Columbia's offerings align with your educational aspirations.

How Anuar Got Into Columbia

General Guidelines for Answering Columbia's Supplemental Essay Questions

• Deep Dive into Columbia's Offerings : Columbia's prompts are tailored to understand your fit within its academically rigorous and culturally diverse environment. Highlight specific programs, courses, or professors that align with your interests. Demonstrating this level of specificity indicates genuine interest and thorough research.
• Reflect on Personal Growth : Columbia values introspective students. When discussing challenges or personal perspectives, always circle back to what these experiences have taught you and how they've shaped your worldview.
• Celebrate Your Unique Perspective : Columbia thrives on various voices and backgrounds. Emphasize how your unique experiences or viewpoints will enrich classroom discussions and the broader Columbia community.
• Authenticity Above All : Be genuine in your responses. Rather than trying to fit a mold, showcase your true self, interests, and aspirations. Authentic narratives resonate more deeply.
• Conciseness is Key : With tight word limits, it's essential to be concise yet impactful. Prioritize depth over breadth, giving a comprehensive view of selected experiences or thoughts.
• Engaging Narratives : Engaging storytelling can elevate your essay. Whether you're listing resources that have shaped your intellectual journey or explaining why you're drawn to Columbia, a narrative touch can make your response memorable.
• Meticulous Proofreading : Ensure your essays are polished and free from errors. Beyond grammar, ensure clarity and coherence in your narrative. Seek feedback from trusted individuals for fresh perspectives.
• Connect to the Columbia Experience : Relate your answers to how you'll engage with and contribute to the Columbia community. This showcases a long-term vision of your time at Columbia beyond just securing admission.
• Embrace the Opportunity : These essays are more than just a formality; they're your platform to present a holistic picture of who you are. Use them to articulate why the synergy between you and Columbia would benefit both.
• Stay Updated : Columbia, situated in the heart of New York City, is ever-evolving. Stay updated with recent developments, courses, or initiatives that might align with your interests.

Columbia's supplemental essays are your gateway to showcase your fit, passion, and potential contributions to its esteemed community. By thoughtfully crafting your responses and intertwining them with Columbia's ethos and offerings, you can compellingly convey why you're a perfect match for Columbia University.

For more inspiration, you might want to explore these  Columbia essay examples  to understand what makes an application truly stand out.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to Columbia is not just about showcasing academic prowess but weaving a narrative that aligns with Columbia's esteemed legacy and the admissions committee's expectations. Your supplemental essays are a window into your character, aspirations, and the unique contributions you'll bring to the Columbia community.

Every Columbia aspirant has a distinct story to share. This is your moment to articulate yours. Approach your essays with authenticity, depth, and a genuine passion for your narrative.

If you're unsure whether your essay truly captures your essence or stands out amidst many applications, our essay review service is here to guide you. Our experienced experts will provide a thorough review and feedback, ensuring your essay resonates with Columbia's admissions officers. For further inspiration, dive into our ebook , which showcases essays from students who clinched spots at top-tier institutions. And for those targeting Columbia, our compilation of successful Columbia essay examples will be invaluable.

For those just beginning their college application journey, consider scheduling a free consultation with our seasoned college counselors. We're dedicated to assisting you in crafting an application that enhances your chances of joining the ranks of Columbia's Lions. Your dream of becoming a part of Columbia's legacy is within reach, and we're here to support you at every juncture.

What Makes Crimson Different

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Everything you need to know about US Application Supplemental Essays
• Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
• How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
• 2023-24 Common App Essay Prompts
• What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

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How to answer the 2024-25 common app essay prompts.

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Start Your Journey To Columbia Today!

Crimson students are up to 4x more likely to gain admission into columbia. book a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write a stand-out "why columbia" essay.

College Essays

One of the essays you'll have to write when applying to Columbia University is the "Why Columbia" essay. In this essay, you'll need to convince the admissions committee that Columbia is your dream school and that you'd be a great fit on the campus.

The "Why Columbia" essay question can be intimidating for students. You might be wondering: what should I mention in it? What does the admissions committee want to hear from me?

In this article, we'll break down the "Why Columbia" essay, explaining what the prompt asks and what the committee wants to hear. We'll also show you a real, successful "Why Columbia" essay example and explain why it works. Finally, we'll suggest potential topics for your essay and offer tips on how to write your own college admissions essays.

The 411 on the "Why Columbia" Essay Prompt

Here's the current "Why Columbia" essay prompt for the 2023-2024 application cycle :

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)

As you can see, the "Why Columbia" essay prompt asks a specific question: why do you want to attend Columbia University over any other school?

The admissions committee wants to see that you are genuinely interested in attending Columbia specifically and that you value it more than all other colleges out there.

As an applicant, you might be thinking that everyone applies to Columbia for the same reason: it's an Ivy League school and one of the best universities in the world.

The admissions committee knows all these facts about Columbia and knows that all applicants will know these facts, too.

What the Columbia admissions committee wants to learn is why you specifically want to go to Columbia rather than another amazing university.

From their perspective, students who really want to go to Columbia are more likely to enroll when they're accepted. This increases the university's yield rate and ensures that the freshman class will be full. If you can show in your essay that you’ve carefully considered the unique things about Columbia that make it the perfect school for you, you’ve got a good shot at getting an acceptance letter!

What Is the Purpose of the "Why Columbia" Essay?

Why does Columbia require applicants to answer this essay question? And what is the admissions committee really looking for in your answer? Let's analyze the "Why Columbia" essay prompt.

No matter which schools you're applying to, "Why This College" essays are perhaps the most common essay prompts you'll find on college applications because colleges want to see that you really want to attend their school.

But why exactly do colleges care that you want to go to their school?

Students who are passionate about their college or university are more likely to feel that the school is a good fit for them. They'll be more likely to commit to their studies, participate in on-campus activities, and become an active alum after graduation.

Therefore, if you show in your essay that you really love Columbia, it will make admissions officers feel more confident that you're going to have a significant and positive impact on their school.

If your reasons for attending Columbia are vague or even plain wrong (for instance, say you claim you'd like to take a major that isn't actually offered at Columbia), the admissions committee will think that you don't care about the school and aren't really interested in it.

Basically, the purpose of the essay is to suss out whether your interest in Columbia is genuine and to see whether you're ready to take advantage of Columbia's many opportunities.

What Should You Write About in Your "Why Columbia" Essay?

There are a number of different topics you can pursue for your "Why Columbia" essay. Ideally, you'll want to explore specific topics that you can talk about in-depth.

Here are some suggested topics for your essay:

• Majors or classes you're interested in (look for class names in the online course catalog)
• Professors whose research you're interested in
• Extracurriculars that you'd be interested in joining (you can likely find these online, too)
• Current and past Columbia students you've met before and whom you admire
• Volunteer opportunities  you'd like to get involved in 
• Financial aid opportunities Columbia offers that make it possible for you to attend
• Professional development opportunities Columbia offers

When it comes down to it, make sure to choose something about Columbia that no other school offers.

For instance, Columbia is in New York City and therefore has relationships with lots of businesses and organizations in the area. You could use your essay to examine how these Columbia-specific opportunities in New York will positively affect your education.

What you don't want to do, however, is wax on about how you love city-living— you need to make sure to describe how Columbia's specific relationship with NYC will help you to further your goals.

Match opportunities at Columbia to specific goals you have. For example, you could talk about how a particular professor's course aligns with your career objectives.

You need to be very specific in your answer: every single thing you say should relate back to a certain feature of Columbia. The entire focus of your essay should be what Columbia offers and how you'll take advantage of the school's academics and activities to get the best college education possible.

4 Tips for a Great Response to the "Why Columbia" Essay

Regardless of how you decide to answer this prompt, there are four tips everyone should keep in mind to ensure that they are fully answering the question, giving the information Columbia wants to see, and standing apart from other applicants.

#1: Do Your Research

Before you begin writing your response to this essay prompt, you should know exactly why you want to attend Columbia University. There are multiple ways you can do this research:

• Visit the school website or browse the list of departments, programs, and courses
• Check out the school newspaper, schedule a campus visit (virtual or in-person!), or set up a meeting with an alum, current student, or professor to get a feel for the campus

Every college campus has its own vibe, and visiting is the best way to get a sense of how Columbia might work with your personality as a student.

#2: Be Specific

From your research, you should have come up with specific reasons why Columbia is a great school for you. The more specific you can be when answering this prompt, the better.

Don't say Columbia has great academics, caring professors, and an interesting student body. The vast majority of schools have that!

Instead, try to mention opportunities only Columbia can provide, such as specific professors, courses, extracurricular activities, or research opportunities.

The things you discuss should be things your other top schools don't offer—things that really make Columbia stand out.

#3: Show Your Passion

Columbia wants students who care a lot about their studies and their school, so be sure this comes across in your response.

A bland statement such as "I am impressed by Columbia's strong engineering program" doesn't tell the school anything about you or help you stand apart from other applicants. Show your passion by naming specific professors or features of the program.

You've done your research to mention certain qualities Columbia has that have enticed you, and now it's time to discuss specific qualities about yourself, too. Why does the engineering program make you so excited? What do you want to get out of it? Be detailed, specific, and honest.

#4: Proofread

Your Columbia essay should be the strongest possible example of your writing skills. Before you turn in your application, take time to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your "Why Columbia" essay, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend.

Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure that you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it can be.

Here's a little taste of what a good "Why Columbia" essay looks like.

"Why Columbia" Essay Example

If you're stuck on what to write for your own essay, looking at "Why Columbia" essays that actually worked can be helpful. Below, we examine one "Why Columbia" essay that got a student accepted to Columbia and talk about what specifically made this piece of writing so strong.

The following essay comes to us from an accepted Columbia 2020 student via AP Study Notes :

At a college visit this year, I met a Columbia alumnus named Ayushi, whose stories helped me develop a thorough understanding of Columbia. Ayushi told me that Columbia funded both her summer trip to Syria to interview refugees and her seed money for a start-up she launched. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I'm impressed by a university that encourages students to pursue their own independent creations instead of simply offering the option to work on faculty projects. Columbia's four entrepreneurship organizations, among them the Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs, provide a dynamic start-up community for me to launch my own business.

In addition, when I explored Columbia online, the emphasis put on interdisciplinary studies particularly excited me. The Columbia Engineering website is rich with stories of engineering students who are also involved in Shakespeare troupes, service projects, and multicultural groups. In my opinion, diverse experiences are the foundation of creative thinking. At Columbia, I will continue to diversify my experience by not just joining the Parliamentary Debate Team, but also by making new friends on the intramural soccer field and starting a cultural club for Italian heritage students who wish to learn more about Italian history, language, food, and current events.

Columbia Engineering stands uniquely apart from other programs by incorporating several in-depth humanities and writing classes into the graduation requirements. I believe that looking at critical issues with an open mind and sophisticated grasp of the humanities is extremely important to being an engineer. For example, I could not imagine exploring the future of quantum cryptography without considering the political ripple effects of Edward Snowden, the moral ramifications of the quantum encryption revolution, and the relationship between technology and income inequality. I am confident that I will thrive in the Columbia culture of passionate engagement and vibrant, energetic conversation.

Why does this essay work?

It answers the prompt specifically.

This essay gives examples of personal experience with the school and proves that the applicant did their research: they present clear evidence as to how engineering students are involved on campus and talk about specific academic courses.

There are many impressive details in this essay, and the section that addresses extracurriculars is cleverly written to showcase the applicant's diverse interests. This student's mention of certain extracurriculars they want to do indicates that they looked at many facets of Columbia University, not just the engineering department.

It's clear from this essay just how the author views their fit at Columbia. They've talked about specific organizations they would like to be a part of, such as the Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs, while also showing why they want to join that organization.

Additionally, the applicant mentions a Columbia University student they spoke with, which means they took getting to know the student body seriously and really wanted to find out what Columbia students were like to see whether they, too, would fit in.

The conversation with the Columbia alum also emphasizes the applicant's initiative: they're willing to go above and beyond to learn about the school.

Conclusion: Writing a Great "Why Columbia" Essay

The purpose of the "Why Columbia" essay is for you to prove to the admissions committee that Columbia is the best school for you

In your essay, you could write about multiple topics that are specific to Columbia, such as academics, the student body, extracurriculars, and research opportunities.

When writing your "Why Columbia" essay, make sure to research the school extensively and be specific about activities and opportunities that really make you want to attend.

If you're stuck on how to proceed, analyzing a successful "Why Columbia" essay example might help you get inspiration for what to write.

What's Next?

How tough is it to get into Columbia? For answers, read our expert guide on how to get into Columbia and the Ivy League , written by a Harvard alum!

Should you apply early or regular decision to college? Find out the pros and cons of early decision .

Want to see some more college essay examples? We have links to 100+ great college essays that includes our expert analysis on how you can write a stand-out essay of your own.

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts and Advice

August 26, 2023

Among Ivy League universities, Columbia received the third-highest number of applications for a spot in their Class of 2027. Of the 57,129 applications received, just 3.9% were accepted, the second lowest mark in the Ivy League (Harvard was the lowest). At a school where 96 of every 100 applicants are rejected, and the vast majority of those applying have near-perfect/perfect grades and test scores, you may be asking yourself, “How do I separate myself from the pack?” This brings us to the topic of this article: the Columbia supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Columbia? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Columbia: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Fortunately, Columbia’s extensive supplemental section affords applicants an opportunity to forge a personal connection with an admissions officer and also demonstrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Columbia requires answers to one “List” question as well as four short answer questions.

Below are Columbia’s supplemental essays for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one:

2023-2024 Columbia Supplemental Essays

Columbia supplemental essays: list question.

1) 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.

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)

In previous years, Columbia has required several different types of lists, but this year, they’re only asking for one. Note that they specifically ask for selections that have contributed to your intellectual development.

The goal is not to appear as well-rounded as possible. If you happen to be a person with wide-ranging interests, that’s cool—feel free to share your eclectic tastes. However, if you tend to favor learning about World War II, for one example, it can be great to communicate this primary passion by unleashing a list of a dozen books, podcasts, videos, and museums on that lone topic.

Columbia Supplemental Essays (Continued)

Moreover, the media we consume and the live events we attend can be incredibly connective. Entire communities pop up around a given podcast, musical artist, or social media personality. Share the resources/outlets that you are genuinely obsessed with the aim of painting a fuller portrait of who you are as an individual. Ideally, an admissions officer will come away from this section thinking, “This sounds like a really interesting person that I’d like to know more about.” Of course, you might get lucky and happen to adore the same obscure film, podcast, artist, etc. as the admissions reader which certainly can’t  hurt  your admissions odds.

Finally, per the school’s own directives, you don’t need to worry about formatting here. Thus, it is not necessary to italicize or underline titles. You can also skip subtitles and author names, if you wish (although most applicants do include the latter).

Columbia Supplemental Essays: Short Answer Questions

1) 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).

Of course, some teens have lived more challenging lives than others—some applicants come from affluence, others from low-income households. Some have two supportive parents; some have more difficult family relationships. Some have dealt with mental/physical or learning/attentional challenges while others have enjoyed smooth sailing in all of those areas. The important thing to keep in mind is that the challenge/story itself is less important than what it reveals about your character and personality.

Even if you end up writing about a common topic like getting cut from a sports team or struggling in a particular advanced course—that’s perfectly fine! Any story told in an emotionally compelling, honest, and connective manner can resonate with an admissions reader. The bottom line here is that there are no trite topics, only trite answers.

Given the 150-word limit, your essay needs to be extremely tight and polished. In all likelihood, getting this one precisely right will involve a round or two of revision, ideally with some insight/feedback from a trusted adult or peer in the process.

Some tips to keep in mind include:

• Firstly, make sure you share what you were feeling and experiencing. This piece should demonstrate openness and vulnerability.
• Additionally, you don’t need to be a superhero in the story. You can just be an ordinary human trying their best to learn how to navigate a challenging world.
• Don’t feel boxed into one particular structure for this essay. The most common (which there is nothing wrong with), is 1) introducing the problem 2) explaining your internal and external decision-making in response to the problem 3) Revealing the resolution to the problem and what you learned along the way.
• Lastly, don’t be afraid that your “problem” might sound “trite” in comparison to those of others. This essay is about  you. Y our job is to make sure that your response to the problem shows your maturity and resilience in an authentic way. That matters far more than the original challenge itself.

2) 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)

Essentially, Columbia is trying to uncover how your personal experiences will impact what kind of academic and social community member you might be. As such, this prompt wants you to discuss: 1) a specific aspect of your lived experience 2) what you learned and how you might engage with others as a result of that lived experience. “Lived experience” is broad and could include:

• Your role in your family.
• Your role in your social group.
• A challenge you’ve faced.
• A formative experience or realization.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Cultural, religious, community influence.

Once you’ve chosen a particular direction, think about what you’ve learned from the experience and what you think others could learn from you. This is a chance to show that you are an open-minded, curious, and humble young person who is willing to learn and grow from their experiences.

For example, perhaps growing up on military bases with a parent who was frequently deployed taught you about the importance of putting yourself out there to find a supportive community. Perhaps you also learned that you have to be intentional about creating said community, which can be a difficult proposition in an increasingly technological and social-media-centric world. It’s also taught you not to take the relationships in your life for granted. As a result, you hope to model the importance of in-person connections and friendships—and the importance of putting a significant amount of effort into those friendships—even when it may feel easier to connect virtually.

Space is at a premium here, so you’ll want to be very specific and intentional about what details and lessons you share.

3)  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)

Last year, Columbia allowed up to 200 words for this response, and this year, they’ve chopped it down to 150. This should communicate to you, the applicant, that they would like you to be as specific and focused as possible. What is it about Columbia as a whole that attracts you? What does Columbia offer that you won’t be able to find anywhere else? For example, let’s say you’re interested in undergraduate research. Lots of colleges offer the opportunity for undergraduate research—why do you feel Columbia’s resources will be the best fit? (This often requires some serious digging.) Remember, you’ll have the opportunity to provide more specifics about the College you’re applying to in a different essay (see below). As such, great things to highlight here include:

• Undergraduate research opportunities in the summer or during the school year as well as independent research you would like to conduct under faculty supervision.
• Columbia’s unique curriculum.
• Columbia’s core values or mission statement.
• Columbia professors whose work/research/writings you find fascinating and how you might want to connect with them as an undergraduate.

This prompt opens the door to discussing opportunities outside of the classroom as well. You could include  study abroad programs , student organizations  at Columbia, or NYC-specific opportunities for internships, culture, and connection.

One important note: the Core Curriculum is a popular topic for this essay. If that is one of the main aspects of Columbia that attracts you, feel free to write about it, but try to do so in a highly specific way that will set you apart from the hordes of other applicants discussing the same thing. Same rule for any mention of NYC’s “plethora of opportunities.”

Columbia Supplemental Essays: College/School/Program-Specific Questions

In addition to the prompts outlined above, you’ll also need to respond to an additional essay that depends on the College, School, or program you are applying to. Here are the two most popular:

Columbia College

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College? (150 words or fewer)

Columbia Engineering

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

We all have a story of what drives us to pursue a certain academic pathway and career. How did your interest initially develop? What was the spark? How have you nurtured this passion and how has it evolved over time? For example, if you desire to go into engineering, this could be your chance to talk about your participation in an award-winning robotics program at your high school. Share a compelling narrative about how your love of your future area of study has blossomed to its present levels.

Additionally, connect your interests and passions to at least one or two school-specific resources or offerings. You want to not only share what attracts you to your preferred area of study but also what attracts you to your preferred area of study at Columbia in particular. As such, you could mention academic departments , professors ,  research opportunities , internship programs ,  courses , degree structure/curriculum , etc. Be sure to note how you plan to take advantage of your chosen resource(s), and avoid repeating any information already shared in the “Why Columbia” question.

How important are the Columbia supplemental essays?

There are a whopping 8 factors that Columbia considers to be “very important” to the evaluation process. These are: rigor of secondary school record, test scores, character/personal qualities, class rank, GPA, recommendations, and extracurricular activities. However, the most relevant to this blog is, of course, the application essays. The essays undoubtedly play a significant role in the admissions process at Columbia University. They can help the committee decide who to admit when choosing between similarly credentialed (GPA, test scores, etc.) applicants.

Want personalized assistance with your Columbia supplemental essays?

In conclusion, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Columbia supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

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Columbia University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Columbia essay prompts? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Columbia University supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging Columbia University essay prompts and maximize your chances of admission.

For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Columbia,  click here . Want help crafting your Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2021? Create your  free account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 505-4682.

Columbia  Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• Columbia has an acceptance rate of 5%— U.S. News  ranks Columbia as a  highly selective  school.
• We recommend answering all Columbia University supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully.

Does Columbia require supplemental essays?

Yes. In addition to the  Common App  personal essay, there are Columbia University essay prompts. The most unique of the Columbia essay prompts are the “List Questions,” which will be discussed later in this article.

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Check out our  blog article .

How many supplemental essays does Columbia have?

There are six Columbia University supplemental essays: three Columbia essay prompts of 200 words or fewer, and three Columbia essay prompts called the “List Questions” which vary between 75 and 125 words maximum.

How many essays does Columbia require?

All six of the Columbia University essay prompts are required. Some schools offer optional essays in addition to their required supplementals, but you must write all of the Columbia essays to be considered for admission.

How to answer the Columbia supplements:

The  Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022  are on the Common App site, but you can also visit  the main Columbia  website  for a full list of application requirements. Let’s start with the short answer Columbia University essay prompts.

Columbia Supplemental Essays – Short Answer Question 1

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)

For this Columbia University essay, you’ll want to make sure you address both parts of the question: how you will  learn from,  and how you will  contribute to  Columbia’s campus community. You’ll want to show that you are an eager, collaborative learner and that you are comfortable in spaces with people who are different from you.

You should also describe how  you  would contribute to diversity on Columbia’s campus, maybe through your sexuality, race, gender, a chronic illness, or socioeconomic status. Talking a bit about your background will give admissions officers insight into where you will fit with the student body. Once you describe how you will contribute, you should then explain how you will grow from being surrounded by the Columbia community.

Mentioning how your background has impacted the way you have discussions and format opinions will demonstrate your ability to learn from circumstances and people who differ from you. You can do this by discussing something you lack exposure to; maybe you have never left the country before, or perhaps you grew up in an ethnically homogenous hometown. In this Columbia University essay, Columbia is asking you to showcase your own diversity and then demonstrate how you would learn from others’ diversity.

Columbia University essay draft tips:

• Do you discuss how you will contribute to diversity on Columbia’s campus?
• Do you prove you will learn from being a part of Columbia’s student body?
• Does your response teach the reader something new about you?

Does Columbia have a “Why Columbia” essay?

Yes. This is a typical supplemental essay question, and Columbia essay prompts are no exception—all colleges want to know what makes them special. This is your chance to showcase any research you’ve done about Columbia while you’ve been writing your Columbia University supplemental essays or as you’ve been completing the application.

Columbia Supplemental Essays – Short Answer Question 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)

For this Columbia University essay, avoid over-generalizing with statements like “Columbia’s campus has a great location” or “I just feel like I belong there.” Instead, offer concrete examples of  why  you belong there. You want to get as in-depth as possible; consider reading Columbia’s student publication, the  Columbia Spectator,  or looking through the course catalog to pick out specific titles that interest you.

Show off your expert investigation skills and name drop courses, clubs, professors, and research opportunities only available at Columbia. Colleges can tell when you swap out their name for another University and submit the same “Why here?” answer. Your application will be stronger if your answer to this Columbia University essay could  not  be swapped interchangeably with any other schools.

• Do you prove that you’ve done research on the school?
• Do you explain the unique opportunities Columbia would provide you that you could not get elsewhere?
• Do you provide specific details about what you hope to do on Columbia’s campus?

Columbia Supplemental Essays – Short Answer Question 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)

Whether you choose to focus on academic, personal, or a combination of both influential experiences, provide specific examples which connect to your intended path(s) of study. If you are interested in creative writing, talk about the very first poem or story you ever wrote. If you want to study chemistry, describe your favorite chemical reaction and why you find it interesting. Or maybe, your parent studied history and you grew up having historical debates at the dinner table.

Try to focus on anywhere from one to three experiences, perhaps one past and one current. Additionally, if you said you were interested in multiple areas of study, try to give one experience that relates to each. Be sure to connect the experience directly to why you want to pursue the academic path you have chosen. Columbia is most interested in your ability to articulate the reasoning  behind  your interests in this Columbia University essay.

• Do you use active storytelling with minimal fluff?
• Do you prove that you’re an expert on your subject?
• Do you connect your anecdote directly to your chosen academic subject?

How do you answer the Columbia list questions?

These questions can seem the most daunting of the Columbia University supplemental essays. There is no right or wrong answer here, and there is no one text that will guarantee your admission or rejection. Just try to be honest and follow these helpful tips for the “List” Columbia essay prompts:

• The lists should provide insight into both your intellectual and personal background.
• The lists should not be too long (or too short). You do not want to add too many extraneous, heavier titles just to look “smarter,” but you also don’t want to undersell yourself or edit down too much.
• Feel free to include non-intellectual titles, as long as you have balanced them with some more critically acclaimed works. Try not to exclusively list historical autobiographies, and don’t only put down rom-com films for these Columbia University essay prompts.
• Try to make lists that reflect areas of interest you have previously stated on the application.
• Also, don’t fabricate any part of your list. Leave off titles you haven’t actually read, watched, or listened to! If you get an interview, you don’t want to be caught off guard by your interviewer.

Columbia Supplemental Essays – List Question 1

List the titles of the required readings from academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)

This question is pretty straightforward. To start, it might help you to make a list of everything you have read for English classes. Go back and look through your past course syllabi and see which texts you remember enjoying, and then you can narrow down from there. It would be best to choose anywhere between four and ten titles to put on your final list.

For example, your finished list could look something like this:  1984, The Scarlet Letter, Hamlet, The Handmaid’s Tale, Life of Pi,  and  Of Mice and Men.  For this Columbia University essay, you don’t need to worry about being too original with your list; this is the place where you should have fairly universally recognizable titles. Just make sure you actually enjoyed the text and that you actually read the whole thing!

Columbia Supplemental Essays – List Question 2

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 list will be more varied than the previous one since each person will have a more broad range of interests than the standard English curriculum. The most important thing is that these titles are not ones you have read in school. It might help to stick to media you’ve read in the past year or two since they will be the freshest in your mind and will reflect your most recent intellectual and personal interests.

The same amount as the last list, anywhere from four to ten titles, is good. If you are struggling to narrow down your list, pick the titles that best reflect who you are as a person and a student; what interests you, inspires you, and entertains you. Maybe you have an interest in the American pop culture of the 1960s. An example of a list inspired by that time period would include Edward Albee’s play  Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , Truman Capote’s  In Cold Blood , Ursula K. Le Guin’s  The Left Hand of Darkness , Susan Sontag’s  Against Interpretation,  and Sylvia Plath’s poetry collection  Ariel .

The above list includes a play, a nonfiction novel, a fantasy novel, an essay collection, and poetry. It shows a great variety of media all focused around a specific time period, which is not a requirement, but it provides a unifying factor for this Columbia University essay. This kind of list would be particularly useful if you were perhaps interested in a history major at Columbia.

Columbia Supplemental Essays – List Question 3

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)

This list is much more flexible than the previous two. You can include newspapers like  The New York Times,  or magazines like  Time.  You can list that podcast you burned through every episode of or a sampling of albums from your favorite artists. You’ll want to balance your list; don’t intentionally try to make it seem all intellectual, but try not to list solely shows like  The Bachelorette.  This is the list, though, that you can have the most fun with. Out of all the Columbia University essay prompts, this is the one you can get creative with!

Columbia Supplemental Essays 2021-2022—Concluding Thoughts

Completing the Columbia essay prompts can seem daunting, but don’t let that discourage you from applying. The Columbia University supplemental essays are a great opportunity to demonstrate who you are for admissions officers reading your application.

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 it will be simple to complete those Columbia essay prompts, but they will require a lot of thought. Also, do not be afraid to ask for revisions from someone on your Columbia University essay prompts. It’s always helpful to have another set of eyes checking your Columbia essay prompts for grammatical errors, tone, and clarity. To see examples of essays written by our advisors who were admitted to Columbia,  check out this article .

This 2021-2022 essay guide for Columbia University was written by  Laura Frustaci . For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Columbia,  click here . Want help crafting your Columbia supplemental essays 2021-2022? Create your  free account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 505-4682.

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Transfer Applicants

The college experience is a journey, and journeys often take us to destinations we did not originally intend to reach. At Columbia College and Columbia Engineering , we’re intentional in our efforts to welcome over 125 transfer students each year, from a range of two- and four-year institutions, and we value the unique and diverse perspectives they bring to our community.

Transfer Applicants FAQs

May i transfer from columbia college to the engineering school (or vice-versa) once accepted and enrolled.

If you are enrolled at either Columbia College or Engineering and you genuinely feel that you should attend the other, you may apply as an internal transfer student. Internal transfers must submit the Internal Transfer Application by March 1. There is no guarantee that you will be able to transfer to a different school. Undergraduate Admissions consults with the Berick C enter for Student Advising to review your academic performance and curriculum and determine if a change is appropriate.

Are there any scholarships available for transfers?

There are no academic, athletic or talent-based institutional scholarships at Columbia, as all of our institutional financial aid is need-based. However, our students are often the recipients of merit-based scholarships from outside organizations (state grants/scholarships, local/national merit-based awards, etc.).

May I transfer for the spring semester?

No. We do not accept applications for January/spring enrollment from transfer candidates.

Application-Related Information

Application requirements.

A completed transfer application includes the following items. Please be sure to read the additional details about each component in the folders below. 

• The Coalition Application  powered by Scoir
• Columbia Supplement to the Coalition Application
• $85 application fee or fee waiver request
• An official high school transcript from all high schools attended
• An official college transcript from all colleges attended
• The Coalition Application Transfer Report
• The Coalition Application Curriculum Report
• Two College Academic Recommendations
• Optional: Standardized tests

The Coalition Application

Transfer applicants must use the Coalition Application  powered by Scoir to apply for admission to Columbia. (The Common Application is for first-year applicants only.) The Application Profile has multiple sections, but not all are required.

The following Application Profile sections are required for a complete transfer application to Columbia: 

• Personal Information
• Contact Information
• Demographic Information
• Citizenship
• Family Information
• High School Information
• College Information
• Additional Information
• In-Progress College Coursework
• Completed College Coursework
• Additional Exams
• English Proficiency Tests
• Honors & Distinctions
• In the Activities/Experience section, please include details about activities from both high school and college. Be sure to include all clubs, organizations, research positions, jobs, internships and/or volunteer activities that you participated in beyond the classroom. 

We encourage transfer applicants to list all college coursework on their application, including current coursework, but discourage students from listing high school coursework.

The following Application Profile sections are not required for a complete transfer application to Columbia: 

• 9th-11th Grade Coursework
• 12th Grade Coursework
• Coalition Essay

Please note : While the Coalition Essay in the Application Profile is not required for a complete transfer application, applicants will be asked to upload a 400-600 word essay on the Columbia Supplement to the Coalition Application responding to the following prompt in the Uploads section of the application: 

• Please explain why you are interested in transferring from your current institution. (The personal essay does not need to be specific to Columbia, but it should inform the committee why you wish to leave your current institution.)

Columbia-Specific Application Questions

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.

Transcripts

Please submit transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended. Electronic transcripts are preferred for fastest processing . Please note that we receive many documents daily and that transcripts may take several days to process. 

We cannot accept transcripts submitted by applicants as official unless they are mailed in a signed, sealed envelope; electronic transcripts are official if they are sent directly from an institution and/or from a school official.

School Forms

The Transfer Report , which collects information about your standing at your current institution, should be completed by a school official such as an adviser, dean or registrar at your current institution. This form may accompany your official college transcript. Transfer Reports should be sent electronically to [email protected] if they cannot accompany your official transcript.

The Coalition Application Curriculum Report collects information about courses in which you are currently enrolled. Mid-term grades are often not available by March 1; we will accept this form until April 15 but strongly recommend that it be submitted as soon as mid-term grades are available. 

Curriculum Reports should be submitted electronically to [email protected] , or uploaded directly through your applicant portal. Please do not submit the curriculum report until mid-term grades are available. A curriculum report with grades listed as "in progress" or with no grades listed will not meet this requirement. 

The curriculum report is not required for students who are not currently enrolled in a college or attending a school that operates on the quarter system.

2 College Academic Recommendations

• These recommendations must come from college professors who have taught you in a college course. Recommendation letters should not come from high school teachers, employers, research supervisors or family members.
• An optional third recommendation may be accepted from an advising dean or academic adviser.

Standardized Tests

Columbia is test-optional for transfer applicants to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. Please review our standardized testing policy for additional details, as well as our English language proficiency requirement if applicable. Transfer applicants who choose to submit test-scores may self-report their results and may submit scores up through March testing dates.

Eligibility 

To be eligible for enrollment as a transfer student at Columbia, you must have earned: 

• 24 points of credit (the equivalent of one year of full-time study) at another institution, or be registered to complete 24 points of credit by the time you enroll.
• If you left high school without receiving a diploma in order to attend an early college program, you are not eligible for transfer admission and must apply as a first-year student by the appropriate Early Decision or Regular Decision deadline. You will not be eligible to receive credit for such accelerated programs except for credit earned through standardized examinations (e.g., AP and IB exams); such credit will be limited to 16 points, the equivalent of one full semester at Columbia.

If you’re an International student, you should read our International Transfer Students section for additional eligibility requirements. 

Candidates who have completed  more than four semesters of college coursework elsewhere are not encouraged to apply. Columbia’s academic requirements and institutional policies make completion of all graduation requirements in a reasonable and timely fashion unlikely.

Columbia College transfer applicants who have taken a break in their education of more than a full year (for any reason other than required completion of national military service), or who wish to attend school part time, should consider applying instead to Columbia University’s School of General Studies.  

Columbia Engineering transfer applicants should proceed with this transfer application, regardless of any break in schooling. 

Please note that all transfer admittance is for fall semester only.  

Supplementary Materials

Supplementary materials are not a required part of our admissions process—but there are occasions where they can enhance our understanding of your application. (In other words, it’s completely up to you if you’d like to include these materials.)

Transfer Credit

You must have completed or be registered for 24 points of credit (the equivalent of one year of full-time study) at another institution. No more than 64 points in Columbia College or 68 points in Columbia Engineering will be awarded as transfer credit, including points earned through AP or IB examinations. We do not grant credit for college courses taken before a student's graduation from high school. Credit for standardized exams (e.g., AP, IB, A level exams) will be limited to 16 points, which is equivalent to one full semester at Columbia. For more detailed information, students should refer to the Academic Credit for Transfer Students section of the Berick Center for Student Advising website.

Please note that transfer credit evaluation occurs only at the time of acceptance. We cannot review transcripts and/or courses for transfer before a candidate submits an application.

Columbia does not award transfer credit for courses that are not analogous to those available at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. We encourage you to review our College Bulletin and Engineering Bulletin to become familiar with the types of courses that are offered here and therefore the courses that are more likely to be awarded credit.

The Core is the cornerstone of undergraduate academic life at Columbia. Even those transferring in with advanced credit should expect to take elements of the Core, if not all of it. Students are very rarely exempt from Core classes like Literature Humanities , Contemporary Civilization , Art Humanities and Music Humanities .

Students are expected to graduate within eight semesters, including time spent at another college or university. Students are typically not permitted to extend their undergraduate studies unless they are enrolled in one of our Joint Degree programs (e.g. the Combined Plan ).

Dates & Deadlines

• March 1: Application deadline for transfer candidates
• March 1: Financial aid application deadline
• By June 1: Admissions and financial aid decisions released online 
• Mid June: Deposit deadline for admitted transfer students
• Late June: Deadline for final transcripts for admitted students.

What We Look For in Transfer Students

Admission to Columbia is not based on a simple formula of grades and test scores. Instead, we consider a variety of factors . Each year, we admit a small group of transfer students to Columbia College and Columbia Engineering. Because space in the sophomore and junior classes is limited, admission is highly competitive. We typically admit fewer than 10 percent of the applicants for transfer admission each year. Potential transfers are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.5 overall; Columbia Engineering candidates are strongly encouraged to have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their mathematics and science courses.

The majority of successful applicants to Columbia Engineering have completed an engineering track curriculum. For applicants with first-year standing at time of application this includes:

• Two semesters of Calculus
• Two semesters of Physics
• One semester of Chemistry

Enrolling transfer students will need to complete Core Curriculum requirements in addition to graduation requirements within their primary field of study. Our review takes into account a candidate's ability to complete their course of study in a standard timeline of eight total semesters. To allow more flexibility with course selection at Columbia, we recommend applying with first-year standing at your current institution when possible. 

Due to the timing of the transfer process, we are generally unable to consider grades earned in the second semester of the year of application; thus, high school grades, rigor of program and standardized test scores are all important in the evaluation of transfer credentials, especially for students applying for sophomore standing. If you have applied to Columbia previously, the documents you provided at that time will not roll over (with the exception of SAT or ACT scores); you must resubmit any information requested by this transfer application.

Financial Aid

At Columbia, we are committed to fully supporting our transfer community. All transfer applicants who are citizens, permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens are evaluated without regard to their financial need. Foreign students applying for aid must understand that such aid is awarded on an extremely limited basis. Columbia meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted transfer students and does not give any scholarships for academic, athletic or artistic merit.

Please visit the Financial Aid website for more information on financial aid for transfer students, including all required forms.

Accuracy & Authenticity

All applicants should review our Accuracy & Authenticity statement prior to submitting their application, as all applicants to Columbia University must confirm on their application that they understand and agree to adhere to the above expectations.

For questions about undergraduate admission and the application process, please visit our online FAQs . If you still can't find your answer, please contact us  or email us at [email protected] .

Deadline Approaching for Transfer Applications

Frequently Asked Questions by Transfer Applicants

Understanding the Process

Testing Policy

Application Fees and Fee Waivers

English Proficiency Requirements

A Message for Prospective Applicants

Financial Aid Deadline Approaching for Transfer and Combined Plan Applicants

Columbia University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

You Have: 

Columbia University  2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 lists of 100 words; 4 essays of 150 words each 

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community , Why, Short Answer

List questions

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., 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).

How do you pursue intellectual development outside of the classroom? You’ll need to be careful to avoid self-aggrandizing or pandering choices. Don’t top your list with 1984 unless you genuinely picked it up of your own accord, read it from start to finish, and meditated on Orwell’s intentions (while staring out the window, jaw agape). Think of not just the most recent media you’ve consumed, but also the old classics you can’t help revisiting (anything by Jenny Han, the podcast you binged in two weeks, the film you saw in theaters three times). Play with the sequencing here: how would you set these up in your library? Chronologically? Alphabetically? Thematically? Maybe you can make an entertaining leap from the sublime to the ridiculous by placing a heart-wrenching play alongside a goofy satire. Have fun with it! After all, this list is, at its core, about what you consume for the pleasure of it.

Short answer questions

For the four short answer questions, please respond in 150 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).

Ah, the infamous “community” essay. Many schools ask students about their communities because they want to know how you relate to the people around you, forge connections, and commune with your peers. In this particular instance, the question emphasizes equity, inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration. What do these words mean to you and how do they relate to your perspective or lived experience? Maybe you’re very involved in a progressive church youth group that celebrates its members differences, including trans and nonbinary members. Perhaps the friends you made at the skatepark have introduced you to a new culture and mindset of “try and try again” that you love. Maybe there are different languages spoken by the volunteers in your community garden, and now you know how to say “basil” in four different dialects (BTW in Italian it’s “ basilico ,” #funfact). How do you see equity, inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration play out in your community? And, looking forward, how would you keep those values alive at Columbia next fall?

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)

This prompt is incredibly similar to the Common App’s Prompt #2, which asks applicants to recount a time when they faced a challenge, setback, or failure. Our advice is similar: isolate an incident of trial in your life and illustrate how you learned from it. Writing about a difficult time in your life requires both vulnerability and perspective. Instead of focusing on the barrier or obstacle you were up against, spend most of the words at your disposal on how you rose to the occasion to overcome the challenge at hand. This is your opportunity to show admissions that you are a developing, maturing young adult with resilience and work ethic. As you zero in on a key moment, ask yourself the following questions: What healthy coping mechanisms or communication skills did you develop? Who, if applicable, did you choose to lean on and why? What did you learn about yourself? How will you approach difficult situations moving forward? Be honest and open, and we’re sure admissions will be impressed.

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)

This brief assignment is Columbia’s version of the classic Why Essay , and the key to every good Why Essay is solid, specific research. Spend some quality time with the Columbia website or, if you can, on a campus tour. Ask questions, take notes, and dig to find specific people, organizations, and experiences that excite you. Don’t dig too deep into majors or classes just yet; you’ll have an opportunity to write about your academic interest in a little bit, so for now, focus on the Columbia experience as a whole. Once you have some notes on the page, try to weave together a story that pairs your interests with Columbia’s offerings. Reveal new information about yourself while also showing that you’ve done your homework.

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

This prompt gives you a chance to geek out about your intended area(s) of study. Whether you’re hoping to study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering, the assignment is the same: offer admissions insight into your academic interests and pursuits. Whether your goals are intellectual, professional, or somewhere in between, your reasoning should be grounded in what Columbia has to offer. 150 words isn’t a lot of space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide a detailed response. Get ambitious and aim to answer these two key questions: What intrigues or excites you about your intended major? And why is Columbia the ideal place for you to study it? Do a little research to identify classes you’d like to take, professors you’d like to work with, and alumni you’d like to network with; then, get to drafting—and leave yourself plenty of time to edit and revise! 

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Should Columbia’s President Resign?

And 27 other questions we asked the school’s students, faculty, and staff..

The Columbia Daily Spectator and New York Magazine conducted this poll of 719 students, professors, and others between April 26 and May 2. Only active members of the university community, verified by email, were able to participate. Answers that do not sum to 100 percent indicate blank, neutral, or uncategorizable responses.

Cover Story

Torn up and apart.

• Our Campus. Our Crisis.: Inside the Encampments and Crackdowns at Columbia
• Listen Up, Columbia! Portraits From a School on Edge

What is your role at Columbia ? Undergraduate student: 69% Graduate student: 23% Faculty or instructor: 5% Staff: 3% Administrator:

Do you consider yourself … Atheist or agnostic: 39% Jewish: 35% Christian: 15% Muslim: 3% Hindu: 2% Buddhist: 1% Other/prefer not to say: 5%

Do you consider yourself … Female: 61% Male: 34% Nonbinary: 4 % Prefer not to say: 1%

What are your political views? Very Conservative: 0% Conservative: 5% Moderate: 18% Liberal: 40% Leftist: 35% Other/too complicated to explain: 2%

Antisemitism at Columbia is a problem.

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwhd1800520jhqwy4mklci@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 11% strongly disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqyyesz00163b80c2y2otbs@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 22% disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwhd1800530jhqu8n0bixk@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 19% agree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqyyg8j00173b80sfbe24jy@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 33% strongly agree, islamophobia at columbia is a problem., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz2f5m00193b80g68byofw@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 8% strongly disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz2f5m001a3b80zf15ulcb@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 15% disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz2f5m001b3b80pdsw3196@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 25% agree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz2f5m001c3b80aa1eg6tl@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 34% strongly agree, i can freely express my political views on campus., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz37nw00283b80u8z1obgp@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 29% strongly disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz37nw00293b80gy9gtf63@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 28% disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz37nw002a3b80fh02lae7@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 16% agree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz37nw002b3b80a6blhdih@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 8% strongly agree, i have views on the conflict that i avoid saying publicly., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz3mur00373b80uvv4lzuc@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 6% strongly disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz3mur00383b800ems2qrj@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 14% disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz3mur00393b803p72rkca@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 24% agree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz3mur003a3b80wrfil3jj@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 41% strongly agree, i feel safe on campus., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz4feu00463b80wfqxcza7@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 17% strongly disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz4feu00473b80mgra0pfz@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 24% disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz4feu00483b80a344bxup@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 24% agree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz4feu00493b804a2zqnuj@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 17% strongly agree, i hope that the pro-palestinian protesters’ demands are met., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz4wbo00553b801eyxt89y@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 30% strongly disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz4wbo00563b80wbnppsxm@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 7% disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz4wbo00573b80i8vxxrdy@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 13% agree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz4wbo00583b80k1xlmqk5@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 45% strongly agree, on the university president:.

What did you think of Minouche Shafik’s testimony before Congress?

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwojjh003c3b80ny56bdws@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 37% she said what was necessary to avoid claudine gay’s fate., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwojjh003d3b80df0kz9cv@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 23% she sold out her students., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwpdkh003x3b80j72kjxb0@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 13% i don’t know enough to say., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwp64p003w3b80apqfqig1@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 12% she couldn’t handle the questioning., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwpkoi003y3b80mt46wy7s@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0059a6} 3% she was excellent., her administration has handled the demonstrations well., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz94bw000r3b82s29kytak@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 77% strongly disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz94bw000s3b82pfbuzzwi@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 13% disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz94bw000t3b82b7ewx90w@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 3% agree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqz94bw000u3b82esgjayv1@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 1% strongly agree.

What do you think of her decision to authorize the NYPD to arrest protestors?

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwrfol004f3b80921yng48@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 57% the aggression was totally unwarranted., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwrfol004g3b80afvapamj@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 19% i’m glad she came down hard., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwrnkq004q3b808vjfag2p@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 12% she made an understandable mistake under pressure., how do you feel about shafik.

Pusillanimous and antagonistic toward the principles of liberal education. • A coward who puts her students down to appeal to the people in power. • She suuuuucks. • Strongly respect her. • Her hands are tied. • I doubt any other university president under the same pressures would act differently. • She has been placed in an impossible situation. This often happens to women of color who hold positions of power. • Bad decision after bad decision — but who would replace her? Most likely someone worse. • A young president who has made grave missteps. I’m ashamed. • Bootlicker. • It takes a different level of incompetence to have everyone from both sides of this issue calling for her resignation. • Impulsive, insincere, and silent. • I had extremely high hopes, and she has proven she cannot handle the job. • I’m having a hard time seeing the importance of a university president, and it almost seems like some sort of puppet role. • Cowardly, incompetent, and neoliberal to the core. • Anybody who calls in the NYPD to crush a student protest is morally unfit to lead a university. • Universities need wartime presidents now. • It’s impressive how poorly her short time here has gone. lose-lose situation that I hope she somehow wins. • I have met with her twice. She seems to be making decisions on a moment-by-moment basis rather than with intention. Furthermore, I think she is listening to the loudest and most powerful voices and is ignoring the concerns of students. • She’s basically doomed. And honestly? Good riddance. • She is a servile careerist. She was never a scholar or professor. She is a middle manager taking orders from donors and politicians. • ( Respondents who said “spineless” or a variant: 15. )

Should Shafik resign?

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwu6yo00593b80d2u50dm9@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 50% yes..

32% Yes. She’s stifling freedom of speech. 10% Yes. She’s doing too little to combat antisemitism. 8% Yes. For other reasons.

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrc1h2l000o3b801omgbye3@published"] em{font:30px/15px EgyptienneRegular,Georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 40% No.

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwu6yo005a3b80k0s29rjk@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 10% other., on protesting:.

How closely are you following the protests at Columbia?

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwvzwi006p3b8086qqo26z@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 50% it’s all i can think about., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwvzwi006q3b80xdkkhp5r@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 43% it’s become a bigger part of my life., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwwex0007d3b80x7rvnt4v@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 4% i’m a lot more focused on academics., how have the protests affected your friendships or romantic life.

It’s hard for me to be friends with people who aren’t on the same moral level as I am. • I’ve found myself reaching out to friends I fundamentally disagree with, just making sure they’re okay. I’m surprised by my behavior, but I think it’s my own way of resisting cruelty. • Many new friendships. Many friendships destroyed. • I have lost almost all my non-Jewish friends. • My romantic life is confined to the Israeli sphere. • All my friends hate me. • This has narrowed my dating prospects abysmally.

How have they affected your academic work?

Professors are worried about speaking about the conflict due to fears of getting fired. Students are policing one another and recording classes without consent. • I’m supposed to be writing three papers, but I am compelled to check Instagram every five minutes in case something is happening. • All I can think about is the protests. But let’s be clear: This is the point. The point of protesting is to disrupt and distract. It is working. • As a person of color, I am scared to go to libraries knowing there are dozens of cops outside. • I lost my internship because I went crazy.

As you watch similar protests spread across the country from Columbia, how do you feel?

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwznnt008y3b803ficg8b1@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 49% pride, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpwznnt008z3b80bqz2sgbb@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 31% horror, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx07br009a3b806c44ma10@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 6% indifference, have you participated in any campus activism recently on any side, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrds0be001h3b80eepgzxo6@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 58% yes, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrer47w000o3b80x28ybwc3@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 29% no, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrere63000q3b80mlvhgiz1@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 13% thinking about it, how has your stance on pro-palestinian activism changed, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx0ewv009c3b80genz5f1k@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 73% my position is unchanged., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx0ewv009d3b803mje0og3@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 9% i was supportive at first — but after things escalated, i’m against., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx0ewv009e3b80ll1j7fz1@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 6% i wasn’t supportive at first — but after things escalated, i’m in favor., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrdw9vu003s3b80qz3k4wly@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 12% other, the consequences protesters have faced — including arrests and suspensions — are appropriate., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrdrp2d00113b80aet0hqdg@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 53% strongly disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrdtc83002o3b805j9719kz@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 10% disagree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrdtals002n3b80dzuvff7u@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 9% agree, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvrdrp2d00123b80hlwj05n2@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 22% strongly agree, thinking of the disruption, is it worth it, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx1zge009q3b80p1ma9ubx@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#414042} 45% yes — this sort of action and debate is why we’re here., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx2lij00ac3b80nzricclb@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#939598} 31% no — i feel cheated out of my columbia experience., [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx1zge009r3b80sn7wtp24@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 14% sort of — i’m annoyed, but it’s a sacrifice worth making., on what’s next:, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvqphm63000q3b80rl3m17nx@published"] em{font:34px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal} professors and instructors: what are your students learning from all this.

They are more powerful than they might have known. • How the public sphere functions and how many so-called liberal institutions in western democracies are completely illiberal. • They are learning about the difficulty of social and political change, about the cynical power maneuvers of politicians and the wealthy, and about the gap between media representation and reality. • They continue to be reminded that older generations do not understand the violent world they’ve grown up in. Furthermore, they now believe the adults don’t care to understand.  • Nothing. • I fear they are learning that this is a cynical institution that will sell them out even to get nothing in return. • Lawlessness.

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx4y0j00ca3b8028kn3gcx@published"] em{font:34px/15px EgyptienneRegular,Georgia,serif;font-style:normal} Students: What would you say to someone considering applying to Columbia?

Applying here is both the best and worst decision I’ve ever made. • Columbia only likes the idea of students being outspoken about issues. • We are the protest Ivy. We believe in action. • Take care of yourself at this institution, because the administration will not. • This institution will not protect you. You need to be content with the notion that we keep each other safe and prepared to fight for it. • Attending any elite institution presents the possibility of being thrown onto the global stage. • Don’t just come here for the name. Make sure this is something you can handle. • Don’t let this deter you from pursuing such an incredible opportunity to learn. The value of the academic rigor at Columbia remains unchanged. • The problems on campus are not unique to Columbia. Rather, they are endemic to a model of higher education in which universities are beholden to the political wills of their elite donors. • The university should be a means to an end. Come with a clear goal. • ( Respondents who said “Don’t”: 39. )

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx7fb400e83b80jcfu76nk@published"] em{font:34px/15px EgyptienneRegular,Georgia,serif;font-style:normal} Administrators: What do students misunderstand about Columbia, the institution?

It is a business, and you should not forget that. • Columbia University has existed for 270 years. This too shall pass. • They seem incapable of grasping complexity.

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpx9g1v00fl3b80ge91itbs@published"] em{font:34px/15px EgyptienneRegular,Georgia,serif;font-style:normal} Staff members: What does the conflict between students and the administration look like from your perspective?

We are working with a bunch of amateurs. • Watching the administration handle things has really helped with my ever-present imposter syndrome. • The administration is functionally disinterested in the perspective of students, individuals they perceive as transient participants at best, naïve or puerile at worst.

If you could go back in time, would you still come to study or work at Columbia?

[data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpxaqpz00g33b805efx48ey@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#00aeef} 77% yes, [data-uri="nymag.com/intelligencer/_components/clay-subheader/instances/clvpxaqpz00g43b80rp5z4y88@published"] em{font:30px/15px egyptienneregular,georgia,serif;font-style:normal;color:#0086b8} 23% no, more from columbia daily spectator.

• Our Campus. Our Crisis.
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Covering Columbia’s Student Protests Gave Me Hope About Journalism’s Future

I t was 2:30 in the morning and our smaller newsroom up on the fifth floor of Pulitzer Hall—the esteemed Graduate School of Journalism building at Columbia University—was pulsating with the sounds of Camp Rock’s “Can’t Back Down.” Jude Taha, a Palestinian journalist in the program, was leading the charge in rallying everyone to sing it with her. The stench of bitter instant coffee wafted throughout the room. Nestled in the corner, Edward Lopez, a photo journalism student, fought valiantly against sleep. He crouched next to his camera, which was perched on a tripod to capture a perfect vantage of our Morningside campus where roughly 70 colorful tents had been sprung up by students to protest Columbia University’s investment in companies profiting from Israel’s military operations in Gaza. In my drowsy haze of half-slumber, the temptation to surrender was strong.

Then, I remembered something one of my mentors had taught me earlier in my first class at journalism school. He had said that many of us will make a career out of making up for all the mistakes those before us have made. And that in those dark moments when outrage becomes a friend, “it [will] be journalism, and your integrity, that helps you soldier on.”

In his 1970 poem, American singer and poet Gil Scott-Heron said that the revolution would never be televised. My colleagues and I bore witness to that revolution. On April 18, Columbia’s J-school students—and many other journalism students around the country—found themselves right in the middle of what had quickly become an escalating and fast-moving breaking news story . For the next two weeks, we became dedicated to documenting the mobilization of pro-Palestinian students on our campus. We were a group of writers, filmmakers, photographers, and data journalists. We worked tirelessly. As some of us rested, others took turns reporting and venturing out to document the encampment on the lawn. We made makeshift beds on the floor, huddled in lightweight sleeping bags, and were sustained by chicken-flavored ramen noodles, dates dipped in chocolate, and stale tortilla chips. But our clarity was resolute: nothing held more significance to us than accurately portraying the truth about why the students' anti-war protests were happening and the core purpose of the encampment’s demands.

It’s no coincidence that the Pulitzer building stands toweringly atop the West lawn, where a perfect view of the encampment was visible at all hours of the day. The crackdown of campus security meant limited access to outside press, and what’s more, many students in the encampment harbored valid fears that their words would be twisted, misrepresented, or worse, cherry picked for a sound bite if they had spoken to the press. So they relied on us to tell their stories—accurately and with empathy.

Read More: What America’s Student Photojournalists Saw at the Campus Protests

I watched as my colleagues Gaia Caramazza, Carla Mende, and Kira Gologorsky, student filmmakers in the documentary program, carried their equipment back and forth, tirelessly shooting the reactions of students, many of whom they had built lasting connections with.

Many of us understood the importance of dedicating hours to engaging with the campers, understanding their stories and embracing their rhythms of life—the usual meal times, music breaks, and downtime routines—and discerning the subtle cues that would foretell impending trouble.

“Please do let the world know,” a Jewish student, speaking on conditions of anonymity, said to me following a Shabbat service in the encampment. “Show them how much love exists here.” Minutes later Muslim students held their evening prayer service. On day eight, I listened as a Palestinian storyteller shared his poetry which concluded with the words: “I have never felt harmony the way I have this past week, here in this camp, united by a shared love for a group of people that many are so desperately trying to erase.”

Slowly, the encampment also became a close-knit community for many of my colleagues and me. The call to prayer reminded Caramazza of her childhood spent in Jordan. The communal food station set up in the corner closest to Butler Library felt like the physical manifestation of the Arabic saying "beity beitak" (my home is your home) for Samaa Khullar, a Palestinian journalist and colleague in the program. For me, it was playing soccer with other students in the encampment, a traditional sport that united almost every community in the Arab world regardless of their background. I came to realize that I had fostered deep care for the encampment’s affiliates. On cold nights, I worried if they had enough blankets to keep them warm. I worried about their families, some of whom were based in Gaza, and the messages they might wake up to the following morning. It was only natural for me as I immersed myself in their shoes, to reflect on the kind of support and compassion communities crave during times of grief. I approached them with an open mind and heart—one that involved dismantling my own barriers to really understand a community that was rupturing and reshaping history in real time. And as much as I thought I knew, there was so much more I didn’t—and would have remained oblivious to—had I failed to build the level of trust these protestors deserved.

My colleagues and I, many of us who had grown up abroad and reported on international communities for much of our time at Columbia, spent days discussing the significance of capturing this moment in history just as it was, and of bearing witness to the daily movements and experiences of those in the encampment. The protestors were not required to allow us into the encampment; that was not a responsibility they needed to shoulder. But just as any good, trauma-informed reporter knows, to tell a story honestly means to establish safe spaces for people to tell their stories at their own pace, a byproduct only made possible through deep listening.

What so many of my J-school colleagues and I yearned to translate to those encroaching upon our turf was that in order to really know what the movement was about, one had to engage with the students by approaching the stories that focused more on the underlying causes and motivations of the encampment, rather than arbitrary violence. For weeks on end, the encampment's residents found themselves at the intersection of both visibility and vulnerability. Students wanted to spotlight the injustices transpiring in Gaza—instead, they became the faces behind a national news story. I watched as their identities and lived experiences quickly became eclipsed by many sensationalist headlines when the reality was far from it.  

Ray (their last name has been kept private for anonymity), for instance, an artist and undergraduate student at Barnard whom I encountered a week into the encampment, dedicated her afternoons to painting portraits of Palestinians in Gaza. Her canvases pulsated with brown hues, chromes, and crimson applied through watercolor ink to stroke the urgency of the situation in Gaza. Ray had just celebrated Passover in the encampment a few days earlier and mentioned the bizarre moment she woke up to find a camera in her face, snapping pictures inside her unzipped tent: “The least they can do is ask, or try to get to know me first.”

It was impossible to have witnessed and reported on the mobilization of students so passionately dedicated to anti-war and liberation efforts, and not be affected by it. The movement demanded a response from each and every one of us of in the student body, And everyone in our newsroom felt it. Our newsroom came to multiple breaking points, but it was also our saving grace. ​​I was of two worlds as both a student and journalist. I knew just how deeply these students were hurting, but I also knew what we had to do in the spirit of journalistic responsibility. And while I have often been told that compassion stands in the way of good journalism, recent weeks have shown me that it is the lack of compassion that gets in the way of real storytelling.

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Despite the narrative of journalism's decline or saturation with misinformation, watching my J-school colleagues’ collective conscience rise up and solemnly agree to do right by a community so stained by tragedy has reaffirmed to me that there still exists an enduring power of keeping one another safe in this industry. It was all around me when I searched for it. We knew how and where to draw the line of truth versus hysteria that is breached in journalism with little regard, even and most especially, as we reported on our own peers.

Years from now, when the next generation of young journalists are tasked with a duty this arduous (and they will), I trust that they will hold on to the hope and camaraderie that I witnessed firsthand: a spirit of journalism that models the empathy and dignity Gaza’s victims and all vulnerable communities deserved. A journalism that speaks honestly and meaningfully, with context and sensitivity. The type of journalism that does not involve reporting on a community, but rather with and for them.

The encampment is now cleared. Hamilton Hall has been “restored,” and the N.Y.P.D are now stationed at every corner of our campus. The students may not have won, in the traditional sense. But they achieved something much more powerful than that: They globalized the Palestinian saying “Lan Nerhal” (we will not leave). For the first time, students felt they could proudly stride campus walkways wearing the keffiyeh. For the first time, the true depth of the Palestinian struggle was thrust onto the mainstream stage. And my J-school peers made certain that the encampment and its’ cause were not to be covered as a passing trend, but as one steadfast community’s call for immediate action in the face of the destruction in Gaza—one of the most harrowing atrocities many of us have ever seen in our lifetime.

In less than a week, my J-school colleagues and I are graduating. Reflecting on what I learned while covering the encampment, I’ve observed that the best way to tell a story isn’t to parachute in and out of it. Instead, it is to always have a stake in it. Only, then, can we truly understand the crushing impact that our words have on the communities we write about.

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