columbia university essay prompts 2023

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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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Columbia Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompts & Advice

August 7, 2024

Of the 60,000+ applications received by Columbia, just 3.8% 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 2024-25 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one:

2024-2025 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, or 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)

In previous years, Columbia allowed up to 200 words for this response, but 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.

Looking for additional writing resources? Consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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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?

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

8 Great Columbia Essay Examples

What’s covered:, essay example 1 – mechanical engineering, essay example 2 – trailblazing, essay example 3 – the core and community.

• Essay Example 4 – Cancer Research

Essay Example 5 – Joy in Birds

Essay example 6 – psychology.

• Essay Example 7  – Slavic Languages and Cultures

Essay Example 8 – Diversity

Where to get your columbia university essays edited.

Columbia is an Ivy League school in NYC with an incredibly low acceptance rate. Like most other competitive schools, Columbia has supplemental prompts where students can demonstrate parts of their life that aren’t present in other portions of their application. Many applicants to selective colleges like Columbia have stellar grades and test scores, so the essays can help you stand out from other candidates with the same stats.   

The school requires applicants to fill out a variety of prompts, ranging from quick short-answers about your favorite books and pieces of media to fleshed out essays. In this post, we will share three essays real students have submitted to Columbia and go over what each essay did well and where they can be improved. 

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Columbia University essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

As I continue my journey toward becoming a mechanical engineer, I am constantly searching for ways to positively impact and solve complex problems. Columbia University is the perfect place for me to do so. The university’s diverse and brilliant community, combined with its focus on hands-on learning, will provide me with the foundation I need to grow as a student and a person.

I am excited to take advantage of Columbia’s many opportunities, from its Core curriculum to its various labs and research centers. In particular, I am drawn to the F1 car club and the opportunity to work on real-world projects through Columbia World Projects. These experiences will help broaden my knowledge and skills and allow me to make a significant difference in the world.

In addition to the academic opportunities at Columbia, I am also drawn to the university’s rich traditions. From the tree lighting ceremony to the Holi celebration, these events foster a sense of belonging and connection that will be invaluable as I begin my studies. I believe my unique perspective and skills will be an asset to the community, for I am excited to contribute my voice to Columbia’s dynamic and diverse community.

What the Essay Did Well

In responding to this textbook “Why This College?” prompt, the author effectively selects a topic, mechanical engineering, to focus his essay on, and connects that topic to opportunities that can only be found at Columbia, such as the F1 car club and Columbia World Projects. These specific opportunities show admissions officers that the student has done their research, and has tangible reasons for wanting to attend Columbia that go beyond, for example, the generic “I want to go to school in New York.”

The author also expresses an interest in the traditions that form the backbone of Columbia’s community, such as the tree lighting ceremony and the Holi celebration. This variety demonstrates that the author has spent time thinking about what their life at Columbia would look like overall, not just in the context of their mechanical engineering studies.

What Could Be Improved 

While this essay effectively conveys which specific things about Columbia interest the author, it could be strengthened by providing more details about why each activity is important to them, as that will explicitly connect their past experiences to their potential future at Columbia.

For example, the author could connect the F1 car club to the summers they spent working in their parents’ car repair shop. Or when discussing Columbia World Projects, they could explain how the CWP’s “Transforming Wastewater Infrastructure in America” project would allow them to build on the skills they learned from an elective they took on urban planning.

Along the same lines, the author could expand on how they see Columbia’s traditions helping them grow as a person. They name-drop the tree lighting ceremony and Holi festival, but don’t say anything about why these events are important to them. The essay would be stronger if, for example, they discuss how lighting the Christmas tree was always a time for their family to reflect on the previous year, and they look forward to having a similar unifying moment in college.

Finally, while the author does a good job in general of using specific opportunities to show their interest in Columbia, there are places where they are too vague. For example, when they talk about Columbia’s “Core curriculum” and “various labs and research centers,” we don’t get any information about what in particular intrigues them about the Core, or which labs and research centers they hope to work at. 

The essay would be stronger if the writer highlighted their excitement about using the Core to explore topics, such as art history, that they otherwise might not make time for in their schedule, or about working at the Earth Engineering Center to learn about how to harness their knowledge of biomechanical engineering in service of a greener future.

“She is a natural leader and role model.”

This comment punctuates all my report cards. However, I never believed it, until an alumnus of my high school was murdered by a maintenance worker for rebuffing his advances. Feeling angered, I spearheaded a plan of action for my poetry club—it was a reflex. I led one group poem celebrating her warmth, which we performed for her parents, and one about the rape culture that killed her, which we performed at a sexual assault awareness event.

Columbia boasts an exceptional culture of students who feel emboldened to call out injustice, even when it’s perpetuated by their own community. From the student-driven Columbia Prison Divest campaign, which successfully led Columbia to divest from the private prison industry, to the recent protests about Columbia’s gentrification of Harlem, the tenacity of Columbia’s Lions reflects my own.

Moreover, as someone from a household of sexual and domestic violence, I feel drawn to activism in that field. As a Peer Advocate for Columbia Health, I would provide support and resources for survivors, protecting them from the environment I was in.

The core of Columbia’s ethos is building trailblazers— I can’t wait to be one of them.

The student’s discussion of the difficult topic of sexual assault is impressive, as many applicants wouldn’t be bold enough to include this topic in a college application, and many others wouldn’t have the reflective or writing skills necessary to make it work. This student, however, is able to highlight both a genuine desire to fight back against injustice on a large scale, through public poetry performances, and a grassroots compassion for the victims, by working for Columbia Health as a Peer Advocate.

On that note, the writer also does an excellent job of connecting their passion for justice and advocacy to their potential life at Columbia. Remember that a “Why This College?” essay should be as specific as possible to that particular school, and this author not only mentions a variety of activities they hope to get involved in at Columbia, but also makes it clear which of their values and past experiences are motivating their interest in those particular opportunities. That gives admissions officers a strong sense of who this student is and what they’ll bring to the table at Columbia.

Finally, the reader’s emphatic tone throughout the essay stirs up readers’ emotions, and makes us feel like getting up and marching towards justice alongside them, which is an incredibly effective way of making us experience their leadership abilities firsthand. Lines like “ it was a reflex” and “ Columbia boasts an exceptional culture of students who feel emboldened to call out injustice, even when it’s perpetuated by their own community” make us viscerally feel the writer’s passion, and that sensation adds even more weight to their points.

Currently, the beginning of the essay is disjointed, as the author’s shift from positive report card comments to a former classmate’s murder is extremely abrupt. That jarring transition may have been intentional, but you don’t want to shock readers just because. While the essay is about leadership, readers will understand that without the first line, and thus the writer could be better off starting “in medias res” (in the middle of things) to immediately immerse readers in the story.

For example, they could say: “November 20, 2022 was a dark day at our school, when news broke of our former classmate’s murder.” This alternate first line gets right into the details of how the author developed their leadership skills, rather than starting off talking about those skills in the abstract and then zooming in. Remember, space is limited in the college essay, so you want to be as efficient as possible with how you make your points.

A vibrant, intellectually curious culture cultivated by the Core Curriculum, rich student interconnectedness, and an alignment of core values attract me to Columbia.

Seminar-based courses comprehensively facilitate my learning style; learning from peers, sharing my perspective, and exploring unquenchable curiosities comprise my ideal environment. Columbia’s emphasis on such learning through the Core Curriculum provides balanced structure and an approach encouraging valuable interdisciplinary study. Although I plan to pursue current intellectual interests through Columbia’s electives, the Core offers an invigorating communal experience and exposure to potential newfound passions, such as philosophy or Western musical analysis.

In conversation with my tour guide, Ashley, and through discussions with current students, I was inspired by the emphatic sense of community pride that envelops Morningside Heights. Beginning with the shared experience of the Core, it is apparent that inclusive community is fostered through academic spaces. Through traditions such as Tree Lighting, “Surf, Turf, & Earth” – which sounds absolutely scrumptious – and cultural celebrations, the Columbian community radiates in social spaces.

I envision myself blanketed with Columbia blue, clutching a glimmering snowball on the day of First Snow. Exuberant with lion pride, I prepare for a sportive battle, and a euphoric moment, with fellow prideful lions.

In the first paragraph, the author clearly lists three characteristics of Columbia–“a vibrant, intellectually curious culture cultivated by the Core Curriculum…rich student interconnectedness…and an alignment of core values”–which provide structure for the rest of the essay. This organization makes the essay easy to follow, as each point connects back to that first paragraph.

The writer also shows that they have a true appreciation of the community at Columbia, and that they aren’t just paying lip service to one of the most frequently used words in college admissions, by mentioning their tour guide by name, and the discussions they have had with current students. Those details show that the student has spent real effort getting to know Columbia’s campus culture, which in turn shows that they will be committed to making contributions to that culture themself.

As noted above, one of the keys to this kind of “Why This College?” essay is not just showing genuine interest in the school, but also how that interest will manifest once you’re there. By referencing traditions like the Tree Lighting ceremony and “Surf, Turf, & Earth,” the author demonstrates that they have already spent time thinking about how they would fit into Columbia’s community.

Finally, the author’s vivid imagery of “[themself] blanketed with Columbia blue, clutching a glimmering snowball on the day of First Snow,” ends the essay on a high note. The author doesn’t just restate that they want to go to Columbia, but paints a tangible picture of their excitement and anticipation, which makes those feelings come across far more strongly than if they just said something generic like “I can’t wait to hopefully be arriving in Morningside Heights next fall.”

While the author does include some Columbia-specific traditions, as described above, too much of the essay, particularly the paragraph focused on academics, is phrased in general terms. For example, the line:

“Although I plan to pursue current intellectual interests through Columbia’s electives, the Core offers an invigorating communal experience and exposure to potential newfound passions, such as philosophy or Western musical analysis” 

doesn’t tell us anything about what the author’s “current intellectual interests” are, nor about which specific courses or professors at Columbia will help them pursue their “newfound passions.” The essay would be much stronger if, for example, the author talked about how Columbia’s “American Film: Cult and Exploitation” course would help them refine their interest in contemporary media culture, which they have already started exploring through a research project in their American history class.

Additionally, rather than listing general categories of courses like “philosophy or Western musical analysis,” the author should talk about the Core in more specific terms, which are also linked to their own personal interests. That line could look something like:

“While I’ve never considered myself a musician, I’ve always been fascinated by how songwriters can unify millions of people with just a clever turn of phrase, and the Core’s ‘Music Humanities” requirement will help me better understand why musicians can wield so much power in society.”

Finally, along similar lines, the author should ideally connect the Columbia-specific traditions they mention to their own interests. For example, rather than just saying that the “Surf Turf & Earth” event sounds “absolutely scrumptious,” they could talk about how their multicultural family has always encouraged adventurous eating, and so they are excited about attending a college that also values culinary exploration.

Essay Example 4 – Cancer Research and Community

I’ve always known about Columbia’s stellar core curriculum, first hearing it from my uncle. He would speak of the strengths of this method, allowing students to experience learning in all fields of study. And its rumors are nothing less than reality – being given this holistic foundation throughout college is one I wish to thrive on. It would allow me to explore other subjects and meet Columbia’s astute professors, specifically Dr. Adana Llanos. I want to journey through Cancer Epidemiology and possibly assist in her research towards breast cancer subtypes because of its prevalence in my family.

Looking past academics, I view Columbia as a family where I can learn about myself and those around me. After hearing about the South Asian club, Club Zamana, I want to use it as a mode of discovery for my own heritage, participating in flamboyant events like Tamasha. This club would create a door to indulge in the passionate cultures that make up Columbia. 

I believe Columbia to have academic resources, a community, and energy like no other. It is the home where I want to discover my passion and pursue it for my 4 years. I think my uncle would love that.

This essay succinctly captures the “why?” of the “Why This College?” essay in a straightforward, easy-to-follow response. This applicant is interested in applying to Columbia because of: 1) the core curriculum, 2) their personal interest in studying cancer epidemiology, and 3) the opportunity to explore their own heritage through the South Asian club. 

While having a simple structure may not initially seem like something to get excited about, one of the unfortunate realities of college essays is that, while you spend many hours writing and revising them, admissions officers have no choice but to read them extremely quickly, because they have so many to get through. So, you want to be sure that your readers understand what you’re saying the first time around, as if they’re confused about something, they don’t have time to  stop and figure it out.

Additionally, by mentioning a specific professor they hope to work with, the author shows they’ve done some research on how exactly Columbia will help them delve into their interest in Cancer Epidemiology. The key to successfully responding to this kind of prompt is joining your current background/interests with opportunities at the school that will help you explore them. The line “I want to journey through Cancer Epidemiology and possibly assist in her research towards breast cancer subtypes because of its prevalence in my family” accomplishes both things.

If, however, the last two sentences of the first paragraph were replaced with the vaguer “I want to journey through cancer epidemiology, and possibly learn about breast cancer subtypes because of its prevalence in my family,” the reader would still understand this student’s interest in the field, but not how that connects to their desire to attend Columbia, which would give the essay an incomplete feel.

Finally, college is more than just academics, and this student’s discussion of their non-academic interest, in a club that will help them better understand their own identity, shows they have thought comprehensively about what their life at Columbia would look like. That will in turn help admission officers create a complete picture in their minds of how this student would fit into Columbia as a whole, not just the classrooms.

As noted above, the author does a good job of tying the opportunities they hope to pursue at Columbia to their existing interests. That personal connection could be strengthened, however, by more details about why they are drawn to these opportunities over any others.

For example, regarding the student’s interest in cancer epidemiology, they do mention the prevalence of breast cancer in their family as their motivation for studying the topic, but that line is brief, and thus could be missed by someone who, as noted above, is reading quickly. It’s also lacking specificity, as plenty of people have familial connections to certain topics–say, Jewish history if you have an aunt who is a rabbi–and yet don’t have much interest in exploring them themselves.

The author could more concretely connect their background to their potential breast cancer research at Columbia by providing additional details about, say, a summer research program they completed, or their experience learning about genetics in their high school biology class, or a 5K race they run every year to raise money for breast cancer research. That will in turn show admissions officers what they would bring to Dr. Llanos’ lab, not just that they hope to work there in general.

This same general idea also applies to the student’s discussions of the Core and the South Asian club. The student generally references things that appeal to them about these features of Columbia, like a “holistic foundation” provided by the core, and “discover[ing]…[their] own heritage” through the club, but we don’t get any specific details explaining how their past experiences have led to them prioritizing these things in their college experience.

Specifically with regards to the Core, as you’ve probably noticed in our analysis of both this essay and the preceding two, just mentioning this feature of Columbia isn’t enough. When a school is particularly well known for one thing, like Columbia with the Core or Brown with their Open Curriculum, pretty much every applicant is going to mention it somewhere in their application. 

So, in order to set yourself apart–which is the whole point of the essay, after all–you want to make sure you’re being as detailed as possible about how your past experiences and goals for the future align with this aspect of the school. Otherwise, you’re wasting valuable words, as just saying you like the Core won’t move the needle on your application.

Finally, a general word of caution when writing applications: don’t lose sight of the fact that admissions officers want to understand a student’s motivations for applying to their school, not those of their family members, or anyone else for that matter. This student both starts and finishes their essay by talking about their uncle, which makes it seem like their motivation for applying to Columbia is to make their uncle proud, rather than a personal interest in the school. 

While it’s not automatically bad to mention how someone else helped you become interested in a school, the overall focus should stay on you. In the case of this essay, that means the student shouldn’t frame the second line around their uncle “speak[ing] of the strengths of this method,” but rather around how their uncle’s introduction to Columbia led them to start researching the school themself. And at the end, the last thought in their reader’s mind should be of them at Columbia, not their uncle. So, the line “I think my uncle would love that,” should be taken out.

A small bird nest rests outside my doorway. Everyday at 3:40 pm, the mother bird eagerly comes home to her ecstatic children. They remind me beauty is everywhere, even in the smallest of reunions.

The author makes great use of the limited word space in this essay with a charming account of what brings happiness in their daily routine. Thanks to the efficient writing and simple but vivid imagery, created through strong word choices like “ecstatic” and creative phrasings like “the smallest of reunions,” this short essay reads almost like poetry.

Furthermore, the author’s description also teaches us something about who they are, which is the key to any college essay, even the short ones. The reflection “They remind me beauty is everywhere, even in the smallest of reunions” shows that the author appreciates the beauty and significance of seemingly ordinary moments, which in turn shows that they would bring both thoughtfulness and positivity to Columbia’s campus.

This is an incredibly strong essay, without much room for improvement. If anything, the lesson to be learned here is that usually, you eventually get to a point where your essay doesn’t need any more changes. Calling your essay “finished” can be challenging for many students, due to the overall stress of the college process and the constant feeling that you should be doing something, anything, to improve your chances of acceptance. But at some point, it’s okay to take your hands off the keyboard, be proud of the work you’ve put into the essay, and take a five-minute break to unwind 🙂

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 areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)

The flickering LED lights began to form into a face of a man when I focused my eyes. The man spoke a ruthless serial killer of the decade who had been arrested in 2004, and my parents shivered at his reaccounting of the case. I curiously tuned in, wondering who he was to speak of such crimes with concrete composure and knowledge. Later, he introduced himself as a profiler named Pyo Chang Won, and I watched the rest of the program by myself without realizing that my parents had left the couch.

After watching the program, I recited the foreign word until it was no longer unfamiliar — ”profiler”. I stayed up all-night searching the meaning; my eyes sparkled with the dim light of the monitor as I read the tales of Pyo Chang Won and his Sherlock-like stories. From predicting the future of criminals and knowing the precise vicinity of a killer on the loose, he had saved countless lives; living in communities riddled with crimes in my youth then and even now, I dreamed of working against crimes. However, the traditional path of a lawyer or a police officer only reinforced the three-step cycle of arrest, trial, and jail which continued with no fundamental changes for years; I wanted to work with the psyche of criminals beyond courts and wondered about the inner workings of the mind.

Such admiration and interest led me to invest my time in psychology. Combined with working with the likes of the Victim Witness Agency, I decided to pursue psychology as my major for my undergraduate education. Later on, I want to specialize my research and education on behavioral/forensic psychology and eventually branch out to my childhood dream of becoming a criminal profiler. 

A major positive of this essay is how it is focused on one moment in time. This student goes into depth about the night they first fell in love with criminal psychology which allows the reader to feel like they are there watching TV with the student and researching afterwards. Having the essay focus on a snapshot of the student’s life opens the door to include more imagery and delve into the internal monologue of the student, thus creating a more engaging and personable essay. 

The student’s genuine fascination for the topic is evident through what they show the reader. They explain that they stayed to finish the show after their parents left, they stayed up all night researching what they just learned, and their eyes sparkled the more they learned about criminal psychology. Providing all these details shows the student’s fascination and passion for this topic without them ever having to explicitly say they were excited about it. 

This essay also does a good job of expanding past the requirements of the prompt to explain what they hope to accomplish with their degree. Including their career aspirations reinforced their passion to pursue this field to admissions officers. It also demonstrated that they are a goal-oriented person who wants to make a difference in the world.

What Could Be Improved

One thing that could be improved in this essay is the grammar. There were a few sentences where there were either typos or just clunky sentences that could be tightened up. In order to catch grammatical errors, you should always give your essay to at least one other person to read. CollegeVine offers  essay reviews that allows students to receive feedback on the grammar, structure, and content of their essays. It’s always a good idea to have a fresh pair of eyes read your essay to catch mistakes that might go unnoticed by you. Having someone review this essay would have likely helped this student fix their grammatical errors.

Essay Example 7 – Slavic Languages and Cultures

Steaming fruit filled knedliky, singing Czech Christmas Carols, and falling asleep to fairy tales about princesses with golden stars on their foreheads compose my earliest memories. As I grew older, I found myself exploring the streets and museums of Prague on my own and requesting less fantastical fairy tales, consisting of true stories from my parents about life under Communism. These personal experiences with Czech Language and Culture have vastly influenced my academic interests. 

Exploring the manner in which Czechia developed and understanding its intrinsic components remained an innate goal of mine. Though Czech was my first language I developed my skills further as I matured by utilizing Czech news sources and literary works. Throughout my AP English and History courses, I continually sought out both works by Czech authors and their accounts of consequential historical events, attempting to discover the common ground between these readings and those assigned in class. Through these unique means, I began unearthing the intricate history and background of the country. 

Majoring in Slavic Languages and Cultures provides ideal opportunities to develop a cross-cultural understanding of pertinent political issues while defining my identity as a Czech-American, thus fostering my innate academic passions and personal ambitions. 

Although this student doesn’t reveal what their intended major is until the last line, the entire essay does a great job of building a vivid picture of Czech culture and this student’s fascination with it that we almost don’t need to be told the actual major. 

The author shows how their Czech heritage has fascinated them through different stages of their life, demonstrating their maturity through the information they seek out. To show the beauty of their childhood innocence, they describe “ Steaming fruit filled knedliky, singing Czech Christmas Carols, and falling asleep to fairy tales about princesses with golden stars on their foreheads. ” Then, they demonstrate their interest in history by asking their parents about Communism. This fascination for history continues when they discuss searching for Czech authors in their AP classes.

Not only do we see how Czech language and culture has been an integral part of their life, but we get to see their determination and drive to develop new skills through exploring their Czech heritage. This student could have been content with speaking Czech at home, but instead they demonstrated intellectual curiosity by “ utilizing Czech news sources and literary works” to go above and beyond in their studies. If this student acted on their niche passion in the confines of a high school classroom, imagine what they could do with Columbia’s resources!

While the prompt asks you to reflect on your past experiences, for this essay to really stand out, it should have touched on the future as well. You can strengthen any “ Why Major? ” essay by explaining what you hope to achieve with your major post graduation. Prompts won’t always ask for this, but it’s a nice way to demonstrate you are forward-looking.

Even if there was just a phrase in the final sentence that mentioned something about how this student wants to become a Czech historian or they want to move to Czechia after graduation to reconnect with their roots, this would be enough of an addition to show admissions officers that this student is confident in both their past and future.

Prompt: A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to live and learn 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)

Uno. Jenga. Monopoly. These were the board games I grew up with in America. But I found that the seniors at St. Theresa’s Home in Singapore did not share my enthusiasm for these pastimes (nor did they understand my elation at finally capturing Boardwalk)!

Prioritizing flexibility as a facilitator, I flipped the tables.

Pai Gow. Xiangqi. Mahjong. Initially, my team and I struggled to keep track of the countless new gameplay rules. However, I embraced the initial discomfort of this “hands-off” approach, realizing how it allowed us to transfer control to a community whose voices we wanted to amplify.

The small but crucial details, like knowing Mandarin pronunciations of game and piece names, built trust and respect and soon, we found ourselves trading stories freely, like cards.

I was initially hesitant to talk about my upbringing in a Western society and my constant struggle to define my own identity. However, I found a true sounding board in the aunties and uncles. Both sides simply wanted to hear and be heard. 

This is the knowledge I will carry into Columbia, where I hope to foster cultural discourse through safe spaces and conversations, ensuring that no one feels like a missing piece.

This student very creatively displays the discomfort of cultural divides and the joys of overcoming them through playing games. The parallel of listing three US board games (“ Uno. Jenga. Monopoly. “) and then three Singapore games (“ Pai Gow. Xiangqi. Mahjong. “) shows the reader how this student had to step outside of their comfort zone to connect with the seniors.

By explaining how it was difficult to “ keep track of the countless new gameplay rules ” and know the “ Mandarin pronunciations of game and piece names ” we understand the challenges of relating to people from a different culture that this student had to overcome. However, by describing the seniors as “ aunties and uncles ” and a “ sounding board ” for this student, it shows the level of comfort they finally established and how this student benefitted from hearing diverse perspectives.

Additionally, this essay has a strong game motif running through it that contributes to the playfulness and cohesiveness of the essay. From cracking jokes about getting the most coveted property in Monopoly, to referring to their conversation as “ trading stories freely, like cards “, to concluding with the analogy of a “ missing piece “, the commitment to games is a nice way to reinforce the connections they fostered.

Something missing from this essay is an explanation of why this student was at the senior center and what they wanted to accomplish. Was this a volunteer activity they were originally hesitant to join but grew to love once they embraced the Singaporean games? They mention the seniors as “ community whose voices we wanted to amplify ,” so does that mean they were interviewing seniors for articles or research projects?

Although the essay still effectively answers the prompt without telling us more about why this student was at the senior center, the lack of answers can be distracting for the reader and diminishes the lasting impact of the story.

Do you want feedback on your Columbia University essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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August 3, 2024

Columbia University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Columbia University has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-2025 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!

2024-2025 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 Columbia College or Columbia Engineering in the supplement’s Academics section, 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.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Columbia University Essays

If you’re interested in Ivy Coach ’s assistance in presenting a powerful narrative in your child’s Columbia essays, fill out our consultation form . We’ll then be in touch to delineate our college counseling services for seniors with Ivy Coach’s Jen Duran , a former Columbia admissions officer.

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How to Ace the 23/24 Columbia Supplemental Essays

Ginny Howey is a former content writer at Scholarships360. Ginny graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2022 with a degree in Media and Journalism (Advertising/PR focus) and minors in Entrepreneurship and Spanish. Ginny’s professional experience includes two summers as a writer intern at global creative consultancy BCG BrightHouse. More recently, Ginny worked as a content marketing intern for Durham-based software engineering bootcamp Momentum, where she gained SEO skills. She has also written freelance articles on emerging tech for A.I. startup Resultid.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Columbia University is one of the most superior schools in the country. As an Ivy League , it is also incredibly difficult to get into. Strong supplemental essay responses help you stand out among so many first-class applicants. Let’s go over each of the Columbia supplemental essays and help you cook up a great answer to each one:

The Columbia list question first

Columbia’s first few supplemental prompts ask for short list responses. In previous years, many students have attempted to write in complete sentences or elaborate on their choices. Columbia has spelled out exact requirements to combat these mistakes. Simply follow the guidelines, as they are not trying to trick you! Remember, this question has a 100 word limit!

• Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons
• No need to number items or put them 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)

Avoid overthinking these questions and writing what you imagine admissions will find impressive. Be sincere in your answers. These titles should reveal what you like learning and what entertains you. If that’s listening to true crime podcasts in your free time and not reading War and Peace , that’s perfectly okay. You should aim to either showcase your versatility in topics that interest you or keep a common theme consistent. 

Questions to consider:

• What is your “go to” TV show, book series, podcast, or website? 
• Are you more of a be in the action person who enjoys perusing museums?
• How about your local library? Do you find the world at your fingertips there, and what do you borrow?

Columbia short answer questions (#2 through #5)

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? (150 words or fewer)

Columbia believes that interactions with diverse peers and faculty enrich students’ college experience. This prompt gets at how you engage with those who share different outlooks. A solid approach is to start with a story of a diverse community that you have collaborated with. Any group composed of people with differing identifiers, beliefs, socioeconomic statuses, etc. is fair game. 

For example, you could talk about a sports team you were a part of with players of varying backgrounds. Describe how you interacted with your teammates and what you learned. Did you gain greater empathy for your own family situation? Were your political views challenged? How did you manage conflicts that arose? Communicate your contributions and takeaways from this exposure. To tie things together, how will you apply these insights at Columbia? 

• Have you had a particularly eye-opening volunteer experience? 
• What is the benefit of working in groups with diverse viewpoints?
• How might expressions of your cultural identity enhance Columbia communities? 

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 question requires you to think about a challenging time in your life that formed you into a better person. Answering this question might be painful for some students as they reflect on past experiences, but honesty is important. This is another prompt that might require you to free-write and then cut back after you get your thoughts out (150 words is not a lot for this type of prompt!). Try and narrow down to one barrier or obstacle, and make a bullet point list of the insight and growth that came out of it. Don’t be afraid to share what you feel comfortable with, as it is part of what makes you who you are today. 

• What was the most difficult period in your life?
• Did you learn something that profoundly changed your viewpoint?
• When reflecting, how have you grown from facing adversity?

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)

Obviously, Columbia is a highly regarded university.  But why do you personally find it so appealing? What traits make it your ideal school above all others? To answer this prompt successfully, you need to thoroughly explore Columbia’s offerings. Dig into Columbia’s website, informational materials, and social media. 

Write a list of your priorities for your college experience, in terms of both intellectual and personal growth. Take note of Columbia programs that fulfill these.  Do the school’s values really speak to you? Are there esteemed professors you’d like to learn from? What about cutting-edge research that you hope to participate in? Narrow your list by focusing on aspects uniquely offered by Columbia. The more specific you can get with your examples, the better!

• Does Columbia offer a niche major or minor that other schools lack? Or a special study abroad program?
• What is distinctive about Columbia in comparison to other Ivies?
• What about the Columbia student experience outside of the classroom attracts you?

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

This is your chance to show what your engineering passion is and why Columbia is the place to see that passion become a reality. With a limit of 150 words for such a robust topic, you will need to be concise yet engaging. To start, do your research about the Colombia Engineering Program–what does it offer and why is it so revered? Then, free-write as though you have a hefty word count while thinking about your preferred area of study and how Columbia and you are meant to be!

• Are you working on a project that you would like to continue on with at Columbia?
• Are there specific classes or resources that excite you?
• Is there a certain professor that you want to study under?

Also see: College essay primer: Show, don’t tell

Summing it all up

Although the Columbia supplemental essays may seem daunting, they are not so bad. The list questions are a low-pressure way of sharing more of your interests. The short answer essays are more about getting to know you. Planning out your answers beforehand ensures that your responses are clear and differentiated. With our tips, your essays are sure to shine! 

Additional resources for students completing Columbia supplemental essays

We know that supplemental essays are just one part of the college application process. Check out our other resources, such as how many colleges to apply to or how to find safety, reach, and match schools . Columbia University, as a private school, also comes with a hefty price tag. Our site also provides information on helping fund your education; for example, How to write a financial aid appeal lette r and Navigating different types of student loans . Remember to apply for all the scholarships that you qualify for  while you are eligible! 

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Columbia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

Columbia University  2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

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

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

How to Write Columbia Supplemental Essays

Your college application is full of lists, from your transcript and test scores to your resume and activity list, but that hasn’t stopped Columbia University! Their supplement asks you to generate yet another list, along with some brand new essay material.  Keep reading to access our expert tips for writing successful Columbia supplemental essays that are sure to impress admissions! 

Columbia Essay Prompts Breakdown

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! 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Columbia Essays

We have been reading Columbia supplemental essays for over twenty years now, so we know a thing or two about the most common mistakes students make. The most common mistakes to avoid are repeating the prompt in your essay (don’t waste your words), trying to sound like an academic (admissions wants to hear your authentic voice!), and using cliches (they’re ineffective and—let’s face it—lazy).

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for Columbia Essays

College Essay Advisors has over twenty years of experience guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for Columbia University. We take a holistic approach to these essays and list, considering each student’s application package as a whole. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful Columbia University supplemental essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants.

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Frequently Asked Questions

That depends on when you’re applying. If you’re applying Early Decision , the supplement is due November 1. If you’re applying Regular Decision, the supplement is due January 1. 

Columbia requires one (1) list of 100 words and four (4) essays of 150 words each.

As per Columbia’s website , “these questions provide insight to your intellectual curiosity, habits of mind, love of learning and sense of self. They also allow the Committee on Admissions to learn more about you in your current community and why you feel Columbia’s distinctive experiences in and out of the classroom would be a good fit for your undergraduate education.” So, in short, admissions is looking to learn more about you, the role you play in your community, and why Columbia is the best place for you to pursue your degree.

In order to make your Columbia essays stand out, you’re going to want to be authentic, do your research so you can pepper specific examples into your Why Essay , and make a strong case for why you will be a great addition to Columbia’s campus community (and vice versa!). The clearer a portrait you can paint for admissions (both of your candidacy and aspirations), the better. Excellent grammar and syntax won’t hurt either!  

Approach Columbia’s “List Questions” with honesty and have some fun! The list serves to provide admissions with deeper insight into the content you enjoy. Of course, we don’t recommend listing all of the Fast and Furious franchise movies when just listing one will show your passion for speed and Vin Diesel. Try to diversify your list. Maybe include a few books, a podcast or two, a TED Talk, an art installation, or a zine. The possibilities are endless. The point is to show admissions what you’re curious about and how you pursue knowledge outside of the classroom

"[My son] got into Columbia!! I will be FOREVER grateful! Beyond your incredible talent and insights, you are one of the warmest and empathetic individuals I’ve met. Thank you!"

– CEA Parent, Columbia University, Class of 2025

"I cannot thank College Essay Advisors enough for all the guidance and great tips on essay writing. I feel I've learned more about improving my writing style through you than I do at school! The one-on-one tutoring is definitely more effective for me, and I believe it played a big role in my gaining acceptance to Columbia."

– CEA Student, Columbia, Class of 2024

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Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 offer a unique opportunity to go beyond numbers and transcripts. They allow you to showcase who you are and what you can bring to Columbia’s vibrant community.

As you embark on this task, remember that each word you write gets you a step closer to walking through the gates of an institution that could shape your future.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Columbia Have?

Regarding Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, the university asks applicants to respond to a series of thoughtfully crafted questions. These questions evaluate your academic prowess and gain insight into your personality, perspectives, and potential Columbia community contributions. In total, you will be required to answer five distinct questions .

Each question serves a specific purpose, allowing the admissions committee to understand different facets of your character and intellect. This process’s challenge and beauty lie in expressing your most authentic self within the concise limit of 150 words for each response.

This brevity demands clarity of thought and precision of language, pushing you to distill your experiences and aspirations into their most potent form. As you prepare to tackle these essays, remember that each is a stepping stone toward showcasing your unique story and fit for Columbia .

What are the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Delving into the specifics, Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 encompass a range of topics, each tailored to elicit responses that reflect your individuality and intellectual curiosity.

• List a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy.  (100 words or fewer)
• A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer)
• In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. It is important to us, therefore, to understand an applicant’s ability to navigate through adversity. Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities, skills or insights you have developed as a result. (150 words or fewer)
• Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (150 words or fewer)
• What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

How to Write the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

Writing Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 is a journey that demands introspection, creativity, and precision. The key is to present a multi-dimensional portrait of yourself that transcends academic achievements and delves into your personality, interests, and perspectives.

Remember, these essays are a chance to stand out in a pool of highly qualified candidates, so infuse your responses with your individuality, experiences, and aspirations.

Columbia Essay Question 1

Question 1 for Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024 invites you to delve into your intellectual life beyond the classroom. This prompt asks you to list texts, resources, and outlets that have shaped your intellectual journey.

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 challenge here is twofold: firstly, to select items that genuinely reflect your interests and have contributed to your intellectual development, and secondly, to do so within a tight 100-word limit. This question is not just about listing your favorite books or podcasts; it’s an opportunity to showcase the diversity of your interests and how they contribute to your overall intellectual profile.

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 1

To effectively respond to Columbia’s first supplemental essay question for 2023-2024, it’s crucial to understand what the prompt is asking. This question is designed to gauge the breadth and depth of your intellectual curiosity outside a formal academic setting. It’s about what you choose to explore, learn, and absorb on your own time.

The admissions committee seeks insights into your interests and how they shape your worldview. This is your chance to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded individual with a thirst for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. It’s not just about listing impressive titles; it’s about showing how these resources have molded your thoughts, opinions, and understanding of the world.

Brainstorming Your Response: Columbia Essay Question 1

When approaching Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, particularly Essay Question 1, it’s essential to delve deep into your intellectual journey and showcase the diverse influences that have shaped your academic and personal growth.

This question isn’t just about listing your favorite books or podcasts; it’s an opportunity to reflect on how various sources have contributed to your intellectual development. Here’s how you can enrich your response:

• Diverse Sources : Aim to include a variety of sources such as books, articles, podcasts, and documentaries. This variety demonstrates a well-rounded intellectual appetite, showing you engage with various ideas and formats. For instance, a novel might have expanded your understanding of different cultures, while a documentary could have sparked a newfound interest in a global issue.
• Personal Impact : Reflect on how each source has impacted you personally. Did a particular book challenge your preconceptions or broaden your worldview? Perhaps a podcast introduced you to a subject that has become a passion. Explain these impacts, as they offer a glimpse into your intellectual growth and curiosity.
• Recent Influences : Concentrate on resources reflecting your interests and intellectual growth. This focus demonstrates your ongoing commitment to learning and evolving. For example, if you’ve recently developed an interest in environmental science, mention the books or articles that have fueled this passion and expanded your knowledge.
• Unique Choices : Choose resources unique and personal to you, steering clear of overly familiar or predictable selections. This uniqueness can set your application apart. If you select a less well-known podcast or a niche book, explain why it’s significant to you and how it’s shaped your perspective.
• Connection to Your Goals : Link these resources to your academic and career aspirations whenever possible. This connection shows that your intellectual pursuits are aligned with your future goals. For instance, if you aspire to a career in law, you might mention how a specific legal podcast or book about justice has influenced your understanding of the field.

Structuring Your Answer for Columbia Essay Question 1

Structuring your answer effectively is critical to making the most of the 100-word limit for Columbia’s first supplemental essay question.

Begin by selecting a mix of resources that collectively paint a picture of your intellectual landscape. Aim for a balance between depth and breadth – a few well-chosen resources showcasing your academic interests and passions. Each item on your list should reflect a different facet of your intellectual curiosity. Avoid lengthy descriptions; instead, opt for brief, impactful phrases that convey the essence of each resource’s influence on you.

Remember, this list is not just an inventory but a narrative of your intellectual journey, so choose and arrange your items to tell a compelling story about your learning and growth.

Columbia Essay Question 2

Columbia Essay Question 2 for the 2023-2024 application cycle delves into personal perspectives and experiences. This prompt is a profound invitation to introspect and articulate an aspect of your life that has significantly shaped your viewpoint.

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.

Columbia University, known for its diverse and inclusive environment, seeks students who benefit from and contribute to this rich tapestry of perspectives. In 150 words or fewer, you are asked to reflect on a part of your identity, experience, or belief system that is pivotal to you.

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 2

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 2 requires a deep dive into your history and the elements that have shaped your worldview. This prompt is not just about stating an experience or belief; it’s about illustrating how this aspect of your life has molded your perspective and how it will enable you to engage with Columbia’s community.

The university is looking for students who bring a unique viewpoint, fostering a learning environment where diverse ideas and experiences are not just welcomed but essential. This essay should communicate your ability to reflect on your experiences, learn from them, and envision how they will allow you to contribute to Columbia’s intellectual and cultural fabric. It’s about showing how your unique perspective will add value to the conversations and experiences on campus.

Brainstorming Your Response: Columbia Essay Question 2

When tackling Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, especially Essay Question 2, it’s crucial to convey how your unique experiences and perspectives will enrich Columbia’s diverse community.

This question invites you to introspect and share how your life experiences have shaped your worldview. Here’s how to deepen your response:

• Identify a Defining Experience : Reflect on an experience that significantly influenced your perspective. This could be an event, a conversation, or a personal challenge. Please explain how this experience stands out in your life and the specific ways it has altered or refined your viewpoint. For instance, volunteering in a community project might have given you insights into societal issues, changing your understanding of the world.
• Personal Growth : Consider how this defining experience contributed to your personal development. Did it make you more empathetic, resilient, or open-minded? Describe your growth process, highlighting the changes in your thoughts, feelings, or actions. For example, overcoming a personal challenge might have taught you the value of perseverance and self-belief.
• Cultural or Community Impact : Reflect on experiences that connect to your cultural background or community involvement. Discuss how these experiences have deepened your understanding of your culture or community and influenced your global perspective. This could include participating in cultural events, community service, or any form of active engagement in your community.
• Challenges Overcome : Share any difficulties you’ve faced and how they’ve shaped your viewpoint. This is about showcasing resilience and the ability to learn from tricky situations. Explain the challenge, your response to it, and the lessons learned. This could range from personal hurdles to academic challenges.
• Learning from Others : Think about times you’ve learned from people with different perspectives. This could be through direct interactions, such as conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, or indirect experiences, like reading a book that presented a different viewpoint. Explain how these interactions or experiences broadened your understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.

Structuring Your Answer for Columbia Essay Question 2

Structuring your Columbia Essay Question 2 answer within the 150-word limit requires focus and clarity.

Start by briefly introducing the aspect of your perspective or experience you have chosen to discuss. This introduction should immediately give the reader a sense of what your paragraph will cover.

Next, delve into how this aspect has shaped you, focusing on specific examples or incidents highlighting your growth and learning. Be concise but vivid in your descriptions.

Finally, tie your personal story back to Columbia’s community. Explicitly state how your experiences and perspectives will allow you to contribute to and benefit from the diverse environment at Columbia. This structure demonstrates self-awareness and reflection and aligns your journey with the values and expectations of Columbia University.

Columbia Essay Question 3

Columbia Essay Question 3 for the 2023-2024 application cycle focuses on resilience and adaptability in facing unforeseen challenges. This prompt asks you to reflect on a time when you encountered a significant barrier or obstacle and discuss the personal qualities, skills, or insights you developed.

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 a concise 150 words or fewer, you are invited to share a story of adversity, not just to highlight the challenge itself but, more importantly, to showcase your response to it. This question is a window into your ability to handle unexpected difficulties, an invaluable skill in a university like Columbia’s dynamic and demanding environment.

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 3

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 3 requires deep introspection into your past experiences where you faced and overcame challenges. The essence of this prompt lies in your ability to articulate not just the adversity itself but the learning and growth that emerged from it. Columbia is interested in how you adapt, learn, and evolve in the face of difficulties.

This essay should convey your resilience, resourcefulness, and creativity in challenging situations. It’s about illustrating your strength of character and your capacity for personal development. The university values students who can turn challenges into opportunities for growth, and this essay is your chance to showcase that ability.

Brainstorming Your Response: Columbia Essay Question 3

Approaching Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, particularly Essay Question 3, requires a deep dive into your experiences of overcoming challenges. This question is an opportunity to showcase your resilience, adaptability, and growth.

It’s about illustrating the challenges you’ve faced and, more importantly, how you’ve navigated through them and what you’ve learned. Here’s how to enrich your response:

• Identify a Meaningful Challenge : Choose an obstacle or barrier significantly impacting your life. This could be a personal setback, an academic hurdle, or any other challenge that tested your resolve. Explain the nature of the challenge and why it was significant to you. For instance, it could be a project that didn’t go as planned, forcing you to find new solutions.
• Personal Growth : Focus on what you learned about yourself through this experience. Reflect on how facing this challenge changed you or helped you grow. Did it reveal strengths you didn’t know you had? Did it change your perspective on failure or success? For example, you might have discovered your ability to stay calm under pressure or to lead a team through a difficult situation.
• Skills Developed : Highlight any skills or abilities you developed while overcoming the challenge. These could be technical skills, like learning new software to complete a project, or soft skills, like improved communication or time management. Be specific about how these skills directly resulted from navigating the challenge.
• Emotional Intelligence : Reflect on any emotional insights or maturity gained. Challenges often teach us about handling emotions like frustration, disappointment, or anxiety. Discuss how you managed these emotions and what you learned about emotional resilience and intelligence.
• Problem-Solving : Discuss any innovative or creative solutions you employed. This is your chance to showcase your ability to think outside the box. Describe the specific strategies or approaches you used to overcome the obstacle. This could include devising a new plan, seeking help from mentors, or learning new skills to tackle the problem.

Structuring Your Answer for Columbia Essay Question 3

Structuring your answer to your Columbia Essay Question 3 within the 150-word limit demands precision and focus. Begin by briefly setting the scene of the challenge you faced. This brief introduction should leave ample room to delve into your response and growth. The bulk of your essay should focus on how you dealt with the adversity: the actions you took, the skills you developed, and the insights you gained. Be specific and personal; this is your story, and the details will make it compelling.

Conclude by reflecting on how this experience has shaped you and prepared you for future challenges, particularly in a college environment like Columbia’s. This structure demonstrates your resilience and connects your story to the qualities Columbia University values.

Columbia Essay Question 4

Columbia Essay Question 4 for the 2023-2024 application cycle invites applicants to articulate their specific reasons for wanting to join this prestigious institution. This prompt is an opportunity to go beyond generic praise and delve into what genuinely attracts you to Columbia University.

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

In a concise 150 words or fewer, you are encouraged to reflect on the aspects of Columbia that resonate most with your academic and personal aspirations. This question is not just about stating your admiration for the university; it’s about connecting your goals, interests, and values to what Columbia uniquely offers.

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 4

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 4 requires thorough research and introspection about what Columbia University specifically offers that aligns with your interests and goals. This prompt seeks to uncover your genuine interest in Columbia beyond its prestigious name.

It’s about identifying and articulating Columbia’s unique features- academic programs, faculty, research opportunities, campus culture, location, or extracurricular activities – that specifically appeal to you. This essay should reflect a clear and well-thought-out reason why Columbia stands out to you among other institutions. It’s an opportunity to show the admissions committee that your decision to apply is based on a strong and specific alignment with what Columbia offers.

Brainstorming Your Response: Columbia Essay Question 4

When crafting your response for Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, especially for Essay Question 4, it’s essential to articulate clearly why Columbia University is your chosen destination.

This question isn’t just about your admiration for the university; it’s an opportunity to connect your academic interests and goals with what Columbia uniquely offers. Here’s how to deepen your response:

• Academic Programs : Identify specific courses or programs at Columbia that align with your academic interests. Research the university’s offerings and pinpoint programs that resonate with your educational goals. For example, if you’re interested in environmental science, mention specific courses at Columbia that focus on sustainability or climate change. Explain why these programs appeal to you and how they fit into your academic journey.
• Faculty and Research Opportunities : Reflect on any faculty members or research opportunities at Columbia that particularly excite you. Perhaps there’s a professor whose work aligns with your academic interests or a research project you would love to participate in. Mention these specifics to demonstrate your knowledge of and enthusiasm for Columbia’s academic community.
• Campus Culture and Community : Consider aspects of Columbia’s campus culture or community that appeal to you. This could be the university’s commitment to diversity, vibrant student life, or its tradition of intellectual rigor. Explain how these aspects resonate with your personality and values and why they make Columbia an ideal place.
• Location Benefits : Reflect on how Columbia’s location in New York City might enhance your educational experience. New York City offers many opportunities for cultural immersion, internships, and networking. Discuss how being in the heart of the city could benefit your academic and professional aspirations.
• Extracurricular Activities : Identify any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities you wish to join at Columbia. This shows your desire to engage with the university community beyond academics. Whether it’s a sports team, a cultural club, or a volunteer organization, explain why these activities interest you and how they align with your interests or goals.

Structuring Your Answer for Columbia Essay Question 4

Structuring your answer to your Columbia Essay Question 4 within the 150-word limit requires a focused and strategic approach.

Start with a clear, engaging opening statement directly addressing why you are drawn to Columbia. Then, delve into one or two specific aspects of the university that particularly appeal to you. These could be academic programs, opportunities for research, campus life, location advantages, or extracurricular activities. Be specific in how these aspects align with your goals and interests. Avoid general statements that could apply to any prestigious university.

Conclude by briefly tying these elements to your personal and academic aspirations, demonstrating a clear and thoughtful connection between what Columbia offers and your plans. This structure will convey your enthusiasm for Columbia and show the admissions committee that your choice of university is well-informed and deliberate.

Columbia Essay Question 5

Columbia Essay Question 5 in the 2023-2024 application cycle is a focused inquiry into your academic interests and how they align with the offerings at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. This prompt requires you to articulate, in 150 words or fewer, what specifically draws you to your chosen field of study at Columbia.

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

It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your passion for a particular subject and how Columbia’s unique academic programs, resources, and opportunities align with your educational and career aspirations.

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 5

Understanding Columbia Essay Question 5 involves deeply reflecting on your academic passions and their connection with what Columbia offers. This prompt is not just about stating your interest in a subject; it’s about demonstrating a clear and thoughtful connection between your academic goals and Columbia’s specific programs and opportunities.

It requires you to know the courses, faculty, research opportunities, and other unique aspects of Columbia’s academic offerings in your area of interest. The admissions committee is seeking evidence that you have chosen Columbia not just for its prestige but because its specific academic environment is the right fit for your educational and professional ambitions.

Brainstorming Your Response: Columbia Essay Question 5

In preparing your response for Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, particularly for Essay Question 5, it’s crucial to demonstrate a clear and passionate connection between your academic interests and what Columbia University offers explicitly.

This question is your opportunity to showcase how Columbia’s unique academic environment aligns with and supports your educational and professional aspirations. Here’s how to enrich your response:

• Specific Programs or Courses : Identify particular programs or courses at Columbia that excite you and align with your interests. Research Columbia’s curriculum and highlight particular courses or programs that stand out. Explain why these programs are appealing – perhaps they offer a unique perspective on your field of study or cover areas you are eager to explore. This shows that you clearly understand what you want to study and why Columbia is the right place.
• Faculty Members : Reflect on any faculty members at Columbia whose work inspires you or with whom you wish to study or conduct research. Mentioning specific faculty members and their research shows that you have a deep interest in your field and know the academic community you will join. Explain how studying or working with these faculty members would benefit your educational journey.
• Research Opportunities : Consider unique research opportunities at Columbia that align with your academic interests. Columbia is known for its research initiatives, so identifying specific exciting opportunities demonstrates your eagerness to engage deeply in your field. Explain how these opportunities align with your academic goals and interests.
• Career Goals : Link how Columbia’s academic offerings can help you achieve your long-term career objectives. Discuss how the skills and knowledge you aim to gain at Columbia will be instrumental in your career path. This shows that you are thinking about your education in the context of your time at Columbia and how it will impact your future.
• Learning Environment : Consider aspects of Columbia’s learning environment that appeal to you, such as interdisciplinary opportunities or teaching methods. Columbia offers a unique educational environment; highlighting what attracts you explicitly demonstrates that you have thought about how you learn best and how Columbia can facilitate that learning.

Structuring Your Answer for Columbia Essay Question 5

Structuring your answer to Columbia Essay Question 5 within the 150-word limit requires a concise and focused approach.

Begin with a clear statement of your chosen area of study and what precisely about this field excites you. Then, delve into how Columbia’s specific offerings– courses, faculty, research opportunities, or resources – align with and enhance your academic interests and goals. Be clear and detailed in your examples to demonstrate your knowledge of and fit with Columbia’s programs.

Conclude by tying these academic interests to your broader educational and career aspirations, illustrating how Columbia is the ideal place to grow and succeed in your chosen field. This structure will effectively communicate your enthusiasm for your study area and your thoughtful consideration of how Columbia is the right place to pursue it.

Writing Tips for Columbia Supplemental Essays

When approaching Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s essential to understand that they are a unique opportunity to present yourself as more than just grades and test scores. They are a platform for you to articulate your voice, experiences, and aspirations.

To excel in these essays, you must blend storytelling with introspection, presenting your ideas in a way that engages and reflects your true self. Remember, each essay is a piece of a giant puzzle that comes together to portray who you are. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach each prompt thoughtfully, ensuring that your responses collectively present a well-rounded and authentic picture of your identity and potential.

Emphasizing Authenticity and Self-Reflection

The cornerstone of compelling responses to Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 lies in authenticity and self-reflection. Authenticity means being true to yourself, not just saying what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.

It’s about sharing your genuine thoughts, experiences, and aspirations. Self-reflection is equally critical; it involves digging deep into your experiences and understanding how they have shaped you. Reflect on your motivations, challenges, successes, and lessons learned. This reflective process leads to more genuine essays and helps you articulate your experiences and aspirations with greater clarity and conviction.

Balancing Creativity with Clarity and Coherence

While creativity is a valuable asset in writing your essays, it must be balanced with clarity and coherence. Creative approaches, such as storytelling or unique structures, can make your essays stand out, but they should not come at the expense of clear and coherent communication.

Your essays should be easily understandable and logically organized. Each sentence and paragraph should flow naturally into the next, clearly connecting to the prompt. Remember, the goal is to convey your message effectively; sometimes, simplicity can be the most powerful tool.

Importance of Proofreading and Seeking Feedback

Finally, proofreading and seeking feedback are an often overlooked but crucial aspect of writing Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024. Proofreading is not just about checking for grammatical errors or typos; it’s also about ensuring that your essays are coherent, concise, and free of ambiguity.

Additionally, getting feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers can provide new perspectives on your writing. Others can help you identify areas that need more clarity and might be misunderstood or suggest ways to make your essays more compelling.

Remember, writing is a process, and revisions are a critical part of this process. Taking the time to refine your essays can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived.

As we wrap up our guide on Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s essential to recognize that these essays are more than just a requirement for your college application; they are a canvas for your personal and intellectual expression.

Each essay offers a unique opportunity to showcase different facets of your personality, your experiences, and your aspirations. The process of writing these essays can be as enlightening as it is challenging, providing you with a deeper understanding of who you are and what you want to achieve.

Remember, each word you write is a step towards painting a comprehensive picture of yourself for the admissions committee. This picture goes beyond grades and scores to reveal the person behind the application.

Encouragement to Embrace the Essay-Writing Process as a Journey of Self-Discovery

Approaching the essay-writing process for Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 as a journey of self-discovery is beneficial for creating compelling narratives and your personal growth. This process encourages you to reflect on your past experiences, interests, and aspirations. It pushes you to articulate your thoughts, beliefs, and values. As you write, you may uncover aspects of yourself that you hadn’t fully realized or appreciated before.

Embrace this opportunity to delve into your experiences, celebrate your achievements, and candidly acknowledge the challenges you’ve faced and overcome. This introspective journey can be enriching, providing clarity and direction as you prepare to embark on your college journey.

Final Motivational Words for Aspiring Columbia Applicants

To all aspiring Columbia applicants, remember that your application, especially your essays, is a unique narrative of your life. It’s your story, told in your voice. Be bold in sharing your experiences, be honest in expressing your thoughts, and be confident in showcasing your aspirations.

Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024 are your opportunity to stand out, to demonstrate what makes you unique, and to show how you would contribute to and benefit from Columbia’s vibrant community.

So, take a deep breath, embrace the challenge, and put your best foot forward. Your journey to Columbia is not just about getting accepted; it’s about starting the next exciting chapter of your life. Good luck, and may your essays truly reflect your potential and passion.

Additional Resources

As you begin crafting Columbia’s supplemental essays for 2023-2024, it’s beneficial to arm yourself with various resources. These resources can provide guidance, inspiration, and practical tips for writing compelling essays.

They range from books and articles offering insights into effective writing techniques to online platforms specializing in college admissions advice. Utilizing these resources can enhance your understanding of what makes a strong college essay and give you the tools to communicate your unique story, experiences, and aspirations effectively.

List of Books and Articles

Several books and articles can benefit those looking to deepen their understanding of essay writing. “On Writing the College Application Essay” by Harry Bauld is a classic guide that offers timeless advice on crafting a memorable essay. “College Essay Essentials” by Ethan Sawyer provides a step-by-step guide to writing college essays, including exercises and examples.

Additionally, articles like “The Art of the College Essay” by Gabrielle Glancy can offer valuable insights into the nuances of essay writing. These resources provide practical tips and help you understand the art of storytelling and how to convey your personality and experiences in your essays effectively.

Online Resources for Essay Writing and College Admissions

In today’s digital age, numerous online resources are available to assist with essay writing and college admissions. E ducational platforms such as Khan Academy and Coursera offer courses on college admissions and essay writing.

These online resources are invaluable for gaining diverse perspectives and expert advice, helping you craft essays that resonate with admissions committees and reflect your true potential as a candidate for Columbia University.

Take Your College Admissions Journey to New Heights with AdmissionSight

Are you inspired to craft compelling essays for Columbia University and other prestigious institutions? At AdmissionSight , we understand the intricacies and challenges of the college admissions process.

Our expert team is dedicated to guiding ambitious students like you through every step of their journey to success. Our personalized approach highlights your unique strengths and experiences, ensuring your application stands out in the competitive landscape of elite college admissions.

Join AdmissionSight Today and Transform Your College Application Experience!

• Expert Guidance : Receive one-on-one support from experienced consultants who understand what top universities are looking for.
• Essay Crafting Excellence : Let us help you develop essays that resonate with admissions committees, showcasing your intellect, passions, and potential.
• Strategic Planning : Benefit from our strategic insights into the admissions process, enhancing your application’s impact and appeal.

Embark on your journey to Columbia University and other elite institutions with confidence and clarity. Contact AdmissionSight now to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward realizing your college dreams. Your future awaits, and we are here to help you seize it!

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Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Columbia University is a highly ranked private institution located in New York City. It is not only one of the most sought after colleges in New York , but also in the nation and world. As such, Columbia Admissions receives thousands of impressive applications each admissions cycle. Successful applications have more than stellar academic records and varied extracurriculars. They have strong Columbia supplemental essays and a compelling why Columbia essay.

Before we jump into how to write your own Columbia supplemental essays, let’s learn a bit more about the university. Columbia is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. As one of eight Ivy League colleges in the United States, it’s no surprise Columbia is highly competitive . The university is ranked #18 in National Universities and reports a selective 6% acceptance rate. 

Are you wondering how to get into Columbia University?

Don’t let Columbia’s prestigious reputation dissuade you from applying. Columbia takes a holistic approach to how they review applications. Admissions is interested in your academic record, letters of recommendation, your background and unique attributes, and your essays.

While there’s no singular approach for how to get into Columbia, supplemental essays play a significant role in admissions decisions. Writing application essays can be challenging, which is why we’ve put together our guide to the Columbia Supplemental Essays. In this guide, we will cover Columbia University requirements and how to approach the Columbia essay prompts, including the why Columbia essay. And, we’ll give you plenty of tips for writing your own essays.

Columbia Essay: Quick Facts

Columbia university essay quick facts.

• Columbia University acceptance rate: 6% – U.S. News ranks Columbia as a highly selective school.
• Early Decision: November 1 st  
• Questbridge: November 1 st   
• Regular Decision: February 15 th  
• 1 personal essay 
• 5 short answer essays 
• Coalition App
• Questbridge
• Columbia Essay Tip: Don’t be intimidated by the number of Columbia supplemental essays. The short answer essays are only 100-150 words and can be tackled in just a few well-constructed sentences. 

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does Columbia require essays?

Yes, the Columbia University requirements include a personal statement and several school-specific Columbia supplemental essays. Let’s discuss the longest Columbia essay first. Depending on your application method, you will need to submit a Personal Statement (Coalition App) or a Personal Essay (Common App). While the essay prompts are different for each application platform, the goals of each are very similar. 

Coalition Application

The Coalition application provides the following Personal Statement prompts for students to choose from: 

Coalition Application Personal Statement Prompts

1. tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it., 2. what interests or excites you how does it shape who you are now or who you might become in the future, 3. describe a time when you had a positive impact on others. what were the challenges what were the rewards, 4. has there been a time when an idea or belief of yours was questioned how did you respond what did you learn, 5. what success have you achieved, or obstacle have you faced what advice would you give a sibling or friend going through a similar experience, 6. submit an essay on a topic of your choice., common application.

The Common App provides the following Personal Essay prompts for students to choose from:

Common Application Personal Statement Prompts

1. 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., 2. 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, 3. reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. what prompted your thinking what was the outcome, 4. 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, 5. discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others., 6. 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, 7. 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., choosing a prompt for your personal statement.

Reading through each of the Columbia essay prompts above, you might be overwhelmed trying to pick just one to respond to. While deciding on a prompt is an important decision, all of these prompts have something in common. They are all designed to give students the opportunity to discuss a broad range of interests, identities, and experiences. Remember, the goal of this Columbia essay is to give the admissions committee insight into who you are and what you care about.

Your personal statement is a core component of your application and often has the longest word count. In general, you should aim for your personal essay to be between 500 to 650 words. However, having a specific number of words is far less important than your ability to make every word count. That means not including superfluous details and being sure you don’t leave your reader with more questions than answers. For more resources on writing a stellar personal statement, check out our “Writing About You: Personal Statement” webinar . 

In addition to the Columbia personal statement or personal essay, the Columbia University requirements include several short answer essays . These short answer essays are also known as the Columbia supplemental essays. Later on, we’ll take an in-depth look at each of these Columbia supplemental essays and how to approach each prompt. 

How many essays does Columbia have?

Columbia University requires applicants to submit a total of 6 essays (1 personal statement essay and 5 Columbia supplemental essays). This may seem like a lot of writing, but it is not as intimidating as it sounds. The personal statement is an essay that you will likely use for all of the colleges you apply to. So, there is no need to write a separate personal statement for Columbia. However, you should think about your college list and what personal essay topic might be the most fitting for the schools you are applying to. 

The other 5 Columbia essay prompts are all short answers, meaning they only require a few sentences to respond to. Each of the short answer Columbia essay prompts is designed to address Columbia University’s values , mission, and academic features. The goal of these essays is to show the admissions committee why you would be a good fit for Columbia University. We’ll cover the specific details and lengths of each of the Columbia essay prompts later in this guide. 

Supplementary Materials

Separate from the Columbia supplemental essays, Columbia gives students the opportunity to discuss a research project that they conducted. This question asks the applicant to provide an abstract, essentially a short written summary detailing the nature of their research. Additionally, students can submit creative portfolios in areas such as architecture, creative writing, dance, and drama. While the Columbia supplemental essays are required, remember these are both considered supplementary materials and are completely optional!

Columbia Short Answer Essays

The Columbia Office of Admissions refers to the short answer Columbia essay prompts as Columbia-Specific Application Questions . There are 5 Columbia essay prompts for students to respond to. Unlike the personal statement, where students can pick from a selection of prompts, students are required to answer all 5 of the Columbia essay prompts. 

Columbia University Short Answer Essay Prompts

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) ”, 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), 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), 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), 5. what attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia college or columbia engineering  (150 words or fewer).

Admissions gives specific guidelines for students to follow when answering the first prompt:

“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, and no author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.”

For more insight into the Columbia admissions process and how to make your Columbia supplemental essays stand out check out the video below from a Columbia admissions officer:

Remember, when writing your Columbia supplemental essays, be sure your first essay is formatted according to the conditions above. And, be sure to note the word limits provided for each of the Columbia essay prompts. (Prompt #1 is 100 words or fewer, whereas prompts #2-#5 are 150 words or fewer!)

Tips for approaching Columbia Short Answer Essays

Now, let’s discuss how to approach each of the Columbia supplemental essays. Each essay has a particular topic and focus. When discussing the short answer Columbia supplemental essays, we’ll refer to them as:

• The list essay
• The inclusion essay
• The adversity essay
• The why school essay
• The why major essay

Let’s start with the first of the Columbia essay prompts: the list essay!

The list essay is the one short answer Columbia supplemental essay that does not require you to write in complete sentences. Instead, this Columbia essay prompt instructs you to compose a list. However, don’t underestimate this question because it is structured differently than other Columbia supplemental essays. Through your list, admissions will get a sense of what type of literature and media you consume and consider impactful.

The first step to conquering the list essay is a brainstorming session. Write down all the content you find meaningful or that has a positive, recurring presence in your life. Then you can begin reducing that list to the content you would most like to include. Your final list should include a diverse set of content that has had a varied impact on your development. For example, one of your artifacts might be something that influenced you spiritually. Another may have influenced you intellectually or even socially. This Columbia essay is a great way to show how dynamic you are and where your interests lie. 

Inclusion Essay

The cultural diversity essay is another common supplemental essay for many colleges. This Columbia essay prompt begins by stating Columbia’s commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion . Diversity on a college campus leads to a rich academic and social experience that reflects varied perspectives and identities.

When considering the identities you hold, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when discussing your background and lived experiences. Your gender, region of origin, ethnicity, culture, and religion are all examples of identities that might have shaped you. Beyond simply stating an aspect of your identity, you’ll want to share how that translates to the way in which you see the world. You’ll also want to touch on how your experiences impact the way in which you learn from and share with others. 

Adversity Essay

The adversity essay prompt seeks to understand how the applicant has navigated adversity in their life. Students can sometimes struggle when asked to write about challenges as they often feel like they are sharing their weaknesses. However, if you are able to look at those challenges through a lens of learning and growth, so will your reader.

Understanding how an applicant overcomes a challenge is one of the best ways to envision their success on Columbia’s campus. After all, college is challenging. Admissions officers want to see that you have experience facing challenges head-on and growing from those experiences.

Why School Essay

Next, let’s discuss the why Columbia essay. The why Columbia essay is like your standard why school essay. The why Columbia essay may be worded slightly differently than other why school prompts, but they’re asking the same questions. Why are you interested in this college? What do you intend to do here? How can you contribute to the campus community?

Your job in this essay is to paint a picture of why you are a great fit for Columbia’s campus. You should articulate how you would benefit from attending Columbia and how Columbia might benefit from having you on campus. In college admissions, this connection is often referred to as “fit”. Your why Columbia essay should make the case that Columbia is the best fit for your college experience. 

Why Major Essay

The why major essay is similar to the why Columbia essay. However, this Columbia essay is asking you to reflect on your specific major of interest. Similar to the why Columbia essay, you’ll want to do your research before attempting to answer this Columbia essay. Topics you might explore are research opportunities and unique academic features of your major as well as related clubs and organizations.

When writing your why major essay, don’t make the mistake of just listing facts about your major at Columbia. Make sure you are articulating why these features are important to you and how they’ll help you thrive in your studies.

Next, let’s discuss how the Admissions team uses your responses to the Columbia essay prompts in their holistic admissions review. 

Columbia Supplemental Essays

Columbia supplemental essays are designed to gather very specific information from each applicant. As we discussed earlier in the article, Columbia uses a holistic admissions approach . This means, Columbia is interested in more than just your GPA and the number of advanced courses you’ve taken. They are equally interested in your values and unique interests.

Columbia University is no longer able to offer interviews as part of the application process. This makes the Columbia supplemental essays your best opportunity to make a personal connection with the admissions committee. To learn more about how your Columbia supplemental essays are evaluated, check out this video about Columbia supplemental essays.

How to write the Columbia supplemental essays

Writing strong Columbia supplemental essays is crucial to crafting a strong overall application. There are some technical aspects that are critical to the success of your Columbia supplemental essays. Your spelling, grammar, and essay structure should be exemplary of a strong high school or even college level essay. To help you catch any careless writing errors, you can ask someone else to read over your Columbia supplemental essays. However, having a proofread essay is just the baseline. 

Effective Columbia supplemental essays have a strong narrative, are easy to follow, and address the Columbia essay prompts in their entirety. A strong narrative means you have chosen effective stories and examples to best answer the Columbia essay prompts. Details to support your perspective or argument are critical for the admissions committee to easily follow your essay. And of course, it is important to answer the Columbia essay prompts completely. 

Finding your voice

In addition to these elements, one of the most important features of strong Columbia supplemental essays is authenticity . This is often referred to as allowing your “voice” to be heard throughout your Columbia supplemental essays. This can be achieved by writing in a tone and using words that are natural to you. Being honest and even vulnerable in your essay can also leave the admissions committee feeling like they’ve really heard you. Many of the Columbia essay prompts are perfect canvases for a personal and introspective essay. Take advantage of the breadth of Columbia essay prompts and choose topics that capture your unique perspective. 

For more guidance on how to write strong Columbia supplemental essays, check out our guide on Columbia essay examples. Some of the Columbia essay examples are from previous admissions cycles. But, they can still be helpful with approaching this year’s essay prompts!

QuestBridge Applicants to Columbia University

Students interested in Columbia University can also apply through Questbridge. Questbridge is a nonprofit organization that partners with over 50 colleges and universities across the country. Their partners include top schools including the University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt University, and of course Columbia University. Students applying to Columbia through Questbridge have a slightly different admissions process. 

Questbridge applicants should not fill out an application on the Common App or the Coalition application. Instead, students will apply to Columbia University through the QuestBridge application. Questbridge has a unique approach to enrolling students at some of the top colleges in the nation. National College Match takes the place of traditional Columbia admissions decisions. However, the Questbridge application requires the same five short answer essays as the Common App and the Coalition application. 

Check out the CollegeAdvisor guide to QuestBridge scholarships below and learn more about how to apply today!

The Questbridge Scholarship Guide

Does Columbia care about essays?

Columbia cares deeply about essays. Each year, admissions officers around the country put great thought into the supplemental essay questions. Each of the Columbia essay prompts is directly connected to what the admissions committee is looking for. For example, the why Columbia essay tells the admissions committee if you would be a good fit for Columbia University. Like the why Columbia essay, the why major essay helps the committee understand how you might succeed in the classroom.

Columbia supplemental essays, like the why Columbia essay, are used in conjunction with all your other application materials. When evaluated together, each piece allows the admissions committee to develop an understanding of who you are personally and academically. 

How do I make my Columbia essays stand out?

Many students wonder how to make their Columbia supplemental essays stand out from the larger application pool. For selective institutions like Columbia, there is no shortage of talented applicants. At this level of selectivity, it may seem impossible to differentiate yourself from the rest. But the best way to make your Columbia supplemental essays stand out is to be true to yourself!

The best essays are personal, transparent, and unique to you. Instead of trying to guess what admissions wants to hear about, lead with what you are most passionate about. There is no universal strategy for writing a stand-out essay. The strengths of each student will always be unique to the applicant. So, spend your energy on identifying and discussing the things that make you, you! 

Columbia Supplemental Essays – 5 Takeaways

Are you still wondering how to get into Columbia? Here are 5 key takeaways to help you impress the Columbia admissions officers:

Remember these things for your Columbia supplemental essays:

• Your personal essay is the longest essay required by Columbia University. Make sure you are strategic about discussing a topic that won’t feel redundant once the committee reads your supplemental essays. 
• The why Columbia essay and why major essays can be powerful prompts to help sway admissions officers. Use the why Columbia essay to articulate why Columbia University is the best fit for you overall. Then, include any additional major-specific details in your why major essay.
• The short answer essays are brief, but don’t underestimate these questions. Like the why Columbia essay, each Columbia essay highlights a question or topic that is core to the college’s values. 
• Preparation often leads to the best product. Dedicate time to brainstorming, outlining, writing, and revising your essays. You won’t want to wait until the last minute for any of these important essay-writing steps. 
• Let your authenticity shine through! Your Columbia supplemental essays are the only place in your Columbia application to address the admissions team in your own voice. Whether you are writing your why Columbia essay or your adversity essay, stay focused on who you are! (And not who you think admissions wants you to be.)

In addition to these Columbia supplemental essay takeaways, CollegeAdvisor has countless additional resources to help you through the application process . Check out our essay guides and examples and our webinar panel with Columbia University students.

This essay guide was written by Chelsea Holley. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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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 applications for Fall 2025 are now available.

Apply through Coalition Application on Scoir

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] .

Understanding the Process

Testing Policy

Application Fees and Fee Waivers

English Proficiency Requirements

Add Project Key Words

A Guide to the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

Padya Paramita

August 22, 2022

Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia University has long been one of the most competitive schools in the world. Consistently ranked among the top five colleges in the U.S., Columbia attracts a wide range of students from all over the world. Although it is no easy task, it’s time to think about ways to distinguish yourself among a strong pool of applicants. If your interest in Columbia stems from genuine enthusiasm towards the unique opportunities offered by the school, then the Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 can help you bolster your candidacy. 

The Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 are designed to help the admissions committee understand your intellectual pursuits, interests outside the classroom, and the real motivations behind your interest in Columbia beyond its esteemed ranking. Help the admissions officers understand why you’d be an ideal Columbia student by carefully considering and answering the prompts below. To guide you through a smooth-sailing writing process, I’ve outlined each prompt, provided some tips and tricks for answering them, and included some further advice to help you write your Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023

Prompts for the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

For the following questions, we ask that you list each individual response using commas or semicolons; the items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order. No explanatory text or formatting is needed. (For example, it is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.)

• List the titles of the 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) 

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 2022-2023 , 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.

A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia's diverse and collaborative community. (200 words or fewer)

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 2022-2023 has given you flexibility by listing some possible examples of the type of community you might write about — as well as saying “another community” if it’s more applicable.

As you brainstorm, start thinking about all of the communities you interact with on a daily basis—school, student group, sports team, neighborhood organization, family, etc. From there, think about what—from any of these communities—you’ve had the most impact on and why. The list could go on, but may include things like helping your parents with your siblings, or stepping up as a leader to initiate a new community center in your neighborhood. From there, you want to think about how your skills can benefit others, specifically at Columbia University.  When approaching this essay, try to be as specific as possible. 200 words is a short essay, so make sure you get straight to the point and explain the unique contributions you would bring from your current life to Columbia. 

Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words or fewer)

Now we come to the “why this school” portion of the Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 . 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.

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)

Continuing from the “why Columbia” question, this prompt among the Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 asks you to delve deeper into the academic aspect of your interest in Columbia. A memorable answer to this prompt should successfully tie in where your passion for your academic interest stems from, as well as how Columbia can help you explore it further. 

If you’ve chosen creative writing, for example, think about when this interest started, how your love for the topic grew, and how you’ve honed your writing skills.  Perhaps you participated in competitions or creative writing clubs. Anecdotes outlining these activities and accomplishments should dominate your essay. If you have space remaining, talk about how Columbia’s creative writing program is the perfect place to help you as a budding writer. Is there a professor whose writing you’ve followed? Are there any specific courses that perfectly suit the genre you dream of mastering someday such as WRIT UN2110 Seminar Approaches to the Short Story?

No matter which field of study you’ve chosen, admissions officers should leave with no doubts regarding your dedication and commitment to the discipline. Columbia appreciates individuals who avidly pursue intellectual growth . Use your answer to demonstrate that your interest in the topic is deep and sustained. 

For applicants to Columbia Engineering, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)

This prompt is the same as the previous one - but only for engineering applicants. Just like applicants to Columbia College, your answer to this question should focus on tying in your previous engineering experiences to the opportunities available to you at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering at Columbia. Don’t just write about engineering as a broad discipline. Think about the area you’ve chosen - such as Electrical Engineering or Earth & Environmental Engineering - and express how your curiosity about that specific field arose. 

Detail any specific instances of you working with topics that fall under your chosen concentration. If you want to study computer science, for example, what specific experiences do you have with programming or app-building? Was there a particular incident where you decided that this was the field for you? Then, connect your answer to the Fu Foundation School. Which courses under Columbia Engineering’s Computer Science curriculum fit with your plans the most? Is there a particular research program that perfectly augments your interest within computer science?

Your experiences and active persuasion of your choice of concentration should leave admissions officers with the confidence that you’re not just a good fit for Columbia, but for Columbia Engineering specifically. 

In Columbia’s admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals and achievements. In the last words of this writing supplement, we would like you to reflect on a source of happiness. Help us get to know you further by describing the first thing that comes to mind when you consider what simply brings you joy. (35 words or fewer)

This is a new prompt for the 2022-2023 edition! The school values students who are particularly invested in activities and topics that are meaningful to them, no matter what the scale. If you have a meaningful hobby that isn’t a conventional extracurricular per se, or you have a favorite movie that you watch over and over again, Columbia is telling you to write about it. Just the introductory paragraph to most essays requires over 200 words—you might find it difficult to restrain yourself to just 35 words while talking about your favorite pastime. In order to get your point across, you need to put less emphasis on describing the activity or object—mention the word or phrase and then write a couple of sentences about why it brings you joy.

Further Tips on answering the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

• Let Your Personality Shine - The purpose of the Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 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 2022-2023 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 2022-2023 can convincingly harmonize with your application persona and portray authentic interest in your field of choice.

Your answers to the Columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 should convey who you are through an exploration of topics you’re interested in and how you want to continue pursuing them in college. When reading your responses, admissions officers should clearly understand what your goals are and how Columbia can help you get there. By perfectly blending your passions with what appeals to you about Columbia, you should be able to write standout essays that help separate you from the rest of the impressive applicant pool. Best of luck!

Tags : columbia supplemental essays 2022-2023 , columbia university , How to Get Into Columbia , applying to columbia , columbia essays

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How to write the columbia university essays, updated for 2024-2025, instructions .

For the list question that follows, there is a 100-word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering this question:

– Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons. – Items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order. – It is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. – No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.

For the four short answer questions, please respond in 150 words or fewer.

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.

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)*

Explanation:

This question is a great opportunity to further showcase the diversity of your intellectual interests and pursuits. While the prompt is specifically asking about resources that have enriched your intellectual development, consider how you might add depth and dimension to your core academic interests—for instance, you could select resources that tie those interests to real-world problems, show your interdisciplinary curiosity, or deepen your knowledge through a unique medium. Did you deepen your knowledge of architecture through the virtual landscape of video games? Become passionate about Classics after taking a virtual tour of Pompeii? Gain an interest in data analytics after watching an Edward Tufte lecture on YouTube? This is the place to share about your interest in those resources.

Don’t write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear—this question is about your authentic interests, and the more genuine you are, the more likely you’ll be to catch the eye of your readers. If you like to read graphic novels and explore operatic performances in your free time, this is the place to showcase it!

SPQR by Mary Beard, The History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer, The Histories by Herodotus, ​​sententiae antiquae blog, The Digital Sappho, HBO’s Rome, Age of Bronze by Eric Shanower, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, The British Museum, Bad Ancient Blog, Perseus Digital Library, Logeion app, Theater of War Productions, DuoLingo Latin, NerdWriter, Eidolon, Working Classicists, Circe by Madeline Miller

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 asking this question, the Columbia admissions committee is seeking to learn a little bit about your prior experiences working with and learning from people who are different from you, as well as gauge how interested you are in having similar experiences in college. The prompt specifically asks the writer to point to a specific aspect of their perspective that shapes the way they engage with others’ who have dissimilar points of view. While this could be an aspect of your culture or identity, note that there is an active component to the prompt—you should choose something about yourself that has shaped how you engage in the communities you are a part of. Be sure to select a quality that you have thought about and can demonstrate in clear and tangible ways. Perhaps you had an experience that taught you the power of collaboration or influenced your approach to dealing with people who hold opposing beliefs. You should share details about the experience, highlighting the specific aspect of your personality you are seeking to convey, then discuss how you believe the experience will help you contribute to Columbia’s community.

Most people experience music through headphones, escaping into their own world. However, growing up as a trained classical musician instilled in me the belief that music is, at its core, a social and intersectional practice. As I have played with other musicians, I have experienced firsthand the power of music to form communities and foster intimate connections between people whose paths would not otherwise cross. As a result, the practice room has become my favorite classroom; whether to learn a technical skill, a social convention, or a cultural phenomenon conveyed through a jazz standard or Gregorian chant.

At Columbia, I plan to continue sharing my music with others and joining the vibrant community of musicians on campus. I would love to play in the Columbia University Orchestra to continue developing my ensemble skills, and learn to perform and arrange other genres of music as a member of Columbia Pops.

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)*

When responding to Columbia University’s prompt about navigating adversity, it’s crucial to be both reflective and concise given the 150 word limit—and this can be a tricky balance. First, note that because of its length, this essay is not an opportunity to list every obstacle you have faced or describe in depth the reasons that a particular challenge was significant. Start by identifying one specific barrier or obstacle you’ve overcome. The prompt is most concerned with your response to the obstacle rather than the obstacle itself, so don’t worry about choosing something that will elicit sympathy from or impress the admissions officers, but instead choose an experience in which you truly took charge of a tough situation and found a creative solution.

Next, focus on the personal qualities, skills, or insights you developed as a result of navigating this challenge. Columbia is looking for evidence of resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness. For example, if you overcame a fear of public speaking, you might discuss how you developed confidence, learned to articulate your thoughts under pressure, and became a more effective communicator. Your response should emphasize your active role in innovating a solution and integrating your learning into your perspective moving forward. Finally, highlight how this experience shaped your character and prepared you for the challenges of college life.

Despite performing regularly on stage since the age of seven, I began developing stage fright in ninth grade. What was once second nature suddenly became difficult—my hands began to shake, and I would get dizzy as I approached the stage. I had to bring music with me onstage as I feared that I would freeze in front of the audience.

Though my anxiety made me feel paralyzed on stage, I sprung into action off stage. I began researching the psychology behind stage fright and collected anecdotal techniques from online communities of people who had similar experiences. I researched performance psychology and watched hours of interviews given by professional musicians and performers around the world. By seeking to understand and analyze my experience, I not only found the tools to overcome my debilitating anxiety, but I also developed an abiding interest in performance and psychology.

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)*

The “Why Columbia” essay is your prime opportunity to showcase your unique interest in the institution. With just 150 words, being specific and concise is critical when writing this prompt. As a result, you will want to avoid both praising the prestige of the institution—the admissions committee is well aware of Columbia’s reputation—and writing about why you’re excited to attend college in New York City—there are other schools in the city, and describing the opportunities NYC has to offer does not indicate why Columbia specifically appeals to you. Consider discussing specific professors and the classes that they teach or check out some of the many clubs and organizations on campus. Most importantly, think about your past experiences and identity, and try to express how you see yourself contributing positively to the student body at Columbia.

As soon as I stepped into Butler Library, dwarfed by the soaring gold ceilings, I knew I wanted to continue my educational journey as a member of Columbia’s campus community. As I continue my research in music and psychology at Columbia, I’m excited to examine the neurobiological and cultural factors involved in creativity. I would be eager to work with Geraldine Downey, whose work on identity and social perception aligns with my own. Her emerging research on intersecting identities as assets for coping with stress is an intriguing line of inquiry that I would like to explore taking her courses or through in an independent study.

In combination with the Core Curriculum, I hope to not only better understand human thought and behavior through the study of psychology, but also to develop a more nuanced and full understanding of the cultural and philosophical roots of such thoughts and behaviors.

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

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

The final prompts (from which students select the relevant school to which they are applying) ask students not only why they want to study at Columbia, but why they want to study their specific major at the institution. As you respond, your goal is to convey your passion for the field(s) you intend to study, demonstrate your familiarity with the field, and explain how Columbia will specifically prepare you to reach your academic and professional goals.

Start by briefly explaining what initially drew you to your intended area of study. This could be an experience, a book, a class, or a personal interest that sparked your curiosity. Then, highlight how Columbia’s programs, faculty, and resources will allow you to explore this interest further. Mention specific aspects of the curriculum, research opportunities, or academic centers at Columbia that align with your academic goals. If you are concerned that your response is not specific enough, ask yourself whether the same could be said of another institution. If you could repurpose this essay for another supplemental essay prompt, your response is too general.

Finally, show that your interest goes beyond just wanting to major in a subject. Illustrate how you intend to engage with your field both inside and outside the classroom, such as through interdisciplinary studies, seminars, or related extracurricular activities.

My fascination with linguistics began when I realized how my bilingual upbringing allowed me to switch seamlessly between cultures and ideas, easily swapping one linguistic vocabulary for another. Columbia’s Department of Linguistics, with its interdisciplinary approach and renowned faculty like Professor John McWhorter, offers the perfect environment for me to explore these intricacies further. I’m particularly drawn to the department’s hands-on approach to linguistic study, whether through courses such as Prof. Perlin’s class on endangered languages in New York City or the many study abroad opportunities that would allow me to pursue my interests in practical and contextual ways. Columbia’s unique Core Curriculum will also allow me to examine linguistic concepts through the lenses of history, philosophy, and literature, enriching my understanding of how language both reflects and influences human thought. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with my desire to study the intersection of language, culture, and cognition.

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Canada’s wildfire season ranks among worst but less severe than feared

A devastated neighbourhood in west Jasper, Alta., on Aug. 19. AMBER BRACKEN/The Canadian Press

With summer drawing to a close in Canada, the 2024 wildfire season is shaping up as one of the most destructive on record, largely owing to the devastation caused by a blaze that ripped through a tourist town in the Canadian Rockies.

Based on total area scorched, the season ranks among the top six over the past half-century. Even so, 2024 is turning out to be much less severe than last year – the worst on record – and not as bad as many had feared.

The total cost of wildfire damage this year surged in July when a third of the popular tourist town of Jasper, Alta., was destroyed by a blaze. The fire caused an estimated $880-million in insured damages, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

In total, 5.3 million hectares have burned to date in 2024, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, and more than 600 fires are still raging across the country, mainly in British Columbia.

That makes 2024 the worst season since 1995, with the exception of last year, when a record-breaking 17 million hectares burned and released more carbon than some of the world’s largest-carbon emitting countries.

Wildfire season in Canada typically runs from April, when the snow melts, until September or October, with activity peaking in July and August. Climate scientists say average temperatures will rise in Canada as the world warms, leading to longer and more destructive wildfire seasons.

In April the Canadian government warned 2024 could potentially be another “catastrophic” wildfire season due on continuing drought in the western provinces and forecasts of a hotter-than-average summer.

“We were bracing ourselves for what could potentially have been as bad a year as 2023,” Alberta Wildfire information manager Christie Tucker said, adding the province added a third night-vision helicopter, hired an extra 100 firefighters and declared an early start to the 2024 season as a precaution. But dry conditions in June and July and an unusually high number of lightning-caused fires still sparked hundreds of blazes across the province, including the one that hit Jasper.

“That had a significant impact on everyone in Alberta,” Ms. Tucker added.

The threat of nearby wildfires prompted Suncor Energy, Canada’s second-largest oil company, to curtail production at its Firebag site in Northern Alberta, but the impact on oil supply was much less than some previous summers.

Wildfire agencies also had to contend with scores of so-called zombie fires that ignited last summer and burned throughout the long Canadian winter.

“I have never seen a year like that where there’s been so much fire that was because of a previous year. Some of them were the size of Prince Edward Island, they were just huge,” said Mike Flannigan, a wildfire expert and research chair at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia.

Prince Edward Island, one of Canada’s Maritime provinces, has an area of 566,000 hectares, about the same size as the Toronto metropolitan area.

Mr. Flannigan estimated that almost half a million hectares, or nearly 10 per cent, of the land burned in Canada in 2024 was owing to overwintering fires from 2023.

Fewer evacuation orders and less widespread smoke – which last year affected millions of people across the northeastern United States as well as Canada – contributed to a sense that 2024 was a milder year for wildfires.

Kira Hoffman, a postdoctoral researcher and wildfire ecologist at the University of British Columbia, said Western Canada was helped by a spell of cooler weather in late August that dampened some fire activity, but by historical measures, 2024 was still a very destructive season.

“It’s that shifting baseline syndrome. Last year was so extremely bad that this year we think only a third of that burning is pretty good,” she added. “But there’s nothing normal about it.”

Many experts warn the trend of longer periods of very hot and dry “fire weather” and increasingly bad wildfire seasons will continue as a result of climate change.

“If you look at either the total area burned or number of wildfires year over year or total damage caused by wildfires it goes up and down, but you draw the average trend line and everything is going up,” said Ryan Ness, director of adaptation at the Canadian Climate Institute.

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