Columbia University Supplemental Essay Guide
Columbia seeks students who are not only diverse in background but also deeply committed to meaningful dialogue and active community contribution within a complex environment.
The supplemental essays are your most important chance to show Columbia who you are and how you’ll engage on campus.
Prompt 1: List of Intellectual Influences
List a selection of texts, resources, and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses. (100 words or fewer)
What it means:
Columbia University wants to know what shapes your thinking — the books you read, podcasts you listen to, or media that spark your curiosity. This helps them see your personality and what inspires your mind outside of school.
Ask yourself:
What do I read, watch, or listen to that makes me think deeply?
What topics do I explore on my own?
What types of media keep me curious and learning?
Tip:
Keep it real — don’t list things you think sound impressive. Choose materials that genuinely influence how you see the world. You can mix classics with fun or unexpected picks (like a podcast, documentary, or film).
Prompt 2: Community and Contribution
Tell us about an aspect of your life or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped how you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s collaborative environment. (150 words or fewer)
What it means:
This is Columbia’s community essay. They want to know how your background and experiences shape the way you learn and connect with others.
Ask yourself:
What experiences have shaped how I think or interact with people?
How do I contribute to a group or community?
How will I bring those same qualities to Columbia?
Tip:
Share a short story that shows your perspective and what you value. Then, connect it to how you’ll contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community.
Prompt 3: Disagreement and Perspective
Please describe a time when you did not agree with someone and discuss how you engaged with them and what you took away from the interaction. (150 words or fewer)
What it means:
Columbia wants to see how you handle conflict, listen to others, and grow from discussion. This helps them understand your maturity and openness.
Ask yourself:
When have I disagreed with someone about an idea or belief?
How did I handle it — calmly, respectfully, or by asking questions?
What did I learn about communication or empathy?
Tip:
Focus on what you learned, not on who was “right.” Show that you can handle tough conversations thoughtfully and respectfully.
Prompt 4: Overcoming Adversity
Describe a situation in which you navigated through adversity and discuss how you changed as a result. (150 words or fewer)
What it means:
This essay is about resilience and growth. Columbia wants to know how you handle challenges and what those moments reveal about your character.
Ask yourself:
What challenge or obstacle have I faced?
How did I deal with it — and what did I learn about myself?
How have I grown or changed since then?
Tip:
Keep the focus on how you overcame the situation and what it taught you. Don’t just describe the problem — highlight your personal growth and mindset.
Prompt 5: Why Columbia?
Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? (150 words or fewer)
What it means:
This is your chance to show why Columbia feels right for you. They want to see that you’ve done your research and understand what makes Columbia unique.
Ask yourself:
What stands out about Columbia’s community, values, or location in New York City?
Which classes, professors, or programs excite me most?
How does Columbia align with my academic or personal goals?
Tip:
Be specific. Mention details you truly connect with — not generic things like “great academics.” Show that you’ve taken time to learn about Columbia and can picture yourself thriving there.
Prompt 6: Academic Interests
What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)
What it means:
This question focuses on your academic curiosity. Columbia wants to understand why you love your intended major and how you’ll explore it through their programs.
Ask yourself:
What subjects or problems excite me most?
How have I explored this interest before?
What specific Columbia courses, professors, or opportunities match my goals?
Tip:
Show enthusiasm and direction. Connect your curiosity with Columbia’s resources — like labs, courses, or research — to show why this is the best place for you to grow.
How to Connect All the Prompts
Even though the prompts cover different topics — from what you read to what you value — they all aim to reveal who you are as a learner and a person.
Together, your essays should show a student who is:
Curious — always learning, exploring, and asking questions.
Collaborative — open to new ideas and respectful of others.
Resilient — someone who learns from challenges.
Purposeful — with clear interests and goals that align with Columbia.
At Success Admissions Center, we help students turn their experiences, passions, and ideas into essays that truly stand out. From brainstorming to the final draft, we’re here to make the process clear, fun, and stress-free.
For more information, get in touch with us: Fill out the Inquiry Form!
