How to Write the Columbia University Supplemental Essays

Columbia University is a popular choice for many students. Its prime location in the heart of New York City and its renowned Core Curriculum are just two of the many reasons this Ivy League institution receives tens of thousands of applications each year.

You might ask yourself, “how do I get into Columbia University?” Because Columbia is one of the most selective universities in the U.S., you should ensure that every component of your application, including your supplemental essays, are top notch. Read on to learn how to help your writing stand out to Columbia’s admissions officers.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Columbia Have?

Every college has different essay requirements and guidelines. Students applying to Columbia University are asked to respond to six supplemental essays: one list question with a 100-word limit and five short answer questions with a 150-word maximum.

2025-26 Columbia-Specific Application Questions

If you want to write the best possible supplemental essays and question responses for Columbia University, it’s important to carefully review the list question and each essay prompt.

List Question

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)

Short Answer Questions

The five short answer questions require a response of 150 words or fewer:

• Tell us about an aspect of your life so far or your lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s multidimensional and collaborative environment.
• At Columbia, students representing a wide range of perspectives are invited to live and learn together. In such a community, questions and debates naturally arise. 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.
• In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not anticipate. Please describe a situation in which you have navigated through adversity and discuss how you changed as a result.
• Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.
• What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering?

How Do You Answer the Columbia List Question?

The list question might look simple, but it can actually be one of the most challenging parts of Columbia’s application process because the word limit is so low. This question will force you to think strategically and choose every word carefully to achieve maximum impact.

Think back and try to pinpoint the texts, media, and other outlets that had the greatest impact on you and your personal journey. This list should be all about what you enjoy learning in your spare time rather than inside of the classroom. Choose sources that are meaningful to you and align with the academic goals and extracurricular interests that you’ve articulated throughout your application.

How to Write Columbia Supplemental Essays

Students also need to think carefully about how to respond to Columbia’s short answer questions. Here are a few top tips on how to tackle each question:

Supplement Question #1

Rather than simply narrating an event, delve into how this experience has cultivated particular qualities, perspectives, or skills that align with Columbia’s values. Think about how it has fostered your intellectual curiosity, resilience, empathy, or ability to collaborate with diverse individuals. Then, bridge this connection explicitly: Explain how these developed traits will enable you to thrive in Columbia’s unique academic and social landscape and contribute meaningfully to its community, both inside and outside the classroom.

Supplement Question #2

When describing the disagreement, focus on the “how” rather than just the “what.” Articulate the specific steps you took to engage with the person, emphasizing active listening, respectful communication, and a willingness to understand the other perspective.

• Did you ask clarifying questions?
• Did you seek common ground?
• Did you present your own viewpoint calmly and logically?

The “what you took away” portion is crucial and should demonstrate your capacity for growth and learning. Your answer should convey a sense of humility and a genuine appreciation for diverse viewpoints, aligning with Columbia’s emphasis on a community that embraces varied perspectives. Consider these questions:

• Did you gain a new perspective, even if you still disagreed?
• Did you learn something about your own communication style or biases?
• Did the interaction strengthen your ability to engage in productive dialogue?

Supplement Question #3

The key here is to demonstrate self-awareness and resilience. Start by briefly describing the situation, ensuring it’s something that genuinely challenged your comfort zone or expectations. Then, dedicate the bulk of your response to how you actively navigated the adversity. Did you seek help? Develop new strategies? Re-evaluate your priorities?

Most crucially, articulate the concrete ways you changed as a result. Did you gain a new skill, a different perspective, increased empathy, or a stronger sense of purpose? Columbia wants to see evidence of your ability to learn and adapt, which are essential qualities for success in a rigorous academic environment. Avoid generic platitudes and instead, provide tangible examples of your transformation.

Supplement Question #4

Most colleges have some version of a “Why this college?” prompt and Columbia is no exception. This is a chance to show genuine enthusiasm and a deep understanding of what makes Columbia unique. Avoid generic statements about its prestige or location. Instead, focus on specific academic programs, research opportunities, unique Core Curriculum aspects, or even particular faculty members whose work excites you. Perhaps there’s a specific institute, center, or interdisciplinary approach that aligns perfectly with your intellectual curiosities.

Think about what aspects of Columbia’s New York City setting particularly resonate with your academic or personal goals. For example, if you’re interested in urban studies, you might discuss how Columbia’s location provides unparalleled access to real-world learning opportunities. Your answer should convey that you’ve done your homework and can articulate precisely why Columbia is the ideal environment for you to thrive and contribute. Ultimately, your response should be a personal narrative that connects your aspirations with Columbia’s distinctive offerings.

Supplement Question #5

Your response to this question allows you to demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity and a well-researched understanding of your chosen field at Columbia specifically. Instead of generic statements, highlight specific courses, professors, research opportunities, or unique programs within your preferred major(s) that resonate with your academic interests. Articulate why these particular aspects are appealing and how they align with your past experiences, future aspirations, and intellectual development. It’s crucial to connect your passion for the subject to Columbia’s distinct academic environment, showcasing how you envision making an impact within that specific department or program.

Evergreen Tips for Writing the Columbia Supplemental Essays

While some tips are specific to certain Columbia supplemental essay questions, we also have a few general pointers:

Answer the Question

It might be tempting, but don’t go off topic, even if you have something interesting to share. Admissions officers want to see that you’re capable of following directions and giving them the exact information that they’re looking for. Reread each of your answers to make sure every point directly ties back to the question that is being asked. If you’re not sure whether it’s relevant, it’s better to play it safe by editing it out or asking someone you trust for their feedback.

Express Your Values

Each of Columbia’s supplemental essay questions gives you an opportunity to express your opinions and articulate what makes you unique. Avoid giving cookie-cutter answers. Instead, embrace the traits and quirks that set you apart from the pack.

Focus on the “Why Columbia?” Question

The “Why Columbia?” short answer question is one of the most important prompts on the Columbia application. Admissions officers are looking to accept students who are passionate about attending, so it’s important to let your love of Columbia University shine through. Take time to do your research, be specific, and articulate exactly what kind of impact you would like to make on campus.

Discuss a Future Career Path

Other top college application essay tips include highlighting a view toward the future and your career aspirations. Admissions officers are interested in learning about your long-term goals and the kind of legacy you wish to create. When you discuss your passions and goals, don’t be afraid to think long-term and write about what you hope to accomplish post-graduation, even five or 10 years down the line.

Need Help with Your Supplemental Essays?

Columbia’s essay questions require impactful short answers, which can be a challenge to write. Virtually every student — especially those applying to highly selective universities like Columbia — can benefit from some college admissions assistance. While your supplemental essays matter, it’s critical to refine every element of your application to ensure it’s as strong and compelling as possible. If you want to learn what you can do to stand out for all of the right reasons, our team of expert admissions counselors is here to help.

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