How to use your Common App essay for Ivy League supplementals: Columbia

Its unique location in the heart of New York City allows for some competitive internship opportunities as well as having one of the most vibrant arts and humanities communities of the Ivy Leagues. The school has a large global focus, affording students with many opportunities to study and research aboard.

Columbia supplementals are two-fold, with list questions and short-answer questions. Read on to see how to strategically map out each essay.

Columbia supplementals (2022-2023)

TOPIC	PROMPT
List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)	6, 7
The fact that this is short means you don’t have to explain your life philosophy through your reading catalog, but it is a chance to leave a lasting impression with a very small number of words. Be surgical in your word choice.
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)	1, 6, 7
This is a good way to show the school what kind of student you are by demonstrating which groups you identify with or feel comfortable accessing. 125 words is not long. It means you can focus on one example such as how using one website has let you access your field of interest and allowed you to do in-depth research so you can produce a better final product or result. The point is, you should focus on how these resources/outlets benefit you directly instead of getting tied down explaining the details of what this resource/outlet is.
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)	1, 2, 3, 4
A good story about your background will help admissions people make a better decision about the kind of student you are. Focus on “inclusive” and “collaborative” experiences.
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)	1, 6, 7
As with other Ivy League and top schools in general, the “why here?” essay should always show that this essay can’t be sent off to some other school. Make sure you have a specific reason -- whether it be a faculty member, project, personal history – for why you have chosen this school.
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)	1, 6
This is a very condensed version of UPenn’s program-specific prompts, which you can compare with here. Make sure that you focus on experience with the highest level of recognition and explain the story behind it in a way that is different from just looking at a line on a transcript -- show the person behind the accomplishment.
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)	6
Short answer questions are a great way to leave a lasting impact: - Being able to sit down and learn about how the universe is changing around me and being able to verify that in a lab with computers and instruments is something that continually brings me joy. - I can’t think of anything better than connecting with other people. The groups I’ve been a part of have been such a blessing, and I’m driven to do more and reach more. - Making things gives me joy. The idea of conceptualizing it, making it, fabricating it, explaining it to others and just being a part of that entire process is what drives me every day. Make sure there is personality; a lot can be done with 35 words.