All 5 supplements are required. Total writing: 1 list + 4 short essays.
List a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses... (100 words or fewer)
Books: The Power Broker; The Death and Life of Great American Cities; Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City.
Podcasts: 99% Invisible; The Ezra Klein Show (episodes on urbanism); Odd Lots.
Websites/Journals: CityLab; The Regional Plan Association (RPA.org); The Economist; St. Louis Fed Data portal.
Museums/Exhibits: The New York Transit Museum; The Skyscraper Museum; The Queens Museum’s Panorama of the City of New York.
A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community... (150 words or fewer)
Growing up in a multi-generational household, dinner conversations were a masterclass in navigating different perspectives. My grandmother, a first-generation immigrant, debated politics with my Gen-Z sister, while my parents mediated. I learned to listen not just to words, but to the experiences that shaped them. This taught me that disagreement doesn't have to mean division; it can be a bridge to understanding.
At Columbia, I want to bring this skill to the vibrant discussions of the Core Curriculum. I see myself fostering dialogue in study groups, ensuring every viewpoint is heard. My experience has shown me that collaborative learning isn't just about finding the right answer, but about appreciating the value in every perspective along the way.
...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 my father’s hours were cut, I took a weekend job at a local diner to help with bills. Suddenly, my 40-hour school week became a 60-hour work-and-school week. My biggest obstacle wasn't the exhaustion, but maintaining my academic standards. I had to become ruthlessly efficient, transforming free periods into focused study blocks and mastering the art of the five-minute power nap.
This experience taught me resilience and a level of time management I never thought possible. At Columbia, where the academic rigor is intense, I know my ability to adapt and persevere under pressure will be one of my greatest assets, allowing me to thrive no matter the obstacle.
Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique... (150 words or fewer)
I'm drawn to Columbia's culture of "action-based empathy." It’s a community that doesn't just discuss injustice but actively confronts it. I followed the student-driven Columbia Prison Divest campaign, not just because of its success, but because it showed how students can hold their own institution accountable. This spirit of engaged activism is something I want to be a part of.
Beyond the classroom, I’m excited by traditions like the annual Tree Lighting ceremony, which fosters a sense of shared identity. For me, Columbia isn’t just an elite university; it’s a community that forges leaders who are as compassionate as they are tenacious, and I am eager to contribute my voice to that legacy.
What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)
My fascination with artificial intelligence began when I built a simple chatbot to help my non-English-speaking grandfather navigate local services. Seeing his confidence grow as he used my tool, I realized AI’s potential for creating assistive technology. I want to build on this at Columbia.
I am particularly excited by the research at the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab, and I hope to take Professor Shih-Fu Chang’s course in machine learning. Columbia Engineering’s emphasis on interdisciplinary projects would allow me to collaborate with peers to design AI that is not only powerful but also equitable and accessible. I want to build tools that empower people, and I believe Columbia provides the perfect ecosystem for that mission.
All the best for your applications!
