Columbia Supplemental Essays 2025-2026: Prompts & Expert Strategies

Updated on
July 2, 2025
All
Bachelors
Commonapp
Masters

All 5 supplements are required. Total writing: 1 list + 4 short essays.

Prompt 1: Intellectual Development List

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 'Intellectual Development' Essay Q&A Slides

Q: What non-academic sources influenced me?

A:

  • Think beyond school.
  • A podcast, a specific website, a documentary.
  • How did it shift your worldview?

Prompt 2: Perspective & Community Contribution

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)
Columbia Community & Contribution Q&A Slides

Q: What unique perspective defines my identity?

A:

  • Choose one specific perspective or experience.
  • Examples: "growing up bilingual," "overcoming a cultural challenge."
  • Must be a core part of who you are.

Prompt 3: Adversity Navigation

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)
Columbia Adversity Q&A Slides

Q: What specific challenge did I face?

A:

  • Choose one personal, social, or practical barrier.
  • Example: "balancing caregiving for a sibling with schoolwork."
  • Not a minor setback, but a significant obstacle.

Prompt 4: Why 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 or fewer)
Why Columbia? Q&A Slides

Q: Why Columbia? (Beyond rankings)

A:

  • Focus on unique academic offerings.
  • Not just "great academics."
  • Example: "Columbia's Core Curriculum."

Prompt 5: Academic Interests

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)
Why Columbia? Area of Study Q&A Slides

Q: What excites me about my Columbia major?

A:

  • Name 1-2 specific program features.
  • Example: "Columbia Engineering's AI Research Center."
  • Or: "Core Curriculum's global focus."

All the best for your applications!