Columbia University

Personal statement required (250-650 words), plus six supplements:

1. Required · 100 words or fewer

   List the titles 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.

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.

2. Required · 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.

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.

3. Required · 150 words or fewer

   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.

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.

4. Required · 150 words or fewer

   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.

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.

5. Required · 150 words or fewer

   Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.

6. Required · 150 words or fewer

   What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering?

   Short answer. We review full-length essays only.