48 Columbia Essay Examples
Updated for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
About Columbia
Located in the Big Apple, Columbia University is one of the eight Ivy League institutions. Its access to New York City affords Columbia students (affectionately called Lions) outstanding academic and research possibilities, as well as a unique and lively environment to explore and grow. With over 20 undergraduate schools, several graduate and professional programs, and a flourishing alumni network, Columbia’s web of connections runs deep; students have access to world-class teachers and cutting-edge facilities. The school is also known for its emphasis on its unique core curriculum, which stresses an exploration of the humanities and great works of literature and philosophy. Overall, Columbia University is a great location for students looking to develop into well-rounded, enthusiastic professionals capable of making a positive difference in the world.
At a glance…
Acceptance Rate
5%
Tuition
$61,671
Average Cost
$22,823
Average SAT
1517
Average ACT
34
Location
New York, NY
Real Essays from Columbia Admits
Prompt: Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.
To me, Columbia and NYC is not only the biggest campus in the world, but also where my dreams will come true.
From the debate podium to the science lab; from the art studio to philosophy classes, I’ve always hungered for real-life experiences and deep, valuable knowledge. Columbia is the place that will complete me.
At Columbia, I’ll become a night-owl, immersed in Butler Library’s books or sat discussing philosophy on its steps until sunrise. Beyond Columbia’s gates, I could contemplate global affairs at UNHQ, discuss art at the Metropolitan, or learn about civil rights in the Bronx. Meeting people; witnessing; researching; learning. Participating in Columbia’s legendary all-night bike tour, I’ll explore every corner of the city, learn history through real monuments, and get happily lost in the Big Apple’s alleyways. I want to expand my [School Redacted] math-art festival, making mathematics more accessible and embodying Columbia’s spirit like my mathematical icon, Professor Gelman.
Columbia isn’t just academically exciting. I relish imagining bringing my blackbelt to one of America’s oldest Taekwondo clubs, or perhaps creating a Taekwondo version of the Lion Dance.
With Columbia as my classroom—and New York as my campus—I’ll truly feel alive.
I just can’t wait to begin.
Essay by Sean Yoon
Neuroengineering + CS @ Stanford + $200K Scholarship | Not doing this for money. FREE UNLOCK / MEETING -- READ BIO BEFORE PAYING ME!!
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.
Strawberry Fields, Grandmother’s Song, Pantoum, Good Enough, Life and Other Shortcomings, Citizen Illegal, How I Got That Name, Incense and Sensibility, The Rule, Pride and Prejudice, The Henna Wars, Born Confused, A Natural History of My Name, Another Lullaby for Insomniacs.
Essay by Rose
Programmer and performer @ Yale!
Prompt: 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.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Al Jazeera, Financial Times, VNExpress, Council on Foreign Relations, St. Louis Fed Data,
TLDR News, Voice of North Korea by Yeonmi Park, Economics Explained, 12Tone, VSauce, NileRed, Entiende Tu Mente podcast, Counter Arguments, Philosophy Tube, Ana Psychology, Lessons from the Screenplay
Hamilton: An American Musical, Legally Blonde, La La Land, El laberinto del fauno, 1917, Blackfish,
The Dying Poet (jota aragonesa), Impromptu Op.90 No.2 in E-flat, I Lived, It’s On Us,
Women Deliver webinars, Girl Up’s Girl Talks, OutRight Action International, World Wide Life, DECA, Debate Drills, Project Gutenberg, Mythcreants, TV Tropes, Rhyme Zone, Genius, Poetry Foundation, Art of Composing, Science Direct, Brilliant, CyberStart America, Crypto Zombies, Soundation, Photofocus, Fitness Blender, Goodreads, 18 Under 18 Vietnam
Essay by Rosie
Statistics & Data Science + Ethics, Politics & Economics (and Musician?) @ Yale :D
Find an essay from your twin at Columbia
Someone with the same interests, stats, and background as you