Columbia University

Columbia University Supplemental Essay Outlines

Here is our suggested essay outlines for every prompt.

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Essay outlines

Every Columbia prompt, outlined

Long Essays

Lived Experience

150 words

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.

Paragraph 1: The Opening Scene

  • Start your essay in the middle of a vivid scene that illustrates a specific community or lived experience. It is best to use sensory details to place the reader in your world.
  • Do not write a broad autobiography.
  • Avoid cliché introductions that simply state how long you have been part of a group.

Paragraph 2: The Personal Impact

  • Describe exactly how this background shaped your perspective and development.
  • It is best to explain a specific lesson or trait you gained from this environment. Do not list multiple facets of your identity without elaborating.
  • Avoid making abstract statements about the general importance of diversity.

Paragraph 3: The Campus Connection

Paragraph 4: The Future Contribution

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Disagreement

150 words

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.

Paragraph 1: The Initial Conflict

Paragraph 2: The Opposing View

Paragraph 3: The Turning Point

Paragraph 4: The Takeaway and Growth

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Navigating Adversity

150 words

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.

Paragraph 1: The Unexpected Challenge

Paragraph 2: The Active Response

Paragraph 3: The Shift in Mindset

Paragraph 4: The Lasting Change

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Why Columbia

150 words

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

Paragraph 1: The Core Interest

Paragraph 2: The Academic Fit

Paragraph 3: The City Connection

Paragraph 4: The Final Goal

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Preferred Area of Study

150 words

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

Paragraph 1: The Origin Story

Paragraph 2: The Academic Exploration

Paragraph 3: The Campus Resources

Paragraph 4: The Real World Impact

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Short Questions

Intellectual Development List

100 words

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.

Paragraph 1: The Curated List

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