Columbia University

In addition to the Common or Coalition Application personal statement, Columbia University requires applicants to respond to several short supplemental prompts. These essays allow students to highlight their intellectual interests, personal values, and alignment with Columbia’s dynamic academic and cultural environment.

Columbia Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

List the titles of the required readings from academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)

Interpretation:
This prompt encourages a glimpse into your academic identity through the lens of classroom reading. Columbia wants to see what has shaped your thinking and interests. Don’t just list prestigious titles—select works that genuinely resonated with you, even if they’re unconventional.

Columbia Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

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. (75 words or fewer)

Interpretation:
Here, Columbia is asking about your self-motivated intellectual curiosity. The admissions team wants to know what kinds of ideas, styles, or authors draw you in. Choose works that reveal aspects of your personality or values—curation matters more than quantity.

Columbia Supplemental Essay Prompt #3

We’re interested in what you explore for fun. List the titles of the print, digital, audio or video content (e.g., newspapers, magazines, websites, podcasts, social media, TED Talks, YouTube, movies) you regularly engage with. (75 words or fewer)

Interpretation:
This prompt focuses on how you engage with the world around you. Think of it as a “cultural snapshot”—from thoughtful documentaries to niche blogs or favorite creators. A well-rounded list can highlight both intellectual and personal dimensions of your character.

Columbia Supplemental Essay Prompt #4

List the titles of the academic courses taken most recently (including current courses, if applicable). (75 words or fewer)

Interpretation:
This is a straightforward inventory of your academic preparation. Be accurate, concise, and include any advanced or college-level coursework. Columbia values rigor, and this list helps contextualize your transcript and academic trajectory.

Columbia Supplemental Essay Prompt #5

In Columbia’s unique Core Curriculum, students explore foundational texts across disciplines. Tell us what from your current and past learning experiences might inspire your contributions in the classroom. (200 words or fewer)

Interpretation:
This is Columbia’s Core Curriculum-focused prompt. They’re looking for evidence that you’ll thrive in discussion-based, interdisciplinary learning. Reflect on moments where you made connections across subjects, asked difficult questions, or engaged in thoughtful dialogue. Be specific about what you’d bring to the table.