columbia university transfer essay

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Columbia Transfer Acceptance Rate and Requirements — 2024

December 12, 2023

Columbia University is as hard to get into as Harvard, Stanford, or MIT directly out of high school. With a sub-4% acceptance rate for first-years, Columbia is an extremely selective institution. However, unlike those other schools, Columbia is a bit friendlier to transfer applicants. To quantify this, between 400 and 500 transfer applicants are typically accepted each year. This is a significantly greater number of individuals than you’ll see at the aforementioned schools. The following blog will reveal the Columbia University transfer acceptance rate as well as other essential facts like the Columbia transfer deadline, the Columbia transfer requirements, and much more.

Columbia Transfer Acceptance Rate

Below, we present the most current available Columbia transfer acceptance rate.

For entry in the fall of 2022, 3,008 students applied for transfer admission, and 341 were admitted. This means that the Columbia transfer acceptance rate is 11.3%.

If we break this down by gender, the acceptance rates are as follows:

• Male transfer applicants: 13.2%
• Female transfer applicants: 9.2%

For entry in the fall of 2021, there were 3,039 transfer applicants and 448 individuals were accepted. This means that the Columbia transfer acceptance rate was 14.7%.

Given that the transfer rates at some schools fluctuate wildly from year to year, it’s important to look at historical data. Although Columbia only publicizes transfer data for the 2021 admissions cycle and beyond, they do state that they typically admit fewer than 10% of transfer applicants each year.

Columbia Transfer Deadline

For all academic programs, the Columbia transfer deadline is March 1, which is also the deadline for financial aid. Additionally, Columbia admits for the fall semester only.

Columbia University Transfer Acceptance Rate (Continued)

Columbia transfer requirements.

All students must submit the following items as part of their Columbia University application:

• A  Coalition App
• Columbia Supplement to the Coalition App
• Official college transcript
• Official high school transcript
• ACT or SAT scores (they are test-optional for applicants to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering through the 2023-24 cycle)
• Coalition App Transfer Report
• Coalition App Curriculum Report
• Two letters of recommendation from college instructors

In addition to the Columbia transfer requirements, students who have the best chance to gain admission have done the following:

• Earned exceptional grades in at least 24 credit hours’ worth of college coursework (one year of full-time study).
• Complete a portion of the Core Curriculum in addition to discipline-specific courses.
• Engineering applicants are expected to have completed two semesters of both calculus and physics and one semester of chemistry.
• Published academic research independently or with a faculty member at your current institution.
• Exceled outside of the classroom in some manner. In addition to the aforementioned research, this could mean winning an intercollegiate academic competition, developing an app, earning a patent, achieving noteworthy accomplishments through some type of leadership role, etc.

Columbia Average Transfer GPA

The university states that successful students typically have at least a 3.5 overall GPA. However, in our experience working with Columbia applicants, you will need a 3.9 or better. This is not to say that your chances are nonexistent with a GPA below that mark, but a 3.9-4.0 GPA will give you the most favorable odds.

Columbia Transfer Application Essays

Main transfer essay.

Please note: While the Coalition Essay in the Application Profile is not required for a complete transfer application, applicants will be asked to upload a 400-600 word essay on the Columbia Supplement to the Coalition Application responding to the following prompt:

Please explain why you are interested in transferring from your current institution. (The personal essay does not need to be specific to Columbia, but it should inform the committee why you wish to leave your current institution.)

List questions

• 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 )

Short answer questions

• 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)
• 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)
• 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)
• What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering?  (150 words or fewer)

When Do Columbia Transfer Decisions Come Out?

Decisions come out by June 1. There are cases where the school notifies applicants earlier than that, but June is the latest they will notify individuals.

Final Thoughts – Columbia Transfer Acceptance Rate

While the acceptance rate was 11.3% last cycle, that figure is under 10% in an average year. Still, the odds of gaining acceptance to Columbia are superior to those at other schools of its ilk. This is due, in part, just to the sheer volume of open transfer slots that the school has. That said, Columbia University will want to see a record of achievement (both inside and outside of the classroom) that knocks their socks off.

If you are looking for information on how to apply to Columbia as a first-year student, you may find the following blogs to be of interest:

• How to Get Into Columbia
• Columbia Supplemental Essay Prompts and Tips

Those searching for application info on other institutions may wish to visit our Dataverse pages:

• Transfer Admissions Deadlines
• Transfer Acceptance Rates

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Understanding the Process

Applying to college is a time for reflection, dedication and hopefulness; we are looking forward to supporting you with this important process. By shedding light on how we approach our work of admitting a class, we hope to help you feel confident about expressing who you are in your college application.

How to Apply

The college application process is a time for reflection, research, aspiration and organization. When you’re ready to begin your Columbia journey, we’re ready to help, every step of the way.

First-Year Applicants

Apply to join our community as a full-time first-year student to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering.

Transfer Applicants

We welcome over 125 transfer students to Columbia College and Columbia Engineering each year.

Dear Aspiring Columbian: Take a deep breath. Now, let it out. The college application process is a personally meaningful milestone, and there are many resources to support you. This is a time to discover who you are, imagine who you want to become and decide whether Columbia College or Columbia Engineering might be the right college for you.

Students often ask us, “What are you looking for?” Just as you are looking for the college that is the best match for you, we are looking for students who are the best matches for us. Your application is our instrument of evaluation, and beyond the opportunity to list your academic credentials, we believe your application allows you to express yourself: your passions, interests, background and, most important, what you might add to the Columbia community .

Using a holistic review, your admissions officer will consider your responses carefully, looking for the intellect, curiosity and dynamism that are the hallmarks of the Columbia student body, and seeking the resilience and diversity of voice and background ensured by our generous need-based financial aid program.

We challenge you to show us what type of Columbia student you might be. It is an exciting adventure and a preview of what awaits you at Columbia. Now, take another breath. Relax. Begin. Enjoy.

Sincerely, Jessica Marinaccio Dean of Undergraduate Admissions & Financial Aid

How is your application reviewed?

We believe that students will be most successful at a college that closely aligns with their interests, skills, goals and values. In our individualized, nuanced application review, we seek to identify those who we believe will take greatest advantage of the unique Columbia experience and will offer something meaningful in return to the community.

The admissions process at Columbia is a holistic one, which means that all parts of the application help inform our evaluation. Columbia is test-optional and does not have a "cut-off" GPA or test score for admission, and academics are considered alongside the full application. We read your personal statement to try to understand your perspective and how you engage with the world around you. We read your transcript, school report and teacher recommendations to understand your academic preparation, your contributions in the classroom and school and what you might offer to your Columbia classmates. We read your responses to our Columbia-specific application questions to gain insight into your intellectual interests and the ways your expressions of curiosity and sense of community might translate to Columbia’s campus.

Our review process is also contextual, taking into account the multiple, intersecting ways that you have been shaped by your family circumstances; work, commute or home responsibilities; secondary school and community resources; and systemic and situational barriers and advantages. 

With this context in mind, we look to see what opportunities you have taken advantage of, among those available to you. We consider your performance in the courses you are taking, the range of personal obligations and extracurricular commitments you are balancing alongside them, and how you are seeking challenges within the landscape of your specific environment.

Furthermore, our review process is need-blind for US Citizens, permanent residents, undocumented students and eligible non-citizens. This means that we consider your application without regard to your financial need.

Please note that Columbia is need-aware for international students and admits a large number of international students who apply for and receive a substantial amount of financial aid. Columbia is committed to covering the full demonstrated need of all applicants admitted as first-year students for all four years of study, regardless of citizenship.

Committee-based

There is no formula for reviewing applications at Columbia. Instead, we approach each file as if we are assembling an important and unique puzzle, and every piece is evaluated carefully. Understanding the ways the pieces fit together enables us to gain a better sense of who you are and what matters to you. 

Furthermore, Columbia Undergraduate Admissions uses a committee-based approach for decision making; no candidate is admitted to Columbia College or Engineering without discussion and examination of the application by multiple admissions officers. Our team is dedicated to considering each applicant as an individual person.

In the end, our goals are to conduct a thorough, intentional and equitable review, to discern the students who are the best fit for Columbia, and to build an undergraduate community composed of a wide array of voices, interests, experiences and perspectives. Please note that Columbia does not have any quotas predetermining the number of applicants admitted from any school, region or demographic category.

A Columbia admissions officer talks about how we review applications and the philosophies that guide our work.

What does Columbia look for in your application?

The job of an admissions officer is to identify students who will thrive at our school; as we review each part of your application, we are also reflecting on the attributes that are frequently exhibited by our current students. What distinguishes a Columbian? The selection here is not comprehensive, but we hope it is a helpful resource as you consider how to authentically communicate about yourself throughout your application.

This should not be used as a strict checklist or rubric, and each student will reveal their unique combination of features in different ways across the various parts of their application. We appreciate that individuals have many tangible and intangible qualities and cannot be reduced to a handful of attributes or data points. We look forward to discovering what makes you you.

Columbia requires rigorous exploration across a range of subjects. Your performance in your secondary school coursework is one indication of readiness, demonstrating the knowledge you have gained and the skills you have developed. It also helps us understand your interests. We hope your application will show strong academic performance across subjects , effective written communication skills, and that you have taken a rigorous course load within the scope of your school’s curriculum, one that is appropriate for your goals and interests.  

Columbia accepts all secondary school curricula (e.g., AP, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge A Levels, National School curricula, etc.), with no preference for one over any others. For students applying to Columbia Engineering, we expect to see coursework in physics and calculus.

Columbia’s intellectual and social community will ask you to critically and enthusiastically engage with a wide variety of people and ideas. Students who exhibit deep curiosity will thrive in and be transformed by these encounters. Indications of curiosity might include a desire to investigate big ideas and to examine and solve thorny problems; a questioning, unbounded spirit of inquiry and innovation; openness to cross-disciplinary scholarship, diverse perspectives and new ideas; and a willingness to interrogate personal beliefs and belief systems.

Columbia is a vibrant residential community where learning happens everywhere students gather—Furnald Lounge, Carleton Commons, Low Steps and more. Your commitments to your household, school, and broader interests and communities can demonstrate how you might engage as a peer and participant in this rich campus life. 

We’ll look for qualities such as dedication and integrity, kindness and inclusivity, leadership and collaboration, and your developing sense of personal and civic responsibility. We also want to see what activities and pastimes you choose to spend your time doing; excellence or significant achievement in some or any of your pursuits is one way to show depth in your exploration.

Columbia’s community is knit together by what we share with each other—our opinions, our ideas, our questions and our stories. We are interested in getting to know who you are as an individual shaped by your background, personal values and experiences. What might your voice contribute? Your application should aim to authentically convey your personality, perspectives and motivations so that we can better understand you as a person and what makes you tick, how you understand your ongoing personal development and express your sense of self.

Columbia students are likely to flourish when they have a willingness to step outside of their comfort zone, an appetite for communal learning and deliberate critical discourse, and a delight for the adventures that New York City provides. Thus, we look to see that you have an understanding of whether Columbia’s distinctive characteristics would be fulfilling for you. Examples include knowledge of and enthusiasm for the Core Curriculum , our traditional campus in an urban setting  and any other aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia .

Admissions info by the numbers

Information about the current first-year class, including academic statistics and demographics, is available on the Class Profile .

How are admissions decisions made?

Among the countless strengths and aptitudes that students may exhibit, those whose applications convey a clear sense of the elements noted above are likely to be considered a good fit for Columbia. However, demonstrating that you are a good fit does not guarantee admission. Columbia is a highly-selective institution, which simply means that we receive far more applications each year than we can offer admission to. Furthermore, our admissions process must consider not just your application, but also your application in relation to others.

As we build our community, we strive to bring together a spectrum of interests, ideologies and identities to ensure that our students have the opportunity to learn as much from the classmates that surround them as they do from our world-class faculty.

Because each institution is different in terms of selectivity, priorities and review process—and these may shift from one year to the next—we encourage you to focus your energy on the aspects that are within your own control: the amount of effort you put into your commitments, the ways you think about fit as you build your college list, and the extent to which you incorporate self-reflection and genuineness into your application process. We encourage you to consider applying to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering if you believe you are a strong fit for Columbia and are excited about the possibility of joining our community.

Applying for Aid

How to Write the Columbia University Transfer Essays 2024-25

Well, would you look at that: an aspiring Columbia student looking to transfer!

As you can probably already tell, writing a set of solid Columbia University transfer essays isn’t easy. For one, you’re applying to an Ivy League school, which means you’re competing against many other smart students. Additionally, standing out with solid essays is much harder when you’re fighting tooth and nail for a spot against other smart students.

And, just to pour salt in the wound, check this out: Columbia typically admits “ fewer than 10 percent of the applicants for transfer admission each year.” If you want to beat these odds, you’ll need a solid set of essays. And, that’s what we’re here to help you with. In this article, we’ll be covering each of the Columbia University transfer essays and their prompts. By the end of this, you should be capable of writing solid responses to each prompt that cut through the competition like butter.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget: the Columbia transfer application is due March 1 .

Now, without further ado, let’s spread that butter… or, whatever analogy works in this case.

Table of Contents

• How to Answer the “Why Transfer to Columbia” Prompt.

How to Answer the “Words or Phrases That Describe Your Ideal College” Prompt.

How to answer the columbia list of intellectual development prompt., how to answer the columbia short answer prompts., how to answer the “why do you value columbia” prompt..

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“ Please note : While the Coalition Essay in the Application Profile is not required for a complete transfer application, applicants will be asked to upload a 400-600 word essay on the Columbia Supplement to the Coalition Application responding to the following prompt in the Uploads section of the application: Please explain why you are interested in transferring from your current institution. (The personal essay does not need to be specific to Columbia, but it should inform the committee why you wish to leave your current institution.) “ Columbia University Main Transfer Essay Prompt 2024

The 400-600 word count recommendation is very slim. This doesn’t give you a lot of space to write.

So, if you want to be efficient, you’ll need to include as much information in as few words as possible.

Because this essay is very similar to the final 300-word “Why Do You Value Columbia” prompt, it’s better to talk more about why you need to transfer in this prompt. That is, don’t make this a “Why Columbia” essay. Save that for the final prompt.

We recommend having a narrative format for this prompt.

Here’s a general path you should follow.

• Your passion or academic major.
• Why is this major important to you?
• Why are you passionate about it?
• What is your career/non-profit/startup/job plan for this field in the future?
• Why your current institution is NOT enough to fulfill this goal?
• How attending a better school (such as Columbia) would help you fulfill this important goal.

By following this general structure, you should have a more organized essay that takes readers through your journey from beginning to end. Additionally, you can show admissions officers you have a very good reason to transfer out of your school. And, you show promise by connecting your career or potential startup project with Columbia.

Remember: 600 words is not a lot. To fit within the word count, we recommend you write out EVERYTHING first BEFORE you reduce and cut down. This makes the editing and writing process much easier than expected.

“List a few words or phrases that describe your ideal college community. (150 words or less)” Columbia University Words or Phrases Prompt

Okay, we know what you’re thinking:

“i’ll just look up what kind of college columbia university is like, and explain that”.

Very clever.

But, you should also recognize that by doing this you’ll be effectively doing what every other student applying to Columbia is. Additionally, you’re not really using the space to show more about you and your character. You’re really just showing that you want to go to Columbia, which the admissions officers already know since you’re sending an application.

Don’t forget: the Columbia University transfer essays aren’t like other college essays. You need to really stand out if you want a solid shot at acceptance.

Now, that doesn’t mean don’t do any research into Columbia at all. If anything, you should look up what the student body is like and the work professors are doing. But, don’t forget: showing your ideal college doesn’t need to be limited to realistic answers. You can get creative.

For instance, you can explain your ideal college as being “interdisciplinary and appreciative of art and literature, even Tolstoy’s 1,352 pages.”

Introducing quirkiness or interesting answers in this way lets AOs learn more about you and not just the fact that you want to go to Columbia. Thus, your essay can be much more than just stroking the school’s ego.

For the list question that follows, there is a 100 word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering this question: Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons. Items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order. It is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed. 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 University Transfer List Prompts 2024

The key point here is “ intellectual development .” So, you need to make sure you are writing about things that actually help in your intellectual journey. These can be academic in nature; or, they can also be outside your intended major. Additionally, these items can be considered both intellectual and entertaining.

For instance, YouTube channels you follow that cover fashion design and fashion principles can still be considered part of your intellectual development even if they’re not directly aligned with your major. Podcasts and videos about video game design, lore, and critique can also fall under this category.

Now, certain things like playing games or watching TV shows with not much intellectual value won’t work. So, shows such as Rick and Morty don’t count.

As a general rule: “intellectual development” should involve any kind of activity that demands some level of mental processing. It shouldn’t be complete instant gratification.

We’ve provided some examples of good items that are still “fun” without being completely irrelevant below.

• Fear and Hunger’s Grueling Mythology.
• How Elden Ring Balances Darkness with Beauty
• Hidetaka Miyazaki on Game Design
• MYTH BUSTED! Everyone Was Dirty & No One Washed “Back Then” (Ft. Historian Hilary Davidson)
• CGP Grey’s Podcast Series

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be honest about your interests here. It’s common for students to inflate their topics to make them sound smarter than they really need to be. This essay should NOT be about forcing the admissions officers into thinking you’re super smart. If anything, you should prioritize honesty and openness.

Remember: the admissions officers are also screening you on how genuine you sound. So, honesty is worth its weight in gold.

Below we’ve pasted Columbia’s 4 short answer prompts.

We’ll be deconstructing and discussing how to answer each one below. Also note: just because these prompts are short does not mean you shouldn’t take them seriously. These are still important parts of the Columbia University transfer essays.

• The important thing here is to remember that diversity of ideas and backgrounds is an ASSET. This isn’t just a “feel good” idea as most people think. For, there is power in diversity. So, when answering this prompt, try to talk about a personal experience that involves you engaging in active listening. (By the way: Verywellmind had a great article explaining active listening which you can check out here .) This means paying attention to what people say (whether you agree or disagree) and being capable of engaging and wrestling with their ideas. More importantly, you should be able to extract important themes, ideas, and motifs from other people’s perspectives and demonstrate that you can understand them well. This shows a level of empathy, compassion, and depth of thought that is crucial to the Columbia University essay. And, funnily enough, this actually makes the essay less about you and more about your ability to engage with other people’s perspectives. For, your ability to empathize and articulate ideas with others will demonstrate your fit with the school’s diverse community. The last thing you want to do in this instance is actually make it all about you!
• In this prompt, your goal is to articulate the problems and adversities you faced in a manner that stands out from the rest. Remember: most people are going to talk about how hard work helped them get through trying times. It’s your job to write about something special and unique in a manner that would blow the rest of the application pool out of the water. The best way of doing this is to show how you have a more profound understanding of the way you navigate adversity. Maybe your solution is more sophisticated than just brute-force hard work. Or, you have a more elaborate way of explaining how you overcome anxiety from a psychological perspective. Whatever way you write this, make sure it’s profound, deep, and written in a way that’s deeper than surface-level platitudes. In other words, try not to sound like a Live, Laugh, Love poster or a motivational quote calendar. Okay. Here’s an example: overcoming perfectionism and the inability to start anything because of it. Most people may say the path to overcoming perfectionism is to “just accept imperfection.” But, that’s quite a simplistic solution without any real substance. Instead, you can make a fantastic and interesting essay by making it about how you came to purposefully fail, which inexorably helped you overcome the fear of failure. Maybe you kicked the ball in the opposite direction. Or, you fell into a pit of lava in the Mario game. The exposure to failure allowed you to get desensitized to falling short of perfection. And, this desensitization has helped you overcome the fear of getting started because you no longer feel the overwhelming pressure of having to start a project with perfect marks. An explanation like this would allow admissions officers to understand your journey on a more personal level instead of just “getting over it” or “hard work.” Remember: you need to be as specific as possible about how you got to your journey rather than just keeping it vague.
• This is like any other “Why Us” essay. But, don’t underestimate the importance of this prompt. Note that this prompt requires you to write what you think is unique and interesting about Columbia in 150 words or fewer. So, you won’t get much space to talk about EVERYTHING you like about Columbia. Dedicate this small word count to 1-2 things about Columbia that you think would greatly benefit your learning experience. This can include your future major or career, research projects you’d like to conduct, environment or personal social goals, etc. But, remember to be specific about this. It should be very obvious within your 150 words that Columbia is a smart choice for you to pick. The best way of thinking about this is as a financial proposal. Imagine yourself as an asset. The university wants to see why investing both time and money in their school would yield positive results in your life. If they read your statement, would it make personal and fiscal sense? If so, then great! If not, consider where your writing is falling short. Chances are, it’s being too vague and obscure about why Columbia would benefit you. Remember to keep it succinct and accurate; but, also believable.
• This is a bit similar to the “Why Colbumia” vein. Ultimately, this prompt should be focused on the class content, professors, research opportunities, and how it may benefit your future career. Again, try to be very specific with this. You should imagine this short essay as a set plan that includes how the resources at Columbia would actually help you. The writing should be transparent enough that you can understand how the resources actually propel you forward in your major or career. You don’t even need to be limited to any kind of job or career in the future. You can write about startup ideas or plans you would like to execute at Columbia and how the classes, professors, or research opportunities available would help you in bootstrapping these plans. Whatever it is you plan to write here, avoid being vague. Vagueness only shows that you don’t truly understand how Columbia would actually benefit your future plans. Keeping things specific does.

“Please tell us what you value most about Columbia and Why.” (300 words or less) Columbia University Why do you Value Columbia Prompt

One of the biggest mistakes people make with this question (and perhaps the rest of the Columbia University transfer essays, but this one especially) is in their sense of control.

Sounds a bit unusual, right? Let’s explore this concept further.

When students are prompted with a question along the lines of “Why do you like x school?” they get very agitated. There’s a severe reaction of “what can I say to MAKE admissions officers like what I say?” It’s always about MAKING admissions officers enjoy the writing.

However, this is a pathological place to start. You don’t want to start from a position of needing to CONTROL what admissions officers think about you. All you’ll do is end up sounding awkward and more importantly inorganic. Admissions officers read a lot of college essays. A lot of them. They can distinguish between the genuine ones and the disingenuous ones.

Be very honest here in this process. Don’t mention anything in the “Why do you Value Columbia essay” unless you REALLY understand why it would benefit you. If there are clubs and activities you’re not too familiar with, don’t mention them. If there are certain classes only somewhat related to you but you can’t draw too many connections with them, don’t write about them. The key here is to be open, honest, and have nothing up your sleeves.

Even if you mention just one thing you value about Columbia, it will be stronger than a lot of other essays as long as it sounds genuine and honest. Remember: the admissions office receives countless applications. Their job is to sort between the people who truly want to attend and the ones who put Columbia on their application list last minute. Showing passion and intent to attend can be hard. But, if you are genuine and truthful, your passion will bleed through the writing.

Of course, some students struggle with writing more than others. We often find that students writing their Columbia University transfer essays as Engineering or STEM majors have a particularly difficult time articulating their thoughts in the essays. If that seems to apply to you (or if you’re any other major and still struggle with writing the Columbia essays) don’t be afraid to seek help.

Here at PenningPapers, we’ve helped countless students get accepted into the Ivy League. Simply schedule a free consultation with us, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours!

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write a stand-out "why columbia" essay.

College Essays

One of the essays you'll have to write when applying to Columbia University is the "Why Columbia" essay. In this essay, you'll need to convince the admissions committee that Columbia is your dream school and that you'd be a great fit on the campus.

The "Why Columbia" essay question can be intimidating for students. You might be wondering: what should I mention in it? What does the admissions committee want to hear from me?

In this article, we'll break down the "Why Columbia" essay, explaining what the prompt asks and what the committee wants to hear. We'll also show you a real, successful "Why Columbia" essay example and explain why it works. Finally, we'll suggest potential topics for your essay and offer tips on how to write your own college admissions essays.

The 411 on the "Why Columbia" Essay Prompt

Here's the current "Why Columbia" essay prompt for the 2023-2024 application cycle :

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)

As you can see, the "Why Columbia" essay prompt asks a specific question: why do you want to attend Columbia University over any other school?

The admissions committee wants to see that you are genuinely interested in attending Columbia specifically and that you value it more than all other colleges out there.

As an applicant, you might be thinking that everyone applies to Columbia for the same reason: it's an Ivy League school and one of the best universities in the world.

The admissions committee knows all these facts about Columbia and knows that all applicants will know these facts, too.

What the Columbia admissions committee wants to learn is why you specifically want to go to Columbia rather than another amazing university.

From their perspective, students who really want to go to Columbia are more likely to enroll when they're accepted. This increases the university's yield rate and ensures that the freshman class will be full. If you can show in your essay that you’ve carefully considered the unique things about Columbia that make it the perfect school for you, you’ve got a good shot at getting an acceptance letter!

What Is the Purpose of the "Why Columbia" Essay?

Why does Columbia require applicants to answer this essay question? And what is the admissions committee really looking for in your answer? Let's analyze the "Why Columbia" essay prompt.

No matter which schools you're applying to, "Why This College" essays are perhaps the most common essay prompts you'll find on college applications because colleges want to see that you really want to attend their school.

But why exactly do colleges care that you want to go to their school?

Students who are passionate about their college or university are more likely to feel that the school is a good fit for them. They'll be more likely to commit to their studies, participate in on-campus activities, and become an active alum after graduation.

Therefore, if you show in your essay that you really love Columbia, it will make admissions officers feel more confident that you're going to have a significant and positive impact on their school.

If your reasons for attending Columbia are vague or even plain wrong (for instance, say you claim you'd like to take a major that isn't actually offered at Columbia), the admissions committee will think that you don't care about the school and aren't really interested in it.

Basically, the purpose of the essay is to suss out whether your interest in Columbia is genuine and to see whether you're ready to take advantage of Columbia's many opportunities.

What Should You Write About in Your "Why Columbia" Essay?

There are a number of different topics you can pursue for your "Why Columbia" essay. Ideally, you'll want to explore specific topics that you can talk about in-depth.

Here are some suggested topics for your essay:

• Majors or classes you're interested in (look for class names in the online course catalog)
• Professors whose research you're interested in
• Extracurriculars that you'd be interested in joining (you can likely find these online, too)
• Current and past Columbia students you've met before and whom you admire
• Volunteer opportunities  you'd like to get involved in 
• Financial aid opportunities Columbia offers that make it possible for you to attend
• Professional development opportunities Columbia offers

When it comes down to it, make sure to choose something about Columbia that no other school offers.

For instance, Columbia is in New York City and therefore has relationships with lots of businesses and organizations in the area. You could use your essay to examine how these Columbia-specific opportunities in New York will positively affect your education.

What you don't want to do, however, is wax on about how you love city-living— you need to make sure to describe how Columbia's specific relationship with NYC will help you to further your goals.

Match opportunities at Columbia to specific goals you have. For example, you could talk about how a particular professor's course aligns with your career objectives.

You need to be very specific in your answer: every single thing you say should relate back to a certain feature of Columbia. The entire focus of your essay should be what Columbia offers and how you'll take advantage of the school's academics and activities to get the best college education possible.

4 Tips for a Great Response to the "Why Columbia" Essay

Regardless of how you decide to answer this prompt, there are four tips everyone should keep in mind to ensure that they are fully answering the question, giving the information Columbia wants to see, and standing apart from other applicants.

#1: Do Your Research

Before you begin writing your response to this essay prompt, you should know exactly why you want to attend Columbia University. There are multiple ways you can do this research:

• Visit the school website or browse the list of departments, programs, and courses
• Check out the school newspaper, schedule a campus visit (virtual or in-person!), or set up a meeting with an alum, current student, or professor to get a feel for the campus

Every college campus has its own vibe, and visiting is the best way to get a sense of how Columbia might work with your personality as a student.

#2: Be Specific

From your research, you should have come up with specific reasons why Columbia is a great school for you. The more specific you can be when answering this prompt, the better.

Don't say Columbia has great academics, caring professors, and an interesting student body. The vast majority of schools have that!

Instead, try to mention opportunities only Columbia can provide, such as specific professors, courses, extracurricular activities, or research opportunities.

The things you discuss should be things your other top schools don't offer—things that really make Columbia stand out.

#3: Show Your Passion

Columbia wants students who care a lot about their studies and their school, so be sure this comes across in your response.

A bland statement such as "I am impressed by Columbia's strong engineering program" doesn't tell the school anything about you or help you stand apart from other applicants. Show your passion by naming specific professors or features of the program.

You've done your research to mention certain qualities Columbia has that have enticed you, and now it's time to discuss specific qualities about yourself, too. Why does the engineering program make you so excited? What do you want to get out of it? Be detailed, specific, and honest.

#4: Proofread

Your Columbia essay should be the strongest possible example of your writing skills. Before you turn in your application, take time to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your "Why Columbia" essay, too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend.

Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check and make sure that you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it can be.

Here's a little taste of what a good "Why Columbia" essay looks like.

"Why Columbia" Essay Example

If you're stuck on what to write for your own essay, looking at "Why Columbia" essays that actually worked can be helpful. Below, we examine one "Why Columbia" essay that got a student accepted to Columbia and talk about what specifically made this piece of writing so strong.

The following essay comes to us from an accepted Columbia 2020 student via AP Study Notes :

At a college visit this year, I met a Columbia alumnus named Ayushi, whose stories helped me develop a thorough understanding of Columbia. Ayushi told me that Columbia funded both her summer trip to Syria to interview refugees and her seed money for a start-up she launched. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I'm impressed by a university that encourages students to pursue their own independent creations instead of simply offering the option to work on faculty projects. Columbia's four entrepreneurship organizations, among them the Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs, provide a dynamic start-up community for me to launch my own business.

In addition, when I explored Columbia online, the emphasis put on interdisciplinary studies particularly excited me. The Columbia Engineering website is rich with stories of engineering students who are also involved in Shakespeare troupes, service projects, and multicultural groups. In my opinion, diverse experiences are the foundation of creative thinking. At Columbia, I will continue to diversify my experience by not just joining the Parliamentary Debate Team, but also by making new friends on the intramural soccer field and starting a cultural club for Italian heritage students who wish to learn more about Italian history, language, food, and current events.

Columbia Engineering stands uniquely apart from other programs by incorporating several in-depth humanities and writing classes into the graduation requirements. I believe that looking at critical issues with an open mind and sophisticated grasp of the humanities is extremely important to being an engineer. For example, I could not imagine exploring the future of quantum cryptography without considering the political ripple effects of Edward Snowden, the moral ramifications of the quantum encryption revolution, and the relationship between technology and income inequality. I am confident that I will thrive in the Columbia culture of passionate engagement and vibrant, energetic conversation.

Why does this essay work?

It answers the prompt specifically.

This essay gives examples of personal experience with the school and proves that the applicant did their research: they present clear evidence as to how engineering students are involved on campus and talk about specific academic courses.

There are many impressive details in this essay, and the section that addresses extracurriculars is cleverly written to showcase the applicant's diverse interests. This student's mention of certain extracurriculars they want to do indicates that they looked at many facets of Columbia University, not just the engineering department.

It's clear from this essay just how the author views their fit at Columbia. They've talked about specific organizations they would like to be a part of, such as the Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs, while also showing why they want to join that organization.

Additionally, the applicant mentions a Columbia University student they spoke with, which means they took getting to know the student body seriously and really wanted to find out what Columbia students were like to see whether they, too, would fit in.

The conversation with the Columbia alum also emphasizes the applicant's initiative: they're willing to go above and beyond to learn about the school.

Conclusion: Writing a Great "Why Columbia" Essay

The purpose of the "Why Columbia" essay is for you to prove to the admissions committee that Columbia is the best school for you

In your essay, you could write about multiple topics that are specific to Columbia, such as academics, the student body, extracurriculars, and research opportunities.

When writing your "Why Columbia" essay, make sure to research the school extensively and be specific about activities and opportunities that really make you want to attend.

If you're stuck on how to proceed, analyzing a successful "Why Columbia" essay example might help you get inspiration for what to write.

What's Next?

How tough is it to get into Columbia? For answers, read our expert guide on how to get into Columbia and the Ivy League , written by a Harvard alum!

Should you apply early or regular decision to college? Find out the pros and cons of early decision .

Want to see some more college essay examples? We have links to 100+ great college essays that includes our expert analysis on how you can write a stand-out essay of your own.

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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How to Write the “Why Columbia” Supplemental Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Joseph Recupero in a CollegeVine Livestream. You can watch the full Livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

• Do Your Research
• Discuss How You Will Contribute to the Columbia Community  
• Don’t Talk About Generic Features
• Speak with Current Students for Inspiration
• Don’t Answer Other Prompts  

This post will address how to write Columbia’s fourth supplemental essay about why you’re interested in attending Columbia.

This prompt encourages you to consider the aspects you find unique and compelling about Columbia. The most important word in this prompt is unique . The best essays written in response to this question give a compelling reason why you want to attend this school specifically. Below are 5 tips to follow when drafting your essay. 

1. Do Your Research

You have to do your research for this prompt. You can’t just say Columbia is an awesome school and it’s an Ivy league school and it’s in New York. These points are easy turnoffs. Don’t mention New York City. There are plenty of schools in NYC; this is not why Columbia is unique.  

Instead you want to focus on what in particular about Columbia appeals to you. Is there a specific professor whose research is related to your academic interests? Is there a unique club or activity that you are passionate about joining? Are there special programs at Columbia that align with your career goals? Things like this are much more compelling for an admissions officer to hear, and they tell the committee more about who you are as an applicant.

2. Discuss How You Will Contribute to the Columbia Community 

A great essay speaks to both individual experiences and activities you’re excited to pursue on campus. It should also demonstrate how you relate to the campus culture and why you find that attractive.

This goes back to the idea that Columbia is really looking for students who are going to be energetic members of their community. Including specific details here is always a good idea. Columbia’s admissions officers want to understand how you will fit into their student body and be active on campus. 

3. Don’t Talk About Generic Features

You want to avoid talking about generic features like location and things that are shared by many colleges. For example, every college has a gym and every college has an alumni network. You want to highlight things that are unique or different about Columbia. 

Because there are many competitive applicants to Columbia, this essay prompt can be a real danger or give you a leg up! It’s one of the real big ways you can differentiate yourself. If you highlight the fact that you have really done your research by including specifics about Columbia’s curriculum, community, or offerings, you will set yourself apart from other applicants.

4. Speak with Current Students for Inspiration

A great way to learn about unique aspects of Columbia is by talking to current students. You can get a perspective that is a little bit more textured and qualitative than what you would read about online.

One way to find current Columbia students is through your own personal network; however, if this is not an option you can reach out to your school counselor and see if they know any alumni who went to Columbia. 

You can also contact a Marketplace expert from Columbia or attend a virtual panel with current Columbia students to learn more about why Columbia is unique. 

5. Don’t Answer Other Prompts 

You could write about career aspirations and unique associated opportunities, but these topics line up better with other essay prompts. You certainly don’t want to get too deep into academics because you want to have material left over for your intended major essay.

Keep these 5 tips in mind when writing your “Why Columbia” essay to differentiate yourself from other applicants. 

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Read 2 Transfer Student Essays That Worked

Strong transfer essays can help pave the way to admissions offers.

Read 2 Transfer Essays That Worked

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Though it isn't a golden ticket, a strong transfer essay may boost an applicant's odds of admission.

There are as many reasons to transfer colleges as there are transfer students. But regardless of why someone wants to move to a new institution, the process for doing so usually requires an admissions essay.

Colleges With the Most Transfer Students

Josh Moody Jan. 28, 2020

In a 2018 National Association for College Admission Counseling survey , 41.5% of colleges polled said a transfer applicant's essay or writing sample is of either considerable or moderate importance in the admission decision.

A compelling, well-written transfer essay doesn't guarantee acceptance – many other factors are at play, such as an applicant's GPA. However, a strong essay can be a factor that helps move the odds in the applicant's favor, says Kathy Phillips, associate dean of undergraduate admissions at Duke University in North Carolina.

Know What Colleges Are Looking For In a Transfer Essay

Some schools have prospective transfer students use the Common App or the Coalition Application to apply. In addition to the main essay, students may be required to submit a second writing sample or respond to short-answer questions, though this isn't always the case. Prospective students can check a college's website for specific guidance regarding how to apply.

Whatever application method they use, prospective students should be aware that writing a transfer essay is not the same as writing a first-year college application essay, experts advise. First-year essays are more open-ended, says Niki Barron, associate dean of admission at Hamilton College in New York. When applying as first-years, prospective students can generally write about any experience, relationship or goal that has shaped who they are as people, she says.

This contrasts with transfer essays, where the focus is typically narrower. Barron says she thinks of transfer essays as more of a statement of purpose. "We're really looking to see students' reasons for wanting to transfer," she says.

Katie Fretwell, the recently retired dean of admission and financial aid at Amherst College in Massachusetts, says prospective transfer students are in a position to be a bit more reflective about their educational goals because of their additional year or years of experience post-high school. The essay helps admissions officers get a sense of whether an applicant has done "an appropriate level of soul-searching about the match," she says.

Transfer Essay Examples

Below are two transfer essays that helped students get into Duke and Amherst, respectively. Both institutions are very selective in transfer admissions. For fall 2018, Duke had a transfer acceptance rate of 8% and Amherst accepted 4% of its transfer applicants, according to U.S. News data.

Hover over the circles to read what made these essays stand out to admissions experts.

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Columbia University Transfer Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Requirements

In movies and TV shows, college applications are a pretty straightforward affair. A student applies to a college, gets accepted, and then spends four-five years studying at that institution.

As in most cases, things are a bit more complicated in real life. Many students find that the college they are attending can no longer meet their needs. 

It may be that their major has changed; it may be that they were just attending a community college to clear out prerequisites.

Whatever the reason, transfers are a fairly common part of college life. And if you’re going to transfer, you might as well trade up to one of the best institutions in the world.

One of the state’s oldest colleges, Columbia University in the City of New York has existed for over 250 years. Its students include Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Barack Obama. 

Additionally, the school has produced hundreds of leaders in every field and the winners of every major award known to humanity, including the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Sciences.

Who wouldn’t want to join such illustrious company? Even if you’re at a great school, it’s hard to believe that Columbia couldn’t offer even more opportunities.

Fortunately, the process of applying to transfer to Columbia is pretty easy, if you know what to expect.

Columbia University Transfer Acceptance Rate

In their own words, Columbia University typically accepts no more than 10% of those who apply to transfer to their school. 

While students can transfer directly into Columbia College, the primary undergraduate school at Columbia University, the school recommends the School of General Studies. 

The School of General Studies has its own requirements for transfers, as does the Columbia School of Engineering.

At first glance, that 10% acceptance rate can seem very discouraging. After all, that means that, at best, every 9 out of 10 applicants get rejected from transferring. 

In most years, Columbia takes in approximately 100 transfer students, which means that 900 students each year are not allowed to transfer.

But when looked at in context, Columbia’s transfer acceptance rate is quite high. In 2019, Columbia received 42,569 applications. Out of that group, only 2,190 received acceptance letters, for a 5.1% acceptance rate .

When looked at that way, it becomes clear that transfer students actually have a better chance at being accepted by Columbia than those entering as Freshmen. 

This higher percentage indicates that Columbia appreciates students who bring experience and education to their student body. 

That information should encourage anyone who wants to transfer to continue their studies at Columbia.

Application Requirements & GPA for Columbia Transfers

On average, Columbia expects transfer students to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. To be sure, that’s a tall order, especially when you consider that transfer students need to earn that GPA while taking college courses, not high school classes. 

To ensure that the GPA stays within acceptable levels, transfer students must earn an A in most of their classes.

Transfer hopefuls with a slightly lower GPA don’t need to give up hope. In fact, Columbia is quite clear that they don’t make their acceptance decisions on grades alone. 

The school has a wide range of requirements the school uses to choose the right students to bring into their programs.

In addition to transcripts showing high school and college scores, Columbia also requires transfer students to complete a Coalition Application . A Coalition Application is a common application used by more than one school.

Because transfer students have a different educational history than traditional new students, they need not fill out every part of the Coalition Application, including descriptions of the coursework. 

However, while transfer students are not required to complete the application essay, Columbia recommends that they do so.

The essay prompt asks students to explain why they want to transfer from their current institution. 

This essay should not be an opportunity for potential transfers to bash their current institution, nor to paint themselves in a bad light. 

Rather, they should use the essay to explain why the current institution cannot meet their current academic ambitions.

Additionally, Columbia requires at least two letters of recommendation from those who can speak to a candidate’s qualities as a college student.

Columbia University Transfer Deadline

Columbia requires that transfer students complete all of their application materials by March 1st of each year.

But those who want the best chance to get accepted shouldn’t wait until the end of February to get started. 

Instead, the most successful transfer students get started on the process early to ensure that they can devote enough time to finish the applications to their satisfaction. 

With extra time to answer all of the application questions, potential students can ensure that they cover all of the necessary information.

Sticking to a timeline is also an essential part of securing letters of recommendation. 

Because Columbia wants letters of recommendation to come from those who can attest to a candidate’s abilities as a college student, the best letters will come from professors at the current institution.

To be sure, most professors are happy to help students, even those who are trying to switch to another school. 

However, unlike high school teachers, college professors have a very different schedule and often have higher standards for writing letters of recommendation .

For that reason, it’s important to not only cultivate a relationship with a potential letter writer but also give the professor plenty of time to write the letter. 

If the application needs to be submitted by March 1st, it’s wise to speak with a potential letter writer by January 15th at the latest. If the professor does not have time to complete the letter, they will pass, which means that applicants will need to scramble to find a second or third choice.

What is the Decision Date for Columbia University Transfers?

Columbia University sends letters of acceptance to the transfer students who make it by June 1st each year.

To be sure, that can make for a rough few months of waiting. But that doesn’t mean that potential students should let that time go to waste. 

There are many things that they can do to stay busy and have the best chance of being successful upon acceptance.

One of the best things to do during that waiting period is to apply for financial aid and scholarships. Like most schools, Columbia has a variety of options available, especially for transfer students. 

These options reward those who try to do the best for their education by finding the right school for them.

Furthermore, the acceptance letter doesn’t mean that the application process is over. Columbia expects transfer students who have been accepted to submit their deposit money by June 15th. The $500 deposit is necessary to hold a transfer student’s place as an enrolled student at the school.

If a transfer student has any financial hardships that prevent them from paying the $500 deposit, they should contact the school immediately. Columbia has scholarships and financial aid options to help cover that cost. 

The school does not want to lose a potentially great student simply because they can’t afford to hold their place in the school.

Deciding Whether You Should Transfer to Columbia University

As has been made abundantly clear, you certainly can transfer to Columbia University. But should you?

Unfortunately, that’s a question that only you can answer for yourself. To answer that question, you need to keep in mind some key points. 

Most importantly, remember that Columbia does want to accept students from other schools, and provides many resources to help transfer students easily acclimate with their new school.

Those resources include the Berick Center for Student Advising , which offers a handy list of suggestions for transfer students new to Columbia. 

The list includes pointers about setting up Columbia email and connecting with the advising dean, things that new students know, but might slip the mind of transfer students.

That said, it’s also to remember that Columbia is an incredibly popular school, and many students will want to attend, even if they are already enrolled at a different institution. 

The competition to transfer to Columbia will be tough, and the standards higher. There’s a reason that so many people have their transfer applications rejected by Columbia.

While rejection is always a risk, it’s essential to consider the benefits of transferring.  

The fact is that many undergrads transfer to new schools, often to pursue their majors better. Columbia is one of the best schools in the world, and their degrees carry more weight than those of nearly every other college.

Again, only you can decide if you should transfer to Columbia. There’s always a risk of rejection involved, but the benefits are undoubtedly great.

RECAP: How to Apply As a Transfer Student to Columbia University

In conclusion, Columbia does welcome transfer students from other colleges. However, it has incredibly high standards for those students, sending offers of acceptance to fewer than 10%. 

While that is a very competitive number, it’s a higher percentage than the 5.1% acceptance rate Columbia has for new student applications.

For the best chances of acceptance, a student should have a GPA of at least 3.5. To earn that grade, the student must earn mostly A’s and a couple of B’s in college classes, not in high school courses. 

Furthermore, transfer applicants must fill out the Coalition Application and should consider completing the essay included in the application.

More important than grades are the supplemental materials, especially the letter of recommendation. 

With a strong letter of recommendation, transfer students are more likely to be among that happy 10% who get accepted. 

For that reason, it’s crucial to form a strong relationship with professors at your current institution and talk to them as soon as possible about getting a recommendation letter.

None of these steps will guarantee that you’ll be able to transfer to Columbia, but they will give you the best chance. But the biggest step is the one you have to take on your own: deciding to apply.

It’s always scary to step out and move to a new institution, especially if you’ve done the hard work of learning the ropes at your current school. 

But there’s no question that Columbia University is an excellent school, sure to provide a first-class education that few other institutions can offer. Most would jump at the chance to study there.

Does that describe you? If so, follow the steps above and get started on your new university adventure!

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Columbia University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

You Have: 

Columbia University  2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 lists of 100 words; 4 essays of 150 words each 

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community , Why, Short Answer

List questions

For the list question that follows, there is a 100 word maximum. please refer to the below guidance when answering this question:, your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons., items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order., it is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications., no author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed., 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).

How do you pursue intellectual development outside of the classroom? You’ll need to be careful to avoid self-aggrandizing or pandering choices. Don’t top your list with 1984 unless you genuinely picked it up of your own accord, read it from start to finish, and meditated on Orwell’s intentions (while staring out the window, jaw agape). Think of not just the most recent media you’ve consumed, but also the old classics you can’t help revisiting (anything by Jenny Han, the podcast you binged in two weeks, the film you saw in theaters three times). Play with the sequencing here: how would you set these up in your library? Chronologically? Alphabetically? Thematically? Maybe you can make an entertaining leap from the sublime to the ridiculous by placing a heart-wrenching play alongside a goofy satire. Have fun with it! After all, this list is, at its core, about what you consume for the pleasure of it.

Short answer questions

For the four short answer questions, please respond in 150 words or fewer., 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).

Ah, the infamous “community” essay. Many schools ask students about their communities because they want to know how you relate to the people around you, forge connections, and commune with your peers. In this particular instance, the question emphasizes equity, inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration. What do these words mean to you and how do they relate to your perspective or lived experience? Maybe you’re very involved in a progressive church youth group that celebrates its members differences, including trans and nonbinary members. Perhaps the friends you made at the skatepark have introduced you to a new culture and mindset of “try and try again” that you love. Maybe there are different languages spoken by the volunteers in your community garden, and now you know how to say “basil” in four different dialects (BTW in Italian it’s “ basilico ,” #funfact). How do you see equity, inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration play out in your community? And, looking forward, how would you keep those values alive at Columbia next fall?

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)

This prompt is incredibly similar to the Common App’s Prompt #2, which asks applicants to recount a time when they faced a challenge, setback, or failure. Our advice is similar: isolate an incident of trial in your life and illustrate how you learned from it. Writing about a difficult time in your life requires both vulnerability and perspective. Instead of focusing on the barrier or obstacle you were up against, spend most of the words at your disposal on how you rose to the occasion to overcome the challenge at hand. This is your opportunity to show admissions that you are a developing, maturing young adult with resilience and work ethic. As you zero in on a key moment, ask yourself the following questions: What healthy coping mechanisms or communication skills did you develop? Who, if applicable, did you choose to lean on and why? What did you learn about yourself? How will you approach difficult situations moving forward? Be honest and open, and we’re sure admissions will be impressed.

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)

This brief assignment is Columbia’s version of the classic Why Essay , and the key to every good Why Essay is solid, specific research. Spend some quality time with the Columbia website or, if you can, on a campus tour. Ask questions, take notes, and dig to find specific people, organizations, and experiences that excite you. Don’t dig too deep into majors or classes just yet; you’ll have an opportunity to write about your academic interest in a little bit, so for now, focus on the Columbia experience as a whole. Once you have some notes on the page, try to weave together a story that pairs your interests with Columbia’s offerings. Reveal new information about yourself while also showing that you’ve done your homework.

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

This prompt gives you a chance to geek out about your intended area(s) of study. Whether you’re hoping to study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering, the assignment is the same: offer admissions insight into your academic interests and pursuits. Whether your goals are intellectual, professional, or somewhere in between, your reasoning should be grounded in what Columbia has to offer. 150 words isn’t a lot of space, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide a detailed response. Get ambitious and aim to answer these two key questions: What intrigues or excites you about your intended major? And why is Columbia the ideal place for you to study it? Do a little research to identify classes you’d like to take, professors you’d like to work with, and alumni you’d like to network with; then, get to drafting—and leave yourself plenty of time to edit and revise! 

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Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

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Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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