columbia law application essay

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How to get into columbia law.

Reviewed by:

David Merson

Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University

Reviewed: 10/25/23

Columbia Law is one of the nation’s top law schools. Read on to learn how to get into Columbia Law and kickstart your law career. 

Columbia Law School is ranked as the nation's eighth-best law school , making it an attractive addition to any future lawyer’s list. If getting into Columbia Law is your dream, this guide will outline its programs, requirements, essay tips, and more to boost your chances of acceptance. 

Programs Offered 

Columbia Law offers a J.D. program and three other graduate law degree options, not including dual degrees. The J.D. program’s goal is to immerse students in current legal and social challenges and mobilize students to use their education to create impactful changes. 

The graduate law degree programs are a J.S.D program and two LL.M. programs: a standard LL.M. program and an Executive LL.M. in Global Business Law. 

J.D. students at Columbia can choose from eight dual degree programs and one joint degree program:

• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (J.D./Ph.D. in selected programs)
• Graduate School of Business (Three-Year J.D./MBA or Four-Year J.D./MBA)
• Graduate School of Journalism (J.D./M.S.)
• Mailman School of Public Health (J.D./M.P.H.)
• School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (J.D./M.S. in Urban Planning)
• School of International and Public Affairs (J.D./M.I.A., J.D./M.P.A., and special programs through the Weatherhead East Asian Institute and Harriman Institute)
• School of the Arts (J.D./M.F.A. in Theatre Management & Producing)
• School of Social Work (J.D./M.S.W.)
• Joint degree program: Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (J.D./M.P.A.) 

Columbia Law School Requirements 

Applying to law school can be chaotic and overwhelming at times, but don’t worry. To give you some Columbia Law School application guidance , we’ve put together a list of requirements that you’ll need to submit. 

Columbia Law School requires applicants to submit applications through LSAC to apply to the J.D. program for Early or Regular Decision. These are the Columbia Law School requirements you must fulfill to complete your application: 

Columbia Law GPA: Requirements

While there is no GPA requirement, examining class profile data can help you compare your academic performance to admitted students: 

• 25th percentile GPA: 3.81
• Median GPA: 3.90 
• 75th percentile GPA: 3.97

Given this data, it’s difficult to determine the Columbia Law School average GPA. However, we can assume that the Columbia Law average GPA likely ranges from 3.8 to 4.0. 

Columbia Law School LSAT Score Requirement

There is no requirement for Columbia Law LSAT scores. However, this doesn’t mean that your Columbia Law School LSAT score isn’t crucial to your application’s success. Admitted students typically submit impressive LSAT scores: 

• 25th percentile score: 169
• Median LSAT score: 173 
• 75th percentile score: 175 

Based on this information, it's challenging to determine what the Columbia Law average LSAT score is. However, an LSAT score at or above 173 should put you in good standing. To achieve this score, you’ll have to study hard by taking advantage of practice tests and questions . 

Columbia Law School GRE 

If you’re waffling between taking the GRE versus the LSAT , you should be fine with either, as Columbia Law accepts GRE scores. However, class profile data doesn’t reflect GRE score data from admitted students. Based on Columbia Law students’ impressive LSAT scores, we can safely assume that achieving high GRE scores is imperative. 

Using the ETS online tool to predict LSAT scores based on GRE results, achieving 168 on each GRE section would equate to 174 on the LSAT. 

Columbia Law Interview

You may also be contacted for a video interview with an admissions committee member. This is a great opportunity for Columbia to ask some questions about your application to learn more about you, and you can even ask some questions of your own. However, you cannot request an interview with Columbia Law. 

The University of Columbia Law School Essays (Prompts, Tips, & Examples) 

Writing great essays is key to getting into Columbia Law. We'll outline Columbia Law's personal statement and optional statement prompts with tips. 

Columbia Law School Personal Statement 

There isn’t a prompt for Columbia Law’s personal statement. The only advice that Columbia provides is that your personal statement should be two pages long, double-spaced, and "a clear and concise example of your best writing. It should also be free from spelling and grammatical errors." 

So, what do you do with such an open-ended requirement? These tips will help you organize your thoughts to write a creative, compelling personal statement. 

Understand the Purpose of the Personal Statement 

Although you don't have much to go off of, understanding the Columbia personal statement can help direct your writing. In essence, you want to provide something more profound than your GPA and test scores: what can you write about to add another layer of depth and intrigue to your application? 

According to a handout provided by the Columbia School for Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), your law school personal statement should provide insight on: 

• What kind of person you are 
• How you think and organize your thinking 
• What type of student you’ll be if admitted 

SEAS emphasizes that no matter what topic(s) you choose to share, the ultimate goal of your personal statement is to capture your essence. 

Ask Yourself Useful Questions to Brainstorm

The Columbia School of General Studies suggests prospective law students should ask themselves deep, personal questions to begin brainstorming. Some questions you can ask yourself include: 

• How has your background shaped and influenced you? 
• What would make you a good fit for Columbia Law? 
• When did you first discover your passion for law, and what steps have you taken to explore your interest? What did these experiences teach you?
• What are you most passionate about? Why are you passionate about it? 
• What accomplishments are you most proud of? 
• What specific hardships have you faced? How did you overcome them, and how did the situation help you grow? 
• What qualities do you possess (i.e., compassion, integrity, a strong sense of justice) that make you believe you'd be a great lawyer? 

Your answers to these questions may point you toward the perfect personal statement topic: remember, Columbia’s non-prompt is just about as open-ended as it gets, so you have a lot of freedom. 

Tell Your Story Using Strong Imagery and Examples 

"Show, don't tell" is something you've probably heard a lot regarding writing advice, but it's excellent advice to follow. Any anecdotes you use to tell your story should be vibrant and compelling. While you don't have to pull out a thesaurus to write your statement, this is your opportunity to show off your effective communication and writing skills. 

When you share an anecdote, ensure you're reflective and demonstrate how it's shaped you or your personality. It's one thing to say, "I have a strong sense of justice," and it's another to describe how you advocated for local residents being wrongfully evicted in your community. 

Do Your Research 

Knowing how to get into Columbia Law starts with research. Most law school applicants tailor their personal statements to each law school they apply to. 

While the primary purpose of your statement is for the admissions committee to learn more about you as a person, it doesn't hurt to subtly show that you've done your research and have concrete reasons for choosing Columbia Law. Ensure you research the curriculum, opportunities, and other Columbia-specific offerings. 

Which of Columbia’s offerings excite you and why? 

Keep Your Tone Professional and Be Careful With Sensitive Issues 

While you don't want to take yourself way too seriously, your tone should be conversational yet professional. In keeping a professional tone, you should also navigate sensitive topics with grace. 

For example, you don't want to write about anything too graphic or events that paint you negatively. Also, keep any controversial content out of your statement: there's no guarantee the admissions committee members have the same opinions as you. 

Other Tips to Ace the Columbia Personal Statement 

Other short tips to ensure you produce the best statement possible include: 

• Don’t try to cover too much ground: you only have two pages! 
• Don’t rehash your resume. 
• Write clearly and concisely (writing in the active voice helps). 
• Don’t add quotes or cliches. 
• You can be creative but avoid thinking too far out of the box. 
• Proofread your work: you'll be doing much of that before getting to the final draft. 

Columbia Law School Supplemental Essays 

The prompt for the optional Columbia Law School supplemental essays is: 

“Applicants, if they wish, may submit brief supplemental statements that will provide useful information to the Admissions Committee in evaluating the application. The Committee especially welcomes addenda that allow it to understand the contribution your personal background would add to the Columbia Law School community.”

If you plan to write an additional essay, consider these tips. 

Determine If You Should Write A Supplemental Essay 

If you have gaps in your application, like a lower GPA, test scores, or anything else you think requires an explanation, it's in your best interest to add addenda. On the other hand, if you want to discuss your identity and experiences (that aren't otherwise stated in your application), you should consider writing about them. 

Keep Your Essay to the Point 

These essays don't need to be very long, so you should keep your writing concise. If you're writing about academic performance, don't linger on your mistakes but on how you overcame them and grew. 

If you're writing a diversity statement, show how your background will directly contribute to the Columbia class. 

Reflect on Your Experiences

Reflecting on your experiences and their impact helps direct your story and keeps your writing clear. Think about your most transformative moments and what you’ve learned from them, how they impacted you, and how they propelled you along the path to law. 

Columbia Law School Personal Statement Example

Examining Columbia Law School personal statement examples can help show you what you should aim for in your writing and even how you can improve: check out this personal statement example excerpt and our feedback on why it was good.

Columbia Law Personal Statement Example

“I’m the child of Afghani immigrants, and my parents have a great story to tell. It begins with a 7-year old girl who watches in confusion as a swarm of parents rush through the classroom grabbing their children. Soon she realizes that she and one other student are the only ones left. Suddenly a soldier bursts into the classroom and grabs the other student, the grandson of the former President of Afghanistan, Daoud Khan. The teacher fights a tug-of-war to keep the child, but eventually the soldier takes him away to the family’s palace, where his entire family is massacred.

The Russians are invading Afghanistan.

On the way home, the girl hears gun shots and bombs, and she starts to fear what this invasion will mean for her and her family. Before she knows it, her mother and father are selling their belongings to make enough money to escape the war. A month later, her family boards a plane to the U.S.

On the other side of town in Kabul, a young boy awakens to his family of 10 rushing to finish packing. The communists had placed a hit on his father, brother, and sister, who are all active anti-communists. The family drives from Kabul to Jalalabad, takes a bus, hops onto the back of a pickup truck, and travels by foot until they reach a military area with tents for individuals escaping the country.

Early the next morning, the family walks with their luggage the entire day until they catch a bus to Peshawar, Pakistan, leaving behind their beloved home of Afghanistan. After living in Pakistan for 18 months, the family makes its passage to the United States.

Ten years later, the girl and boy meet at a high school in Annandale, Virginia. Discovering how much they have in common, the two high school sweethearts fall in love and marry shortly after graduation. In their early 20s, they bring three children into this world, one of them being me.

Growing up in an Afghan household in the U.S. presented its own challenges. At a young age, the way I looked and dressed – and especially my faith – were different than those of my classmates. Ignorant comments and questions were not uncommon. “Is Osama Bin Laden your uncle?” “I know your family has oil money.” “Why are you so hairy?” “You’re Muslim? I’ll pray for you.” These comments made me incredibly sad, especially when classmates I considered my friends made them.

My own family did not make assimilating any easier. My parents would only let me play with other kids in our home because they feared I would lose my Afghan identity. Sleepovers were out of the question. As my mother would occasionally rant, “Just because you were born here doesn’t mean you’re American. You are not allowed to date, wear short shorts, or go to parties.”

Despite these strict expectations, I always celebrated my background, the way I was raised, and my religious beliefs. I performed the centuries-old Afghan dance, the attan, in traditional clothing at my high school’s heritage night; joined the Afghan Student Union at George Mason University; presented my unusually large family tree in an anthropology course (I have 22 first cousins!); and met with a mullah every weekend to learn how to the read the Quran in Arabic. I am proud to be different than my peers and have my own sense of uniqueness.

However, my pride has been tempered by the realities of being a first generation college student. When my parents moved to the U.S., my father became an electrician and my mother a hairstylist. While I received immense support and love from my family for continuing my education, I had to teach myself how to apply to college, and once there I had to learn on my own what my professors expected of me. I couldn’t call my parents when I was stuck on a difficult calculus problem or cry for help when I didn’t know how to conclude my 10-page Western Civilization paper. I was on my own.

These experiences have crafted me into who I am today. Given my appreciation for diversity, as an attorney I want to help minorities who face discrimination achieve equal opportunity and success in the workplace.”

Why This Personal Statement Worked 

The beginning of this statement opens with a vivid story full of action directly related to the student’s background. Then, it drives the narrative to the author's upbringing in American culture, their struggles to assimilate, and their relationship to their Afghani culture. 

The author does an excellent job of showing how their background could help them contribute to problems more than others who don’t share their experiences and culture (this doubles as a diversity statement). They take care to discuss how their experience with immigration would make them a passionate attorney with unique strengths. 

The only thing to be careful with when writing a personal statement that references another person is to ensure the focus stays on you. We think this writer managed to do that for the most part, but be careful not to remove yourself from the spotlight, particularly in introductions and conclusions. 

Columbia Law School Stats (Admissions Statistics)

A snapshot of the Columbia Law School class profile can tell you more about the school’s commitment to a diverse student body and your chances of acceptance. The recent entering class profile shows the following breakdown for ethnicity, gender, age, and of students: 

Most admitted students (31%) are from the mid-Atlantic region, followed by international students (19%) and students from the American West (18%). 

Columbia Law School Acceptance Rate

Although the Columbia Law acceptance rate reflects the school’s selectivity, it’s crucial not to get too hung up on statistics. In a recent admissions cycle, Columbia Law received 7,754 applications and admitted 948 students. 

The Columbia University Law School acceptance rate is 12.2%. 

For more admissions data about Columbia Law, here’s a table with the acceptance rates from the past few years: 

Source: Columbia Law School Standard 509 Reports

How Hard Is It to Get into Columbia Law School? 

Getting into Columbia Law School is relatively difficult: approximately 1 out of every 10 applicants is accepted. Columbia Law also made the U.S. News World and Report’s list of the top 10 hardest law schools to get into . 

Due to the school’s reputation, resources, and ranking, getting accepted at Columbia is no easy task. However, you can always boost your chances of admission with a well-polished application. 

Columbia Law School Deadlines & Application Process  

You’ll use the LSAC application to apply to Columbia Law, no matter when you decide to apply. Below are the important dates you should know to stay ahead of the Columbia Law School deadline. 

Columbia Law Regular Decision Dates 

Although exact dates haven’t been released yet for the current application cycle, most application dates tend not to change much every year. Here is a breakdown of Regular Decision dates you should know: 

Columbia Law Early Decision Dates 

These are the Columbia Law Early Decision dates you should know: 

How to Get Into Columbia Law School FAQs

If you still have questions about how to get into Columbia Law, check out these FAQs! 

1. What GPA Do You Need for Columbia Law School?

While no GPA will guarantee your admission, you should strive for a GPA above the median of 3.9 to be viewed as a more competitive applicant. 

2. What Are My Chances of Getting into Columbia Law School?

Based solely on the 12.2% Columbia Law acceptance rate, you have approximately a 1 in 10 chance of admission. However, you can boost your chances by putting enough time and effort into your application! 

3. What Are the Requirements to Get into Columbia Law School?

The basic requirements to get into Columbia Law are a completed LSAC application, transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. 

4. Can I Get Into Columbia Law School With a 3.0 GPA?

Considering the 25th percentile GPA of admitted students is 3.81, it’s not likely that a 3.0 will be enough for Columbia Law. However, with a stellar application and explanation for your lower GPA, you may still stand a chance with a 3.0 GPA .

5. What LSAT Score Do You Need for Columbia Law? 

You should aim for an LSAT score of 173 or higher to be a more competitive Columbia Law applicant. 

6. What Is the Columbia Law Early Decision Acceptance Rate? 

Columbia doesn't release data on its Early Decision acceptance rate. However, there are advantages to applying through Early Decision: U.S. News states law schools may be more lenient with students with lower GPAs or test scores who apply through Early Decision (meaning you may have a higher chance of admission). 

7. What is the Cost of Tuition at Columbia Law School? 

Columbia Law School tuition and fees total $85,833 per year. However, including personal expenses, students can expect to pay roughly $118,357 each year. 

Luckily, Columbia Law offers a number of scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid options for students. 

Get Into Law School at Columbia Today

Columbia Law School is an excellent option for future lawyers. If Columbia is on your list, achieving a high GPA and test scores, spending extra time on your personal statement, and obtaining stellar recommendations can help you claim your seat. 

Getting into Columbia Law may be relatively difficult, but a well-constructed application can boost your chances of acceptance. Good luck!

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Columbia Law School Law School Application Essays

These Columbia Law School college application essays were written by students accepted at Columbia Law School. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Columbia Law School

Diversity lessons laura stafford, columbia law school.

In the past, whenever I have been confronted with a question on an application asking about “contributions of your cultural or ethnic background”, I have always thought that such essay prompts were not written for me. Such topics, I facilely...

The Third Tunnel Yoon K Choi

Recently, I found myself seventy-two meters underground, in a North Korean invasion tunnel discovered not fifty kilometers from Seoul. The tunnel is wide enough for ten thousand armed soldiers to pass through in an hour, but not so high that...

Recent Questions about Columbia Law School

The Question and Answer section for Columbia Law School is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Identify and explain the figures of speech in the first to stanzas. What impression does each create? How is the mood established enforced by the rest of the poem ?

Most all of your questions have been labeled "The Battle" by Simpson but have related to other works. Are you sure of your title for this question?

What is the significance to Laura? Why is the unicorn single out? What are its symbolic implications?

Laura admits that the unicorn is her favorite glass animal. She singles the unicorn out because its horn makes it different. This is symbolic because she sees the unicorn as being similar in this way to herself. They are both different.

what is the difference between the lessons from nature learnt by duke senior and those learnt by jaques

http://www.gradesaver.com/as-you-like-it/q-and-a/give-the-difference-between-the-lessons-from-nature-learnt-by-duke-senior-and-those-learnt-by-jacques-64035/

Columbia Law School: How to Get In

Wondering how to get into Columbia law school? You're not the only one. Columbia is not only one of the most famous I vy league schools in the world, but it is also home to a world-renowned program at the top of law school rankings . With a reputation of that magnitude comes a lot of competition for admission. If you want to attend Columbia law school, you need to know what the school is looking for and ensure that your application is competitive. In this blog, we will go over how you can do that. We'll also discuss Columbia's admissions statistics, requirements, tuition, and everything else you need to know to get into Columbia.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 9 min read

Available programs.

Columbia Law School offers several degree options. Starting with the Juris Doctor (JD) program, which is the traditional degree associated with going to law school in the US, and the one we will be focusing on in this article. However, In addition to the JD degree, Columbia offers a one-year Master of Laws (LL.M.), which is recommended for JD graduates looking to specialize in a particular area of the law, and an ambitious Executive LL.M program for business executives. This intensive program only lasts six months and is designed to provide its graduates with a foundational understanding of U.S. corporate law. Columbia also offers the Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) degree, which prepares students for careers in legal scholarship. Additionally, Columbia Law School offers students ten joint or dual degree programs, including the popular J.D./M.B.A. program which is offered in conjunction with Columbia Business School.

Columbia Law School’s JD program is world-renowned for a reason. Much like Columbia’s undergraduate curriculum, the JD program is designed to give students a strong foundation during their first year and then build on it during the rest of their time at Columbia law school. The aim is to ensure that Columbia Law School students graduate with the tools and experiences needed to successfully practice law in today’s fast-paced, globalized society.

It is a three-year, full-time program that provides its students with the opportunity to work with top-tier scholars and practitioners to tackle real-world challenges, using creative combinations of data science, litigation and advocacy. Students are required to participate in a broad range of clinics, externships, simulations, policy labs, moot courts, and other public service opportunities so that they can get an insider’s view into how the law operates in practical settings. Additionally, Columbia law school students are taught to think critically about the law and its impact on individual lives, judicial institutions, and international affairs.

During the upper-class years, students get to choose one of the fourteen different areas of study to focus on. Each area of study involves learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom to ensure that students are prepared to work in the private sector, government, public interest, and beyond. These are the areas of study currently being offered:

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Unclear on how the law school application process typically works? This video is for you:

Admission Statistics

Acceptance rate: 11.3% Accepted

Columbia law school is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States, so it is not surprising to find out that the competition to get in is quite fierce. Last year, the law school's acceptance rate into the JD program was 11.3%. For the admitted students, the median GPA and LSAT scores were 3.84 and 174, respectively. We're not saying that it isn't possible to get into law school with a low GPA . Still, Columbia's latest first-year class profile tells us that if you do not have a strong academic background, you will need to have an outstanding LSAT score, or the rest of your application must be very compelling. If you want to improve your LSAT score, hiring an LSAT tutor or enrolling in an LSAT prep course is a wise idea.

In terms of demographics, Columbia law school’s first-year classes have gotten increasingly diverse over the years. 48% of the most recent group of first-year students was women, 50% were men and 2% were non-binary or gender non-conforming. 45% of the students identify as students of color, 18% identify as members of the LGBTQ community, and 13% of the class is made of international students.

To be eligible for the JD program at Columbia Law School, you must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or its equivalent by matriculation. If you did not study in the US or are unsure of your bachelor's degree status, you should consult the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) as they determine if your degree is equivalent to a bachelor.

Columbia law school does not state a requirement or preference for an applicants' education before law school, and the current class has students who majored in a variety of different fields. The most popular major was political science, followed closely by social sciences. Furthermore, we know that over half of Columbia's entering class was out of college for over a year before applying to law school, and about 11% of the entering students have earned at least one graduate or professional degree. This tells us that although having a graduate degree or professional experience is not required, having one of the two can work in your favor.

The Application Process

Applicants to Columbia law school have two different application methods to choose from. They can apply through the Early Decision method or the Regular Decision method. Early decision candidates have to submit their applications in November, and they typically receive a decision from the admission committee by December. The process is considerably expedited for them. You should only use this option if Columbia is your top choice for law schools, as if successful, you will need to withdraw all pending applications to any other law schools and enroll at Columbia. If you fail to do so, Columbia law school can revoke its offer of admission. The process starts in September for Regular Decision candidates, and the deadline to submit applications is in February. 

The admissions committee does not prefer one application method over the other. However, it’s important to remember that Columbia law school reviews applications on a rolling basis, meaning that you want to submit your application as early as possible. Additionally, Regular Decision applicants who submit their completed application by December 31 receive a decision by March. Those who submit all the materials by the application deadline in February are notified by the end of April.

Both Regular Decision and Early Decision candidates have to submit the following components to be considered for admission: 

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Selection Factors

Columbia law school has a holistic admissions process. The admissions committee looks for students who are "curious and resourceful, committed to excellence, and motivated to effect change and serve as leaders in their fields." In order to find students who fit this bill, the admissions committee assesses the following.

Want to see a summary of what's covered below? Check out this infographic:

Columbia Law School uses your undergraduate transcripts (if applicable, graduate), as well as your Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to assess this. There is no minimum LSAT/GRE score or GPA requirement, but we recommend aiming for a high score if you want your application to be competitive. That said, Columbia Law School does look at more than just the numbers. The admissions committee also considers applicants' entire transcripts to try and identify trends in performance and other factors that could help them figure out if the applicant would do well at Columbia Law School. 

Your resume

The admissions committee focuses on applicants' resumes because they are essentially a snapshot of your academic and professional background. It tells the admissions committee how you chose to spend your time outside the classroom, what opportunities you took advantage of, and what interests you. Applicants can list their work experience, extracurricular involvement, fellowship opportunities, community service, honors and awards, publications, professional contributions, and more on their resume. You should look at law school resume examples if you're unsure how to create your own resume.

Your writing ability

According to Columbia, evidence of superior writing ability is one of the trademarks of any potential candidate for admission to their Law School. In other words, you need to nail your law school essays. Columbia requires a law school personal statement, and it also allows applicants to submit a law school optional essay.

The personal statement

The Columbia law school personal statement is the mandatory essay that all applicants must submit. It should be two pages long, double-spaced, and written in an 11 or 12 pt font. While there is no specific prompt or question that you are required to answer, the application form encourages applicants to reflect on the contributions they hope to make to the Columbia community and the legal profession while considering their personal, intellectual, and professional background.

The optional essay

Applicants may submit an optional essay such as a law school diversity statement or a law school addendum as part of their application to Columbia law school. You will need to decide what to address in your optional essay based on your background. It is important to remember that this optional essay should provide relevant information that may not have otherwise been conveyed through your other application materials. For example, if your grades suffered due to an external factor in undergrad, you can address that in your addendum. Columbia law school does not have a specific word count or page limit for this essay, so we recommend sticking to the same guidelines that the school provided for the personal statement.

Your recommender’s thoughts

How other professionals view you is important to Columbia law school. Third-party commentary can help the admissions committee figure out if you have the potential to succeed in legal study and the legal profession as a whole. This information is obtained in two main ways. 

First, Columbia law school requires two letters of recommendation. For applicants who are still completing their undergraduate degree or who graduated less than two years ago, those letters need to be written y faculty members. Preferably individuals who taught the applicants in the classroom or evaluated them in a significant academic capacity. On the other hand, applicants who graduated over two years ago or have substantive work experience may submit professional references but having at least one academic letter of recommendation is strongly encouraged. 

You should remember that the most impactful letters of recommendation come from someone who knows you well enough to discuss your skills, abilities, work ethic, and character using specific examples. So, make sure to select writers who have worked with you directly and who support your candidacy for law school. It would be best if you also asked them for a reference in advance so that they have the time to write a compelling letter. 

Additionally, some candidates are called for an interview. Columbia Law school maintains that the interview does not carry any particular weight relative to other application components. Still, your performance during the interview will be a factor in the admission committee’s decision. If you're not sure how to prepare for a law school interview, you are encouraged to start by reviewing common law school interview questions. 

Acceptance and Waitlist

If you apply to Columbia law school using the Early Decision method, you will receive a decision from the admissions board by December. You will either be offered admission, in which case you have to withdraw your application from all other law schools. Or, your application could be deferred, meaning that the admissions committee will revisit it in February with the Regular Decision applicant pool. Lastly, your application could be rejected, and unfortunately, this means that you can't reapply that same year because the JD program only has one intake in the fall of every year.

Regular Decision applicants will start getting responses from the admissions board in late January, and this continues through the end of April. Applicants will either be offered admission, a place on the waiting list, or their application will be rejected altogether. If you are offered a spot on the waiting list, do not despair. Instead, we encourage you to write a letter of continued interest to reiterate that you want to attend Columbia Law school. 

Does your personal statement still need some work? You want to miss these tips:

Tuition and Funding

The table below shows the current yearly cost of tuition for the Columbia Law School JD program. This does not include additional expenses like room and board, food, or books. When you factor in those additional charges, you could be looking at close to $100 000 per academic year.

Columbia Law School offers financial aid on a demonstrated need basis, in the form of a partial tuition waiver. They also provide several fellowships that are not based on financial need. These fellowships are awarded by the admissions office when an applicant is admitted to the Law School. Law school applicants do not need to submit a separate application for these fellowships.

Additionally, eligible Columbia law students may borrow from a variety of loan programs to finance part or all of their educational expenses.

Contact Information

Columbia Law School Website

E-mail: [email protected]

Mailing address: 435 West 116th St.

New York, NY 10027

It’s pretty hard to get into Columbia law. The school has an acceptance rate of approximately 11%, meaning that for every 100 applicants, only 11 get in.

Yes, it does. In fact, 13% of the current first-year class are international students.

Admission to Columbia law school is very competitive. A 3.0 GPA could actually be considered low when you factor in the fact that 50% of the current first-year class have a GPA of 3. Or higher. That said, getting in is not impossible. If you ace the LSAT, and write a compelling addendum essay, you can maximize your chances of admission.

While Columbia law school itself does not have a minimum LSAT score requirement, the median score of the current first-year class is 174 so you will need a similar score or higher to get into Columbia law school.

You don’t need to apply for one separately! When you apply to Columbia law school as a student, the admissions office will review your application and award any internal scholarships that you meet the requirements for. You can contact the financial aid office for additional information on this process.

Yes. Some applicants may be called for an interview by the admissions office. The school is unable to interview all applicants, but not getting an interview will not affect your application negatively.

Columbia law school can cost up to $100 000 per academic year when you factor in living expenses, textbooks and tuition. It is worth noting that most students at Columbia law school are receiving some form of financial aid from the school.

You can improve your chances by making sure you study for the LSAT or GRE, have a high GPA, and give yourself the time to write compelling admission essays and a strong law school resume. If you need some help with these documents, you should consider hiring a law school admissions consultant.

Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results. 

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Home > Student Scholarship > LL.M. Essays & Theses

LL.M. Essays & Theses

The LL.M. Essay and Theses Series provides access to the theses and essays completed by LL.M. candidates at Columbia Law School. The LL.M. Essay is a substantial and rigorous piece of legal writing based on research on a topic approved in advance by a faculty member who has agreed to act as Faculty Supervisor.

Each author has agreed to the following release statement: In presenting this LL.M. Essay in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at the Columbia Law School, I agree that the Library shall make it available for library use, reproduction, distribution and display in any regularly employed format, which may include electronic forms. I further agree that extensive photocopying and transcribing of this LL.M. Essay is permissible for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying of this essay for commercial purposes or financial gain, or any publication of the essay as such, shall require my written permission.

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A Guide to the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

October 3, 2023

Situated in the vibrant heart of New York City, Columbia University has long been renowned as one of the most fiercely competitive institutions in the world. With a consistent top-five ranking among colleges in the U.S., Columbia attracts a diverse array of exceptional students from across the globe. As you embark on the challenging task of distinguishing yourself from this impressive pool of applicants, it is crucial to consider how the Columbia supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle can greatly enhance your candidacy.

The purpose of the Columbia supplemental essays is to provide the admissions committee with deeper insights into your intellectual passions, extracurricular interests, and the genuine motivations behind your desire to join Columbia's prestigious community. By thoughtfully addressing the prompts below, you can help the admissions officers understand why you are an ideal fit for Columbia. To facilitate a seamless writing process, I have meticulously outlined each prompt, offered invaluable tips and tricks for crafting compelling responses, and provided additional advice to ensure your Columbia supplemental essays for 2023-2024 truly shine.

Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Question 1 (100 words or fewer), 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..

The instructions make it very clear that there’s no minimum number of titles you must include. That being said, don’t just insert one answer for each topic. From your answers to the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 , the university wants to know what kind of topics and genres you enjoy outside academics. All of these could follow a particular theme - your answer to the latter three bullets could be a great way to show that you’ve pursued your academic interests through more than just schoolwork. Or, you could highlight a passion outside your intended major, such as sports or cooking, by mentioning relevant books or magazines.

Don’t list big-name publications such as The New York Times just because you think it sounds impressive. It will probably be one of the more common answers anyway. Go through your subscriptions, browser history, and think about which publications you’re always drawn to when at a newsstand or library.

Question 2 (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..

Because so many academically qualified students apply to Columbia, admissions officers want to pinpoint the candidates who will meaningfully contribute to their community. Through this supplemental prompt, Columbia is interested in knowing exactly what you’ll bring from your current life as a high schooler to the Morningside Heights campus in Manhattan. If we break this prompt down further, you’ll notice that the word “community” is broad here — the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 has given you flexibility by listing some possible examples of the type of community you might write about — as well as saying “another community” if it’s more applicable.

As you brainstorm, start thinking about all of the communities you interact with on a daily basis—school, student group, sports team, neighborhood organization, family, etc. From there, think about what—from any of these communities—you’ve had the most impact on and why. The list could go on, but may include things like helping your parents with your siblings, or stepping up as a leader to initiate a new community center in your neighborhood. From there, you want to think about how your skills can benefit others, specifically at Columbia University.  When approaching this essay, try to be as specific as possible. 200 words is a short essay, so make sure you get straight to the point and explain the unique contributions you would bring from your current life to Columbia.

Question 3 (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..

In this prompt, you have the chance to share a personal story of a barrier or obstacle you have faced and delve into the personal qualities, skills, or insights you have developed as a result. It could be a difficult academic journey, a setback in your extracurricular activities, or a personal struggle you have overcome.

By sharing your experience, you can demonstrate to the admissions officers your ability to navigate through challenges and your willingness to learn and grow from them. Remember to also highlight the specific lessons you have learned, such as perseverance, adaptability, problem-solving, or the importance of seeking support.

Ultimately, this essay is an opportunity to showcase your resilience, determination, and personal growth. Emphasize how overcoming obstacles has shaped you into a stronger individual, capable of navigating the unpredictable challenges of college life and beyond.

Question 4 (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..

Now we come to the “why this school” portion of the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 . Remember that this essay isn’t about what makes Columbia a good school - admissions officers already know that it is! What do you find the most appealing about the university? How do these great features relate to your learning and your future plans? The points you should try to get across are why the college’s resources are a good fit for you, how you will benefit from all that it offers, and the aspects of campus life where you believe you can contribute the most. 

The best strategy in answering this question is conducting research specific to your interests and goals, as Columbia wants to see an emphasis on what you “value.” Since you have a good number of words, you can mention both academic and extracurricular offerings that call out to you. At the same time don’t go all over the place - stay within describing two to three of the most appealing factors, and then elaborate on them. What classes and activities do you currently enjoy that you hope to continue at Columbia? Which particular Columbia courses align with your ideal career? Is there a unique student organization that you want to join, such as Columbia Undergraduate Film Productions or the Columbia University Glee Club?

Don’t just think about the internal resources - but the external aspects of Columbia that make it great as well. You can mention the New York City environment - but don’t dwell on this as this essay should be about Columbia and not how much you love Manhattan! Are there ways in which this particular urban academic setting works better for you than a suburban or rural one? Use your response to the first prompt for clues about what you’re looking for from your college experience (but don’t be repetitive!) and articulate how Columbia is the perfect place to explore your aspirations.

Columbia College (150 words or fewer)

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia college.

Continuing from the “why Columbia” question, this prompt among the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 asks you to delve deeper into the academic aspect of your interest in Columbia. A memorable answer to this prompt should successfully tie in where your passion for your academic interest stems from, as well as how Columbia can help you explore it further. 

If you’ve chosen creative writing, for example, think about when this interest started, how your love for the topic grew, and how you’ve honed your writing skills.  Perhaps you participated in competitions or creative writing clubs. Anecdotes outlining these activities and accomplishments should dominate your essay. If you have space remaining, talk about how Columbia’s creative writing program is the perfect place to help you as a budding writer. Is there a professor whose writing you’ve followed? Are there any specific courses that perfectly suit the genre you dream of mastering someday such as WRIT UN2110 Seminar Approaches to the Short Story?

No matter which field of study you’ve chosen, admissions officers should leave with no doubts regarding your dedication and commitment to the discipline. Columbia appreciates individuals who avidly pursue intellectual growth . Use your answer to demonstrate that your interest in the topic is deep and sustained. 

Columbia Engineering (150 words or fewer)

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia engineering.

This prompt is the same as the previous one - but only for engineering applicants. Just like applicants to Columbia College, your answer to this question should focus on tying in your previous engineering experiences to the opportunities available to you at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering at Columbia. Don’t just write about engineering as a broad discipline. Think about the area you’ve chosen - such as Electrical Engineering or Earth & Environmental Engineering - and express how your curiosity about that specific field arose. 

Detail any specific instances of you working with topics that fall under your chosen concentration. If you want to study computer science, for example, what specific experiences do you have with programming or app-building? Was there a particular incident where you decided that this was the field for you? Then, connect your answer to the Fu Foundation School. Which courses under Columbia Engineering’s Computer Science curriculum fit with your plans the most? Is there a particular research program that perfectly augments your interest within computer science?

Your experiences and active persuasion of your choice of concentration should leave admissions officers with the confidence that you’re not just a good fit for Columbia, but for Columbia Engineering specifically.

Additional Tips for Writing the Columbia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Columbia supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Let your personality shine: The purpose of the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 is to get to know you . You can’t be a memorable candidate if admissions officers are unable to gauge who you are, sense what you’re passionate about, and identify your goals. Don’t just repeat your personal statement. Instead, exemplify each point as concretely as possible. Whether reading about your favorite books or learning about your interest in biology or history, the reader must be able to get a clear picture and learn new information from every essay.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Columbia: The Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 strike a balance between asking questions specific to your experiences and asking about what appeals to you regarding the university. A lot of students apply to Columbia only because it’s an Ivy League school or because it’s located in Manhattan. Assure them that you’re not one of those students by showcasing a comprehensive knowledge of the school’s curriculum and resources, and demonstrating that you’ve done the research to understand how those opportunities specifically pertain to your aspirations. Your essays should convince the admissions officers that you and Columbia are a perfect fit.
• Think about your Application Persona: A lot of the questions asked by Columbia want you to reflect on your chosen disciplines, so you need to stay true to your application persona in your responses. Your application persona is the overall theme of your application. You could be a student who’s worked with environmental issues throughout your time in high school. Or, you could be a budding director who has taken charge of all the school plays. Think about how your approach to the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 can convincingly harmonize with your application persona and portray authentic interest in your field of choice.

Your responses to the Columbia supplemental essays 2023-2024 should serve as a window into your true self, showcasing your interests and how you plan to continue pursuing them during your college years. The admissions officers should gain a clear understanding of your goals and recognize how Columbia can play a pivotal role in helping you achieve them. By skillfully intertwining your passions with what intrigues you about Columbia, you have the opportunity to craft exceptional essays that set you apart from the impressive pool of applicants. I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor!

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools. 

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Hearing on Federal Student Aid Application Delays

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Enrollment Vice Provost Rachelle Feldman told lawmakers they’re facing an “enrollment crisis” due t… read more

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Enrollment Vice Provost Rachelle Feldman told lawmakers they’re facing an “enrollment crisis” due to the Education Department’s delayed rollout of the new federal student aid application called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). She and other college enrollment and financial aid advocates voiced their frustration during a public hearing before the House Education Subcommittee on Higher Education. Lawmakers on a bipartisan level also expressed their disappointment and anger over the issues experienced by families, students and colleges alike. The new application was mandated by the FAFSA Simplification Act. The law aimed to make the FAFSA process simpler for families and students. Additionally, it also expanded eligibility for federal Pell grants to more students. close

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