Columbia University Essay Prompts 2026-27
For the 2026-27 cycle: 6 required essays.
Some prompts below are awaiting official confirmation for the 2026-27 cycle and reflect the most recent published set. They are flagged where they appear.
Columbia accepts the Common App, so the personal statement is also part of your application. It counts once across all your Common App schools.
List question
Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
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 max
Short answers
Tell us about an aspect of your life so far or your lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia's multidimensional and collaborative environment.
150 words max
Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
At Columbia, students representing a wide range of perspectives are invited to live and learn together. In such a community, questions and debates naturally arise. Please describe a time when you did not agree with someone and discuss how you engaged with them and what you took away from the interaction.
150 words max
Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not anticipate. Please describe a situation in which you have navigated through adversity and discuss how you changed as a result.
150 words max
Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
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 max
Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering?
150 words max
May appear as separate Columbia College and Columbia Engineering versions. Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation
Checked against official sources. Last verified August 28, 2026.
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