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Columbia has officially released their official essay prompts for the Class of 2030 (2025-2026 Application Cycle) and there are some changes from last year, most notably an additional question. Here are the official prompts from the Columbia Admissions Office.
For the list question that follows, there is a 100 word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering this question:
Columbia has had its fair share of press and time in the public eye. It’s no secret how much attention, protest, and challenging discourse has taken place over the past year. You can tell—especially from the addition of a new question and some subtle rewording compared to last year’s prompts—that Columbia admissions is being intentional about assembling a class that’s not just diverse, but also deeply committed to meaningful dialogue within the community. Make sure that theme comes through in your responses.
If you’re applying to Columbia during the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, the supplemental essays will be one of the most important parts of your application. These questions are your chance to show Columbia who you are, what you care about, and why you belong on campus. They're intentionally designed to uncover the qualities, experiences, and perspectives the university values most. By offering authenitc and meaningful responses, you’ll help the admissions committee imagine what kind of classmate, community member, and contributor you’d be as part of the Class of 2030.
Be specific.
Don’t just say you’re passionate or curious about something. Show it. Use concrete examples and tell real stories—Columbia wants to understand the person behind the achievements.
Make each answer distinct.
Each question is a chance to reveal something new. Remember that your Personal Statement essay from the Common App will also be reviewed together with the Columbia supplement. Try not to repeat themes across answers.
Make sure you are answering the question.
This sounds obvious, but it’s a common pitfall. Take time to truly understand what each prompt is asking—and make sure your response clearly and directly addresses it. If Columbia is asking you for a list, yes it is ok to just give them a list.
Highlight positive qualities.
While it can be beneficial to discuss challenges, failures, and personal growth, be mindful of the takeaway. If your essay leaves the reader questioning your judgment, character, or integrity, it could harm your admission chances. Ensure that even when discussing setbacks, the overall message is one that casts you in a positive light.
Proofread your work.
Typos and grammatical mistakes stick out like a sore thumb and can significantly color a reader's perception. Errors suggest a lack of care and attention to detail. Take the time to triple-check your work—better yet, have someone else proofread it.
Build a Cohesive Story.
A strong narrative turns your application from a list of accomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters — and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like?check out this blog post!
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Columbia has officially released their official essay prompts for the Class of 2030 (2025-2026 Application Cycle) and there are some changes from last year, most notably an additional question. Here are the official prompts from the Columbia Admissions Office.
For the list question that follows, there is a 100 word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering this question:
Columbia has had its fair share of press and time in the public eye. It’s no secret how much attention, protest, and challenging discourse has taken place over the past year. You can tell—especially from the addition of a new question and some subtle rewording compared to last year’s prompts—that Columbia admissions is being intentional about assembling a class that’s not just diverse, but also deeply committed to meaningful dialogue within the community. Make sure that theme comes through in your responses.
If you’re applying to Columbia during the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, the supplemental essays will be one of the most important parts of your application. These questions are your chance to show Columbia who you are, what you care about, and why you belong on campus. They're intentionally designed to uncover the qualities, experiences, and perspectives the university values most. By offering authenitc and meaningful responses, you’ll help the admissions committee imagine what kind of classmate, community member, and contributor you’d be as part of the Class of 2030.
Be specific.
Don’t just say you’re passionate or curious about something. Show it. Use concrete examples and tell real stories—Columbia wants to understand the person behind the achievements.
Make each answer distinct.
Each question is a chance to reveal something new. Remember that your Personal Statement essay from the Common App will also be reviewed together with the Columbia supplement. Try not to repeat themes across answers.
Make sure you are answering the question.
This sounds obvious, but it’s a common pitfall. Take time to truly understand what each prompt is asking—and make sure your response clearly and directly addresses it. If Columbia is asking you for a list, yes it is ok to just give them a list.
Highlight positive qualities.
While it can be beneficial to discuss challenges, failures, and personal growth, be mindful of the takeaway. If your essay leaves the reader questioning your judgment, character, or integrity, it could harm your admission chances. Ensure that even when discussing setbacks, the overall message is one that casts you in a positive light.
Proofread your work.
Typos and grammatical mistakes stick out like a sore thumb and can significantly color a reader's perception. Errors suggest a lack of care and attention to detail. Take the time to triple-check your work—better yet, have someone else proofread it.
Build a Cohesive Story.
A strong narrative turns your application from a list of accomplishments into a memorable story about what drives you. It helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but why it matters — and where it’s all heading. Not sure what a narrative looks like?check out this blog post!
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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