Columbia University

Admission at Columbia University

Columbia University admits about 4% of applicants, which makes it most selective. Admission is holistic: four years of transcript and course rigor first, then essays and activities, then recommendations and test scores. At this admit rate a strong profile is a reach for everyone; the essays and the activities list are where the decision is made.

GCC applicants: international curricula (IB, American Diploma with APs, A-levels) are read in their own terms. English proficiency tests are usually waived for English-medium schools; check the university's waiver rule. Saudi students on a Ministry scholarship should confirm the programme is on the approved list before applying Early Decision.

Columbia University supplemental essays, 2026-27

1. Intellectual development list100 words

   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.

2. Lived experience short answer150 words

   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.

3. Disagreement short answer150 words

   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.

4. Navigating adversity short answer150 words

   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.

5. Why Columbia?150 words

   Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.

6. Preferred areas of study150 words

   What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering?

Every US applicant also writes the Common App personal statement: 650 words, seven prompts. Admitify's coach reads drafts line by line and never writes for the student.

Strong for

Politics / IR · Engineering · Media / Comms