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How to Write the Columbia University Essays 2023-2024

Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia University is one of the world’s leading institutions for research and commitment towards education. With its 265 years of history and ideal location, Columbia has had a major influence in history and continues to be at the forefront of innovation to this day. Offering both a rigorous curriculum as well as ample opportunities to explore one of the largest cities in the world, Columbia attracts thousands of top-performing students from all over the world.

Columbia University requires all applicants to answer one short question about the books and media that have piqued their interest. All applicants have to answer three short essay prompts as well. If you’re applying to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering, you’ll have an additional prompt. And finally, Dual BA, School of General Studies, and Postbac Premed Program applicants have to submit an essay for their respective program.

Columbia receives tens of thousands of applications from strong students each year. To stand out among the crowd and showcase your individuality, you’ll want to develop authentic supplemental essays. In this post, we’ll discuss how you can write a stellar supplemental essay for the various prompts below.

Check out these Columbia essay examples from real students  to inspire your writing!

Columbia University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Short answer list prompt for all applicants.

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 Prompt: List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (100 words)

Essay Prompts for All Applicants

Prompt 1: 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)

Prompt 2: 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)

Prompt 3: 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)

Columbia College and Columbia Engineering Applicants

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia college/columbia engineering (150 words), trinity college dublin and sciences po dual ba applicants only, describe how your experiences, both personal and academic, have shaped your decision to pursue the dual ba program. why is an international academic experience important to you as you consider the ways in which it may influence your future, successful essays should not only identify and describe specific elements of the dual ba program that meet your needs as a student, but should also explain why the academic courses you have chosen for your time at trinity college dublin and columbia university are compatible with your aspirations, academic or otherwise. (750-1000 words), school of general studies applicants, tell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. please make sure to reflect on why you consider yourself a nontraditional student and have chosen to pursue your education at the school of general studies of columbia university. successful essays should identify and describe specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, that meet your needs as a nontraditional student. the admissions committee is particularly interested in situations in your life from which you have learned and grown. this may include past academic experiences, professional accomplishments, or turning points and transformative events: new beginnings and personal achievements, but also events that may have affected your education, such as health and family challenges, personal obstacles or even issues with the justice system. our expectation is that your reflection on your experiences will demonstrate your potential to add a unique perspective to the columbia classroom. (1500-2000 words), postbac premed program applicants, please submit an essay of approximately 500 words discussing your decision to pursue a career in medicine or an allied health profession. a successful essay will not only describe the factors that contributed to your decision, but will give us a sense of you as an individual by discussing why you want to pursue this career and how you feel you will contribute to the profession. (500 words), list prompt, 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).

Don’t worry! There’s no preset list of right and wrong answers. Columbia isn’t going to automatically reject you if you don’t include The Grapes of Wrath (or any other specific work for that matter) in your list. Instead, they’re curious about your interests, your intellectual development, the way you think, and the ways in which you’ve challenged yourself in your media consumption. So be honest about the stuff you’ve read and watched while selecting your examples judiciously.

Here’s a helpful hint: think of the list as a “capsule wardrobe.” In a capsule wardrobe, each piece of clothing is distinct and cool on its own: you can have a graphic tee, a leather jacket, a white tank, and a few pairs of jeans. And while each has its own character, each also contributes to the cohesive whole – your style. Putting two items together into an outfit can bring out interesting elements and commonalities in both.

The same goes for the books or movies in a list. Each should be interesting on its own, but should also contribute to the overall picture of your intellectual style. A great list includes items that illuminate each other and communicate with each other – like matching a hat with your socks. Some more style tips:

1. List items that build on each other. Key word: synergy . In the same way that wearing two matching items together can say a lot about your fashion taste, including two similar items in your list can communicate a sustained interest in a topic. For example, if I include both Macbeth and Throne of Blood in my list of films, I’m showing my readers: “Hey! I’m interested in exploring how the same story has been adapted by different cultures and artists!” Neither Macbeth nor Throne of Blood could demonstrate this on its own – but together, they become greater than the sum of their parts. Synergy!

2. Show multidimensionality. Beware! You can potentially demonstrate a sustained interest in a topic without indicating growth. For example, a litany of true-crime podcasts will feel a bit one-dimensional and start to lose its impact if they’re all too similar. Instead, pick works that indicate how you’re interested in the multiple facets and intellectual levels of a subject. If you combine the true-crime podcast Serial and Criminal Perspective with the journal Psychological Review and a blog on forensic psychology, you can paint yourself as someone with layered interests who wants to learn more about the world and a particular field.

3. Don’t overdress. It’s tempting to include the most impressive, arduous books you’ve read in an attempt to show you are a Serious Person. But too many straight-laced tomes can make you look like you’re overdoing it – kind of like showing up to a coffee shop in a suit. Instead, balance your hefty items with some more easygoing ones. Euclid’s Elements of Geometry and Russell’s Principles of Mathematics are going to look a lot more palatable if you sprinkle some Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in there. You want to balance your intellectual pursuits with your distinctive personality.

4. Don’t underdress. A pinch of fluff can add a little flavor and dimension to your lists. Nobody’s going to fault you, for instance, if you include It’s Always Sunny or The Da Vinci Code on your lists of favorite things. However, you should make a point not to include items that are too juvenile, and not to overload on items of questionable intellectual merit.

5. Recognizable brands can be effective. Hitting on a few respected “pop culture” items makes it more likely that you and the person reading your application will have something in common. And, psychologically speaking , similarities on paper can often go a long way in non-personal interactions. Just make sure to pick an item that has both critical and popular merit , like Pink Floyd’s The Wall or Avatar: The Last Airbender – something about which you and your potential interviewer could have an intellectual debate.

6. Dress for the job you want. Certain shoes can be impressive, but bad for dancing. Similarly, you should be careful not to confuse an “impressive” piece of media with a “relevant” one. War and Peace, Don Quixote, A Brief History of Time , and Ulysses are definitely impressive books, and you may have loved them, but if you’re interested in studying marine biology, they might not be all that relevant to your application. Include enough to show you’re diverse in your interests, but conserve the most space for items that speak to your personal academic and career interests.

7. Moderation. You’ve probably figured this out by now, but creating your lists is going to be a delicate game. You have to find the happy medium between intellectual and casual, specialized and well-rounded, fiction and nonfiction, differing types of media, and so on. Don’t throw together these lists last-minute simply because they’re not full-blown essays. It’s a different format, but you should be as careful with these as you are with essays. The lists can be just as revealing of you as a person and just as important to the admissions process as a full essay is.

8. Also… be honest! If you get an interview, you’ll probably be asked about some items on your lists. You don’t want to be caught off guard by something that you yourself wrote . There are few things more detrimental to an interview than not knowing anything about something you purported to have read/seen.

All Applicants, Prompt 1

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).

This is a good example of a “Diversity” essay . Columbia wants not only students who will contribute to campus diversity because of their unique backgrounds, but also students who will be inclusive and benefit from a community of diverse people and perspectives. Your essay needs to convey how you will contribute to diversity and benefit from it. There are four questions implied by this prompt, and answering each of them in turn will create a strong and thorough answer.

1. What makes you diverse?

The first step is to figure out what makes you a diverse applicant. You might talk about more classic examples of background like your race/ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, or country of origin. However, diversity comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can also demonstrate a unique background in things like your hometown, socioeconomic status, an illness/disability, or even an interest or hobby.

For example, a student who has a lot of food allergies might joke that he won’t be able to enjoy the dining halls like his peers, but because of his allergies he has learned to cook for himself and to find unique food substitutions other people would never think about.

2. How has your background impacted your development?

In order to establish the emotional connection that will strengthen your essay, you need to show admissions officers how you have been impacted by the community or background that makes you diverse. Including how you have been impacted will demonstrate how you previously benefited from being part of a community, how your new perspective will allow you to contribute to Columbia’s community, and how you evolved as a result of your background.

For example, maybe you were really shy until you started participating in a community theater where you came out of your shell and let your voice be heard. At Columbia, you will not only encourage others to join theater so they can gain confidence, but you will also use your newfound confidence in public speaking to call fellow students to action regarding issues you are passionate about, like raising the minimum wage.

3. How will you contribute to diversity on campus?

Here, you need to explain how the background or community that has shaped your identity will make you an addition to diversity on campus. This is where you convince admissions officers that they want you to enrich their university.

For example, you might talk about how you wish to start your own on-campus Spanish-language publication, so students like you can read the news in their native language. Or maybe as a first-gen student, your family and culture instilled in you the value of a college education, so you will form study groups to help enrich your classmates’ educational experience. Providing concrete examples of how you will contribute to campus will really show admissions officers how you’ll fit within the campus community.

4. How will being surrounded by diversity on campus help you?

The last thing you should address is what you will personally gain from being part of a diverse community. If you’ve already discussed what you gained from your previous engagement with diversity, you should choose a different trait or skill you hope to acquire at Columbia. For example, a student who’s never left the state he was born in might describe how he wants to meet people from other countries to learn about cultural differences and gain a better understanding of other nationalities without the stereotypes found in movies and TV.

Keep in mind that this essay should exemplify your positive traits and qualities you’ve either developed, hope to develop, or hope to share with others. With that in mind, there are a few things you should avoid in your writing:

• Don’t just list all the facets of your identity/background. If you make a laundry list of things that contribute to your identity without elaborating on any of them, you risk running out of space before saying anything substantive.
• Avoid writing solely about negative experiences. Your background may have led to some adversity in your life, which is normal, but college essay prompts generally aim to identify experiences that had positive outcomes or lessons. Not everything has a “happy ending,” but keep in mind that writing a negative essay is harder to execute well.
• Avoid cliché topics. There’s nothing wrong with having moved across the United States or having emigrated from another country; however, the problem is that these are very common topics, which makes it harder for you to write a unique standout essay. If you write about a more common experience because it was integral to your growth, make sure to share your specific emotions and stories to help your essay stand out, rather than discussing the general challenges you (and others) have faced.

A truly focused essay that addresses the four aforementioned questions while steering clear of the things we recommend avoiding will allow you to go into more depth and elicit a far stronger reaction to your writing!

All Applicants, Prompt 2

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).

This is the classic Overcoming Challenges essay , which is common for a reason—colleges want to admit students who can push through adversity, just as Columbia explains in the prompt.

Picking your topic:

This is probably the hardest part of this essay, as students sometimes think they need to write about a tragedy, and many will not have experienced tragedy.

You want the barrier or obstacle you write about to be significant (i.e. more than getting a bad grade), but it doesn’t need to be completely life-altering (though, of course, it can be).

To help you brainstorm a topic, consider these questions:

• What experiences have changed your perspective or your day-to-day life?
• In which situations did you initially struggle, but that struggle helped you build confidence? (Keep in mind though that your topic doesn’t ultimately need to have been “successful”. You can write about an ongoing challenge or a failure if you have learned something from it).

Some example of good Overcoming Challenges topics that we’ve seen in the past include:

• Persuading the school board to dedicate the high school track to a coach
• Taking care of a sick parent
• Getting your position switched last-minute in Model UN

Tips for writing your essay:

This topic lends itself well to creative storytelling. To start your essay, bring us into the moment(s) you were experiencing the barrier/obstacle. Show us your emotions and thoughts.

In the next part of the essay, make sure to explain why the challenge was important to you, and then outline the steps you took to manage the situation. Were you ultimately successful? Why or why not?

Finally, the last third of the essay should focus on how the barrier/obstacle allowed you to grow and mature.

Your essay doesn’t need to follow this exact format or space allotment, but it should include these basic elements.

Mistakes to avoid:

This is a tricky essay because it’s easy to make mistakes in topic selection and writing. Here’s what you should look out for:

• Focusing too much on the story and not enough on the lessons you learned. Because you’re writing about a significant challenge, it can be easy to focus the whole essay on what happened and not cover how you responded and how it helped you grow. Those last two points are the most key, and you should make sure to allot enough space for them.
• Being too negative in the essay. You do not have to have ultimately succeeded in face of the barrier/obstacle, but you should ultimately have gained something positive from the situation (a new value, perspective, skill, etc.). If you find a positive impact to talk about, then you may want to choose a new topic.
• Writing about a cliche topic . Admissions officers have seen too many essays about sports injuries, and they’ve also seen a lot of essays about tragedies like death and divorce. You can still write good essays on these topics, but it’s easier to stand out if the essay has a different angle (i.e. a sports injury helping you discover a new passion vs. the typical storyline of working hard to overcoming the injury and getting back on the field).

All Applicants, Prompt 3

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).

This is a question that a lot of schools ask; in fact, it’s so common that we’ve put together a whole guide on how to answer it. Check out CollegeVine’s guide to writing the “Why This College?” essay for some in-depth tips and examples! As you sit down to write this essay, you should definitely have Columbia’s website and any other materials you might possess open.

Specificity is crucial here. Vague platitudes about Columbia’s virtues – such as “Ivy League academics,” “shared classes with Barnard,” and “location in the heart of New York City” – aren’t going to cut it here. Instead, such superficial phrases signify that you did inadequate research. To set yourself apart from everyone else, you need to clearly delineate your academic interests and values, as well as the exact resources and programs at Columbia that will help you thrive. Proper nouns, concrete goals, precise examples. Specificity.

1. Provide a tangible connection to Columbia.

A “tangible connection” comprises specific elements of the university that appeal to you, and you should set aside ample time to research this. Look on Columbia’s different websites, and carefully explore the links that pertain to particular majors ( Columbia College (CC) ; Columbia Engineering (CE) , research centers , courses, and professors ( CC ; CE ). Hint: it may be worth your while to read Columbia’s magazine , which contains updates on its educators’ most recent work. Many departments also put out their own e-newsletters, so be sure to sign up to those that pique your interest.

Don’t do a small or moderate amount of research and decide it’s “good enough.” For example, it’s tempting to list a few things you like about a program based on the first couple of blurbs you read on its webpage. A student might concoct a passage like this:

“As someone interested in studying Mideast politics as well as literature, Columbia’s Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies program sounds like a great place to blend my interests and study from renowned professors like [insert name].”

This example looks fine at first glance, but it’s pretty superficial and definitely not the best response. Instead of just name-dropping professors and programs, you should articulate your future with them like you’re fantasizing about your wedding, down to the last beautiful detail. A much more specific passage about Columbia’s MESAAS would sound like:

“When reading about the last Adab Colloquium, I was intrigued by how Columbia’s Middle East Institute recruits authorities from other universities, like [Name], to better immerse Columbia students in the diverse voices of Middle Eastern literary studies. The frequency of colloquia provided by the MEI shows that Columbia is dedicated to expanding Middle Eastern studies in the U.S., and that I would find ample guidance as an MESAAS student there.”

It’s immediately evident that crafting the second statement required much more probing, revision, and familiarity than the first.

2. Describe your intangible connection as well.

How is Columbia a place that aligns with your values, dreams, and goals? How do you vibe with it? For example, if our hypothetical student continued to write about MESAAS and MEI, he would state explicitly how it draws him in, and how it aligns with his philosophical and societal intentions:

“Additionally, I’m impressed by how the MEI provides students with the opportunity to volunteer with talks and activities at local high schools. As someone who grew up in a small town in Illinois, my grade school education about culture in the Middle East was misinformed and sometimes dangerous. I would love to study and volunteer in a department dedicated to combating misinformation and offering resources to underprivileged teachers.”

A clearly outlined path and a strong personal philosophy will indicate to admissions officers that you’re likely to succeed at Columbia.

3. Engage with faculty and students, if possible.

Your response to this “Why This College?” prompt is the perfect place to talk about specific interactions, like sitting in on an awe-inspiring seminar during a campus visit, hearing a professor speak, or seeing how Columbia has prepared a friend for his career.

However, always be sure to tie these experiences into your own goals and interests! Don’t just name-drop a certain Professor Smith. Instead, take the opportunity to find a personal connection to Prof. Smith’s research and to mention how great Columbia is for supporting people like her. Your format should be:

Program/Individual/Major -> Columbia’s Values -> My values

If you want to learn more about a specific professor or their subject/research/work, don’t be afraid to politely email them or contact their department. Many professors love to talk about their work and their interests, or would at least be happy to put you in touch with current students you could talk to. You might also want to look for online colloquia or talks, which are (Fortunately? Unfortunately?) more widely available due to the pandemic. Doing this will better inform you about the school and give you a great edge for this prompt. And more importantly, you’ll probably get great advice for your higher education journey in general.

Note: the earlier you prepare for this prompt, the more time you will have to do deep research – and the more research you do, the better your essay will be!

Columbia College and Engineering Applicants

This is an example of the common “Why This Major?” essay that you may have already seen during the application process. Columbia wants to know about your interest in the majors you will have listed earlier in the application. They also want to see how your previous experiences contribute to this interest and how you may use your major in the future. This type of prompt isn’t the hardest to answer as long as you hit on some important points.

Before writing, there are a few things you should think about:

1. What genuinely draws you to this field of study? Don’t be disingenuous here. Writing answers you think the admissions committee wants to see will not benefit you in the long run.

2. What are things you enjoy specifically about the field you want to study? Saying that you love reading is a superficial statement. Instead, aim for specificity: “I enjoy reading novels that explore themes of power and corruption.”

3. How do you think this field of study/major will help you fulfill your life and career goals?

4. What did you enjoy most about this subject both in school and in your own free time?

5. Is there any emotional state or mindset that you experience every time you explore this field? If so, what draws you to this state of mind?

Think particularly hard about questions 4 and 5, as these two questions will remind you of anecdotes that can elevate your explanation of your connection to the major.

It’s fine if you haven’t totally decided on a major yet. Columbia gives you space on its application to provide three majors you might be interested in; you can pick some things you’re really fascinated by so you’ll have plenty to write about.

You only have 150 words to work with, so you shouldn’t be too flowery or elaborate in your writing right at the start. You don’t want to spend 100 words writing a beautifully crafted introduction to the major just to be left with 50 words to answer the actual prompt.

There’s no need to set up an elaborate preface like: “I was in eighth grade, and it was a cloudy day in mid-March. I wasn’t very confident or skilled in computers.” Instead, try starting in medias res , diving right into the middle of an emotional moment: “The screen glared blue. My program crashed. I buried my face in my arms and sobbed.” This structure is better for immediately grabbing your reader – a necessity in short essays like these. CollegeVine’s guidelines for college essay writing include a great primer (or refresher!) on in medias res storytelling.

Load up on your knowledge and expertise. Just because you’re weaving an engaging narrative doesn’t mean you should neglect the “area of study” part of this prompt. It’s crucial to demonstrate to Columbia that you’re not just passionate about your interest – you’re a seasoned expert. This means being specific about a certain subtopic, technique, operation, phenomenon, or term that you find fascinating. Don’t just say “programming encourages me to think in creative ways.” A better proof of this assertion would be a time you used a specific programming technique to creatively solve a specific quandary:

“Frustrated and desperate, I looked at all the data I still had to sort. Hadn’t Archimedes said that he could lift the whole world with a finger, if he just had the right lever? THINK, I told myself. And then I realized I had a lever – a processing array.”

Try to incorporate something about Columbia’s specific take on the major. For example, maybe you love psychology and you’re more interested in cognitive behavioral perspectives than psychoanalytic ones. Columbia College’s psychology major has a greater focus on cognition and behavior than on psychoanalysis, so this is something you’d definitely want to mention.

Be sure to avoid writing the following things in your writing:

• Empty flattery about a subject – Anyone can call a field “cool” without saying anything substantive about it.
• Disagreeable reasons for picking a major – Admissions don’t want to hear that you only want to study a major for money, prestige, or due to parental pressures. They want people who are dedicated to their respective fields, who want to realize their potential, and who want to contribute to the betterment of the world.
• Starting the essay with an irrelevant anecdote – Don’t try to write an enticing introduction that doesn’t cleanly transition into the “Why This Major?” part of the essay. Stories are engaging and effective, but only when relevant.

Finally, note Columbia’s timeframe: “past,” “current,” and an implicit “future.” Although they explicitly ask about your past and current experiences, you should definitely conclude with a trajectory towards future pursuits. Present yourself as someone with a firm philosophy of developed beliefs and mature interests you want to explore in college and beyond. Anticipate future problems you’re eager to tackle – state them explicitly. You don’t need to mention Columbia explicitly in this “future” portion of your essay – you’ve already discussed it enough – but Columbia should be your unspoken future setting. The admissions committee should see this essay as foreshadowing what you will accomplish at Columbia.

Dual BA Applicants

This prompt is asked of students who are applying for Columbia’s prestigious dual degree programs , either with Trinity College in Dublin or Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Sciences) in various regions of France. The prompts for both programs are the same, with only the name of the partner university differing, so they can be approached in a similar way (scroll down for distinct tips for each). 

Note: this prompt is similar to the previous prompt discussed, which inquires after applicants’ interest in areas of study, so feel free to read through that previous section for additional insight and tips. 

It’s a marathon essay, not a sprint. Note that the length – 750 to 1000 words – allows you a lot of space. It’s better to fall on the longer end of this range than the shorter end, because Columbia wants you to delve into as much detail as you can, and feel less pressure to be pithy. The onus is a little less on vivid storytelling, and much more on thoughtful analysis and complex intellectual engagement. Demonstrate your proficiency by being thorough, considering multiple angles, and utilizing specific terms. You can be a bit more technical, logical, and sophisticated, especially since these programs have a broad, international focus. 

The same rules apply here as the rest of your Columbia essays: be specific, be active, and conduct a high degree of research. Studying abroad appeals to a lot of people – 10-16% of all undergraduates do it. Consequently, stating simply a “desire to explore other perspectives” or “passion for international cooperation in research” isn’t going to set you apart from the pack. You should concentrate your efforts in identifying key elements of your specific program and how they fit with your concrete goals and higher moral callings. You should hit on both the “tangible” and “intangible” items we mentioned earlier in the “Why Columbia?” prompt.

Brainstorm with a T-chart. Well, you don’t have to, but we recommend it. It will be a great way to sharpen your thoughts before writing, so that you can plunge into your essay with a much clearer idea of what you want to include. It could look something like this: 

It’s a lot of work, but break it down and tackle it bit-by-bit. 

Tips for Dublin Applicants:

• Attend one of the several online information sessions about this program in the fall . Check back to see if any more are added. These sessions would be a prime opportunity to have your questions answered. You can also use them to get in touch with current students and alumni. If you can procure an insight that benefits your essay, even better. Mentioning something you learned via an information session will also demonstrate your committed interest in the program. 
• Research your major at both Trinity and Columbia. The Dublin program allows for a wide variety of majors, so you should look at the webpages and publications of your target departments. Cite research projects or department mission statements that appeal to you. A super strong essay will identify a common thread between departments on both sides of the Atlantic. 
• Is there a cultural factor? For example, do both New York and Dublin have strong local theatre communities that would allow you to explore your love of Shakespeare outside your academic setting? This is the kind of goal-oriented specificity readers are looking for. It’s so much easier for them to admit a student who already has a strong blueprint going forward. If they can envision you already as a member of the program, then half your battle is already won. 

Tips for Sciences Po Applicants: 

• Attend one of the several online information sessions about this program in the fall. Check back to see if any more are added. These sessions would be a prime opportunity to have your questions answered. You can also use them to get in touch with current students and alumni. If you can procure an insight that benefits your essay, even better. Mentioning something you learned via an information session will also demonstrate your committed interest in the program.
• Pick a French campus program . Based on the geographic region of your political interests, you’ll have to select a certain Sciences Po campus . Be specific in your application: you could be studying Indonesian policy at the Havre campus in Normandy, or North African societies at the Riviera campus. Look at the sample programs on the Columbia webpage above. It’s also worth it to delve into the websites for each campus, and subscribe to e-news from each. That will give you the most recent updates about exciting research going on there. 
• Mention any language goals , such as taking classes in Arabic and French in addition to English. The Sciences Po program places a firm emphasis on international cooperation through learned languages. 
• Have a global focus. The Sciences Po program is aimed at forming the next generation of international leaders, so you should really lean into a goal or issue with a broad provenance. “Tax law” is broad, but not necessarily global or targeted. “Americans need to work with Mideast countries to streamline cross-border taxations, which will ease tensions and encourage economic development in struggling border communities” is better.
• Don’t forget your personal connections. Just because the Sciences Po program is so vast doesn’t mean you should neglect your own story in favor of large-scale discussions. Tie them both together by talking about what experiences led you to your path of study. If I was the student interested in tax law above, I might describe family struggles with complicated tax codes, or volunteer work with a local business. 

The School of General Studies exists to afford nontraditional students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree with flexibility. The typical GS student falls into one of three categories:

• People who have interrupted their education with a gap of a year or more.
• People who have never attended college and are older than typical beginning undergraduate students.
• People who, for personal or professional reasons, can only attend college part-time.

If one of these (or another nontraditional path) describes you, this essay is your chance to tell your story.

Before you begin writing, we strongly recommend that you organize your thoughts and outline your essay. Unlike typical college essays, this prompt is essentially asking you for a condensed autobiography. It has a very large word count for a college essay, but this is because you need a lot of space to hit every point the prompt mentions.

You’re asked about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and future plans – this order isn’t accidental. Typically, even for nontraditional college students, early education precedes work experience, both of which lead to the present situation, which then leads into the future. The prompt lends itself very well to a collection format in which multiple chronologically ordered anecdotes will tell your story.

You can’t talk about everything meaningful that has happened during your entire life, so you’re going to have to choose anecdotes judiciously. A good idea is to choose anecdotes that are related or that naturally transition into each other to establish a theme. This theme will vary greatly between applicants depending on the trajectory of their individual lives.

For example, one student may have had an unconventional education due to travel for high-level athletic competitions. This student may write an essay with a positive tone, filled with anecdotes about her competitions and accomplishments. Another student may have had an unconventional education due to recurring hospitalizations for an illness. This student may write an essay with a serious tone that emphasizes how he has grown to overcome adversity.

Even though your essay will have an overarching mood, you should aim to keep a balance between accomplishments and adversity. Writing an essay with too many positive achievements may come off as a bit arrogant whereas writing an essay with too many negative events may seem like it’s trying to elicit pity. Besides, the prompt specifically asks you for both personal achievements and educational challenges. Your essay should reflect how your highs and lows both had a profound impact on your values, beliefs, lifestyle, and/or worldview.

To begin, unless it was truly unconventional, don’t spend too much time talking about your early education (kindergarten to middle school). These are formative years that generally follow the same kind of trajectory for most people. Of course, if you were homeschooled, changed schools multiple times, or something of that nontraditional nature, feel free to mention how these circumstances changed who you have become.

With respect to educational history, what you should focus on is your high school years and any experience with college you may have already had. Write about factors that make you an nontraditional student. Maybe your grades weren’t ideal because you had to work a job while attending high school to support an ailing family member. Admissions committees understand that everyone comes from a different walk of life with different circumstances. Don’t be afraid to be sincere about complications you may have faced, but be careful not to make hollow excuses. You have to take responsibility for things that are within your control.

The same idea applies to work experience. Any experiences that have contributed to your growth while simultaneously altering what would have otherwise been a traditional experience are fair game. Perhaps you already finished college and began working in a field related to your major, but decided that it isn’t what you want to do. Explain why you’ve switched gears and elaborate on your plans for the future.

Once you’ve gone over the events that have informed who you are today, it’s time to write about what you’re doing and where you want to go. The prompt asks you to delineate how “specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, […] meet your needs as a nontraditional student.” This is where a huge amount of research will be helpful. Look into Columbia’s webpage for your desired major to see how you can work specificity into your essay. Also consult the course search tool to find program features that appeal to you (you can pick a department to see all the courses it offers).

For example, an applicant who has already worked for two years as a pharmacy assistant might want to pivot to a different scientific field. An excerpt from her essay might look like this:

I had always loved chemistry, so I jumped at the chance to work a chemistry-related job right out of high school. I became a pharmacy assistant, which mostly involved filling prescriptions but not actually doing any of the chemistry itself. I didn’t mind it, especially because I needed to provide for my young son, but one recent experience opened my eyes to a whole new world of chemistry. One night, someone tried to break into the pharmacy, but couldn’t get in because of our specialized glass. I was fascinated by this glass’s ability to withstand a lot of force, which inspired me to pursue chemistry and physics more rigorously.

Materials science quickly became my new favorite thing. I would love to secure a job in this field so I can fulfill my passion while creating a more stable future for my son. The Chemical Physics major at Columbia’s School of General Studies will allow me to pursue employment in materials science. Courses like Quantum Chemistry and Materials Chemistry IIA are essential to learning how to craft high-density glass. Additionally, the flexibility of scheduling at the school lets me continue working at the pharmacy, so I can keep paying my expenses…

Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about your current situation and about how you got there. Columbia wants to know who you are, where you wish to go, and how your life experience will add to the GS community.

This is a slightly more specific version of the academic interest or “Why This Major?” prompt. The admissions committee wants to understand your interest in the medicine and allied health fields, how your background supports that interest, and what you intend to do on this career path.

Before you begin writing, ask yourself a few questions to guide your response:

1. What are your authentic reasons for wanting to pursue a career in medicine or allied health?

If you’re applying to this program, you should have a genuine interest in medicine to some degree. If your reasons are primarily money, prestige, and/or pressure from your parents, this is already a bad sign, and you should really consider if this decision is right for you.

2. What are specific examples of things you enjoy about medicine or allied health?

Instead of thinking “orthodontics” or “audiology” generically, think “treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders” or “diagnosis of presbycusis.” Specificity is key to a successful essay.

3. How might a career in medicine or allied health help you achieve your life and/or career goals?

Figuring this part out will give Columbia a clearer picture of what motivates you and will show the admissions committee that you have a career plan (or at least an idea of where you’re going). Again, avoid writing about things like money or status. Universities want students with deep academic interests, people who wish to realize their potential and to improve the world or their community in some way. Saying that you want to make a lot of money is too one-dimensional and self-serving, especially for an aspiring medical professional.

4. What has been the best part of your experience in a health field, both within and outside the classroom?

You don’t want to just tell Columbia that you want to pursue a career in healthcare. You also want to show them that your experiences thus far have prepared you to thrive in a field that’s known for being intense, emotionally as well as intellectually.

5. Do you experience a particular emotional state or frame of mind every time you explore this field of study? What about this state of mind appeals to you?

Your answers to questions 4 and 5 should help you recall relevant anecdotes, which will be your greatest asset in writing this essay. Bear in mind that medicine and allied health are very broad fields, so your personal motivations and your essay can take shape in vastly different ways.

Consider the following hypothetical applicants:

• Lucy spent a lot of her childhood sitting in her mother’s medical office. For years she would see kids come and go, each treated by her mother. After graduating college and working for a few years in the field she got a degree in, Lucy realized that she truly wants to be a pediatrician like her mother.
• James was a civil engineer for a year and a half before he had an accident on the job. His jaw and teeth were damaged, but an oral surgeon was able to restore them so well that the damage was nearly unnoticeable. Grateful for modern surgery and now deeply interested in the field, James now wants to become an oral surgeon to pay it forward.
• Michael got a bachelor’s degree in data science and ended up working in a medical office. His job mainly consisted of creating predictive models to identify people at greater risk for adverse health outcomes, but having worked with so many medical professionals gave him a change of heart. Michael admires how the doctors he worked with improve patients’ lives in a very direct way, so he now wants to become a doctor himself.

Treat this prompt as an opportunity to tell your story. Show the admissions committee where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go. You may have heard the old writing trope “Show, don’t tell.” Rather than saying that you like the medical field, use anecdotes to showcase your specific passions and motivations.

Where to Get Your Columbia University Essays Edited

Want feedback on your Columbia essays to improve your chances at admission? After rereading your essays over and over again, it can be difficult to find where your writing can be improved. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also sharpen your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

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How to transfer to Columbia

By Eric Eng

While the vast majority of undergraduate students who study at the prestigious and competitive Columbia University begin their education at the school as first-year students, there are students that are able to transfer into the school in the middle of their undergraduate education.

Of course, we are talking about transfer students. And while you may think that transferring from one undergraduate program to another is rare, it is actually far more common than you think. In fact, it is believed that somewhere between 15 percent and 40 percent of undergrad students will transfer during their education. Moreover, upwards of 2 million undergrad students transferred during the 2020-21 school year.

Whether attending Columbia University was always your goal and you are interested in joining the school’s student body as a transfer student, or if you are simply interested in learning more about the transfer process in the United States, then we have you covered! At AdmissionSight , we help both high schoolers and students that are already studying at college make their Ivy League dreams a reality.

For that reason, we thought that it would be really helpful to break down some of the most important facts, tips and considerations when it comes to transferring to Columbia . After all, just because you weren’t able to make the cut right after high school does not mean that you are not Ivy League material.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of time and a little bit of impressive success at the collegiate level to convince the admissions committees at these highly selective schools that you belong! So, if you are interested in learning about how to transfer to Columbia and how to get into Columbia as a transfer student, then you have absolutely come to the right place!

Let’s get started.

Columbia transfer students

One thing that is really important for any student who is interested in applying to Columbia – or any top school for that matter – as a transfer student should know is that it can actually be quite a lot harder to apply to these kinds of schools as a transfer compared to applying as a first-year student.

Despite the fact that transfer applicants face a much smaller applicant pool, meaning they are competing with fewer students, the school’s admission committee expects that much more of transfer applicants. With that being said, it is not impossible by any means. As the school itself makes it quite clear on their official site :

“We’re intentional in our efforts to welcome over 100 transfer students each year, from a range of two- and four-year institutions, and we value the unique and diverse perspectives they bring to our community.”

Primarily, Columbia is interested in allowing students to transfer into the undergraduate program who will offer a unique perspective that can add to the cultural or educational diversity of the school.

This can mean a lot of things, but the important thing to keep in mind is that if you want to improve your chances of transferring into Columbia or a similarly selective school, you are going to have to really be sure that you can stand out both inside and outside of the classroom. When it comes to the application process, the school approaches the entire process in the same holistic manner that they approach the process for first-year students.

Columbia reviews specific applicants’ past achievements, potential and ability to contribute to the community at the school. Of course, there is a strong expectation that any student who applies to Columbia as a transfer and gets in will be able to thrive in the school’s rigorous and exceptional school curriculum.

But that is enough for a general overview. When it comes to learning how to transfer to Columbia, a lot of the most important information has to do with the specifics of deadlines, eligibility, what the school looks for in transfer applicants and more. So, like, get into it.

Columbia transfer requirements

When it comes to what is strictly required of students who are planning on a Columbia University transfer, there are three primary components that you have to be aware of. The first one is eligibility, the second are the required documents that the admissions committee will need to see in order to fully evaluate your application and the third one are the dates and deadlines that you will need to be aware of to make sure that you are getting your application and supplemental material submitted on time.

Columbia University transfer eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment as a transfer student at Columbia, you must have earned:

• 24 points of credit (the equivalent of one year of full-time study) at another institution, or be registered to complete 24 points of credit by the time you enroll.
• A high school diploma or equivalent (by the application deadline). If you left high school without receiving a diploma in order to attend an early college program, you are not eligible for transfer admission and must apply as a first-year student by the appropriate Early Decision or Regular Decision deadline. You will not be eligible to receive credit for such accelerated programs except for credit earned through standardized examinations (e.g., AP and IB exams); such credit will be limited to 16 points, the equivalent of one full semester at Columbia.

If you’re an International student, you should read our International Transfer Students section for additional eligibility requirements.

Candidates who have completed  more than four semesters of college coursework elsewhere are not encouraged to apply. Columbia’s academic requirements and institutional policies make completion of all graduation requirements in a reasonable and timely fashion unlikely.

Columbia University transfer application requirements

• The Coalition Application
• Additional Columbia-specific questions
• $85 application fee or fee waiver request
• An official high school transcript from all high schools attended
• An official college transcript from all colleges attended
• The Coalition Application Transfer Report
• The Coalition Application Curriculum Report
• Standardized tests are not required during the 2021-2022, 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 application cycles.
• Applicants may choose to self-report their scores.
• Please see our standardized testing policy for details.
• Two College Academic Recommendations

It is important to note that for transfer students, the Coalition Application is required, as the Common Application is only available for first-year Columbia grads. However, there are some aspects of the Coalition Application that are required for Columbia transfer applicants and some components that are not required. Take a look at that list, below:

The following Profile sections are required for a complete transfer application to Columbia:

• Personal Information
• Contact Information
• Demographic Information
• Citizenship Information
• Family Information
• High School Information
• College Information
• College Coursework
• Additional Tests
• English Proficiency Tests
• Honors & Distinctions
• Academic Interests
• Activities/Experience- In the Activities/Experience section, please include details about activities from both high school and college. Be sure to include all clubs, organizations, research positions, jobs, internships and/or volunteer activities that you participated in beyond the classroom.

You are also welcome to upload a resume detailing your high school and college extracurricular activities in the “Uploads” section of the application.

The following Profile sections are not required for a complete transfer application to Columbia:

• 9th-11th Grade Coursework
• 12th Grade Coursework
• Coalition Essay

The school encourages transfer applicants to list all college coursework on their application, including current coursework, but discourages students from listing high school coursework.

While transfer applicants do not have to complete the Coalition Essay, they are expected to answer the following question in a 400 to 600 word essay response.

“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 transfer application dates and deadlines

Finally, here are the dates and deadlines that transfer applicants must be aware of.

• March 1: Application deadline for transfer candidates
• March 1: Financial aid application deadline
• By June 1: Admissions and financial aid decisions released online
• Mid June: Deposit deadline for admitted transfer students
• Late June: Deadline for final transcripts for admitted students.

What Columbia looks for in transfer applicants

As any student that has applied to Columbia very well knows, admission to this incredible school is not based on a simple formula of grades and test scores. Instead, the school looks at a variety of factors for each student. It goes without saying, but it is very important to know that because the room in both the sophomore and junior classes at Columbia are quite limited, admissions is incredibly competitive.

So, while transfer applicants are competing with far fewer applicants compared to first-year applicants, they are also competing for way less spots. From year to year, Columbia is known to accept fewer than 10 percent of transfer applicants each year.

With that in mind, considering the fact that acceptance rate for first-year students for the graduating class of 2026 was just 3.73 percent, an argument could be made that transfer students have – at the very least – a statistical advantage compared to first-year applicants.

Potential applicants are expected to have at least a 3.5 grade point average at their previous university or college and Columbia Engineering candidates are strongly encouraged to have a minimum of 3.5 GPA in their mathematics and sciences classes.

It is also important to know that all students who are admitted to Columbia as transfer students are expected and required to complete the school’s famous Core Curriculum requirements in addition to graduation requirements within their primary field of study to graduate. Because of that, the school’s admissions committee takes into account a candidate’s ability to complete their course of study in a standard timeline of eight total semesters.

To allow more flexibility with course selection at Columbia, the school recommends applying with first-year standing at your current institution when possible.

It is also important to note that because of the timing of the transfer application process, Columbia is generally unable to consider grades earned in the second semester of the year of application; thus, high school grades, rigor of program and standardized test scores are all important in the evaluation of transfer credentials, especially for students applying for sophomore standing.

If you have applied to Columbia previously, the documents you provided at that time will not roll over (with the exception of SAT or ACT scores); you must resubmit any information requested by this transfer application.

Columbia transfer applicant frequently asked questions

When it comes to learning how to transfer to Columbia, one of the best tools that students can take advantage of is information. Knowing what the school expects out of applicants and knowing how to set yourself apart from the rest of the transfer applicants that year is a great way to give yourself a natural leg up.

For that reason, AdmissionSight thought it would be useful to go over the most frequently asked questions that students who want to transfer to Columbia have asked over the years.

Are the SAT or ACT required for transfer applicants?

For many years, the SAT and ACT served very important functions for transfer applicants and first-year applicants at schools all over the country. However, in recent years, that trend has changed dramatically.

Several schools had already adopted a test-optional policy prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pandemic and subsequent shutdowns all over the United States and world dramatically expedited the transition.

Right now, Columbia is a test optional . That includes transfer applicants. However, there are some definite benefits applicants can get from sending in an SAT or ACT score, namely a high score simply gives the admissions committee greater confidence that you would succeed at the school were you to enroll.

Can transfer students take part in the application interview process?

For some applicants, the interview process can offer a fantastic opportunity to allow the school to learn more about who the applicant is as a person. It’s another way for an applicant to stand out and let the school know about who they are as a person and not just a student.

It is not the school’s policy to interview transfer applicants. For that reason, students need to make sure to use the application as the appropriate platform to discuss everything they need to discuss that they feel is important and pertinent to their application at Columbia.

Are there scholarship options for Columbia transfers?

While you can transfer to Columbia, you should not even really consider doing so if you are going to look for athletic or talent-based institutional scholarships. The reason for that is because all of the financial aid at Columbia, for both first-year and transfer students is entirely need-based.

With that being said, students can absolutely seek out merit-based scholarships from organizations that are not connected to Columbia University, such as state grants and scholarships and local or national merit-based awards.

Can you transfer to Columbia from a community college?

If you are currently studying at a community college, or plan to start at the onset of the next semester, you may be wondering how to transfer to Columbia  from a community college. In fact, you may be wondering if it is even possible to apply to Brown as a transfer student from a community college.

Well, the short answer is absolutely yes! In fact, several hundred students have transferred from community colleges to Ivy League schools in just the last few years alone.

But what is the reason for this, and is there anything that we can take from what community college transfers might offer Ivy League schools compared to transfer applicants from prestigious private schools or impressive public schools ?

There are some simple, yet really important considerations to keep in mind. If you are wondering can you transfer from community college to Community, take a look at these considerations below:

• Community college students offer something new and can offer much needed cultural, background and experiential diversity to Ivy League classrooms.
• Success at community college has been proven to help predict success at Ivy League schools.
• There is a clear and defined academic need for students to transfer from community colleges to an Ivy League school compared to students who are transferring from other four-year colleges or universities.

Get more help in coordinating your Columbia University transfer

Columbia University is one of the most prestigious and competitive schools in the United States and getting in either as a first-year student or as a transfer is an incredible accomplishment.

It may seem like an impossible task, but it certainly is possible! If you are looking for ways to improve your chances of getting into Columbia as either a first-year or transfer applicant, contact AdmissionSight today to schedule a free consultation .

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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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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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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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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How to Transfer to Columbia University

How to transfer to Columbia?  Transferring to a college like Columbia is a hard yet rewarding undertaking. The process involves more than just maintaining a strong academic record; it requires the artful crafting of your Columbia transfer essays.

Columbia’s transfer admissions process is notably competitive, and success hinges on presenting a compelling case for why you belong at the school. In this article, I will delve into each Columbia transfer essay prompt and provide valuable insights on how to address each one effectively..

Essay Prompt 1: Why are you interested in transferring to Columbia University?

This pivotal essay prompt serves as a litmus test for your knowledge of Columbia’s distinctive academic and extracurricular offerings. Begin by immersing yourself in thorough research on Columbia’s programs, faculty, and campus culture. Demonstrating a nuanced understanding of what Columbia has to offer not only showcases genuine interest but also underscores your commitment. Delve into specific aspects that resonate with your academic and personal goals. Highlight renowned professors, unique research opportunities, or distinctive programs that set Columbia apart from your current institution.

It’s crucial to connect your current experiences with what Columbia offers. If you are pursuing a specific major, articulate how Columbia’s curriculum will amplify your knowledge and skills in that field. Avoid generic statements and be specific – the admissions committee seeks a thoughtful and well-researched response that goes beyond a surface-level interest in the university.

Essay Prompt 2: How will you take advantage of the academic opportunities at Columbia?

This prompt delves into your ability to envision yourself as an active and engaged member of the Columbia community. Begin by pinpointing specific academic resources, programs, or initiatives that align with your goals. Articulate how you plan to contribute to and benefit from these opportunities.

Highlight professors whose work you admire and whose classes you aspire to take. Shed light on any research opportunities or special projects at Columbia that are integral to your academic development. Express genuine enthusiasm for Columbia’s unique academic culture and elaborate on how it resonates with your learning style and aspirations.

Additionally, underscore any interdisciplinary aspects of Columbia that captivate you. Discuss your plans to explore courses beyond your major and integrate different academic perspectives. Columbia values students who are intellectually curious and open to diverse academic experiences.

Essay Prompt 3: How will you contribute to the Columbia community?

Columbia University places immense value on fostering a vibrant and diverse community. This essay prompt provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, and extracurricular involvement. Begin by reflecting on your current contributions to your academic or local community. Then, explain how you envision extending these contributions to Columbia.

Discuss clubs, organizations, or community service initiatives that align with your passions, and detail how you plan to engage with them at Columbia. Emphasize any leadership roles or unique skills you bring to the community. Columbia seeks students who not only excel academically but also actively contribute to the broader campus environment.

Essay Prompt 4: Can you share a challenging situation you have encountered and how you dealt with it?

This essay prompt aims to assess your resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness. Select a challenging situation that had a profound impact on your academic or personal life. Be transparent about the obstacles you faced and focus on how you overcame them.

Discuss the lessons learned from the experience and elucidate how it has shaped your character and aspirations. Admissions committees appreciate authenticity, so be genuine about your struggles and growth. Use this essay as an opportunity to demonstrate your maturity, self-reflection, and ability to transform challenges into valuable learning opportunities.

Transferring to Columbia University necessitates a strategic approach, and addressing the transfer essay prompts is a crucial step in the process. Craft thoughtful and well-researched responses that demonstrate your genuine interest in Columbia’s academic and extracurricular offerings. Showcase how you plan to take advantage of the opportunities available, contribute to the community, and overcome challenges. The key is to present a compelling narrative that aligns your current experiences with what Columbia has to offer, making a strong case for why you are an ideal fit for this prestigious institution. Best of luck!

Want more help with your college or Ivy League transfer applications?  Contact me today for a free consultation at  www.IvyCollegeEssay.com  and get into the school of your dreams!

Check out my other blog articles, as well:

• Should I Talk About Race in My Admissions Essay?
• What Each Ivy League School is Known For
• How to Get Into Yale
• New York City Colleges

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How specific/honest can I get in Columbia Transfer essay?

<p>I am putting three major reasons for my transfer decision: 1. lack of non-theoretical, practical opportunities at my present school, 2. extremely limited advanced level electives for freshmen and sophomores, 3. not very good teacher-to-student ratio. The problem is that I dont know how far can I go with being detailed as I do not want to sound like I am trashing my school. I dont want to come across as being too critical, I just want to be as specific as possible. Any ideas on how to proceed?</p>

<p>By the way, does anyone know what a transfer essay prompt was this year?</p>

<p>thanks</p>

<p>Transfer essays are a horse of a different color. I’m a transfer myself and the months I spent online I met up with a bunch of other hopefuls and each and every one of them was different. Now some of these people, more than some, didn’t get in but even among the contacts I knew that did none of them followed a clear formula. You can go as in-depth as you feel is necessary.</p>

<p>Some go full meta, writing short stories that serve as an allegory of their educational journeys, others were point by point lists of reasons (to specific teachers and clubs). Mine leaned more towards the standard.</p>

<p>My argument was that the school had a very strong economics department while still valuing various and classical ways of learning and areas of personal growth and knowledge (basically the core) and therefore provided a unique chance for growth. My grade school analogy was “I’m cookie dough; and I want more chunks in me than just chocolate”.</p>

<p>Only universal advice I can give is:

• NOT because Columbia’s a prestigious ivy league.
• NOT because Columbia’s in NY.</p>

<p>dude, moveon (.org)</p>

<p>"Only universal advice I can give is:

• NOT because Columbia’s in NY."</p>

<p>I agree with this.</p>

<p>^^Columbia2002, I wonder what your response has to do with the question I posed. Please stay on topic.</p>

<p>It has everything to do with the topic at hand. Figure it out. Think deeply.</p>

<p>Think deeply about what? Your post was completely irrelevant to the question I asked. If you are asking me to give up on trying to get into Columbia, your advice is still irrelevant to what this thread is about - the thread is asking a specific question about a transfer ESSAY.</p>

<p>I was waitlisted at Columbia this year and I did not get in but probably I myself was not ready. University is quite different from high school and I have one more year to prove that I can do a rigorous work and then transfer where I always wanted to go. I do not understand what you are suggesting. “Think deeply”?, do you really think we are on a session with a psychologist? If you have something valuable to say, say it. If not then I do not know what you are doing.</p>

<p>lol maybe he’s telling you to “take a stand on certain issues” as the democracy in action website ( moveon.org ) boasts-- otherwise, that could be purely coincidince and he/she is really telling you that you aren’t good enough so move on and if that’s the case you should fight 'em.</p>

<p>ChaoticOrder, I doubt that he meant anything positive with what he wrote. And the question is not even whether what he wrote was rellevant/irrelevant or positive/negative, the question is WHY did he have to write that? I was asking for something specific and he is just fooling around. He will not even admit that what he wrote was irrelevant, what a stuck up.</p>

<p>[ Amazon.com :</a> Snark: David Denby: Books](<a href=“ http://www.amazon.com/Snark-David-Denby/dp/1416599452]Amazon.com: ”> http://www.amazon.com/Snark-David-Denby/dp/1416599452 )</p>

<p>by posting something irrelevant he was trying to say that your post is equally irrelevant. now whether it is or is not, is not the biggest point, you are looking for help.</p>

<p>i would suggest you let the waves settle a bit more, do a lot more thinking, actually get onto your campus and feel what it is like before you jump to conclusions.</p>

<p>and regarding point (1), what does that mean? you are applying to college, not a job, highly theoretical learning will impress adcoms. how does (2) have anything to do with college and same with (3). if your argument is that your school did not let you succeed enough to be admitted to columbia…well you probably have an argument there (many schools are bad out there), but you would not be the only one making that argument - a couple thousand people could say the same. there is nothing original, unique, personal or interesting about that argument. further, the counter argument could be made, so why didn’t you create those opportunities for yourself - to play devil’s advocate.</p>

<p>to this end, undisclosed hits most of the things on the spot. think about who you are, why you really want to go to columbia (please do not use arguments around how you deserve to be there, it is your dream to go there) and think concretely. what can columbia give you that no other school could. you might be surprised, perhaps your current school will impress you in what it can offer.</p>

<p>Thanks for your answer admissionsgeek.</p>

<p>Well, I would not necessarily agree that “highly theoretical learning will impress adcoms.” After all college is not a high school and when a fresh graduate faces a job market I doubt employers will be impressed by “highly theoretical” things, they will look more for the “real” experience. The whole argument I am making in my essay is that although my school offers great academics in terms of giving me the opportunity to put that theory to something practical, it can not even compare to Columbia. My cousin just graduated from Columbia last year and many of his school mates have been given the opportunity to work at various NGOs, and one of them even at the UN office in Geneva. And that is even before they graduated! Now imagine how much of a difference that will make when they will be applying for a job. The argument I am making is not about who has better academics - because hundreds of universities in the US do - the argument I am making is who prepares its student body better for a real life and market, something beyond textbooks and wonderful professors. Why would that not be a fair argument? I have read some admitted ivy applicants’ transfer essays on here and they dont even get that specific.</p>

<p>Fellows, fellows, please. You’re equally big; no need to e-whip them out.</p>

<p>stanford - you don’t get it. you are applying to college, not a job. worry about building skills during your collegiate years to impress employers. they are two different processes that although related require different emphases.</p>

<p>now will your argument work? maybe, i don’t know, it may or may not, but if you are admitted you will not be admitted because you talked about how much you want to do extracurricularly. should you care what other people wrote? no. because you are an individual, and just because they mentioned one part of the app, you don’t know their whole story.</p>

<p>but in the end i think what I would like to emphasize is that colleges like columbia in admissions (which is different from their praxis) look closer at high level of academic ability first and foremost. yes you have to have some leadership, some social skills, ability to design and implement solutions (this can be shown in a number of ways both academic and co-curricularly), but if the level of analysis and depth of your academic exposure is not up to par - you could have all the practical experience in the world and that wont make up for it. so though i think it is worth exploring your long range interests and putting it on the application, don’t obfuscate or forget the most essential - do you have the intellectual chops.</p>

<p>^ I think you did not get my point this time either. I know that I am applying for a college and not a job and that was not why I mentioned practical experience. I am not telling Columbia to accept me because of practical experience, I am providing the lack of practical opportunities at my present school as a REASON for transfer and thats what they are asking in essay. “worry about building skills during your collegiate years to impress employers”, but how am I going to do that if the school does not give me the opportunities and does not have any networks ! thats the whole point I am making. Acceptance and their criteria of selecting people is one thing, but me selecting a transfer school is another, what does that have to do with my academic abilities? Academics are important but in the end, why do you need academics if not to be competitive on the job market? People are not going to hire you because of your grades or because your professor had a nobel prize. You are not going to a school because you necessarily enjoy everything you learn, rather it is to get you prepared for life. If it was all about theory, there are 1000 schools where I can get wonderful education (including the one I am at and I will mention that)</p>

<p>This thread, just like they usually tend to do on this forum, slowly ceases to be about what it was initially meant for - are these transfer REASONS reasonable and legitimate? I was not asking for a panacea of getting into columbia or people discussing my academic strength.</p>

<p>you are conflating issues, and getting agitated without cause here.</p>

<p>so to break it down.</p>

<p>1) i don’t think the reasons are that reasonable ore legitimate because i think you can offer better reasons.</p>

<p>2) i am confused if you haven’t started college how you can be making these statements already.</p>

<p>3) none of your reasons for transferring to columbia (supposing this is the case) are specific to columbia.</p>

<p>4) you can ‘create’ practical opportunities anywhere. at columbia you need to do this just as much as anywhere else. columbia is not going to hand you things, you need to work for them.</p>

<p>5) college admissions, transfer admissions is primarily about your academic preparedness for the institution. i wanted to clarify that as a means to induce you to think of academic reasons for transferring. colleges are educational institutions first, and job networking and preprofessional development places second. so you might learn something that will have nothing to do with your future career. </p>

<p>so your statement here “Academics are important but in the end, why do you need academics if not to be competitive on the job market?” is wrong. academics do not make you more or less competitive on the job market. what does it do? a) it tells the employer you can work hard, b) if you went to a good school it says you probably have worked hard for many years before this, c) if you go to a good school it means you are working alongside some of the best, d) if you take some classes or have a certain major, you might have preference in some jobs… other auxiliary things will help you of course, if a nobel prize winner writes a letter of recommendation, you might get a boost. if you have good relationships with your professors they might know someone who knows someone. </p>

<p>these are, however, superficial reasons for the most part and in truth have little long term impact on how you do. employers care what you have done for them lately and less whether or not you actually know anything about 17th Century British Literature. what makes you most competitive on the job market are the following (a brief, concise list, denzera could give you the long full version) - a) previous experience (internships, employment) - some schools are better than others here, but unless you are talking about very very hard to get jobs, an entrepreneurial student at any university has a chance to do well. b) ability to communicate, understand, analyze, comprehend the tasks set before the student. c) and how well the candidate meshes with the office dynamic and priorities. with the exception of (a) where you could say career development matters in helping you get your first job or networking, the major factors that matter have 0 to do with where you went to college, and how well you do academically. and the further you are from college, the less it matters where you went.</p>

<p>so when you realize the disconnect between your long term future, and your immediate collegiate future i think that is when it becomes clear that when you look for a college seek an academic or personal experience that you will most enjoy, that will challenge you, and give you confidence to tackle the world after (keep your time frame to 4 years, not 40). if you worry too far down the line 1) you more than likely wont impress the admissions officers, and most importantly 2) you wont enjoy college.</p>

<p>1.) could you tell me what in your opinion Are legitimate reasons of transferring?</p>

<p>2.) At the end you still admit that “some schools are better than others” when one looks for internships,employment dont you? (because that’s the point I was trying to make the whole time) Do you not think its a legitimate reason to transfer?</p>

<p>3.) So I should not worry “too far down the line” because it wont impress the admissions officers? Oh, why? will they be offended and/or surprised to find out that they are not the central part of my entire life? What do you suppose I tell them, something like “I want to come to Columbia because I like to learn?”. Admissions officers are humans, why would they expect that their school be the center of universe for you. After all the whole purpose of going to college is to get a degree, and the whole purpose of getting a degree is to get a job so that you can do something in life. Do they need a fairytale? To some people it is like a fairytale and they might never end up using their degree for anything valuable - and there are quite a few on this forum with thousands of posts that I suspect do exactly that - they are there to enjoy and have fun, well others are not exactly that way. There are things you will enjoy, there are things you wont enjoy.</p>

<p>The bottom line is that if the variety in available course selection, faculty-to student individual relations, and internship opportunities are not legitimate reasons for transfer, then what are?</p>

<p>1) i did 2) compelling, but not sufficient. i wouldn’t transfer just because a school was slightly better at internships. if that was the case, maybe i would’ve gone to Harvard. even if some schools give you a head start, it is how hard you work that matters. so deciding to transfer just because you want a head start is pretty superficial. especially when you haven’t given a school a chance. 3) i am beyond confused here. this was a ramble, what does this mean “Admissions officers are humans, why would they expect that their school be the center of universe for you.” “a fairytale”? to reiterate: columbia is a high-powered intellectual place where academics are serious. to be admitted - you should like columbia’s offerings specifically, and at least make a nod that this is a reason you are applying. because columbia is not the only school with variety of courses, faculty student interaction (which if you value, an LAC rocks more), and internship opportunities. if you want to use these vague rationales, well you are not giving yourself the BEST chance to be admitted. </p>

<p>anyhow: you want to transfer, so why should something like legitimacy get in your way? you want to “trade-up.” you are not the first person or the last to desire it. however, when you write about how your school wont let you become something even before you start classes, it ticks me off because that is a huge insult to your current university. you are going to college. less than half of the people who should graduate high school this year are going to graduate college.</p>

<p>so you want to know what a legitimate reason is? you tried it your hardest at your current school and despite exhausting every effort you still believe that there is something specific about columbia and its experience that you believe you could not have. if you find at any point that your current school perhaps is more amenable than you first thought, it isn’t worth transferring (legitimately) because the amount of energy it takes to move into a new situation is not worth it. consider all of this - make your own decision, but my guess from this post is that you already have.</p>

<p>“you are going to college. less than half of the people who should graduate high school this year are going to graduate college.”</p>

<p>You see, this is something people use to calm others down and make them feel better about themselves. But I remind you, this is not a session with a psychologist : -)</p>

<p>If I compare myself to ppl who dont go to college at all, I will feel better and have a sense of accomplishment. If I have an ok house and compare myself to a homeless person, I will have a sense of accomplishment. If I have a 50,000 dollar income and compare myself to someone who has 12,000, I will have a sense of accomplishment. The problem that we need to recognize here is that this sense of accomplishment is False. It is not real.</p>

<p>In any case, I have not gone to my school yet but I know for sure what it is like, what its academics are like and what the school is like in terms of opportunities or location or even my personal taste. Little discoveries that I might encounter when I will actually go there are not likely to change my mind.</p>

<p>In regards to “something specific about columbia and its experience”, well I think even something specific about columbia can be shared by several other universities and I doubt there is something very unique about it (unless I start talking like everyone about core curriculum and New York City) I do think, however, that their political science department is the best in the world but that is something that many other people say.</p>

<p>i would say one of these ideas - but more developed.</p>

<p>“I doubt there is something very unique about it (unless I start talking like everyone about core curriculum and New York City) I do think, however, that their political science department is the best in the world but that is something that many other people say.”</p>

<p>and something specific that is not unique is more interesting than something vague that is not unique.</p>

<p>in the mean time, go through the professors at your current school, find the most interesting academic (and if you want to PM me and tell me your school i can help you find someone) and have them be a mentor and a possible faculty rec. i believe wholeheartedly in mentors, someone older and smarter with experience who will help you navigate processes. if you want help approaching this man or woman, i would be happy to help you broach that subject.</p>

<p>Well another reason I am using is the lack of variety of the international relations classes. For example, our school seems to concentrate more United States politics and Constitutional law, leaving only a small room to basic courses on international relations, subfield of polisci interesting me the most. On the other hand, Columbia University offers an endless opportunity of taking internationally oriented classes about European Union, globalization and its effects on international politics, international relations from an economical point of view as well as foreign policies of the post-Soviet states and American foreign policy. I am trying to tell them that the lack of these classes will affect my viability as a professional in this field and I think it definitely will.</p>

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Columbia University: Transfer applicant questions

First off, sorry if this has been asked before; I've been searching for a while and only found a single website with what I was looking for (I was skeptical and wanted to confirm if it was right)

I was planning on transferring to Columbia, entering during my second year, from a local college. I haven't entered the college yet, but I wanted to start brainstorming ideas and answering what I could.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any of the Columbia-specific "essay" questions, and it says on Scoir that if I submit Part 1 (to see the essay questions in part 2) I won't be able to go back and update it with whatever I do in college.

Does anyone know what the Columbia-specific questions are for transfer applicants, or at least where to find them?

Thank you very much.

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At  Columbia College  and  Columbia Engineering , we’re intentional in our efforts to welcome over 100 transfer students each year, from a range of two- and four-year institutions, and we value the unique and diverse perspectives they bring to our community.

The Core Curriculum  is the cornerstone of undergraduate academic life at Columbia. Even those transferring in with advanced credit should expect to take elements of the Core, if not all of it. Students are very rarely exempt from Core classes like  Literature Humanities ,  Contemporary Civilization ,  Art Humanities  and  Music Humanities .

Students are expected to graduate within eight semesters, including time spent at another college or university. Students are typically not permitted to extend their undergraduate studies unless they are enrolled in one of our Joint Degree programs (e.g.  the Combined Plan ).

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Transfer students can participate in  undergraduate research ,  undergraduate student life  and Columbia resources such as the  Center for Career Education  and the  Center for Student Advising . 

Transfer students entering CC or SEAS are guaranteed housing for a certain number of consecutive terms, depending on their class and eligibility. Rising sophomores are eligible for six consecutive terms of housing and rising juniors are eligible for four consecutive terms of housing. Students are housed with their class in upperclass  residence halls . Assignment is based on seniority and building preference, with applications processed on a rolling basis.   Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA)  can assist students in non-Columbia owned buildings.

As a transfer student, it was the closely-knit community at Columbia that made me fall in love with it. Having a physical campus in the center of NYC really helps me build a community and have a sense of belonging. Even as an international student, Columbia has become my second home, as I always know that I can have all the support and help from my peers and amazing faculty at Columbia.

As a transfer student, I truly believe Columbia is one of the most collaborative and creative spaces to study, with students using their education to advance social interests both in and beyond New York City. This creative license, spirit of activism and inherent support across the community drove my decision to transfer to and attend Columbia.

Transfer Student Frequently Asked Questions

Where do transfer students live is housing guaranteed for transfer students.

As a transfer, you will be guaranteed housing during your time at Columbia, unless you choose to move off-campus at any time, at which point the housing guarantee is forfeited.  All transfer students are housed with their class in upperclass residence halls. Assignment is based on seniority and building preference with applications processed on a rolling basis. Students are notified by email when rooms are assigned.

What is Morningside Heights like?

Morningside Heights is a dynamic residential neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafes, shops and hangout spots. It is steps from the Hudson River and bordered by Central Park, Morningside Park and Riverside Park; all the resources of New York City are a short bike, bus or subway ride away.

How can I take advantage of everything I want to do in New York City on a student budget?

New York City has something for everyone, which is why it is so often rated as one of the best college towns in the nation. It is full of hidden treasures that offer an inexpensive, yet unique array of food, shopping and entertainment. Some of the most creative culinary experiences are intimate restaurants within a few blocks from campus. Websites such as NYC Visit's Go Local operate as a service for New Yorkers to get the most out of their city.

There are also a variety of email lists that help students gain free access to opportunities such as going to a major motion picture premiere. There are yearly bargains such as New York Restaurant Week , which gives students a budget-friendly taste of some of the finest establishments in the city. Columbia helps students explore the opportunities in New York by providing discounted and free tickets to many events around the city through the Columbia Arts Initiative .

Is it possible to hold a job while also being a Columbia student?

Columbia holds classes from early in the morning until late at night. This allows students to hold on-campus jobs ,  pursue internships in the city and adjust their schedules to make the most of their academic and extracurricular experience. Many students, moreover, have no classes on Fridays, so many Columbians use Fridays as an opportunity to pursue internships and other commitments. The  Center for Career Education also provides students with opportunities for employment on and off campus.

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First-year students register during orientation, the week prior to the start of classes for their first semester. First-year students will be automatically registered for appropriate Core Curriculum classes prior to orientation.

In subsequent years students are assigned a registration time during the preceding semester; this registration time gives seniority to junior and senior students, and times are distributed by lottery within each class year. Students then participate in online registration for the next semester's courses. The first two weeks of each semester are the "Change of Program period," which allows students to add and drop classes without registration appointments as they finalize their schedule.

For more particulars about the registration process, please consult the academic bulletins for Columbia  College and Columbia Engineering .

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The essays are a place to show us who you are and who you’ll be in our community.

It’s a chance to add depth to something that is important to you and tell the admissions committee more about your background or goals. Below you’ll find selected examples of essays that “worked,” as nominated by our admissions committee. In each of these essays, students were able to share stories from their everyday lives to reveal something about their character, values, and life that aligned with the culture and values at Hopkins.

Read essays that worked from Transfer applicants .

Hear from the class of 2027.

These selections represent just a few examples of essays we found impressive and helpful during the past admissions cycle. We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original as you share your own story, thoughts, and ideas with us.

Ordering the Disorderly

Ellie’s essay skillfully uses the topic of entropy as an extended metaphor. Through it, we see reflections about who they are and who they aspire to be.

Pack Light, But Be Prepared

In Pablo’s essay, the act of packing for a pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for the way humans accumulate experiences in their life’s journey and what we can learn from them. As we join Pablo through the diverse phases of their life, we gain insights into their character and values.

Tikkun Olam

Julieta illustrates how the concept of Tikkun Olam, “a desire to help repair the world,” has shaped their passions and drives them to pursue experiences at Hopkins.

Kashvi’s essay encapsulates a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and the invaluable teachings of Rock, their 10-year-old dog. Through the lens of their companionship, Kashvi walked us through valuable lessons on responsibility, friendship, patience, and unconditional love.

Classical Reflections in Herstory

Maddie’s essay details their intellectual journey using their love of Greek classics. They incorporate details that reveal the roots of their academic interests: storytelling, literary devices, and translation. As their essay progresses, so do Maddie’s intellectual curiosities.

My Spotify Playlist

Alyssa’s essay reflects on special memories through the creative lens of Spotify playlists. They use three examples to highlight their experiences with their tennis team, finding a virtual community during the pandemic, and co-founding a nonprofit to help younger students learn about STEM.

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As I write this letter today, our libraries are full of students – some are studying for finals, some are researching and writing papers, some are conversing with fellow students or library workers, and some are sitting in quiet reflection. The library is at the heart of our campus, it is for everyone, and Columbia University Libraries remains committed to serving the core guiding values of librarianship ( as affirmed by the American Library Association) , which include:

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To serve these values in action and to ensure continuity of research and study by the entire Columbia community, the Libraries remain open — both physically and virtually through CLIO and our Ask A Librarian service . 

Finally, I want to acknowledge the incredible strength, resiliency, and dedication of all our library staff who serve the Columbia community, adapting swiftly to campus conditions to meet the evolving needs of our diverse user communities, ensuring that safe spaces and knowledge remain accessible to all. 

As we continue to navigate current local and world events, we remain all the more committed to these core values of librarianship and we welcome the entire Columbia community into your libraries.

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Columbia Law Review Refused to Take Down Article on Palestine, So Its Board of Directors Nuked the Whole Website

The students who edit the journal sought out the article by a Palestinian scholar who was censored by Harvard Law Review last year.

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Last November, the Harvard Law Review made the unprecedented decision to kill a fully edited essay prior to publication. The author, human rights lawyer Rabea Eghbariah, was to be the first Palestinian legal scholar published in the prestigious journal. 

As The Intercept reported at the time, Eghbariah’s essay — an argument for establishing “Nakba,” the expulsion, dispossession, and oppression of Palestinians, as a formal legal concept that widens its scope — faced extraordinary editorial scrutiny and eventual censorship. 

When the Harvard publication spiked his article, editors from another Ivy League law school reached out to Eghbariah. Students from the Columbia Law Review solicited a new article from the scholar and, upon receiving it, decided to edit it and prepare it for publication.

Harvard Law Review Editors Vote to Kill Article About Genocide in Gaza

Now, eight months into Israel’s onslaught against Gaza, Eghbariah’s work has once again been stifled — this time by the Columbia Law Review’s board of directors, a group of law school professors and prominent alumni that oversee the students running the review. 

Eghbariah’s paper for the Columbia Law Review, or CLR, was published on its website in the early hours of Monday morning. The journal’s board of directors responded by pulling the entire website offline. The homepage on Monday morning read “Website under maintenance.” 

According to Eghbariah, he worked with editors at the Columbia Law Review for over five months on the 100-plus-page text.

“The attempts to silence legal scholarship on the Nakba by subjecting it to an unusual and discriminatory process are not only reflective of a pervasive and alarming Palestine exception to academic freedom,” Eghbariah told The Intercept, “but are also a testament to a deplorable culture of Nakba denialism.”

Website Takedown

Seven editors who had worked on the article told The Intercept that, over the weekend, members of the board of directors pressured the law review’s leadership to delay and even rescind publication. Most of the CLR editors spoke to The Intercept on the condition of anonymity, fearing the backlash that others have faced for speaking out for Palestine.

Numerous editors stressed that the editorial input had been extensive, and that the text was more widely circulated among a greater number of people than is the case prior to the publication for most CLR articles.

After a back-and-forth with the board and fellow editors, the members of CLR responsible for the Eghbariah article said they feared that the draft had been leaked and decided to preempt outside pressure by publishing the issue online in the early morning hours of June 3. After the editors declined a board of directors request to take down the articles, the board pulled the plug on the entire website.

The CLR board of directors told The Intercept in a statement that there were concerns about “deviation from the Review’s usual processes” and said it had taken the website down to give all CLR members the chance to read the article and that the decision was not a final decision on publication. 

“I don’t suspect that they would have asserted this kind of control had the piece been about Tibet, Kashmir, Puerto Rico, or other contested political sites.”

“We spoke to certain members of the student leadership to ask that they delay publication for a few days so that, at a minimum, the manuscript could be shared with all student editors, to provide them with a chance to read it and respond,” the board said. “Nevertheless, we learned this morning that the manuscript had been made public. In order to provide time for the Law Review to determine how to proceed, we have temporarily suspended its website.”

The apparent intervention by the board of directors surprised some Columbia Law School faculty. 

“I don’t suspect that they would have asserted this kind of control had the piece been about Tibet, Kashmir, Puerto Rico, or other contested political sites,” Katherine Franke, a professor, told The Intercept.

“When Columbia Law Professor Herbert Weschler published his important article questioning the underlying justification for Brown v. Board of Education in 1959 it was regarded by many as blasphemous, but is now regarded as canonical. This is what legal scholarship should do at its best, challenge us to think hard about hard things, even when it is uncomfortable doing so.” 

“Completely Unprecedented”

The article significantly expands on Eghbariah’s argument for Nakba as its own legal concept in international law. The scholarship is aimed at creating a legal framework for the Nakba similar to genocide and apartheid, which were concretized as crimes in response to specific atrocities carried out by Nazi Germany and white minority-ruled South Africa, respectively. 

“The piece fills a conspicuous gap in legal literature with doctrinal, historical, and moral clarity,” said Margaret Hassel, Columbia Law Review’s previous editor in chief until last February. “I am tremendously proud of the work, care, and thought that Eghbariah and the Review’s editors have poured into the piece.”

“I was just sick to my stomach and disgusted that, once again, this was happening.”

The Columbia Law Review is a separate nonprofit from Columbia University, but the editors are Columbia Law students and its oversight includes law school faculty. The board of directors consists of established faculty members and eminent alumni of the law school. Among the most well-known of the board members are Columbia Law School Dean Gillian Lester; Columbia law professor Gillian Metzger, who also serves in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel; and Department of Justice senior counsel Lewis Yelin.

Board interventions in editorial content are, the editors said, extremely rare. (The board of directors did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how often it gets involved in editorial processes.)

All of the law review editors who spoke to The Intercept said that Eghbariah’s text went through an extensive editorial process, with extra caution taken due to concerns over potential backlash. 

“I was just sick to my stomach and disgusted that, once again, this was happening, seven months later after Harvard had just gone through that debacle,” said Erika Lopez, a CLR editor and its diversity, equity, and inclusion chair.

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Members of CLR’s production team told The Intercept that the board of directors reached out in recent days, pressuring editors to delay the publication of Eghbariah’s piece. According to the students, Metzger and former Assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General Ginger Anders, another alumnus, called Sunday requesting that the piece first be reviewed by the 100-plus members of CLR. The board members told editors they had been made aware that the paper had not gone through appropriate procedures.

The students who spoke with The Intercept said that in their time at CLR, they had never received a request from the board to distribute the text of an article to the entire membership of the review — nor had they heard of the board being aware of an article’s text before publication.

A procedure was in place, said the CLR staffers, and it was followed. 

“What we were doing had precedent in processes used in the past,” said Jamie Jenkins, a CLR editor who helped shepherd the piece toward publication. “Distributing the piece to the entirety of law review was completely unprecedented.”

No Palestinians

Lopez initially proposed soliciting a piece on Palestine in the context of human rights law in October.

“I remember searching Columbia Law Review’s website in October, and there’s only one other mention of the word Palestine in the entire online existence,” said Lopez — in a footnote from 2015. As would have been the case with the Harvard Law Review, Eghbariah is the first Palestinian scholar to publish in the Columbia Law Review. 

“Every single piece that we publish goes through an incredibly, incredibly rigorous publication process.”

A large majority of the administrative board — the student editors in charge of the publication process — took part in a vote, and voted unanimously 23-0 to create a committee for pursuing a piece on Israel–Palestine. A smaller, voluntary committee of 11 editors proceeded to select and then shepherd Eghbariah’s piece. While editors are typically selected and assigned pieces at random, the process in this case allowed for volunteer-based involvement, given the fraught nature of the subject matter. Some 30 members of the review ended up working on the piece throughout its production, editors said.

“Every single piece that we publish goes through an incredibly, incredibly rigorous publication process. We just have high publication standards,” said Jenkins, who noted the piece was given even more scrutiny because of the fraught subject matter. “So there was some additional work put into it, but in general, it was the same steps of production.”

The editors involved were concerned about leaks, they said, which could have put the editorial process at risk. Drafts of the piece were, for example, only available on a drive shared between the opt-in committee directly working on it, rather than all editors.

Once notified that the issue would be posted online, Metzger and Anders urged the students to not just delay publication, but also to send Eghbariah’s essay — though not the other six slated articles — to the rest of the law review. Editorial leadership initially heeded their demand, choosing to delay publishing of the May issue until June 7, and sending the entire masthead a draft of Eghbariah’s essay. 

Shortly thereafter, editorial leaders followed up again with the board, notifying the directors there was reason to believe the piece had indeed been leaked beyond CLR members. Editors told The Intercept that members of the law review had reached out to inform them that they had been speaking with professors and mentors about the article. Several said they had been told to resign as editors. A former member of the board of directors also reached out to a member of the production team requesting that his name be removed from the masthead.

In response to word of these leaks, the editors working on the piece decided to proceed with publication on June 3, at roughly 2:30 a.m.

Following the piece’s publication, the directors reached out to the editors again, according to a CLR editor, requesting the entire May edition to be taken down. Editorial leadership refused. Shortly thereafter, the entire CLR website was down — and remains that way as this article went to publication.

Rashid Khalidi , the celebrated Palestinian American professor of history at Columbia, who is on Eghbariah’s dissertation committee for his doctorate from Harvard Law School, said that Eghbariah “provides an entirely original and very intelligent analysis of a bunch of aspects of the legal system in Israel, which I think should be welcomed by any open-minded person in the legal profession.”

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Both Eghbariah and numerous editors at the review remain committed to the importance of the legal scholarship in question. The author, who has tried landmark Palestinian civil rights cases before the Israeli Supreme Court, noted that in its current case charging Israel with genocide at the International Court of Justice, South Africa’s legal team referred to the Palestinian “ ongoing Nakba ” as the context for the current genocide case. 

“What we need to do is to acknowledge the Nakba as its own independent framework that intersects and overlaps with genocide and apartheid,” Eghbariah told The Intercept, while adding that the Nakba also “stands as a distinct framework that can be understood as its own crime with a distinctive historical analytical foundation structure and purpose.” 

Correction: June 4, 2024 This story has been updated to reflect that the unanimous vote by members of the administrative board was to form a committee to pursue a piece on Israel–Palestine, not to publish a piece.

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