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The following Columbia Academy essay examples were written past several different authors who were admitted to Columbia University. All names have been redacted for anonymity. CollegeAdvisor.com has shared these essays with admissions officers at Columbia University in order to deter potential plagiarism.

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Listing a few words or phrases that describe your platonic higher customs. (150 words or less)

Supportive and collaborative (Let'southward trauma bail and get through college together!); Tight-knit and friendly; Accepting; Socially and environmentally-enlightened; Quirky merely also downwardly-to-earth; Know how to enjoy a proficient movie/book/tv show marathon; Capeesh the arts, scientific achievements, and social accomplishments; Be willing to assist out a start year being lost around campus for the first few weeks; Not agape to stand up for what is correct and use our resources to create a divergence in the globe.

Listing the titles of the required readings from courses during the school yr or summer that you enjoyed most in the past yr. (150 words or less)

AUTHOR 1

Uncle Tom's Cabin-Harriet Beecher Stowe (APUSH): This book offered me the raw and emotional look at slavery and showed me the complexities of the US society earlier the Civil War.

The Grapes of Wrath-John Steinbeck (APUSH): Some other emotional book that offered me a raw look at how the migrant workers were hurt during the Great Depression. This book along with Uncle Tom'south Cabin humanize history for me.

L'Étranger-Albert Camus (AP Lang): Existentialism. Interesting read. It actually made me question life.

Author 2

Sociologie des pratiques culturelles (Folklore of Cultural Practices) by Philippe Coulangeon is a required text I particularly appreciated this yr. I enjoyed how the novel examines the principle trends that characterize the evolution of modern cultural practices, as well as the results of the democratization of culture in modern-twenty-four hour period France.

Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil) past Baudelaire is an extremely powerful poetry collection that I establish to be at the same time thought provoking and a pleasance to read. The poet expresses both his "Spleen," or his agony, and his Platonic through beautiful and captivating verses.

I likewise admittedly loved Don Juan by Moliere, a play written and gear up in 17th century France during the reign of Louis XIV. Moliere's clever mix of the classic and bizarre styles was a joy to read, and the way he uses one-act as a tool to criticize club was brilliant.

Why this Columbia University essay worked, according to an ex-admissions officeholder

This response to the Columbia University essay prompt works well because it highlights the cultural and linguistic variety of the student. The educatee succinctly and convincingly discusses what they continued to in the diverse works, showing their intellectual curiosity as well their ability to appreciate mature pieces of literature.

List the titles of the books you read for pleasure that you enjoyed most in the past twelvemonth. (150 words or less)

AUTHOR one

Most haunting book: Kindred-Octavia Butler (Like Dana, I rooted for Rufus, hoping he wouldn't plough out to exist a villainous and selfish enslaver. I was betrayed)

Most emotional volume: 13 Reasons Why-Jay Asher (This is 1 of those books that makes y'all question your entire life after reading information technology. It merely has the ability to brand you wonder: Am I a good person? Have I fabricated a practiced or bad departure in the lives of others? Highly recommended)

Best reread of the year: To All the Boys I'd Loved Before-Jenny Han (3 claps for Asian representation in YA books!)

Most nostalgic book: The Percy Jackson series-Rick Riordan (Before this year, I was at the Met, where Percy willed his ability to push Nancy Bobofit into the water! Saucepan list particular #xiv: checked)

Honorable mentions: The Jungle-Upton Sinclair, The Hate U Give-Angie Thomas, Jurassic Park-Michael Crichton, and The Sympathizer-Viet Thanh Nguyen.

Why this Columbia University essay worked, according to an ex-admissions officer

I similar this response to this Columbia University essay prompt because the student is unapologetically herself. A lot of students feel the demand to make themselves more impressive, or more sophisticated/well read, and the adventure in that is that they lose that personal warmth, genuine vocalism, and connectedness with the reader. It's far better to be honest and forthcoming, inviting the reader into your world view, humor, experience, and unique and fun perspective on the earth.

Author 2

Ane novel I read for pleasure that I institute gripping and profound is Brave New World past Huxley. In addition to existence a call for liberty during the rise of totalitarian societies, the novel besides addresses philosophical and ethical questions that remain relevant today.

Bel Ami by Maupassant is another novel that spoke to me. This naturalist novel depicts the journey of the protagonist's ascent to ability through manipulation and abuse in late 19th century France. I enjoyed following how this anti-hero climbs the social ladder from his humble working-course beginnings to become 1 of the most powerful men in Paris.

I was inspired by Histoire de l'autre (Story of the Other), a book that presents both the Israeli and Palestinian points of view on fundamental historical events throughout the conflict. It was written by 6 Israeli and 6 Palestinian history professors, who narrate the same events from unlike perspectives.

List the titles of the print, electronic publications and websites you lot read regularly. (150 words or less)

Author 1

I get defenseless upwards on current events from three main news sites: the Saint Louis Post Dispatch for the local perspective, the New York Times for the national perspective, and the BBC for the international perspective. It'due south a habit of mine to read most current events from at least 3 perspectives. That fashion, I know I'm getting the most objective view of the world.

Entertainment news: Buzzfeed and Kenh14 (a Vietnamese newsite)

News not covered by mainstream media but are highly important: Stories on Instagrams, Facebook, and Reddit.

Why this Columbia University essay worked, according to an ex-admissions officer

Once more, I feel like this pupil is being honest and forthcoming. You get a sense of ethnicity/identity, and too of a person who is willing to be informed without trying to prove anything. At that place's a fine balance between being genuine and trying to seem impressive.

AUTHOR ii

I follow the news on BBC (world wide web.bbc.com). BBC gives me a well-rounded view of political, economic and social events from around the world, with the necessary background information to empathise today's global issues.

I also use the mobile app News Democracy on a daily basis. News Republic provides articles from over 1,000 trusted news sources, so I tin can be informed of global bug from multiple perspectives. Further, I tin design my news page to follow the topics I am nearly interested in.

Another website I follow regularly is Time Out Madrid (www.timeout.com/madrid). It helps me have full advantage of all the opportunities Madrid has to offer, such equally cultural exhibitions, hidden parks and cafes, concerts, plays and movies. My latest discovery is a list of eleven original bookshops, where, in addition to finding books, friends and I can take a coffee, savor a concert or heed to a lecture.

Why this Columbia University essay worked, co-ordinate to an ex-admissions officeholder

Again, what works about this kind of response is that the reader can go a sense of the global perspective and experience of the student. Without being too obvious with information technology, the pupil brings the reader into their life – bookstores, social life, international experience – and makes the reader a part of it.

List the titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits, lectures and other entertainments you enjoyed most in the by year. (150 words or less)

AUTHOR 1

Musical: Hamilton, Legally Blondes, Miss Saigon (I dearest the music but detest the historical inaccuracies likewise as the ignorance of Vietnamese culture portrayed in the musical)

Films: Avengers: Endgame, Spiderman: Far from Home, Processed Jar, Lincoln, Us, Go Out.

Telly shows: Marvel's Agents of Shield (My all time favorite bear witness. I learned English language watching Shield in middle schoolhouse), Goong (amazing soundtracks, spring started my K-drama binge for the last ii months, inspired a Viet-styled Goong fanfiction currently in the works), and High Kick Through the Rooftop (Information technology's an awesome Korean sitcom. I highly recommend it. Just ignore the final 6 episodes)

Music: Soundtracks. My current favorite is Dah Ji Mot Han Ma Eum from Goong!

Author 2

I saw back-to-dorsum Ionesco's two classic plays, La cantatrice chauve (The Bald Soprano) and La leçon (The Lesson), at Le Théâtre de la Huchette in Paris, where they have been playing non-terminate since 1957. Information technology was fascinating to see these plays with the same original mise-en-scene dating back to the era when they were written.

Additionally, I loved the exhibition Pop Art Myths at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid. I enjoyed seeing how this art form adult in the 50s and 60s and its witty critique of consumerism.

Finally, I was inspired by the documentary Beyond Right and Wrong. It follows the stories of individuals who lost their loved ones in terrible conflicts from Northern Ireland, the Middle East and Rwanda, and shows what it took for them to forgive the other side. Their strength impressed me, and their courageous acts allowed me to observe forgiveness under a different low-cal.

Why this Columbia University essay worked, according to an ex-admissions officeholder

The reader gets a potent sense that fine art, in a multifariousness of forms, is an important function of this student'southward life.This is someone who looks beyond the entertainment factor. An admissions officer would most probable get the impression that as a student, this is someone who considers historical context and likes to make deeper connections with the curriculum.

Please tell united states what y'all value most about Columbia and why. (300 words or less)

AUTHOR 1

I detest the word "mutual" and avoid beingness associated with it at all price. Being called "Common" is the worst insult possible. Information technology implies that I'one thousand just another face in a sea of faces and reminds me that not so long agone, in order to blend in with the crowd, I had ignored the injustices I saw. To me, a mutual person of a common guild is nothing more a lonely cog in the car who is unable and unwilling to protest against the injustices in the club.

Given my hatred of all things mutual, information technology's a surprise to see me employ to Columbia University, a place famous for its Core Curriculum. However, subsequently Oct 14, 2019, all my negative thoughts about the Core Curriculum have vanished. Instead of a group of passive ancient philosophers in modern vessels molded by the Core, I got to meet a vibrant, accepting, and socially aware group of changemakers on Campus that morning. Columbia students are powerful individuals who are not hesitant to use their power to need changes. Exhibit A: the mini sensation events to demand the recognition of Indegenous People's Twenty-four hours that I got to witness. The students made their presence known with posters and chants, demanding for recognition.

It was this display of bravery that changed my view of Columbia. Upon closer research, I can encounter that the Common Core is not a rigid mold simply rather a template for empowerment past making sure that all students are equipped with the knowledge to lead courageous lives and be informed citizens. After all, why else would the university has all students larn near Gimmicky Civilization?

Columbia's Common Core will prepare me to lead a life of courage. Haizz, of grade Columbia would be the place that makes me tolerate the word "common."

Why this Columbia University essay worked, according to an ex-admissions officer

This essay works for a number of reasons. Overall, the reader gets a great understanding of what the author values. This is someone who has grown in terms of their thinking, and will continue to seek opportunities for growth. This is a student who volition more than than probable be involved in a number of communities both on and off campus; a hereafter change agent.

Naturally, most applicants will write about Columbia's Cadre Curriculum, for which they are well known. However, this educatee's evolved understanding of why and how it'due south central to Columbia's pedagogy, and how they would appoint the curriculum is radically refreshing, I would imagine. As an admission officer I would get the sense that while the author is opinionated, they will likely lead and contribute to great classroom discussions. However, what'due south equally important in a university setting is that they can heed to others' perspectives and are too open up to change, which information technology seems this applicant is.

Lastly, the student incorporated the fact that they had been on campus in an constructive way that communicated their connectedness to the University, and allows an admissions officer to understand how this student would fit on campus.

Author 2

In 2013, I embarked on a whirlwind bout of seventeen American universities. Of all the schools I visited, Columbia stood out. In addition to stellar academic programs, its emphasis on borough and global engagement really spoke to me. It is vital for me to attend a college where both academic rigor and openness to the earth are widely promoted.

Peradventure what draws me to Columbia the near is the impact it has had on my sister, Maysa (Columbia College 2018). I have never seen her happier than she is today, as she talks about the diversity of the student body, her astonishing professors and advisor, and the truly transformative and heart opening educational feel the Core Curriculum is giving her. Her experience at Columbia makes me dream of having my very own Lit Hum discussion sessions, surrounded by a group of passionate Lions.

At Columbia, I would also take advantage of the many enriching clubs and student organizations. For case, I would like to become a member of the Columbia Model United Nations Team, 1 of the most renowned in the U.s., and the Peace by PEACE club. In addition, I would similar to bring together or set upward a Guild or Intramural Swim Squad.

Beingness at Columbia would besides permit me to accept advantage of everything New York has to offer, from acclaimed guest speakers visiting campus to world-class performances and exhibitions. I believe Columbia is the identify where all the aspects of my personality would thrive. Columbia students and faculty are motivated, active, and inspiring. At Columbia Higher, I would grow both academically and socially in an international and openminded environment. Information technology would be an laurels to spend the next four years "in the greatest college, in the greatest academy, in the greatest city in the world."

Why this Columbia University essay worked, co-ordinate to an ex-admissions officeholder

This student took a more traditional approach to writing this essay. The writer gave a well rounded response as to how they would engage in Columbia's customs both inside and exterior of the classroom. They named specific clubs and organizations they envision becoming a fellow member of, and highlighted characteristics of the Academy that resonates with them. Lastly, considering the author'southward sis attended Columbia, they were able to contain some personal reflections every bit to why they besides wish to attend.

Please tell us what from your current and by experiences (either bookish or personal) attracts you specifically to the field or fields of study that you lot noted in the Member Questions section. If you are currently, undecided, delight write about whatever field or fields in which you may take an involvement in at this time. (300 words or less)

Author 1

In seventh course, a phenomenon exploded at my school: YA stories about a world without adults. The premise is unproblematic: A strange accident evaporated all the adults, leaving simply young people to inhabit the new world.

Like everyone, I was in love with those stories and enjoyed fantasizing how I would exist in that situation. However, something didn't sit right with me: Why only the adults? How come anyone under the age of 16 got to stay? I was desperate for an answer and since I couldn't find them in the pre-existing stories, I decided to write my ain story with a valid reason for the disappearance of the adults. Later on weeks of theorizing and researching, I finally got it. The story premise was similar: All adults on Earth take been turned into zombies past invading aliens. Luckily, thanks to a DNA mutation acquired by a live virus vaccine that was administered to all children anile 17 and younger, the young people were spared. Now, they are our planet's last promise.

What started every bit harmless research to satisfy my curiosity rapidly developed into a long lasting fascination with cells and mutations. I marvel at how unproblematic changes in our genetic codes could have neat touch on on our bodies. It'southward interesting and scary to realize how easy it is for our Deoxyribonucleic acid to exist manipulated by outside factors. Similar to the unforeseen benefit of the DNA mutation in my story, my research has helped me discover a great passion of mine.

Why this Columbia University essay worked, according to an ex-admissions officer

This is a slap-up story! Colleges, particularly acme tier schools, are looking for intellectually curious students. The author effectively demonstrates that curiosity, shows its inception, and how they have further pursued their interest. This bidder is conspicuously a deep and creative thinker who has discovered their passion and volition fully engage in furthering their understanding in their chosen field.

AUTHOR ii

Columbia University offers many fields of study closely aligned with my academic and career goals.

My Middle Eastern heritage and international background accept made me passionate about social justice, peace, and conflict resolution. I am especially interested in Eye Eastern international affairs and social problems. The unrest and violence in this region have repercussions all over the globe. I believe it is vital for our generation to observe long-lasting solutions for peace in the Middle E and to protect the rights of women, children, and ethnic minorities that are existence abused in the region. I hope to pursue an undergraduate program focused on Human Rights, taking classes such as "International Homo Rights Constabulary," "Equality, Identity & Rights" and "Human Rights and Human Wrongs."

For example, in summertime 2013, I participated in a ii-week course called "Identity, Variety, and Leadership" at Brown University. This grade challenged me to study my own social and individual identity. I learned the values of listening, sympathizing, and understanding those who are dissimilar me. Similarly, in October 2014, I took part in a seminar on Not-Violent Communication organized past Seeds of Peace, focusing on ways to span dialogue divides and maintain empathy during hard conversations.

Like us, an American-Lebanese-Colombian family living in Madrid, my extended family all have very international backgrounds and accept lived all effectually the globe. I have American-Lebanese-Austrian cousins living in London and American-Lebanese- Belgian cousins living in Hong Kong. Fifty-fifty though we all take lived very different lives, we have something in common – the feeling of being citizens of the world, immersed in a plethora of singled-out cultures, yet beingness part of one close-knit family.

I am lucky to accept been raised in this surroundings. It has helped me go a more adaptable, flexible, and agreement person with intellectual curiosity and openness to the globe.

Additionally, Columbia College would offer me the opportunity to take an array of classes taught by leading scholars in the Departments of Political Scientific discipline; Centre East, South Asian, and African Studies; and Linguistics. These classes would requite me a global view of the complex globe nosotros alive in, help me better empathise the international challenges we face today, and further aggrandize my global outlook and noesis of world cultures and customs. I look forward to taking classes such as "National Security Strategies of the Center E: A Comparative Perspective", "Rethinking Middle Eastward Politics" and "Linguistic communication and Guild". I am also swell on continuing to build on my Arabic language skills to complement my interest in Heart Eastern history and politics through the astonishing resources provided by the Columbia Global Eye in Amman, where I hope to spend at to the lowest degree two summers.

With my background and experiences, I believe I would contribute new perspectives to class discussions and larn from the ideas of the inspiring and diverse students that Columbia University attracts.

Why this Columbia Academy essay worked, according to an ex-admissions officer

This essay works considering the author did a corking chore at showing what their interests are, ways they accept already pursued them, and how they will take advantage of Columbia'southward curriculum to further pursue and achieve their academic and personal goals. While non every pupil has the opportunity to participate in tuition-based summertime programs (colleges practise not expect this), this pupil was able to highlight their participation and the ways in which they grew as a result.

The author has an incredibly diverse background and global perspective, which they effectively used to demonstrate what they will be able to contribute to the classroom likewise every bit have abroad from it. This is precisely why diversity is important in a college setting. More importantly, nevertheless, the reader gets a strong sense of this student'due south values and what's important to them in terms of the contributions they hope to make to order.

These Columbia Academy essay examples were compiled past the advising team at CollegeAdvisor.com. If you want to become assistance writing your Columbia Academy application essays from CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts, register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.