Application Essay Excerpts

We spend our entire lives searching for magic – for that spark that animates us, that allows us to access a state of being far removed from daily routine. In my case, I found that spark five thousand miles from home, in a gorgeous college town to the west of Madrid...

Throughout my life I have enjoyed and subsequently excelled in math. Early on I decided I wanted to study as much as I could that related to math...

Coming from a small extremely diverse student body, I have learned of the importance of understanding other cultures and of being part of a diverse community. The different views of varying backgrounds have enriched my high school experience and I want to continue to be able to benefit from and contribute to such a community...

Christmas of 2006 found my family crossing the border into Mexico. We had decided as a family to forgo a traditional Christmas and instead spend it rendering service. Through the organization, Charity Anywhere, we were able to find a family in need of a home near Tijuana Mexico, and decided to use our time and resources to build one for them...

The unique experience of attending a university in the middle of New York City is entirely different from the average college experience. I would love to run and learn in such a setting...

Chandler Schmidt had been my neighbor for as long as I could remember. He had always been “husky” -as he likes to refer to his former appearance today- and never without his signature flattop hair-do. However my good friend no longer resembled Chunk from The Goonies...

College is a time about learning about one’s self and what they want to become, and I believe Columbia University is the best place for me to do so. Yes, being located in the largest city in the United States is a factor, but, for me, The Core appeals to me...

Whenever I embrace that baby Mickey Mouse stuffed animal, I can smell her scent. Whenever I see my mother, I see her face. My grandmother, though she passed away eight years ago, is still a huge part of my life, shaping what I want to become...

What I find most appealing about Columbia is the sense of familiarity I believe I would find there. The international and diverse student body at Columbia is similar to what I have always been part of...

Each of the four times I have visited Columbia’s campus I immediately felt empowered and alive. No, it’s not because of New York City or the actual aesthetics of the campus, it’s the passion of the students and faculty...