Do I need to go read a book for pleasure?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>It sounds funny but one of the written supplement questions is "List the books read for pleasure that you enjoyed most in the past year." </p>

<p>I just not a big reader and frankly I don't have much time to read anything outside required school readings - what I do read tends to be short newspaper articles, wikipedia pages, etc., not full books. The only book I've read outside of school in probably the last two years is The Bible, so..... should I go find a novel to read so I can put something down? I feel like it wouldn't be all to pleasurable if I have to read it. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I understand your dilemma but…

  1. go to a bookstore
  2. pick a book you find interesting
  3. do indeed read the book
  4. maybe write that supplement about how that one book you read for pleasure because you never read was the greatest book ever and it was so fantastic </p>

<p>okay step 4 didn’t really make sense</p>

<p>but yes it would be bad if that section was blank</p>

3

<p>Thanks - do I need several books (it says a list) or is one or two enough?</p>

4

<p>Just going to be honest here. If you don’t enjoy reading, I would seriously question why you are applying to Columbia.</p>

5

<p>I agree with the poster above. If you can barely make it through reading short articles and Wikipedia, how are you going to survive the Core?</p>

6

<p>I would aim for at least 5. I haven’t had a ton of time either to read but I have both lists as 5 long (required and pleasure)</p>

7

<p>Okay thanks - just to clarify, I’m not saying I can’t make it through a substantial book, all the ones I’ve read recently have just been academic-related</p>

8

<p>No I was referring to the fact that in your initial post you said that you weren’t “a big reader” which would be worrisome if you went to Columbia. Not only does the Core require you to read a lot, but also to enjoy it and be willing to read beyond it and discuss it outside the classroom. The admissions office would be really put off if they got any inclination that you don’t like to read. Maybe you should look more into whether Columbia is the best fit for you?</p>

9

<p>Thanks for your input - Columbia is certainly a reach school, and it’s good to know that Columbia values reading when reviewing applications.</p>

10

<p>People are smart, doesn’t mean they seriously “enjoy” reading. It can be a hobby for some and for others and can be tedious. No big deal. Columbia doesn’t accept people based on the statement “do they love to read”</p>

11

<p>Numerous admissions officers have told me that a factor specific to Columbia in terms of fit is whether the applicant “likes” to read. It’s not a problem if you don’t, but then Columbia may not be the best school for you.</p>

12

<p>Stop this nonsense! Absolutely do NOT go and read some random book for pleasure when it is in fact no pleasure. You are not the 1st “I’m not a big reader” to apply to Columbia and frankly that is not reason for rejection. (And those who read “Divergent” are no better at “the core” than those who do not.) list an “academic” book that you found relatively painless. If no such tome exists, then briefly state the truth.</p>

13

<p>I have read more books in my native language and less in English. Is it alright to mention books of my native language with a translation of the title?</p>

14

<p>^^ Please don’t hijack a thread. Start your own thread and ask the question.</p>