<p>With only one essay allowed and a few response topic, I'm facing a major dilemma. My best writing is a story about a bonding experience with my dad and greater appreciation for family, however it shows little about my academic interests or outstanding qualities. A second essay does a good job of describing my interest in economics from a personal perspective but lacks the power and literary devices of the first. A third essay which blends both my interest with a humanizing side is rather decent but fails to accomplish either as well as the first. I feel that my extracurriculars point towards a certain focus but I'm not sure my intellectual interest will come across to adcoms. Can anyone give me some advice on what Columbia is looking for?</p>
<p>Sounds like the first one is the best. They'll be able to pick up your academics and ECs from the rest of your app. A solid piece of writing is more important.</p>