Focusing too much on academics in essays?

Hey everyone,

I’m applying as a transfer student (which is why I’m still writing at this time of year, lol), and I feel like my essays are focused too much on academics. Specifically, I’m applying to Columbia. For the personal statement, there’s not much flexibility for transfers (it just asks why I’m transferring), and I talked about my major because that’s the most convincing/valid reason. then there are two short supplements, one on my academic interests (again, but much flexibility there), and one on why Columbia. For that one, I talked about the… Core. So all 3 essays are on academics! I’m freaking out but I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m doing something wrong. I have pretty strong extracurricular and leadership positions, and I don’t want admissions to see me as someone who does nothing but study all day :confused: What should I do?

For the 3rd one, “why Columbia” I would google and read about people you admire and feel inspired by who went there. Columbia is in New York City, which for some is a city that represents the capital of the world. NYC is so diverse, so culturally simulating, is architecturally breathtaking and the people are tough, survivors (think 9-11)

So sure, the academics of an IVY league is the attraction but going to a school in NYC is much more than that otherwise you would have applied to Cornell or Yale.