'Why Columbia?' and 'Why Engineering?' essays

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>What's the word limit, if one exists? </p>

<p>Also, I'm aware that I'm looking at last year's application and that this year's may change, but, </p>

<p>I am disappointed that Columbia only asks for one essay. Harvard and Princeton both give the option in their supplement forms to include another essay that might help them better understand your circumstances, beyond the Common app essay. Does anyone know Columbia's policy on supplemental PERSONAL essays? (Not an arts supplement, or a science brief, or the like. The application instructions for Columbia only refer to these types of supplements.)</p>

2

<p>the limit is like 300 characters max</p>

3

<p>ok, thank you.</p>

4

<p>wait…characters? not words?</p>

5

<p>yes, 300 characters. </p>

<p>gotta keep it concise and to the point.</p>

6

<p>I think the Why Columbia one is 600 chars.</p>

7

<p>I do want to know about personal supplements–are they allowed? Recommended? Discouraged?</p>

8

<p>I submitted an extra essay, but it was the essay that I won my state’s NCTE award w/ and I wanted to have an extra piece to demonstrate my writing skills. I also emailed my regional admissions officer for permission before including it, and he said it was fine.</p>

9

<p>

</p>

<p>I beg to differ. I distinctly remember a 300-character maximum; that amounts to about 50 words.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>As far as I know there is no place in the application for the extra essay. There is a spot for additional info, but I don’t think that’s for another personal statement. So yeah, you might have to do what thebeef did: call your admissions officer and ask for permission.</p>

10

<p>Let me pull up my application…</p>

<p>590 characters (with spaces)
yup, why columbia is 600 chars.</p>

<p>589 characters (with spaces)
yup, why engineering essay is 600 chars.</p>