<p>The Columbia application asks:
"Please tell us what you find most appealing about Columbia and why"</p>
<p>I wanted to write about how they had a panel of food journalists speak in the Journalism school, but that's for Masters, not for undergrad. Will it be fine if I still mention it?</p>
<p>I’d say it’s fine to mention it because that shows a general interest in the university. However, I would also advise adding more information that shows an interest more relevant to your intended area of study. If I remember correctly, Columbia’s text boxes are quite limited in character space. Mention the most important things and leave the rest out, since you won’t be able to write much.</p>
<p>600 characters for this essay :)</p>
<p>Yeah, I already have the meat of my answer and it’s only 324 characters, so I’ve got some space left 
Thanks!</p>