Columbia Essay Prompt 2 (2026-2027)
Columbia University in the City of New York's supplemental essay 2 of 10 for the 2026-2027 application: the prompt, the limit, when it is due, and how to answer it. Verified on August 7, 2026.
“List the titles of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy.”
Limit: 100 words. Deadlines: Early Decision: November 1, 2026. Regular Decision: January 1, 2027.
What Columbia is really asking
Can you argue without being a jerk, and can you change your mind?
The mistake most applicants make
Picking a fight you won. The essay becomes a victory lap and says nothing about growth.
Do this instead
Pick a disagreement where you moved, even slightly. Show the exact moment your view shifted. Humility reads as maturity here.
How to spend 100 words
100 words is one paragraph. One specific moment or detail, then what it shows about you, then the connection to this school or question. No introduction, no summary.
How to start
Jim starts by asking you: “What is a book or idea you argued about with someone, and did anyone change their mind?” Answer it with Jim, free →
Rate My Columbia Essay 2
3 ratings a day. Your draft is scored by our AI and is not saved on our servers. The score is Jim's read of this draft, not a prediction of admission.
Writing the Columbia essays? Jim has every Columbia prompt, word limit, and deadline loaded. He asks the questions that surface your story and gives feedback on your drafts, in your own words. Free to start, no credit card.
Draft it with JimFAQ
What is the Columbia essay 2 prompt for 2026-2027?
"List the titles of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy." The limit is 100 words.
How long should the Columbia essay 2 be?
100 words. 100 words is one paragraph. One specific moment or detail, then what it shows about you, then the connection to this school or question. No introduction, no summary.
When is the Columbia essay due?
With the application: Early Decision: November 1, 2026. Regular Decision: January 1, 2027.
Can Jim help me write the Columbia essay?
Yes. Jim, the AlphaApply.ai counselor, has every Columbia prompt and deadline loaded. He asks the questions that surface your story and gives feedback on each draft. He never writes it for you. Free to start.
The other Columbia prompts
Prompt and limit for 2026-2027, verified on August 7, 2026. Always confirm on Columbia University in the City of New York's official admissions site before submitting.