Columbia Application Masterclass

New York City. Big Ideas. Your Columbia Story.

Columbia's application is an opportunity to show more than impressive grades and accomplishments. It's a chance to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, your interests, and why Columbia's distinctive academic environment appeals to you.

Learn how to approach Columbia's supplemental questions with specificity, strategy, and your authentic voice.

What's Included:

  • Understanding Columbia's Application β€” Learn how to present a cohesive picture of your academic interests, experiences, and achievements.

  • Columbia Supplemental Essays β€” Understand the prompts and develop thoughtful, distinctive responses.

  • The "Why Columbia?" Essay β€” Connect your genuine interests to Columbia's academic opportunities, community, and location.

  • The Core Curriculum β€” Explore Columbia's distinctive educational approach and how to discuss your interest in it authentically.

  • Columbia's List Questions β€” Learn how to approach questions about the books, media, and other resources that have shaped your intellectual interests.

  • Intellectual Curiosity & Community β€” Communicate how you engage with ideas, people, and experiences beyond the classroom.

  • Common Application Mistakes β€” Avoid generic praise of New York City, superficial references to Columbia, clichΓ©s, and rΓ©sumΓ© repetition.

  • Final Application Review β€” Know what to check before submitting.

Your ideas. Your perspective. Your Columbia application.

Taught by Alana Albertson, Stanford graduate, Harvard M.Ed., former admissions officer, and Harvard alumni interviewer, with more than 30 years of educational experience.

PRICE: $99

Course access begins November 1, 2026.

Your purchase includes ongoing access to course materials for as long as the course remains available on the platform. There are no recurring subscription fees.

This independent educational course is not affiliated with or endorsed by Columbia University. Admission is not guaranteed. Individual essay editing and private consulting are not included.