Columbia - My Dream: College Admission Essay Sample

I discovered the philosopher dormant in me when introduced to TOK in grade 11, where we learned about the means of acquiring knowledge. Both science and philosophy, as I realized, aim to unravel the basis of our existence. String theory proves its premise through math and experimentation, while philosophy advocates a non-STEM, yet structured and critical approach towards the same objective. The Core would aid my own relevant explorations making me self-aware and respectful of diverse perspectives and would develop me in areas besides my major: Mechanical Engineering, sculpting me into a leader of the coming generation.

Here I would develop my interests beyond my major. I would love to read Shakespeare’s King Lear attending Professor Janet Lee’s lectures or enlighten myself with Athena’s Blessing on the Parthenon and Greek Culture in the Low Library. I imagine myself in Lerner Hall, absorbed in soft piano music, discussing Plato’s “Republic” or Dante’s “Inferno”. I anticipate visiting the Museum of Metropolitan Art, viewing ‘Persistence of Memory’ and pondering over the transient nature of time with a cogent scientific understanding through Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, reminding me, yet again, that science cannot be studied in isolation.

Columbia would indulge my passion in dramatics; hopefully I’ll be cast in the annual Varsity play; it would enable me to pursue HAM Radio and possibly save lives during calamities. I can imagine myself teaching Math to the underprivileged at the Weekly Math Club meeting; discussing an article for the Columbia Daily Spectator with my frat members or marching with fellow Columbians on the Annual Take Back the Night.

It is the journey that matters and not the destination. From the First Year March from Lerner’s Hall to screaming on Sundays preceding the finals, I’d exult at continuing my journey at Columbia University, NYC.