Supplemental essays · 2026–27 application
Columbus College of Art & Design supplemental essays.
All 4 essay questions Columbus College of Art & Design asks this year, word for word, with the word limits and how to approach each one.
Checked against ccad.edu and the Common App application on October 17, 2026
What you write: Optional. If you write one, answer one of four, up to 500 words.
Optional: influencing society with your creativity
At CCAD you’re prepared to go out and make the world a better place using your creativity. Describe how you would like to influence society or inspire people using your creativity after you graduate from CCAD.
Optional. Pick one of the four.
How to approach it
- Start with the moment the interest began.
- Show what you’ve already done about it: a class, a project, a book, a job.
- Say where you want to take it, even if you’re not sure yet.
Optional: one material for life
If you could have unlimited access to JUST ONE material, medium, or tool (paint, clay, film, laptop, camera, audio recorder, fabric, laser cutter, pencil, etc.) for the rest of your life: What would you choose and why? What would you make with it?
Optional. Pick one of the four.
How to approach it
- Take the question seriously enough to play with it.
- Let your answer show how you think.
- Keep it honest under the fun.
Optional: a story with three elements
Write a story that contains ALL of the following elements: your favorite artist, a long distance train ride, and something to eat.
Optional. Pick one of the four.
How to approach it
- Take the question seriously enough to play with it.
- Let your answer show how you think.
- Keep it honest under the fun.
Optional: tell us about yourself
Tell us about yourself. Share any details you feel comfortable sharing. We would love to learn about you and the impact you'll have at CCAD.
Optional. Pick one of the four.
How to approach it
- Pick one moment and stay there. Readers remember a scene, not a summary.
- Spend at least a third of the essay on what you thought and how you changed.
- Read it out loud. If a line doesn’t sound like you, it isn’t done yet.
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