Set primarily in or around a college admissions office—with its title alluding to the iconic steps of the major NYC university—the four-minute narrative centers on two high school applicants who find themselves in an unexpected and intense competition. The film humorously exaggerates the high-stakes environment where students feel immense pressure to outperform one another to secure their spot at a top school. Jensen Davis, who has a background as an actress, directed the short, aiming to find the comedy in a scenario that often feels like "hell" for ambitious students, making it a relatable and quick-witted take on the college application frenzy.

The central conflict quickly escalates beyond typical interviews or essays as the two applicants discover a surprising, perhaps ridiculous, form of competition awaiting them. This setup allows the film to satirize the lengths students will go to and the arbitrary nature that the admissions process can sometimes take on. Despite its short run time, The Columbia Steps garnered attention at several film festivals, including the International Family Film Festival and the ITSA Film Festival, highlighting its appeal as a lighthearted student narrative that successfully captures the anxieties of a crucial turning point in a young person's life.