Columbia University Admissions 2024: Process, Requirements & Deadlines

Latest About Columbia University Admission: 

For the class of 2025 (beginning in 2021), Columbia University received 60,551 applications; of those, about 2,218 were accepted to the two schools, yielding an acceptance percentage of 3.66% overall. In addition, Columbia awarded fellowships to half of all undergraduates. For these students, the average grant amount is $46,516. To apply to the college, one must be a citizen

Regardless of country of residence or citizenship, the admissions procedure at Columbia is essentially the same for everyone. With one of the nation's most multicultural student groups, the Undergraduate Columbia University Admissions team has expertise reviewing applicants from a variety of nations, educational backgrounds, and educational frameworks. The University is dedicated to carefully considering each application in order to identify the applicants who wish to study abroad.

Columbia University Admission Statistics

Let’s take a look at the Columbia university admission criteria in more detail below. This includes the acceptance rate, total applicants, and more such factors. It will give you an idea about the key parameters for admissions at the institution. 

Columbia University Admission Requirements for Students

Because Columbia uses a comprehensive admissions process, every component of the application contributes to its assessment. Let's look into Columbia university admission requirements:

• Columbia university admission requirements GPA: Columbia University needs you to be at the top of your class with a GPA of 4.15. To demonstrate your aptitude for academic difficulty, you had to have completed a significant number of AP or IB classes.
• Standardized test scores: Standardized testing is still an optional part of their application because Columbia University designed it and its requirements to provide students the best chance and flexibility to completely express themselves and highlight their academic talents, interests, and aspirations.
• Documents required: All applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendations, and a personal statement. International students are required to submit English Language Proficiency tests scores as well. 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

For Columbia university undergraduate admissions offered on-campus, the online application must be submitted with the following materials:

• All undergraduate applicants may submit their ACT/SAT scores, even though it's optional.
• Applicants must submit transcripts of high school
• International undergraduate applicants are required to submit proof of English Language Proficiency tests scores
• Letters of reference must be submitted 
• Personal statement must be submitted
• A non-refundable application fee of $80 must be submitted

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

For graduate programs offered on-campus, the online application must be submitted with the following materials:

• Transcripts must be submitted from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Applicants must submit three recommendation letters
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores (Optional for Spring and Fall 2024 applications)
• Personal statement must be submitted by applicants
• Resumé or Curriculum Vitae are required for graduate applications
• Publications (optional) 
• An interview may be requested
• $85 non-refundable application fee

English Requirements 

In addition to the above qualifications, applications from international applicants or those whose undergraduate degree was earned in a nation where English is not the official language of instruction must be submitted with the application for admission.

• The International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic), Duolingo English Test, and Test of English as a Foreign Language (iBT) (including TOEFL iBT Home Edition). The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science's ETS school code is 2111.
• If the institution(s) attending does not offer transcripts in English, translation of the official transcript(s) and degree/diploma certificate(s) is required. The translation needs to be done by a reliable agency.  

Documents Requirements

For more specific instructions on each application document, see the table provided below. Please remember that all application materials must be sent in and accepted no later than two to four weeks following the stated deadline. 

Visa Requirements

Applying for a visa at a consulate outside of the US is necessary in order to obtain an entry document. To enter the United States, you must have a current, unexpired student visa:

• Get your I-20 or DS-2019 and pay the SEVIS charge.
• Fill out Application Form for DS-160 Visa.
• You can now apply for an F-1 visa up to 365 days (formerly, 120 days) in advance of the program start date on your I-20; however, you are not allowed to enter the country earlier than 30 days prior to the start date of the program.
• If at all possible, it is advised that you apply for a visa in your nation of residence rather than a third one.
• The time it takes to process visas varies per consulate.

Exceptions:

• No entrance visa is needed for Canadian or Bermudan citizens. You still need to submit an I-20/DS-2019 application.
• It is not necessary for you to apply for a new student visa if your current one is still valid. You still need to submit an I-20/DS-2019 application.

Columbia University Admission Process

Because Columbia uses a comprehensive admissions process, every component of the application contributes to its assessment. Some Columbia university admission services:

GPA requirements: Columbia University needs you to be at the top of your class with a GPA of 4.15. To compete with other applicants, almost all of your classes must be completed with A's. To demonstrate your aptitude for academic difficulty, you had to have completed a significant number of AP or IB classes.

Standardized test scores: Standardized testing is still an optional part of their application because Columbia University designed it and its requirements to provide students the best chance and flexibility to completely express themselves and highlight their academic talents, interests, and aspirations.

Documents required: All applicants must submit transcripts, letters of recommendations, and a personal statement. International students are required to submit English Language Proficiency tests scores as well. 

Columbia University Acceptance Rate

The Columbia University acceptance rate is 4%. Of the applicants who submitted their test results to Columbia University, half had an ACT score between 34 and 35. That indicates that just 4 applications out of 100 are approved.

Columbia University Application Deadlines 2024

The Columbia university admission deadline is January 1. The Early Decision Deadline is November 1. 

Columbia University Application Fees

To apply to Columbia University, one must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $85 in addition to other requirements. Under no circumstances will the University refund the application fee. Candidates may pay online using an American Express credit card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or an electronic check.

Columbia University: Cost of Studying

The costs of a Columbia education will vary based on your unique situation, so Columbia encourages you to use cost estimator tools to make the most informed financial plans for your education. Here is an estimate of the Columbia University fees for students. 

Undergraduate COA:

Postgraduate COA:

Columbia University Scholarship

Scholarships from Columbia University totaling $215 million USD are offered to students in all academic levels. The institution provided more than 19 million USD in yearly foreign financial help last year. Columbia University scholarships totaling an average of 62,850 USD are awarded to about 50% of students. The institution is dedicated to providing for every first-year student's demonstrated need. These students get an average of 65,756 USD in grants and scholarships from Columbia University.

Columbia University Admission Contact Details

Enquiry: inquire@sps.columbia.edu 

Phone:  212-854-9666

Address: 116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027, USA