How To Get Into Columbia University [2024 Guide]

How to get into Columbia University?

Getting into Columbia College requires a solid academic record and also a winning application that demonstrates your strength of character and drive.

The college admissions process can be very competitive for prestigious universities like Columbia University. You don’t just need to meet the deadline. You also need to stand out from all the other applicants vying for the same spot as you.

Thankfully, there are many resources to help you with the application process, including this helpful guide. I’ll share everything you need on how to get into Columbia University, including a detailed explanation of the application process and the acceptance requirements.

With this resource, you’ll be well-equipped to compile a meaningful, comprehensive application that presents you in the best light.

Before we dive into the application process and detail how to get into Columbia University, let’s take a deeper look at the university and how many people are admitted each year.

How To Get Into Columbia University: The Basics

Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Columbia has a history rooted in tradition.

Founded in 1754 by King George II of England, it withstood the American Revolution. It’s the oldest university in New York and the fifth-oldest in the USA.

The university is “one of the world’s most important centers of research and, simultaneously, a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields.”

It has a reputation for its research and teaching excellence in medicine, engineering, and the sciences.

Furthermore, the college has attracted some of the best scholars, politicians, and celebrities, including Amelia Earhart, Ira Gershwin, Barack Obama, Allan Ginsburg, and Julia Stiles.

John Jay, the first chief justice of the United States, also attended the university, showcasing its students’ profound impact on the country.

The campus comprises a wide array of notable buildings and community learning spaces.

The Low Memorial Library sits in the epicenter of campus. College Walk is the quintessential town square for students and a meeting place connecting all the vast campus’s different parts.

The Sherman Fairchild Center for the Life Sciences and the Morris A. Schapiro Center for Engineering and Physical Science Research are two newly constructed buildings.

They added a prominent skyline comprising the Columbia University Medical Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mary Woodard Lasker Biomedical Research Building, and numerous other buildings.

These buildings make a bustling city campus full of undergraduate and graduate students pursuing various majors and academic courses.

How To Get Into Columbia University: What GPA Do You Need?

Wondering how to get into Columbia University? Let’s start with looking at the admissions numbers for Columbia’s class of 2027 to demonstrate how competitive the process is (Source: Columbia Undergraduate Admissions):

• Total first-year applicants: 57,126
• Applicants who applied through the early decision program: 5,733
• Total first-year admits: 2,285
• First-year applicants acceptance rate: 4.0%
• Average GPA accepted: 4.15
• Student diversity:
  • 17% are international students
  • Students come from 86 countries and all US states and territories
  • Top nationalities outside of the USA are the UK, China, Canada, India, and South Korea
  • Top states represented are New York, California, New Jersey, Texas, and Florida
• Total number of degree programs offered
  • Five degree types are offered (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral Research, Doctoral Professional, Certificate)
  • 14,125 degree and certificate programs offered, including 2,209 bachelor’s programs and 9,372 master’s programs

Regarding Columbia University GPA requirements, as you can see, accepted undergraduate students have an average GPA of 4.15.

Although you don’t necessarily need this GPA to get into Columbia, the more your GPA falls short of this standard, the less likely you will be accepted into the prestigious school.

Columbia Undergraduate Admissions also shares that 95% of first-year students for their class of 2027 were in the 10% of their graduating high school class.

How Hard is it to Get into Columbia Grad School?

Columbia’s grad schools are just as, if not more competitive than their undergraduate component.

The minimum official GPA for Columbia grad school is 3.0 across your academic career. However, you’ll likely need a GPA of at least 3.5 to gain admission into many of the university’s graduate programs.

The Columbia grad school acceptance rate varies depending on the program but generally ranges between 3% and 14%.

Now that you know more about Columbia University, let’s look at some requirements you must meet to apply.

Related: How to Get into Grad School with a 2.5 GPA

How To Get Into Columbia University: Undergraduate Application Requirements

A part of understanding how to get into Columbia University is understanding the admission requirements, which is essential to giving yourself the best chance of acceptance to this highly competitive school.

Although many of the application requirements are similar to other institutions, every school has its unique process. Most notably, Columbia’s features an extensive essay component, which we’ll explain in detail below.

Although some requirements can vary depending on the program, here are the key requirements for Columbia University:

1. Autobiographical Information

Columbia accepts applications through the following:

• The Common Application
• The Coalition Application on Scoir
• The QuestBridge Application from QuestBridge Finalists

Whichever type of application you submit, you’ll need to complete your autobiographical information. This is the basic information about yourself, such as your name, address, email, high school, GPA, graduation year, and intended study programs.

You can usually fill out this identifying information quickly — ensure it’s accurate.

2. Student Achievements

Two main factors Columbia considers are extracurricular activities and personal qualities. Your application needs to detail your achievements, activities, employment, and summer activities.

Each item should describe what it is and any leadership positions you held or your direct contributions as a part of the experience.

Demonstrating work and volunteer experience can also be helpful as this allows you better to present your skills, abilities, and motivations.

3. Personal Essay

The personal essay is another part of the Common Application and Coalition Application forms. This is your opportunity to tell your story.

This document is typically around 1,000 words, highlighting your past experiences, motivations, and aspirations. You can explain how your professional background makes you an excellent candidate for a program at Columbia.

4. Writing Supplement

Along with the Common Application or Coalition Application, you’ll also need to submit answers to the Columbia-specific questions when applying to Columbia.

Also known as the writing supplement, these are a set of questions designed to let the admissions committee get to know you as a person,

You’ll need to write a short (100 – 150 words) essay in response to each writing prompt. Typically, six prompts cover your motivations for attending Columbia, including your preferred fields of study, favorite texts, viewpoints, and obstacles you’ve encountered.

Do your best to build a picture of yourself as a well-rounded individual in your answers.

The committee wants to fully understand who you are, not just from your academic history but also your intellectual interests, extracurricular activities, and passions.

5. High School Transcript

This is the formal document submitted from your high school outlining all the courses you took and the grades you earned.

Columbia will use this to assess your academic record and GPA. While the university does not have a set minimum GPA, it names academic records as one of its core criteria for assessing applicants.

If you attended multiple high schools, you must submit a transcript from each.

Some experts advise that Columbia admissions consider your GPA and the types of classes you’ve taken. Subjects seen as more challenging are more valuable as they may be viewed favorably than “easy” classes.

6. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide at least one recommendation letter from a high school counselor and letters from at least two teachers.

Furthermore, the teachers must have taught you in academic disciplines, and if you’re applying to Columbia Engineers, you must have one recommendation from a math or science teacher.

These teacher recommendations are helpful for the reviewing board to see your academic achievements through the eyes of administrators who know you well.

7. Mid-Year Report

This report highlights your current status and grades as a high school student when applying to Columbia.

It indicates that you are on track to graduate and earn respectable grades that meet the benchmark required for Columbia students.

8. SAT or ACT Scores

If you’re confused about how to get into Columbia University after hearing about the test opinion change, then don’t worry because you’re not the only one!

In 2023, Columbia Undergraduate Admissions announced that its process would be permanently changed to test-optional, making it the first Ivy League school to do so. You can submit ACT or SAT scores, which are not mandatory.

Furthermore, Columbia says that “students who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged in our process. We will continue evaluating all submitted information within an individualized application review process that considers the unique circumstances shaping each applicant’s journey.”

However, application experts still recommend submitting scores, which may help strengthen your academic record, making your application more worthwhile.

Of the students from Columbia’s class of 2027 who chose to submit test scores, the middle 50% scored in the range of 1510-1560 on the SAT and 34-35 on the ACT.

9. Application Fee

All applicants to Columbia University must pay an $85 fee, which is non-refundable. However, the school does offer an automatic fee waiver for applicants who meet certain financial criteria.

Check whether you’re eligible for the exemption through their fee waiver form.

All of these different components will make up your application. Each part is important in the admission process. You must complete each element as accurately, professionally, and thoroughly as possible.

Doing so will position you in the best possible way when your application reaches the reviewing board. With a complete and thorough application, you will have done everything possible to present your case before the admissions counsel and will be eligible for consideration.

Now that you know all the different application elements, let’s take a deeper look at the undergraduate application process, key deadlines, and other important things you will need to know as you begin applying.

How To Get Into Columbia University: Starting your Application Process

If you’re interested in applying and wondering how to get into Columbia University, first, you should check the application deadlines. Have these dates in your mind, and give yourself ample time to prepare, check, and polish your application.

This is an extensive process with various requirements, as with all college applications. So, give yourself ample time to pull all the required materials together.

Be sure to also take your time to craft a compelling personal essay and writing supplement. These are important parts of the application and can help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants.

Whatever you do, don’t miss these deadlines! This will bump you to the next application cycle and eliminate your chance of attending Columbia University during the upcoming academic year.

Be sure you have ample time to prepare your application so that you aren’t rushing as the deadlines quickly approach.

Columbia Application Deadlines for Regular Decision and Early Decision

For 2024, Columbia’s regular decision deadline was January 1, and financial aid applications were due February 15.

If you already know you want to apply to Columbia, you can submit an early decision application. Under this process, you’ll decide earlier, usually between mid-December and February.

For the 2024 academic year, the early decision deadline was November 1. This was also the deadline for those applying through the QuestBridge National College Match program.

Columbia sometimes allows a deadline extension for students facing extenuating circumstances, such as natural disasters or community disturbances. You can contact them at ugrad-ask@columbia.edu to explain your situation and ask for an extension.

How To Get Into Columbia University: Graduate Application Requirements

Now that we’ve covered how to get into Columbia University and the undergraduate application process, let’s look at how to get into Columbia University grad school.

If you have already completed your undergraduate degree and are interested in one of Columbia’s graduate programs, there are a few differences in what you’ll need to apply.

Every graduate program at Columbia has a different application process. Each has its requirements, making it critical that you begin the research stage of your application process early to ensure ample time to apply and submit the necessary information.

However, some requirements are commonly requested regardless of the program you’re applying to. These requirements include:

1. Transcripts

This document shows your undergraduate course load and performance in each class. If you attended multiple post-secondary institutions, you must submit individual transcripts from each to reflect your complete academic history.

2. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should plan to submit multiple letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, and counselors involved in their journey through their undergraduate program.

The number of recommendations required varies depending on the program. For example, Columbia’s School of Engineering asks graduate applicants to submit three letters of recommendation.

Check with the relevant school’s admissions office to confirm how many letters are required for your application.

3. Standardized Test Scores

As with Columbia’s undergraduate process, standardized test scores are now optional for all applicants to its grad programs.

However, you may choose to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores if you wish. The school code for Columbia is 2111.

4. Application Fee

Most graduate applications at Columbia have a non-refundable $120 fee due at the time of submission.

Now that you know the different components of the application, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can make sure you select the right graduate program for you.

Again, checking the exact application process and requirements with the school you’re applying to well before application deadlines is essential.

Other elements that Columbia’s grad schools may require include:

• Personal statement
• Academic resume
• Publications
• Interview
• English language test (for international applicants)

Related: Fully Funded PhD Programs

How To Get Into Columbia University: Selecting your Graduate Program

Selecting the right graduate program to fit your interests and career aspirations could be one of the biggest decisions of your life. Thankfully, Columbia allows prospective students to apply to more than one program.

However, you must know which programs to apply to before beginning the application process. But how can you make this decision?

Keep reading as I have included in my How to get into Columbia University guide several tips that can aid your decision-making process.

Consider these tips to help you decide which program is right for you:

• Review the programs, courses, and curriculum to see if they match your career aspirations
• Check out notable alumni and see what they are doing in their respective fields
• Plan a visit and speak to faculty about the program

Let’s take a closer look at some of the largest graduate colleges at Columbia.

Understanding Columbia’s Graduate Colleges

From attending law school to getting your MBA, you can pursue many different programs at Columbia University.

Columbia offers more than 13 graduate and professional schools for students studying a variety of disciplines:

Columbia has two distinct groupings of schools: the Morningside Graduate and Professional Schools and the Medical Center Graduate Schools.

Approximately ten schools comprise the Morningside Graduate & Professional Schools, while only four are part of the Medical Center Graduate Schools.

Four of the largest schools across the Columbia University campus include:

• Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
• Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
• Columbia Business School
• School of Professional Studies

Let’s look at each and see what they offer prospective students.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

The Columbia Graduate School of Arts & Sciences was founded in 1754 and was initially located in downtown Manhattan.

Today, the college serves as an international hub for the university with eight global satellite partners, providing unique access for students conducting research with people worldwide.

More than 40,000 students comprise the Columbia Graduate School of Arts & Sciences’ alumni network. It is one of the oldest graduate schools in the country, making it an even more significant place of higher learning.

The school offers humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences courses, with 47 master’s programs and 31 Ph.D. programs — the largest of any graduate school at Columbia.

The application to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences opens in September every year. Letters of recommendation, transcripts, and standardized test scores are all required to apply to this school.

Columbia’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Ph.D. admissions statistics from 2023 show how competitive this graduate school is:

• Total applicants: 383
• Students interviewed: 102
• Students admitted: 54
• Acceptance rate: 14%

Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science

The mission of the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science is to “push the frontiers of knowledge and translate our discoveries to meet the needs of society.”

The school was founded in 1864 and has made incredible contributions to engineering and technology.

It has even won many notable awards, including the No. 1 graduate engineering school in the Ivy League and the No. 1 school for online graduate degree programs.

Nine departments make up the school:

• Applied Physics and Mathematics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Earth and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

To apply to the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, submit your transcripts, three recommendation letters, GRE test scores, a personal statement, and a resume.

You’ll also need to pay an $85 non-refundable fee.

Columbia Business School

The Columbia Business School was founded in 1916, with 61 students graduating through its first program a few years later.

The school aims to “develop leaders and builders of enterprises who create value for their stakeholders and society.”

The school offers MBA, MS, Ph.D., and Executive Education programs. Specific programs, such as Master of Science, include Accounting and Fundamental Analysis, Business Analytics, Financial Economics, Management Science and Engineering, and Marketing Science.

Each program at the Columbia Business School has its application and deadline. Information sessions are available to learn more, or the admissions office can answer specific questions about your application.

Undergraduate degrees in business are typically preferred. To build your resume, you can join undergraduate business organizations or apply for business internships.

This experience will be invaluable on your resume and application to Columbia Business School.

School of Professional Studies

The Columbia School of Professional Studies’ mission is to “provide diverse, innovative programs to enable students to succeed in their educational and professional development.”

The school provides programs to get your master’s degree in Actuarial Science, Applied Analytics, Bioethics, Construction Administration, Enterprise Risk Management, Human Capital Management, and more.

More than 30,000 alumni from the School of Professional Studies exist worldwide.

Interested applicants should know that some programs within the School of Professional Studies require a video application. Take the time to review the requirements carefully with ample time to spare.

Related: The Cheapest Online Ph.D. Programs

How To Get Into Columbia University: Helpful Tips

Given how tough it is to get into Columbia, it’s critically important to prepare the best application you can to give yourself the best chances of success. And that means reading this complete guide on how to get into Columbia University.

The following tips will help you to stand out in a sea of applicants and impress the admissions committee.

Start Early to Build a Strong GPA

While there’s no set minimum GPA for Columbia University, you must ensure a strong academic record. Columbia considers a range of factors when assessing applicants, but there’s no denying that GPA is a major factor.

Of course, this isn’t something you can pull together weeks or even months before submitting your application. A high GPA is the product of years of hard work and dedication to your studies.

Don’t Overlook the Essay

While a strong GPA is essential, the other parts of your application are also very important. In particular, your personal essay and composition in response to the supplementary questions can help you stand out with a winning profile and give you a better chance of acceptance.

Likewise, the supplementary questions are an important element.

Submitting strong, compelling writing in these sections will help the admissions committee see you as a well-rounded individual and valuable future student rather than a name on a page.

So, give yourself plenty of time to work on your supplemental essays. Having a friend, mentor, or family member review your responses and provide feedback can also be a good idea.

Target your Application to Columbia

Avoid a cookie-cutter approach when preparing your application.

Through your essays and other parts of your application, highlight your motivations for studying at Columbia.

Explain what appeals to you about studying at this institution and give specific examples, such as fields of study, research programs, or renowned professors.

Promote your Expertise

While diverse interests and achievements can be an asset, focusing on a particular field is better than going too broad.

Columbia selection committees are most interested in applicants who demonstrate a passion for their preferred study area through extra projects, volunteer work, or notable achievements.

Conclusion: How to Get into Columbia University

Are you still wondering how to get into Columbia University? After reading this guide, I am sure you’ve figured it out that it is not an easy feat to get accepted to Columbia University, however, it is not impossible.

With the right application plan, you can manage the process more effectively and position yourself as a sound applicant for your desired program.

Furthermore, using the many resources provided in this How to Get into Columbia University guide, you can select your course, gather your application materials, and submit them on time, setting yourself up for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbia an Ivy League School?

Yes, Columbia is one of the eight private research universities from the Northeastern USA that are known as the “Ivy League” schools.

Along with Columbia, the others are Brown University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.

Getting into the Ivy League can be tough, especially as a grad student. Check out our guide to getting into Ivy League grad school for more tips and advice.

Why is Columbia University so Prestigious?

Columbia is well-known for its academic excellence, excellent research campus, and world-renowned faculty, a reputation it has built and maintained over many years.

For this reason, getting into Columbia University is highly competitive. While there’s no minimum GPA for Columbia University, you must have an excellent academic record and excel in other extracurricular areas.

What Major is Columbia Known For?

Columbia has a strong reputation in various fields of study, including political science, economics, business, and computer science.

In particular, Columbia is renowned for their medical school, which many consider one of the best in the USA, if not the world.

They’re also well known for Columbia Engineering, which offers exceptional education at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Is Columbia Easier to Get into than Harvard?

Both Columbia and Harvard are world-renowned institutions that have extremely competitive selection processes. Based on acceptance rates, you could argue that Columbia is slightly easier to get into — for the class of 2027.

Harvard accepted 3.41% of applicants, compared to 4% for Columbia — but the difference is not highly significant. You must be an exemplary applicant to be accepted into either school.