Columbia University Admissions
Columbia University is a prestigious Ivy League research university with a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 3.85%. Known for its location in New York City and academic excellence, Columbia attracts top students from around the world. The acceptance rate is notably low, reflecting the intense competition for admission. Columbia University values a holistic application process, considering a combination of academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
- Columbia’s graduate programs vary in specific requirements, but a strong academic foundation is generally expected.
- While there’s no universal GPA cutoff, a competitive undergraduate record is crucial.
- International applicants aiming for graduate admissions must aim for a GPA between 3.0-3.5 (85-90%) or higher.
- Factors such as research experience, work experience, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose significantly influence the admissions decisions.
Admission to both undergraduate and graduate programs at Columbia University is highly competitive, requiring a strong application in all areas.
Application Fee | UG: 85 USD PG: 85-250 USD |
Acceptance Rate (UG) | 3.85% |
ELP Tests Accepted | |
Standardized Test Scores (PG) | |
International Application Deadlines | UG: Nov 01, 2024 (early action) PG: Varies as per courses |
Columbia University Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs
Columbia houses 13 graduate and professional schools offering a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. This includes renowned schools like the Columbia Business School, Columbia Law School, and the Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Science. International students seeking admission at Columbia University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- Every post-secondary institution transcripts
- GPA required: 3.5 (90%)
- English Language Proficiency Score
- TOEFL- 100 (iBT) | 600 (PBT)
- IELTS- 7.0 7.5
- Test scores:
- GRE- 168 (Quant) | 162 (Verb)
- GMAT- 610-790
Documents Checklist
- Personal essay
- 2-3 letter of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal Statement (250-1000 words)
- CV or Resume
Columbia University Graduate Program Requirements
The following table will give details about the specific admission requirements for international students seeking admission at Columbia University:| Programs | GPA Required | Test Scores | ELP Scores | Documents Checklist |
| MS in Data Science | 3.8 GPA (96%) | GRE score of 326 | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.5 | Personal Statement | 3 LORs | CV |
| MBA | 3.5 GPA (90%) | GMAT score between 610-790 | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | Resume or CV (1-2 pages) | Essays (1 short question and 3 essays in 250-500 words) | 1 LOR |
| M.S. in Computer Science | 3.5 GPA (91%) | Not Required | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | 3 LORs | Personal Statement | Resume |
| M.S. in Business Analytics | 3.0 GPA (85%) | GMAT: 700 | GRE: 310 | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | 3 LORs | Personal Statement | Resume | |
| MS in Applied Analytics | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | Not Required | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 | 2 LORs | Resume | SOP | Supplemental Essay |
| M.A. in Architecture | 3.0 GPA (85%) | GRE optional | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | 3 LORs | Personal Statement |
Columbia University Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
Columbia University offers over 80 undergraduate majors. This includes a wide range of interdisciplinary options and joint programs. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at Columbia University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- High school transcripts
- Interview
- Test scores:
- SAT- 1510-1560
- ACT- 34-35
English language proficiency:
TOEFL-IBT- 105
IELTS- 7.5
Duolingo- 135
Documents Checklist
- Autobiographical information
- A list of student’s activities, achievements, employment, etc
- Personal essay
- Official high-school transcripts
- 2 Letter of recommendation (For Engineering applicants, 1 should be from a science or math teacher)
- School profile
- Completed Mid-year report
- Statement of Purpose
Columbia University Application Deadlines
The application deadline for graduate and PhD programs is different for each program. On the other hand all undergraduate programs have the same deadline for all of its programs. International students have to fill and submit their application before the following application deadline:
Application Type | Spring Deadlines |
Priority Early Action | September 1, 2024 |
Early Action | October 1, 2024 |
Regular Decision | November 1, 2024 |
Columbia University Selection Criteria
- Columbia University is looking for students who are at the top of their class and have a high GPA.
- The school doesn’t officially report its average GPA, but estimates suggest it’s around 4.15, which means students need nearly straight A’s to be competitive.
- Columbia also considers challenging courses like honors and AP classes, and may review standardized test scores.
- The 25th percentile for SAT scores at Columbia is 1490, and the 75th percentile is 1580, but there isn’t a strict cutoff for admission.
- Columbia also considers letters of recommendation from academic teachers.
- For engineering applicants, one of the two recommendations must come from a math or science teacher.
- Columbia is test-optional for applicants to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering, but if you choose to submit scores, you can take either the ACT or SAT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for Columbia University?
Admission deadlines for undergraduate admissions:
Deadline Type | Spring Intake |
Priority Early Action Deadline | September 1, 2024 |
Early Action Deadline | October 1, 2024 |
Regular Decision Deadline | November 1, 2024 |
Deadlines for Graduate Admissions vary, they are specified on the department website or after you have completed the application.
Does Columbia University require an English proficiency test?
Mentioned below are the language proficiency exams accepted by Columbia University along with their minimum required scores:
Exam | Minimum Score Requirements |
TOEFL iBT | 100 |
Duolingo | 120 |
IELTS | 7.0 |
How can an Indian get into Columbia University?
To get into Columbia University as an Indian student you should have the following:
- Aim for excellent academic performance and high standardized test scores (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS).
- Gain relevant research or work experience.
- Highlight leadership roles and extracurricular activities.
- Write compelling essays showcasing your fit with Columbia.
- Obtain strong letters of recommendation.
- Be prepared for any interviews.
- Understand and plan for financial aid options.
Is it difficult to get into Columbia University?
Columbia University is one of the most selective schools in the country. The university has an acceptance rate of 3.85%, showcasing a highly selective admission process for all aspiring students.
What GPA do you need for Columbia?
GPA requirements for admission to Columbia University varies depending on the choice of program taken by the applicant:
- UG Applicants: 3.5 or 95%
- PG Applicants: 3.0 or 85%
What is the criteria for admission in Columbia University?
- Columbia University is looking for students who are at the top of their class and have a high GPA.
- The school doesn’t officially report its average GPA, but estimates suggest it’s around 4.15, which means students need nearly straight A’s to be competitive.
- Columbia also considers challenging courses like honors and AP classes, and may review standardized test scores.
- The 25th percentile for SAT scores at Columbia is 1490, and the 75th percentile is 1580, but there isn’t a strict cutoff for admission.
