Columbia Admissions Information
Columbia University
New York, New York (
map)
Columbia University, the oldest college in New York, was founded in 1754 and is a member of the Ivy League. The University is comprised of Columbia College, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of General Studies (for returning or non-traditional students). A close affiliate of Columbia is Barnard College, a top all-female liberal arts college, which is located across the street. (Both the School of General Studies and Barnard College have a separate application and admissions process.) Columbia offers more than 100 areas of study, from anthropology to visual arts, creating a vast array of academic possibilities. In addition, Columbia is one of the top research institutions in the country, with over $1 billion in sponsored research projects each year. The University boasts a world-famous faculty that includes 79 Nobel laureates. Since the student ratio is 6:1 and 80% of classes have 20 students or fewer, interaction with faculty is very accessible for undergraduates.
As evidenced by the 99% retention rate from the first to second year, students are very happy with the University, its resources, and its location. Columbia is situated in the heart of New York City. Despite the busy urban setting, there is still an intimate sense of community among Columbia students. Nearly 95% of all undergraduates live on campus, and all students participate in the renowned Core Curriculum, a set of required classes in literature, philosophy, history, music, art, and science.
Basic Info
Main Address: |
1130 Amsterdam Avenue
212 Hamilton Hall, MC 2807
New York, NY 10027 |
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Phone Number: |
(212) 854-2522 |
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Website: |
www.columbia.edu |
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Characteristics
Type of school: |
Private, Liberal Arts, Research Institution |
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Type of school: |
Coed |
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Setting: |
Urban (very large city, 500,000+ people), Residential campus |
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Athletics: |
Division I, Intercollegiate, Club, Intramural |
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Degrees offered: |
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral |
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Size of undergraduate student body: |
5766 |
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Percent out-of-state: |
75% |
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Percent international: |
9% |
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Female to Male ratio: |
49:51 |
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Academic Life
Student to Professor ratio: |
6:1 |
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Most popular majors: |
Engineering
English Language and Literature
Political Science and Government |
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Special study programs: |
Accelerated Program
Cross-Registration
Double Major
Dual Enrollment of High School Students
ESL
Independent Study
Internships
Liberal Arts/Career Combination
ROTC, Air Force
ROTC, Army
ROTC, Navy
Student-Designed Major
Study Abroad
Teacher Certification
Visiting/Exchange Student Program |
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Campus Life
Housing options:
Guaranteed on-campus housing for all undergraduates
Coed housing (with single-sex first-year floor available)
99% of all first-years live in campus housing |
Fraternity/Sorority housing
Special housing for students with disabilities
95% of all undergrads live in campus housing |
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Activities:
500 registered clubs and organizations, including 11 sororities and 17 fraternities |
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Fun Facts
- Ranked #1 Best College Town
- Attracts students and faculty from more than 150 countries
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- Ranked #6 Best College Library
- On-campus observatory, art gallery, cinema, and theatre
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Admissions Information
Columbia's acceptance rate is approximately 10% each year, making it one of the most selective universities in the nation. Early Decision applicants have a slight edge in the process, with an acceptance rate of 19%. The Early Decision option is intended for students who know Columbia is their first choice and who definitely plan to attend if they are accepted.
According to the Columbia website, there are no minimum standardized test scores or high school GPA required for admission. The admissions committee prides itself on taking a holistic approach and assessing a range of factors in each application. Key factors include academic record, intellectual achievements, personal experiences, and involvement in activities beyond the classroom. It is important to ensure that your application is complete and presents your strengths and interests in a clear, concise way.
Admissions address: |
1130 Amsterdam Avenue
212 Hamilton Hall, MC 2807
New York, NY 10027 |
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Phone number: |
(212) 854-2522 |
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Fax number: |
(212) 854-1209 |
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Admissions Website: |
http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/ |
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Email: |
ugrad-ask@columbia.edu |
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Contact Person: |
Jessica Marinaccio, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions |
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Number of first-year applications received: |
21,342 |
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Percent of applicants admitted: |
10% |
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Application Information
Regular application deadline: |
Application due January 1
All standardized test scores due February 1 |
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Early decision/action deadline: |
November 1 (Early Decision) |
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Accepts the Common Application? |
Yes (with school-specific supplement required) |
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Admission requirements: |
Common Application (with Columbia/college-specific essays)
2 Academic Teacher Evaluations*
School Report (including guidance counselor's recommendation)
Mid-Year Report
Final Report
*For students applying to Engineering, one recommendation must be from a math teacher
Optional:
Interview with alumnus or alumna, supplemental materials (research abstracts, art, music, etc.)
If applicable:
International Supplement to the Secondary School Report
Home-school Supplement to the Secondary School Report
Early Decision Agreement |
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Application Information
Standardized test scores required? |
SAT with Writing OR ACT with Writing
2 SAT Subject tests*
* For students applying to Engineering, one must be in Math 1 or 2 and the other must be in Chemistry or Physics
International applicants: IELTS or TOEFL |
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Policy regarding SAT score-use: |
All scores are considered |
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SAT Critical Reading |
680
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725
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770
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96%
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SAT Math |
690
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735
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780
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96%
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SAT Writing |
680
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725
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770
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96%
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College Board code: |
2116 |
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ACT code: |
2717 |
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