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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
 
Phone Number: (212) 854-2522  
Website: www.columbia.edu  

Characteristics

Type of school: Private, Liberal Arts, Research Institution  
Type of school: Coed  
Setting: Urban (very large city, 500,000+ people), Residential campus  
Athletics: Division I, Intercollegiate, Club, Intramural  
Degrees offered: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral  
Size of undergraduate student body: 5766  
Percent out-of-state: 75%  
Percent international: 9%  
Female to Male ratio: 49:51  

Academic Life

Student to Professor ratio: 6:1  
Most popular majors: Engineering
English Language and Literature
Political Science and Government
 
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
 

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
Activities:
500 registered clubs and organizations, including 11 sororities and 17 fraternities  

Fun Facts

  • Ranked #1 Best College Town
  • Attracts students and faculty from more than 150 countries
  • Ranked #6 Best College Library
  • On-campus observatory, art gallery, cinema, and theatre
 

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
 
Phone number: (212) 854-2522  
Fax number: (212) 854-1209  
Admissions Website: http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/  
Email: ugrad-ask@columbia.edu  
Contact Person: Jessica Marinaccio, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions  
Number of first-year applications received: 21,342  
Percent of applicants admitted: 10%  

Application Information

Regular application deadline: Application due January 1
All standardized test scores due February 1
 
Early decision/action deadline: November 1 (Early Decision)  
Accepts the Common Application? Yes (with school-specific supplement required)  
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
 

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
 
Policy regarding SAT score-use: All scores are considered  
 
Middle 50% Scores

Low


Average


High
% Who Submitted Scores
SAT Critical Reading
680
725
770
96%
SAT Math
690
735
780
96%
SAT Writing
680
725
770
96%
ACT Composite
29
31
34
28%

 
College Board code: 2116  
ACT code: 2717  
Learn more about other New York City schools:
Yeshiva   New York University   Fordham  

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