Columbia University admissions are extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 3.73%. In the recent academic year, the University received 60,377 applications and admitted 2,253 students from 150 countries. Columbia University offers 90 distinct undergraduate degrees, divided into 70 majors within 21 primary disciplines of study through its 20 schools. The majority of students enroll in master's programs at Columbia University. The most enrolled master's programs at Columbia University are Engineering (5,512 students), Professional Studies (4,021), and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (3,679).
Explore: Columbia University Courses
Columbia does not have a minimum GPA score requirement. However, the average GPA of admitted students at the university is 3.19 for UG programs and 3.5 for PG programs on a scale of 4.0. More than 90% of the admitted students were in the top 10% of their graduating class.
Also Check: Columbia University Student Reviews
Tips for Indian Students: You’ll need to have your application completed and submitted by November 1st along with a signed agreement regarding the early decision for a higher chance of acceptance at Columbia University.
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Columbia University Admission Deadlines
Columbia University application deadlines vary depending on the course and can change frequently. International applicants are encouraged to check the specific school website for exact deadlines for PG programs. Mentioned below are the estimated deadlines for UG programs at Columbia:
| Deadline Type | Fall Intake | Spring Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Early Action Deadline | January 15, 2023 | September 1, 2023 |
| Early Action Deadline | March 1, 2023 | October 1, 2023 |
| Regular Decision Deadline | May 15, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
Columbia University Graduate Admissions
Graduate programs at Columbia University are offered in the field of arts, science, business, medical, public affairs, journalism, professional studies, engineering, etc. International applicants must keep the following in mind before applying for admission:
Application Portal: Graduate Application
Application Fee: 85 USD (6956 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- 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: 91% in Quantitative section
- GMAT: 550-780
- Personal essay
- 2-3 Letter of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal Statement (250-1000 words)
- CV or Resume
Please Note:Science, Engineering, and other Academic research work in the related field may provide an abstract in a one or two page supplement.
Some of the most preferred and highest-paying programs by Columbia University are discussed below.
| Programs | Application Fees | Application Portal | Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.S in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics | 85 USD (6956 INR) | Columbia Graduate Engineering Application | 3 LORs | Personal Statement | Resume |
| MS in Computer Science | 85 USD (6956 INR) | Columbia FFSEAS Application System | 3 LORs | Personal Statement | Resume |
| MPhil in Psychology | 120 USD (9820 INR) | Columbia GSAS Application Portal | 3 LORs | Personal Statement |
| MA in Architecture | 75 USD (6137 INR) | Columbia GSAPP Application Portal | 3 LORs | Personal Statement |
| M.S in Business Analytics | 85 USD (6956 INR) | Columbia Graduate Engineering Application | 3 LORs | Personal Statement | Resume |
Columbia University MBA Admission
Columbia University MBA program offers a real world experience like no other MBA program. The program is offered through Columbia Business School by connecting classroom learning to board rooms where theory is converted into practice. While studying in the Columbia MBA program, the students may opt for internships and externship programs in a variety of business fields. The application for the MBA program is accepted in three intakes for the term starting in August.
Application Portal: Columbia Business School Application
Application Fees: 250 USD (20459 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- GPA required: 3.6 (91%)
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL: 100 [iBT] | 600 [PBT]
- IELTS: 7.0 7.5
- Score between 550-780 GMAT test
- Resume or CV (1-2 pages)
- Essays (1 short question and 3 essays in 250-500 words)
- 1 letter of recommendation
- Interview
Also Check: New York Universities for MBA
Admission Deadlines
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 1 (Early Deadline) | September 28, 2022 (closed) |
| 2 (Merit Fellowship Deadline) | January 11, 2023 (closed) |
| 3 (Final Deadline) | April 5, 2023 |
Class Profile 2022
| Enrollment Details | |
|---|---|
| Application Received | 6177 |
| Applicants Accepted | 1363 |
| Applicants Enrolled | 844 |
| Average Age | 28 years |
| Female Students | 44% |
| International Students | 51% |
| Academics and Professional Background | |
| Average GPA | 3.6% |
| Average GMAT Score | 729 |
| GMAT Score Range (80%) | 700-760 |
| Average Work Experience | 5 years |
Columbia University Undergraduate Admissions
International students have slightly different requirements for admission to Columbia University. However, following only the institution’s instructions is not enough for non-US students. If you wish to pursue higher education fromUS, all requirements as per federal laws ought to be met properly. Bachelor's programs offered by Columbia University to international students are over 80 areas. Mentioned below is the process and requirements to apply for undergraduate programs:
Application Portal: Coalition Application, Common Application or Questbridge Application
Application Fee: 85 USD (~6,700 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- Autobiographical information
- GPA required: 3.0
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL-IBT: 105 [iBT]
- IELTS: 7.5
- Duolingo: 135
- Test Scores (optional)
- SAT: 1490-1560
- ACT: 34-35
- 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
- Interview
Also Check:
Columbia University Admission Decision
The admission decisions at Columbia University are declared as a confirmation email within 30 days of application submission. Columbia University decisions for regular decision applications are released by early April. The university expects its students to reply to the admission decision within a month.
Columbia University Admission: Selection Criteria
Columbia University acceptance rate is only 3.9%, indicating that admissions are highly selective. The university follows a holistic evaluation approach and admits only highly qualified applicants. As per the undergraduate admissions 2022, the recently admitted students have minimum SAT Score between 1490 to 1560. On the other hand, those submitting ACT Score between 34 to 35.
The acceptance rate for graduate admissions is slightly higher than undergraduate admissions. For the MBA admissions 2022, a total of 6,177 applications were received and out of those only 1,363 or 22% were admitted. The graduate applications are evaluated on the basis of well written essays, personal statements, LORs, resume, etc.
Explore: Columbia University Students Profile
Students Profile and Diversity
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 36,649 |
| Undergraduate Students | 9,739 |
| Graduate Students | 22,063 |
| Medical Center Graduate Schools | 4,825 |
| International Students | 2,586 |
| Indian Students | 1221 |
| Countries Represented | 150 |
The university follows something called a holistic admission process, meaning that each and every part of the application is important and considered seriously by Columbia’s admission office. The personal statements, family circumstances, character, teacher recommendations, and your overall personality determines if you will be an asset to this university.
Columbia University FAQs
Ques. What is the application deadline for Columbia University?
Ans. Admission deadlines for undergraduate admissions:
- Early Decision Applicants: Must apply by November 1 and expect admission decisions by mid-December
- Regular Decision Applicants: Must apply by January 1 and expect admission decisions by late March
Deadlines for Graduate Admissions vary, they are specified on the department website or after you have completed the application. To know the admission deadlines for top master courses at Columbia, click here
Ques. Does Columbia offer scholarships during admission?
Ans. The university is need-aware of its international students. It does not provide any merit-based aid. However, it does provide need-based financial aid to international students who require it. Students who need financial aid must apply for it while submitting their applications.
Ques. What GPA do you need to get into Columbia University?
Ans. All entering students need to satisfy the minimum GPA requirements of the specific program at Columbia University. The accepted average GPA requirement is around 4.0 to 4.5 (80-90%) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Students with lower academic scores need to compensate via GMAT/GRE score or work experience.
Ques. Is a GMAT score required for a Columbia MBA?
Ans. Yes, each Columbia University MBA candidate must submit a GMAT score or GRE score at the time of application. The recommended GMAT score prospective applicants are 700+, based on MBA class profile.
Ques. How do I track the status of my application?
Ans. Admissions online document tracking is only available during certain times in the admissions process. If, at that time, you discover that any items are listed as "not received/processed," please have the school submit a duplicate copy of this missing information via email at ugrad-confirm@columbia.edu as soon as possible.
Ques. How do international students apply to Columbia University?
Ans: Mentioned below are the steps international students need to follow to apply for UG programs at Columbia University:
- Step 1: Fill in the personal information in the Common app
- Step 2: Fill the details of your family
- Step 3: Provide the information about your educational qualification
- Step 4: Mention the Standardized tests you have appeared for
- Step 5: Highlight the extracurricular activities
- Step 6: Complete the Personal Essay
Ques. What kind of students does Columbia University look for?
Ans. The Committee of Admissions at Columbia University takes into account each applicant's potential for academic success, intellectual capacity, and capacity for independent decision making during the selection process. Additionally it also looks for the applicant's general attitudes and character, unique skills and interests, maturity, motivation, and curiosity. Candidates must ensure that their applications reflect strong academic achievement across all subject areas and proficient written communication abilities.
Ques. Is Columbia University hard to get into?
Ans. Yes, the application process and selection criteria of Columbia University is very strict and rigorous. For the academic year 2022-23, the university received 42,569 applications out of which 2,247 were accepted, indicating an acceptance rate of only 5.2%
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