Highlights:
- The application for undergraduate admissions in spring term will open on August 1, 2024 with Priority Action deadline being September 1, 2024.
- International applicants are encouraged to apply for UG admission in spring intake by October 1, 2024 (Early Action).
Columbia University admissions opens for summer, fall and spring intakes every year. International applicants applying for graduate admissions at Columbia University must target a GPA between 3.0-3.5 (85-90%) or above. The application fee may also vary depending on course and department.
Columbia University also offers a full-time MBA and Executive MBA through its Business School. There is no minimum GPA requirement for Columbia MBA, but majority of admitted students typically score between 3.2-3.9 (86-98%) in UG for admissions. Additionally, some applicants also submitted GMAT for admissions with score ranging from 610-790.
Columbia University Top Programs
| Programs | Application Fee | GPA Required | Test Scores | ELP Scores | Documents Checklist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Data Science | 85 USD | 3.8 GPA (96%) | GRE score of 326 | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.5 | Personal Statement | 3 LORs | CV |
| Master of Business Administration | 250 USD | 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 | 85 USD | 3.5 GPA (91%) | Not Required | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | 3 LORs | Personal Statement | Resume |
| M.S. in Business Analytics | 85 USD | 3.0 GPA (85%) | GMAT: 700 | GRE: 310 | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | 3 LORs | Personal Statement | Resume | |
| MS in Applied Analytics | 150 USD | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | Not Required | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 | 2 LORs | Resume | SOP | Supplemental Essay |
| M.A. in Architecture | 75 USD | 3.0 GPA (85%) | GRE optional | TOEFL: 100 | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 | 3 LORs | Personal Statement |
Columbia University Acceptance Rate
Columbia University acceptance rate is only 3.9%, indicating that admissions are highly selective. The Columbia University graduate acceptance rate is slightly higher than undergraduate admissions. For the MBA admissions 2023, a total of 5,895 applications were received and out of those only 900 or 15.26% were admitted.
Columbia University Graduate Admissions 2024
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: 85-120 USD (7,075-9,946 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- 168 [Quant] | 162 [Verb]
- GMAT- 610-790
Documents Required:
- 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.
Columbia University MBA Admissions 2024
The MBA 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 Fee: 250 USD (20,722 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- 4 year bachelors' degree
- GPA or aggregate score: 3.5 GPA (90%)
- GMAT score between 610-790
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL IBT- 7.0
- IELTS- 7.0-7.5
Documents Required:
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Interview
- Columbia University Undergraduate Admissions
Columbia University Undergraduate Admissions
International students have slightly different requirements for admission to Columbia University. If you wish to pursue higher education in US, 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 at Columbia University:
Application Portal: Coalition Application, Common Application or Questbridge Application
Application Fee: 85 USD (7,045 INR)
Admission Requirements:
- 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 Admission Deadlines 2024
The application deadlines or Columbia University admissions vary depending on the course and can change frequently. Undergraduate admissions are now closed at Columbia University. International applicants are encouraged to check the specific school website for exact deadlines of PG programs. Mentioned below are the upcoming deadlines for UG programs at Columbia University:
| Application Type | Spring Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Priority Early Action | September 1, 2024 |
| Early Action | October 1, 2024 |
| Regular Decision | November 1, 2024 |
Columbia University Admission Decision
All applicants may expect their decision after applying for Columbia University admissions based on the following applications terms and deadlines:
Undergraduate Decision and Dates:
| Term | Application Type | Decision Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall |
Early Action | March 1, 2024 [January Deadline] | May 1, 2024 [March Deadline] |
| Regular Decision | 6 to 8 weeks after deadline | |
|
Spring |
Early Action | October 1, 2024 [January Deadline] | November 15, 2024 [March Deadline] |
| Regular Decision | 2 to 4 weeks after deadline |
The decision for graduate admissions generally vary from department to department. However, graduate applicants may expect their decision within 4 to 6 weeks after submitting all the application materials.
Columbia University Admission: Selection Criteria
The university follows a holistic evaluation approach and admits only highly qualified applicants. Admission to undergraduate programs are offered based on thee following factors:
- High school performance and coursework
- Students who demonstrate high aptitude skills
- Are intellectual and curious
- Community involvement
The graduate applications are evaluated on the basis of well written essays, personal statements, LORs, resume, etc. Some programs may also require work experience and interview before making a final decision.
Explore: Columbia University Students Profile
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:
| 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. 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. A GPA between 3.0-3.5 (85-90%) is required majority of graduate programs. There is no minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, majority of accepted students generally achieve a GPA above 4.0.
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 for upcoming applicants between 610-790, based on recent 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 2023, the university received 57,126 applications out of which 2,285 were accepted, indicating an acceptance rate of only 3.9%.
College Student Profiles
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17 Reviews Found
- Likes:
- Location in NYC and proximity to some of the greatest landmarks and places in the world.,
- Professors both tenured and adjunct professors, all of who are distinguished and have excellent track records of academic publication and actual practice.,
- Institutional networks with top policy and finance organizations.
- Dislikes:
- Recent handling of student protests and overall administration response to student issues.,
- Extremely expensive due to its location.,
- Some of the infrastructure in the School of International Affairs is quite dated compared to the business school
Overview:
I applied to 4 colleges in total before I finally got into Columbia University: 2 accepted - Columbia and LSE. 2 rejected - Oxford and Cambridge Columbia stands out for its excellent location and institutional networks with banking and policy sectors in New York and Washington D.C. I intended to find work in NYC after graduation and that was the main reason why I chose Columbia. My intake was in August 2022. The admission process took 3 months from the time of application (February 2022) to the time of decision (May 2022). The admission process required a policy essay and personal statement, a copy of transcripts, and recommendations from professors and colleagues. GRE is optional. Overall admission process was straightforward and smooth.
- Likes:
- Academic rigor and diversity of courses, like joining clubs and organizations (e.g.,debate team, literary magazines,
- I like the fact that there's world-class faculty and research opportunities in my school,
- Exploring the nearby American Museum of natural history
- Dislikes:
- What I disliked is the high tuition fees and living costs in school,
- There is limited availability of housing, especially for upperclassmen,
- Distance from family and friends (for out of state/international students)
Overview:
The admission process is based on the application submission first, students submit their application through the common app or coalition app, typically by the January 1st deadline for regular decision. I prepared for the admission, maintaining a high GPA, especially in challenging courses like AP or IB and taking the SAT or ACT. Consultants are Crimson Education.
Scholarship:
Yes, I received one from the university itself based on merit for $8000. There was a special application for the scholarship where I had to write an essay on why I think I deserve it .
- Likes:
- I accepted it for the reputation, career opportunities, location and courses.,
- It has a great reputation and is located in New York City, with close access to large corporations and an extensive network. The courses offered at the Business School is really informative and interactive. The people are really helpful.
- Dislikes:
- Columbia is smaller than the other ivy league institutions in the US. The classes at the engineering school are heavily quantitative, and I found it less useful compared to the more business school classes, due to my focus on pursuing a consulting career.
Overview:
Overall, Columbia University was a fantastic experience. Its located in a vibrant city, with opportunities to stick to a campus life, and still enjoy everything NYC has to offer. The students are helpful and collaborative. The professors are incredibly well experienced with several accolades. All in all, had a great learning experience.
- Likes:
- MS Data Science program is a well know program by Columbia University with renowned and distinguished Professors.,
- The courses, both academic and professional developmental helped me learn more about myself - my strengths and weaknesses and how to build a work oriented lifestyle which would help me in the long-run.,
- The college campus is ecstatic, and the libraries provide a beneficial space to study with a clear mind and focus. I like the way events are organized and students are encouraged to pursue their goals.,
- In a gist, supportive mentors and batch mates have helped me realize the value of networking and making connections.
- Dislikes:
- I do not like the location of the university as it in not in the middle of a happening area. Although it stretches various streets in New York City, it is not an eventful place. This is the only aspect which I do not like.
- Likes:
- This is an Ivy League University. its one of the best and most elite universities in the world offering first class facilities and academic education to students.,
- The University is really great. There are tremendous amount of resources available for each student.,
- The academic curriculum is really intense but every bit worth the efforts.,
- The faculty and university staff are very helpful and everyone is open to chat even outside of academics.,
- The location of Columbia University right in the heart of NYC poses an added advantage.,
- You have so many experiences and opportunities to explore new things while studying from the top Ivy League University in the world.
- Dislikes:
- Nothing. So far I haven't encountered anything that I would say I dislike about this university. Maybe for students who are vegetarians, its a bit challenging due to lack of veg options available for eating. But with time one becomes used to it.
Overview:
My experience at Columbia university has been exceptional so far. Its truly one of the best Ivy League universities in the world. Everything from academics, to faculty to extra curricular activities has been top - notch and worth every penny.
Overview:
I chose it for multiple reasons. The top being: Prestige, Course value, professors, location
Overview:
The flexible curriculum is a key factor, it allows student to pursue courses from both Engineering and Business schools. The Ivy League tag and the location of the University were also key factors for me.
Scholarship:
No
Overview:
Prestige of Ivy League, location in New York City, rigorous Computer Science program
Scholarship:
NA
Overview:
I chose Columbia University because of its brand and location, access to immense opportunities in NYC, and the opportunity to build a good professional network.
Scholarship:
I didn't receive any scholarships from the university.
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| Program | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| M.S Data Science | Priority Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Jan 2025) Final Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2025) |
| M.B.A | Application Deadline For January 2025 Intake Round 2 (15th Aug 2024) Application Deadline For August 2025 Intake Round 1 (10th Sep 2024) Application Deadline For August 2025 Intake Round 2 (7th Jan 2025) Application Deadline For August 2025 Intake Round 3 (1st Apr 2025) Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake Round 1 (18th Jun 2025) |
| M.S Computer Science | Application Deadline For Spring Intake (15th Oct 2024) Priority Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Jan 2025) Final Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Feb 2025) |
| M.S Business Analytics | Priority Application Deadline (15th Jan 2025) Regular Application Deadline (15th Feb 2025) |
| M.S Applied Analytics | Application Deadline For Spring Intake (1st Oct 2024) Application Deadline For Fall Intake (15th Mar 2025) |
| M.Arch | Application Deadline (3rd Jan 2025) |
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