Columbia University Admissions 2024: Acceptance Rate, Admission Requirements, Deadlines & Decision Dates

Columbia University Admissions 2024: Acceptance Rate, Admission Requirements, Deadlines & Decision Dates

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Syed Yusuf Ashraf

Content Curator | Updated on - May 16, 2024

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:

Please Note:Science, Engineering, and other Academic research work in the related field may provide an abstract in a one or two page supplement.

CU Graduate Application Process

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:

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

CU Undergraduate Application Process

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 Application Deadlines

Program Application Deadline
M.S Biomedical Engineering Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Feb, 2024]
M.S Mechanical Engineering Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Feb, 2024]
M.S Computer Science Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Jan, 2024]
Regular Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Feb, 2024]
M.S Management Science and Engineering Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Jan, 2024]
Regular Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Feb, 2024]
M.S Neuroscience and Education Priority Application Deadline For Summer/Fall 2024 Intake[15 Jan, 2024]
Final Application Deadline For Summer/Fall 2023 Intake[15 Jun, 2024]
M.S Data Science Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Jan, 2024]
Final Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Feb, 2024]
M.B.A Application Deadline For Round 1[13 Sep, 2024]
Application Deadline For Round 2[5 Jan, 2025]
Application Deadline For Round 3[3 Apr, 2025]
M.A Mathematics of Finance Application Deadline For Fall Intake[9 May, 2024]
L.L.M Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Feb, 2024]
M.Arch Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[15 Feb, 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%.

Reviews


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15 Reviews Found

JP
6.2 /10

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 .

academic: 9/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 5/10
placement: 7/10

VK
6.5 /10
  • 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.

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.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 8/10

VB
7.5 /10
  • 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.

Very good infrastructure, renowned professors and a smart cohort, in a gist.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 9/10

A
7.7 /10
  • 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.

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.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 9/10

I chose it for multiple reasons. The top being: Prestige, Course value, professors, location

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 10/10
extracurricular: 10/10

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

academic: 8/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 5/10
placement: 8/10

SS
8.3 /10

Prestige of Ivy League, location in New York City, rigorous Computer Science program

Scholarship:

NA

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 10/10

HM
6.5 /10

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.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 6/10
placement: 8/10

KA
7.5 /10

I had two PhD offers and I chose this one mainly because my previous advisors recommended it. It is a presitigious university in an exciting and happening city and an experienced advisor who is a "good human being". All of these points, except university prestige, I still think are important parameters to make the choice. I would also look at the department structure and work culture - both of which are often better at public universities.

Scholarship:

All incoming students at Columbia get a Dean's Fellowship. So I got that. Before that, I was supported by the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship and KVPY.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 9/10
placement: 7/10

A
8.8 /10

It was the most prestigious school I was accepted into, and I really wanted to go to a smaller school in an urban setting. I looked into specific programs I was interested in and found one that fit my needs pretty closely, and I particularly liked the integrated bachelors and masters program offered.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 9/10

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