What Does it Take to Get Into Columbia University?

Columbia University Is An Ivy League Set Against The Backdrop Of The Fast-Paced Life Of New York City...

Students who attend this historic institution are pushed to find new avenues of academic growth and community involvement. Like many of its fellow Ivy League schools, Columbia uses its highly-competitive admissions process to select only the most qualified students for its extensive, rigorous academic programs.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ARTICLE

• Columbia’s Ideal Student
• What You Need to Get Accepted Into Columbia University
• Columbia’s Campus Life
• From Application to Career: What You’ll Experience at Columbia
• Your Future at Columbia

Columbia's Ideal Student

Columbia University is a thriving Ivy League situated in America’s most populous city: New York City. Columbia takes the diversity of the Big Apple to heart as they push their students to achieve more for themselves and their communities. Like most prestigious schools, Columbia has a rigorous application process that takes a student’s character, academic record, and other achievements into account.

The average scores of an incoming Columbia University student look like this:

• GPA: 4.13
• SAT: 1520
• ACT: 33

Columbia University takes a holistic approach to its admissions process; this means that they go beyond your test scores and academic record to consider a wide range of factors. Nevertheless, students with test scores near the ones above have the best chance of being accepted into this prestigious liberal arts school.

The ideal student for Columbia University also holds a set of clear values that we outline below.

INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

Students who study in Columbia’s historic halls have a thirst for knowledge and critical thinking that doesn’t stop when a lecture ends. Those who challenge themselves academically will find a school filled with like-minded peers. Columbia focuses on helping its students achieve intellectual growth that propels them toward success.

SOLUTION DRIVEN

Students who thrive at Columbia are always looking to make an impact. After all, successful innovators go beyond simply identifying problems, and instead solve them with innovative ideas. Surrounded by the college’s diverse community of forward-thinkers, students with the drive to solve problems can find inspiration throughout campus.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Like many other prestigious schools, Columbia University stresses the importance of giving back to one’s community. The university takes pride in imparting a lasting sense of community within its students. Those who study at Columbia learn how to be ambitious and impactful members of their communities.

DEDICATION

A student’s dedication will drive their success at Columbia University. For those with a natural “can’t quit” attitude, the opportunities available at Columbia are nearly endless. The students who thrive at Columbia are those who are ready to commit to diving into the Columbia Blue and seizing every opportunity the college has to offer.

WHAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S PROGRAMS

Columbia University places a heavy emphasis on its Core Curriculum of foundational classes. Beyond this foundation, the school also offers a variety of programs and courses. Columbia students have access to a wide range of majors, including:

• Philosophy (Ranked 1st nationwide)
• English (Ranked 2nd nationwide)
• Performing Arts (Ranked 2nd nationwide)
• History (Ranked 4th nationwide)
• Environmental Science (Ranked 7th nationwide)

IN SUMMARY: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S IDEAL STUDENT

Columbia University’s ideal student challenges themselves to push the limits of what they believe is possible. Students who thrive at this selective school are those with a passionate curiosity that stays with them throughout life.

Students who are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and using that knowledge to improve the lives of their communities will find themselves at home at Columbia University.

What You Need To Get Accepted Into Columbia University

With a narrow admission rate of 6.1%, Columbia University is one of the most selective schools in the country. Students admitted to Columbia are those who display records of academic and extracurricular achievement in addition to perfect applications and essays.

Students who take the time to carefully prepare their application to present a clear picture of themselves stand the best chance of being admitted into Columbia.

THE COALITION APPLICATION OR THE COMMON APPLICATION

Columbia University accepts both the Coalition Application and the Common Application. These web-based applications help students stay organized and on-task while applying for college. Learning the basics of the Common App or Coalition App will help immensely when navigating your Columbia application.

Columbia University’s deadline for early decision is November 1st. The regular decision deadline is January 1st.

YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT

Columbia uses your high school transcript to look at your total academic record, and your transcript will help Columbia’s admissions team look beyond just your test performance. A strong transcript is one that shows your commitment to challenging yourself while still achieving academically. Due to the school’s extremely competitive nature, it’s beneficial if your transcript shows consistently high grades throughout your time in highschool.

TEST SCORES

Columbia University accepts both the SAT and the ACT. The average test scores of incoming Columbia students are at the high end of the scale (1520 and 33 respectively), so students should focus on raising their test scores if they want the best chance of being accepted.

APPLICATION FEE OR WAIVER

The fee to apply to Columbia University is $85. However, students who can demonstrate that the application fee is a financial burden can apply for a fee waiver.

TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Students are required to ask three teachers to submit letters of recommendation on their behalf. These letters must come from teachers who taught the student in academic courses, such as English or Math. While students ultimately have little control over what their teachers say about them, there’s a method of asking for the perfect letter of recommendation that students can employ.

COLUMBIA-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Columbia University asks students a set of specific questions on their college application. These questions range from short response essay prompts to listing titles of books that you’ve recently read for entertainment. Students should strive for honesty and clarity in their responses to these questions to increase their chances of admission.

“DO I HAVE A CHANCE?”

Your chances of being admitted to Columbia University are influenced by more than just your academic record.

Because Columbia takes a holistic approach to college admissions that brings a wide range of factors into account, students should strive to present themselves as well-rounded individuals. Columbia’s ideal student takes an interest in extracurricular activities that inspire them, pushes themselves academically, and seeks to make a positive impact on their local community.

Students looking to increase their chances of being accepted into Columbia University should spend considerable time working on their answers to the Columbia-specific questions asked on their application. Authentic responses to these questions can help paint a clearer picture of what type of student you are.

Columbia's Campus Life

Columbia University’s campus is teeming with activity. Students at Columbia are always looking for new ways to connect and pursue their passions. Throughout campus, there are plenty of ways that Columbia works to make students feel at home.

CAMPUS

Columbia University’s main campus sprawls across more than six city blocks in the New York City neighborhood of Morningside Heights. With nearly two dozen dorms across campus, there’s a place for both the most introverted or extroverted students to call home. Of course, equally as important are the numerous historic buildings on campus that serve as gathering places, libraries, and classrooms.

GREEK LIFE

Columbia officially recognizes 28 chapters in its thriving Greek scene. The college encourages engagement and community outreach in its Greek chapters. The thriving Greek scene serves to help students develop strong relationships and a tireless work ethic.

SPORTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

With more than 500 student organizations to join on campus, Columbia looks to keep their students active and involved. These organizations have the support of several offices dedicated to student engagement and success. Students can choose to join social justice organizations, advocacy organizations, or interest groups to keep themselves busy outside the classroom.

Columbia also supports more than 40 different varsity and intramural level sports teams that have nurtured their fair share of professional and Olympic level athletes. The campus boasts a wide variety of beautiful sports arenas and fitness centers that allow students to enjoy the best in Columbia athletics.

HOUSING, FOOD, AND TRANSPORTATION

There’s a reason that 95% of undergraduates live on Columbia University’s campus for four years. With a variety of different styles of residence halls to fit nearly every type of student, Columbia seeks to make the cheerful Morningside Heights neighborhood feel like home for everyone.

Equally important as the immense variety of housing is the type of food available for Columbia students. Not only are students given access to three dining halls, but there are also coffee shops and restaurants throughout campus (not to mention there’s the entirety of New York City to grab a slice of pizza from!)

New York City is known for having a massive transit system, and Columbia students can take full advantage of this to make their way through the city. On-campus, a car isn’t necessary, and is even discouraged, so many students choose to walk or bike around.

GLASS HOUSE ROCKS

Every year, students commandeer the Lerner Hall to throw the annual Glass House Rocks event. The hall comes alive with performances by students and various activities. With food and good times abound, it’s a change of pace from the endless academic rigor that Columbia students are known for.

From Application To Career: What You'll Experience At Columbia

Columbia University’s stringent application process is simply the first step in the Columbia experience. Columbia’s student body is full of bright and ambitious young individuals that will become your peers and your friends. Surrounded by this competitive and inspiring community, students can thrive if they come prepared.

YOUR APPLICATION

Columbia University nurtures a culture where ambitious, well-rounded students can truly succeed. Your application should reflect a dedication to your academic growth as well as a commitment to community engagement and extracurricular activities. You should work to create a cohesive story throughout your application that reflects who you truly are.

YOUR ESSAY

The best essay responses are authentic and concise. Keep your language strong while avoiding technical jargon or using large words solely for the sake of it. Columbia doesn’t want to read yet another essay written in the style a student believes Ivy League schools want - they want to read an honest and passionate response to their specific questions.

YOUR COLLEGE YEARS

Columbia University lives in “The City That Never Sleeps,” and that nickname definitely reflects in Columbia’s student body. Between classes, internships, volunteer efforts, sports events, and friendships, Columbia students are busy creating the lives they’ve always dreamed of living. If you can keep up, this intense pace can jumpstart a student’s future and set them up for success.

YOUR CAREER

Columbia students join the ranks of visionaries, including President of the United States Barrack Obama, actress Kate McKinnon, and musician Art Garfunkel. Columbia is known for producing career-ready individuals with tremendous ambition.

Alumni who’ve gotten their start at Columbia can find themselves employed in a variety of sectors, including:

• Consulting
• Teaching
• Law
• Finance
• Sales
• Research

Your Future At Columbia

Columbia University has been building an educational foundation for thousands of students since even before the American Revolution. Columbia’s commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to think critically, solve problems, and be engaged in their communities has set the bar for academic success.

Of course, due to Columbia’s status as an Ivy League and their track record of success, it is difficult for students to be accepted.

Thankfully, WeAdmit counselors are well-versed in Columbia University’s approach to college admissions, and our counselors use their expertise to guide students through every step of the college application process. For students looking to increase their chances of acceptance into even the most prestigious schools, our counselors could very well be one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your future.

Prepare Yourself For Life As A Student In The Big Apple, Because It’s Time To Get Into Columbia!