Columbia University is located in New York City and is a member of the Ivy League.Columbia gets many more applications than slots for its undergraduate and graduate programs.While some programs are more competitive than others, applicants can increase their chances of being admitted by planning ahead, achieving high grades, and scoring well on entrance exams.
Step 1: The appropriate program should be chosen.
Columbia College and the Columbia School of Engineering are available to potential undergraduates.If you don't know what you want to do, or if it will not involve engineering or computer science, you should apply to Columbia College.
Step 2: Speak to people who graduated from Columbia University.
Ask the school or program of your choice if they have a list of alumni you can speak to about the nature of their academic experience and how they prepared for the program.
Step 3: You can visit the campus.
Prospective students can take campus tours at Columbia.You should sign up in advance if you want to be on campus.Current students can speak to current students about their experiences and what they did to prepare for Columbia.The school offers off-campus information sessions if you can't get to New York City.Do you know if one is close to you?
Step 4: You should develop your academic strengths.
If you want to do well in your high school courses, take the most advanced ones.The admissions office at Columbia looks for students who challenge themselves academically.The top 10 percent of the class of high school graduates received their diplomas.
Step 5: Contribute to the development of extracurricular interests.
The admissions committee at Columbia takes into account not only a person's academic marks, but also their extracurricular activities.Columbia wants undergraduate students who can make an impact outside the classroom and contribute to social and cultural life at the school.The Columbia Writing Supplement asks about books, newspapers, and magazines that you have read in the last year.Use this as an opportunity to broaden your horizon, and take in as many extracurricular opportunities as possible.
Step 6: Score high on the tests.
The SAT and two SAT subject tests can be taken to apply to Columbia.You can take the tests as late as November and January if you are applying Early Decision.Columbia will only review the highest score if you take the tests multiple times.Columbia will only look scores from a single sitting of the test, so you can't mix and match.The Writing Section is not required for the SAT.The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 2160 and 2330 on the three sections.Columbia says to choose subjects in your strengths for the SAT subject tests.If you want to apply to the School of Engineering, you need to take math, biology, chemistry, and physics.If you are a native speaker, you should not take the Foreign Language subject test.The writing component will not be required for fall admissions.You have to take it if you are applying for Fall.The SAT subject test can be taken in that area if you have a particular interest.The admitted class scored between 32 and 36 on the test.
Step 7: A strong personal statement is needed.
Pay close attention to the length, topic matter, and format of the instructions you follow.Ask others, such as trusted teachers, friends, and relatives, to review your essay before you submit it.
Step 8: Good letters of recommendation should be provided.
Columbia requires letters from your high school guidance counselor.One must be a math or science teacher to apply to the engineering school.Teachers who are familiar with your work ethic, communication skills, character, and capabilities should send these letters.If they will allow you to talk to your letter writers about why you want to attend Columbia, you will be able to provide a more personalized letter that emphasizes your strengths.
Step 9: The application should be completely filled out.
When you submit the Common Application, make sure you have all of your materials ready.Prepare your answers within the guidelines provided and review the Columbia-specific questions for the Writing Supplement.
Step 10: Supplementary materials can be provided.
Supplementary materials for work in science or the arts can be found on the Common Application.You should include materials to give depth to your application if you have experience in these fields.Make sure to review the correct types of materials.
Step 11: The appropriate program should be chosen.
Columbia College and the Columbia School of Engineering are available to potential undergraduates.If you don't know what you want to do, or if it will not involve engineering or computer science, you should apply to Columbia College.
Step 12: In your first semester, do well.
Grades from the first semester are more important than the second semester grades in Columbia's admissions office.The school strongly encourages a minimum of 3.5 in science and engineering courses in order to be considered.
Step 13: You should take enough classes.
You must have completed at least 24 credit points to transfer to Columbia.Make sure you have taken the transferrable credits.Columbia does not accept transfer credits from departments other than business, communications, and education.College classes may be counted differently.Make sure you are on the right track by reviewing Columbia's requirements.
Step 14: Contribute to the development of extracurricular interests.
The admissions committee at Columbia takes into account not only a person's academic marks, but also their extracurricular activities.Columbia wants undergraduate students who can make an impact outside the classroom and contribute to social and cultural life at the school.The Columbia Writing Supplement asks about books, newspapers, and magazines that you have read in the last year.There are many opportunities to attend interesting and worthwhile events if you are attending a college.
Step 15: Make sure your materials are up to date.
Past materials will not roll over if you have applied to Columbia before.If you want to improve upon your personal essay, try to use your own personal growth and input from others at your current institution.
Step 16: There are two good letters of recommendation.
Columbia requires letters from college instructors.Professors who are familiar with your work ethic, communication skills, character, and capabilities should write to you.If they will allow you to talk to your letter writers about why you want to attend Columbia, you will be able to provide a more personalized letter that emphasizes your strengths.
Step 17: The application should be completely filled out.
When you submit the Common Application, make sure you have all of your materials ready.Prepare your answers within the guidelines provided and review the Columbia-specific questions for the Writing Supplement.
Step 18: Supplementary materials should be provided.
Supplementary materials for work in science or the arts can be found on the Common Application.You should include materials to give depth to your application if you have experience in these fields.Make sure to review the correct types of materials.
Step 19: Which school should you apply to?
Columbia has 17 graduate schools that offer masters, doctorates, and other advanced degrees in a wide variety of fields.You will need to review the processes and requirements of the school that you are applying to.
Step 20: Contact potential advisers.
Faculty who are accomplished in their field will likely stay on for the duration of your time in the program.You can schedule an in-person meeting with your potential instructors if you visit the campus.Some schools will provide information sessions.
Step 21: Get good grades.
Columbia's graduate programs are some of the best in the country, and will need strong collegiate performance for admittance.If your chosen program requires courses, make sure to focus your academic efforts on earning high marks in those classes.Each program will likely give a range of grades accepted each year.If the information isn't easily accessible through the school's website, contact the program to find out what they can provide.
Step 22: Score high on the tests.
There are test requirements and acceptable ranges for admission in each graduate program.If the information is not readily available, contact the program directly.Make sure to take all required exams.
Step 23: A strong personal statement is needed.
You should clearly articulate why you want to study at Columbia and how the program will help you achieve your professional goals.Ask your professors to review your essay to make sure it's clear and effective.If you are finishing an undergraduate degree, your current school may offer additional help through a career services office.
Step 24: Get good recommendations.
College instructors who are familiar with your work ethic, communication skills, character, and capabilities will send you letters.Instructors with ties to Columbia can provide good information, if not good letters.If they will allow you to talk to your letter writers about why you want to attend Columbia, you will be able to provide a more personalized letter that emphasizes your strengths.
Step 25: The application should be filled out completely.
When you submit the application, make sure you give as many supplementary materials as the program suggests.