Applying to College
Application Requirements for Columbia University
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the necessary academic qualifications, test scores, extracurricular accomplishments, and personal character traits sought by Columbia University in its prospective students.co
Aug 4, 2023
Introduction
Founded in 1754, Columbia University is an eminent Ivy League institution and one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the United States. Throughout its history, Columbia has stayed at the forefront of intellectual and scholarly progress, contributing significantly to the growth of numerous academic disciplines. The university's reputation lies in its rigorous academic programs, outstanding faculty, and diverse student body, drawn from all corners of the world. Columbia's notable alumni have made remarkable achievements in various fields, further enhancing the university's prestige. Today, Columbia's unwavering commitment to knowledge, research, and societal impact continue to set it apart on the global stage.
Quick Numbers
Acceptance Rate: 5.3%
Test Optional/Blind: Yes
Average SAT Score: 1500
Average ACT Score: 34
Average GPA: 3.9-4.0
Number of Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Columbia requires 2 LORs, and there's an option to add another one from an individual of your choice.
Common Application Essay/Coalition/Questbridge: Yes, a Common Application essay is required for applying to Columbia.
Number of Supplemental Essays: Columbia asks for 5 supplemental essays
Interview: Columbia Interviews are optional but are highly recommended if the opportunity is given. It's a chance for the school to see a different facet of individuality not expressed in your essays.
Early Decision/Early Action: Columbia offers a binding Early Decision program, meaning that if accepted the student is required to attend.
Application Deadline: RD - Jan 1st, ED - Nov 1st.
Financial Aid Deadline: Nov 15th for Early Decision, and Feb 15th for Regular Decision.
Tests
In terms of standardized test scores, Columbia University admits students with strong performance on the SAT and ACT exams. Typically, the 25th percentile SAT and ACT scores are 1450 and 33, respectively. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below these figures. On the other hand, the 75th percentile scores (meaning that 75% of admitted students scored below these figures) are usually around 1560 for the SAT and 35 for the ACT. These scores provide a range within which the bulk of admitted students' scores tend to fall and offer you a benchmark to aim for in your test preparation.
Essays
Common App Essay
In terms of the Common App essay, () University, like many other schools, asks applicants to respond to one of the seven essay prompts provided by the Common Application, allowing students to showcase their unique perspectives and experiences in a personal and meaningful way.
Below is the full set of Common App essay prompts for 2023-24.
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.(This is a very dangerous prompt, and it is recommended to discuss it with your high school counselor before undertaking it.)
In addition, students have the option to tell colleges any additional information that they might want to know. For example, extenuating circumstances that may explain a drop in grades for a certain semester.
Supplementals
The required essays are listed below:
For the two list questions that follow, there is a 75 or 125 word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering these questions:
– Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons.
– Items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order.
– It is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications.
– No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.
List Prompt 1: List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (75 words or fewer)
List Prompt 2: We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications, journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (125 words or fewer)
Essay Prompts for All Applicants
Prompt 1: A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (200 words)
Prompt 2: Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (200 words)
Prompt 3: In Columbia’s admissions process, we value who you are as a unique individual, distinct from your goals and achievements. In the last words of this writing supplement, we would like you to reflect on a source of happiness. Help us get to know you further by describing the first thing that comes to mind when you consider what simply brings you joy. (35 words)
Conclusion
Navigating the admissions process for Columbia might seem daunting, but with the right tools at your disposal, it can be a manageable and successful endeavor. Delilah AI, with its advanced capabilities, is designed to guide you through one of the most challenging parts: writing your essays. It provides personalized suggestions and feedback, helping you craft compelling narratives that truly encapsulate your unique experiences, aspirations, and potential.
Don't let the task of essay writing stand in your way. Click the button below to get started with Delilah AI and elevate your application for Columbia to the next level. Let's make your dream of studying at Columbia a reality, together.