How To Get Into Columbia University Guide

Columbia University, an Ivy League private research university, is situated in New York City, New York. Warren Buffett is a famous former student. Over 30,000 students are enrolled, with over 8,800 undergraduates.

This guide will explain how to get into Columbia University.

• Columbia average GPA
• Average Columbia SAT scores & ACT Scores
• Columbia application deadline
• Columbia Early Decision Details
• Interview preparation for Columbia
• Statistics for Columbia Class of 2025, and many more

Columbia University is a top choice for students looking to apply. Make sure that your application includes your GPA and test scores as well as your Columbia interview. You can increase your chances of getting into Columbia University by strategizing well in advance.

Planning is key to getting into Columbia University. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network includes 300+ Admissions Experts (and ex-admissions officers) from Columbia University. Do you want to increase your Columbia admissions chances? Call (844) 364-32272 to create a free account and schedule an advising consultation .

Is it difficult to get into Columbia?

Columbia University is a highly selective school. Columbia University is very selective. Columbia’s acceptance rate has the lowest national acceptance rate. In 2021, it was 3.9%. Columbia Early Decision acceptance rates were 10.3% for 2026. Columbia Early Decision received 6,305 applications. Each year, Columbia admits over 60,000 students.

The average Columbia SAT score is 1510-1560. The average ACT score is 34-35. In U.S. News’s national rankings, the university is tied with Harvard University (MIT) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT).

First, you need to understand that Columbia University is within reach of every student. Columbia admission is more than getting a good GPA or SAT score. Your high school career is a good time to start planning. You should aim for a high GPA, standardized test scores, leadership qualities, and start your Columbia application well before the deadline.

What is Columbia University’s GPA?

Although the Columbia average GPA of each incoming class isn’t published, it can be assumed that the Columbia average GPA is more than 4.0. This is based on the Columbia acceptance rate as well as the middle 50% Columbia SAT scores. The University claims that 95% were from the top 10% in their high school classes. Your class rank is important when considering Columbia University admissions.

The University does not require a GPA to guarantee admission, but Columbia insists on strong academic records. Columbia average GPA statistics cannot be compared. Instead, be focused on your course selections.

Opt for Honors and AP courses whenever possible. Your schedule shouldn’t be too busy. To set a challenging schedule, meet with your advisor, guidance counselor, and upperclassmen from your high school.

Choose a strategy

It is important to know which Columbia application deadline you have chosen – Columbia Regular or Early Decision – if you want to "how to get to Columbia University". Students who submit their application by the November 1st Columbia Early Decision date should ensure that they have a GPA of at least 3.0 and that their SAT/ACT scores do not exceed the Columbia SAT scores. Applying for the Columbia Early Decision round requires that you plan ahead. That strategy will make your junior-year grades more important than ever.

This article will explain how to become part of the Columbia’s 3.9% acceptance rate with a lower GPA/Columbia SAT score. These tips will help you overcome a low SAT or GPA. Don’t be discouraged, there are other factors than the Columbia average GPA.

How does Columbia University’s application look?

Complete Columbia University applications are more than just checking the boxes. Your "how to get in to Columbia University" plan will be based on a strong, polished application. Each element of your Columbia application must be completed and planned well in advance.

Columbia Early Decision deadline November 1,. Regular Decision deadline January 1,.

The following requirements must be met by applicants:

• The Common Application/Coalition Application
• Supplemental essays from Columbia
• Secondary school reports
• Two teacher recommendations (engineering candidates: science or math teachers)
• After your first semester grade, a midyear report
• For admitted students, only a final school report

These items should be completed well in advance. Click here for more information.

Columbia SAT scores are not required for the 2021-2022 application period. AP scores are also optional.

For more information, including a letter of recommendation or academic research abstract from a mentor, click here.

Our guide contains tips and tricks for writing Columbia supplemental essays.

Columbia interview is also an optional, but strongly recommended, step in your application process. This guide will provide more information about how to apply to Columbia University.

What extracurricular activities does Columbia enjoy?

Instead of asking Columbia what Columbia is interested in, think about what Columbia enjoys. What are your interests? Motivates you? Columbia values intellectual curiosity and depth in students. This is what you should do: Follow your passions!

Extracurriculars are an essential part of your candidate portfolio. This is your one-sentence description about you and your activities. Your candidate profile is your uniqueness. There are many activities you can do. As long as your passion is displayed and you work hard, there is no wrong activity.

Be original in everything you do, including your candidate profile. Don’t attempt to make the extracurricular lists of "typical Columbia applicants". The Dean of Undergraduate admissions reminds aspiring Columbians that there are no standard Columbia University students. Your application should show the Columbia community what your contribution will be.

You should be passionate about a subject, hobby, or sport. Let that passion shine through in the application. Write about your interests and how you spend your time in your Columbia supplemental essays and interview. Your application will be more memorable if you are authentic than any extracurricular activity.

What is Columbia University’s acceptance rates?

Columbia University accepts a lot of students who are looking to apply for admission. Columbia has a 3.9% acceptance rate overall and 10.3% early decision applicants. This is an important statistic. This shouldn’t discourage or alter your application strategy.

The Columbia acceptance rate is affected by standardized test scores. This article will provide more information about acceptance rates. The acceptance rates for universities that had test-optional policies in the 2021-2022 cycle were lower. If you are able to take standardized exams, you should. Your score can give the admissions team another reason to admit you.

Concentrate on each aspect and detail of your application in order to increase your chances of being accepted into the 3.9%. For Columbia Early Decision applicants, you should start studying early in highschool for standardized test preparation. You should also keep your attention on classes to improve your GPA. Your community is your playground. You should strive to be an intellectual leader. Polish your Columbia supplemental essays and get ready for your Columbia interview.

Columbia University requires interviews

Many students want to know more about Columbia University’s interview process. Interviews are conducted by Columbia alumni representatives and students.

Columbia invites not all applicants because there are so many applicants and only so many interviewers. Interviews are conducted via the internet because of the pandemic.

Columbia invites you to interview. Take advantage of this opportunity to stand out from the rest.

Ask questions

Columbia interviews are also a chance to find out more about Columbia University. You should also find out if Columbia is right for you. If you do not have the opportunity to interview, email askastudent@columbia.edu to have your questions answered by a current Columbia student!

Your application and essays will not be read by the interviewer. They will not even have access to your grades or extracurriculars. Your interviewer is looking for characteristics and talents that will make Columbians successful. Talk about your priorities, your goals for the future, and what you are most proud of. Don’t forget about their experiences and to ask any questions about Columbia University.

Columbia Admissions is looking for someone to interview you.

Columbia has more information on their interview process. Visit their website.

How can I write Columbia University essays?

The Columbia supplemental essays were divided into three lists, each with 75 words. One list had 125 words. Three essays had 200 words. These are good guidelines to use when you decide your strategy for "How to get in to Columbia University". However, the lists may change from one year to another.

Your Columbia supplemental essays should include media and video reviews, discussion of how you can contribute to your local community, explanations about why Columbia is for you, and your reasons for choosing Columbia as your major.

Columbia does NOT track demonstrated interests (DI), although universities use this indicator to gauge your interest in the school. Your Columbia supplemental essays should show that you have some knowledge of Columbia. The reader must understand your essay and decide if Columbia is right for you. Are you interested in attending college on an urban campus? Are you excited about the interdisciplinary Core Curriculum

Our Columbia essay guide has more information about the supplemental essays.

What is Columbia’s process for reviewing applications?

There is no secret formula to being accepted into the 3.9% Columbia Acceptance Rate.

Columbia University acceptance rates, Columbia average GPA and Columbia SAT scores are all important factors when considering how to get in. Although these are important factors, you need to consider more than just numbers in order to be accepted into Columbia’s elite ranks.

Columbia follows a holistic process for reviewing applicants, similar to many other top schools. The Understanding the Process website outlines their process. The admissions committee will consider your achievements and how they relate to the environment in which you live. It is complex, but these are the key attributes that admissions committee members look for in applicants:

• Getting ready for college
• Curiosity
• Engage with others
• Individual voice
• Knowledge of Columbia

Each file should be considered

Columbia considers every file an "important puzzle." Admissions officers will read every application carefully and take you into consideration as an individual. They don’t compare you to a Columbia average GPA, Columbia SAT score or Columbia GPA. The University strives to produce a class with students who have "a range of interests, ideologies and identities" to allow them to learn as much as possible from their classmates.

Columbia University has many aspects that are beyond your control. So focus your efforts on those parts that you can influence: extracurriculars, study for the SATs, writing and revising Columbia supplemental essays.

Click here to read some student perspectives on how Columbia University can help you.

Columbia to review my social-media accounts

You might be concerned about how your social media presence could impact your chances of being admitted to Columbia University. Columbia receives thousands of applications every year. This means that readers don’t always have the time or resources to look at each student’s social media profiles.

However, you should not post inappropriate or irresponsible information on social networks. Social media is something you must use responsibly.

Our last suggestion is to keep your options open. Columbia won’t likely see your Instagram or Twitter but there is always a possibility.

Columbia, is it the right school?

Columbia University is a top choice for students looking to apply. They consider the Columbia average GPA, Columbia SAT Scores, and Columbia’s acceptance rate. It doesn’t matter if Columbia College is your choice or Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. You should explore what it would look like to study in Columbia. More information about Columbia’s programs can be found here. Take a look at Columbia’s campus life.

The school’s reputation is one of excellence in academic and extracurricular activities, as well social interactions. Before you decide whether to apply, consider these things:

• Are Columbia’s offerings in line with my interests?
• Who do you see yourself becoming at Columbia?
• What can Columbia do to help me achieve my goals?

Self-reflection is a great way to strengthen your Columbia supplemental essays and improve your Columbia interview. You should not apply to Columbia Early Decision round unless you are certain you will attend. Columbia Early Decision application will be binding, as with all Early Decision applications. Columbia Early Decision is a great option for students who have already chosen Columbia.

More tips for Columbia

1. Your profile should be built

You can overcome Columbia’s acceptance rate by having a strong candidate profile. This is your story through extracurriculars and service. What does your work say about who you are?

2. Your relationships should be nurtured

You should also prepare recommendation letters before the Columbia deadline. Your letters are more in your control than you realize. Begin to build relationships with your teachers as soon as you start class. Ask your teachers to send you letters. Include a list listing your extracurricular activities. Be sure to include your reasons for applying to Columbia University and the major you plan to study.

3. Don’t delay

Start early so you meet the Columbia deadline. You can start planning early in highschool and work on the Columbia application for months before it is due. Spend time refining Columbia supplemental essays.

Columbia’s average GPA/class ranking stats, and Columbia SAT scores are only indicative of the performance of admitted students. They won’t guarantee you a place in the incoming class. But don’t fret about what Columbia is looking for or what the other applications are. For Columbia to be your top choice, submit the strongest and most complete application. Best of luck!