Columbia University Acceptance Rate 

Columbia University is one of the top three universities in the U.S. Unfortunately, while every student wishes to study there, Columbia University’s acceptance rate is so low that it cannot take all applicants.

So, if you are looking at applying to CU next year, soon, or sometime in the future, you must read this article.

This article will help you know everything you need to excel and gain admission into Columbia University with little or no stress.

Also, students seeking transfer into this prestigious college must consider their GPA, the university’s admission requirement, and its transfer acceptance rate.

Hence, this article will let you into the world of Columbia university. It will analyze and answer questions on its transfer acceptance rate, tuition fees, and admission requirements, alongside why you should study at this school.

Why Study at Columbia University?

Firstly, Columbia University is a school where you’ll see people from different walks of life. In this institution, you will find students from over thirty countries worldwide. Interestingly, the admission process does not favor any gender or race.

In fact, more than thirty percent of the students are Blacks, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American.

Secondly, the institution has a one-of-a-kind core curriculum. This core curriculum started in the U.S. from this institution in 1919.

Here, most freshmen offer western literature called Literature Humanities, which takes them two semesters to complete. However, this will teach them about ancient Greeks philosophers like Homer, Aeschylus, Euripides, and Plato. This study lasts for two hours.

Many students take the following course in the core: Contemporary Civilization in their second year. This course takes two semesters to complete.

However, the remaining two courses are Art Humanities and Music Humanities. These two core courses teach students about the wonderful advantage of the New York City learning environment.

Thirdly, Columbia University is known for research and inventions in the natural sciences. In addition, seven faculty members and alumni of this institution are winners of the Nobel prize in chemistry; nineteen Nobel prize winners in physics; thirteen Nobel prize winners in physiology or medicine.

Professors from this university have been awarded the National Medal of Science on twelve occasions.

Furthermore, Columbia University has a balanced academic work and campus life. Actually, students of this school live all around the campus.

They enjoy clubs, restaurants, pubs, and the college library, which are always open 24/7. Also, many students hold symposia on religion, philosophy, or science. Some also engage in concert performances or club meetings on campus.

Additionally

What makes Columbia University stand out is its manageable size. Having an undergraduate enrollment of about 3,600, this school is the smallest liberal arts college in the Ivy League. The School of Engineering and Applied Science is the smallest among the best engineering schools in the U.S. having about 1,000 undergraduate enrollment.

You can also read: University of Georgia Acceptance Rate

How do I get into Columbia University?

Well, the management of Columbia University makes a comprehensive assessment of all applicants during the admission process. So, you must be intentional with every part of your application that matters a lot. This is because the institution reads personal statements to understand each candidate’s motivation.

Thus, every candidate seeking admission into Columbia university is examined from the application by several officers to know if the student is the best fit for the college.

Well, the following are things that can make you gain admission to Columbia University:

  • Firstly, you need a good curriculum and grades because Columbia seeks brilliant students.
  • Secondly, make sure that your application has very promising extracurricular activities.
  • Thirdly, you must show that you have good character. This is because the character you have will have an impact on the campus.
  • Finally, try to check for changes to the application and new prompts. If your grades and test results are fantastic, prepare immediately for your essays. Try to check up on past and present essays and study them very well.

How can I make my application stand out?

Actually, the admission committee of Columbia University takes students who are good at both academic and extracurricular activities. Also, students can show an interest in learning and a commitment to taking advantage of the resources available in Columbia.

Above all, the admission staff suggests that intending students demonstrate that they intend to give back to their communities.

According to Columbia admissions experts, try and find extracurricular activities that interest and challenge you. Most importantly, if you have won some trophies in football, make sure that you include it in your extracurriculars. The aim is to show the institution that you have a talent and you can express yourself outside the classroom.

Read: University of Georgia Acceptance RateRead more

What are the admission requirements for Columbia University?

The following are the general requirements for admission to Columbia:

  • Applicants must fill out the Common Application, answer the supplementary questions of the school, and pay an application fee of $85. The applicant may apply for a fee waiver.
  • Candidates must submit an ACT or SAT score and their writing score.
  • Applicants must provide their high school transcript and a school report.
  • Also, candidates should provide two letters of recommendation from their teachers and one from the guidance counselor.
  • Additionally, candidates are required to provide a mid-year report.

New Freshman

The following are the admission requirement for applicants with no post-high school:

  • Firstly, the applicant must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0.
  • Secondly, the candidate must possess 21 ACT or 1600 SAT scores or be among the top half of their graduating class.
  • Also, the aspiring student should complete the twelve units of college prep work with a minimum of a grade of C or higher in each course. This can only be considered if ACT/SAT composite score does not meet the minimum admission requirements.

Transfer Freshman

The admission requirement for transfer applicants is that the applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0, which includes all credits taken at all institutions attended.

Columbia University SAT score requirements

Most schools require that you submit the SAT or ACT score. But for admission to Columbia University, the average SAT score composite is 1510 on the 1600 SAT scale.

However, the percentiles for the different sections of the SAT at Columbia University are as follows:

SectionAverage25th Percentile 75th Percentile
Maths770740800
Reading and Writing740710760
Composite151014501560

Actually, the Score Choice policy at Columbia University is “Highest Section.” This is also called “Superscoring”.

Columbia University ACT score requirements

Well, Columbia University does not have a hard ACT score requirement. But this should not make your score very low. If you do, you won’t be considered for admission.

The average ACT score you need for admission at Columbia University is 34. So, this score makes Columbia University’s acceptance rate low, and the competition for ACT scores is high.

Also, the 25th percentile ACT score is 33, while the 75th percentile ACT score is 35.

Read this: UPENN Acceptance Rate in 2024 | Admission Requirements

What GPA do I need for admission to Columbia University?

Actually, Columbia University requires a GPA of 4.13, and you must be at the top of your class. Also, you’ll need A’s throughout all your classes to compete with other applicants.

Similarly, you should also take several AP or IB classes to show your ability to succeed academically.

Whether junior or senior, your GPA should be at least 4.13, you’ll need a very high SAT score to compensate and show that you’re ready to do college academics. With this, you’ll compete very well with other students.

Read our: University of Central Florida (UCF) Acceptance Rate | 2024

What is Columbia University’s Acceptance Rate?

Columbia University which has more than 100 academic programs, is an institution that several students dream of. This is the reason why Columbia University’s graduate school acceptance rate is low.

On the other hand, the institution accepted 2,214 students out of the 40,203 applicants the previous year. That doesn’t mean aspiring Columbia attendees should give up on their dreams.

Also, the school’s admissions website uses a comprehensive admission process. This means that the school considers every aspect, both qualitative and quantitative, of a candidate’s application. Columbia University normally accepts “A-” average high school students.

In summary, the acceptance rate at Columbia University is 7%.

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Academics at Columbia University 

Basically, the student-faculty ratio at Columbia University is 6:1, and the school has 82.1 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students.

The most popular majors at Columbia University are:

  • Economics
  • Computer Science
  • Political Science and Government
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • History
  • Biology
  • English
  • Philosophy
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology

Thus, the average freshman retention rate, evidence of student satisfaction, is 99%.

Is there Financial Aid at Columbia University?

At Columbia University, students may get scholarships based on academic or athletic ability, interest in a particular major, or volunteer work. Also, a student may get some financial aid if the person is a member of an ethnic or religious group.

On the other hand, most of these scholarships are awarded based on your or your family’s financial situation.

Also, the Federal Work-Study program is a type of grant which students get through part-time employment. Though it can differ in amount and availability by the institution, it can be given based on need.

Generally, half of the full-time undergraduates get scholarships, and the median need-based grant is $55,661. In summary, the percentage of students receiving financial aid is 59%.

You can read this: Johns Hopkins University Acceptance Rate in 2024 | Admission

How much is Tuition Fee at Columbia University?

While the undergraduate tuition fee of Columbia University is $59,430, the graduate school tuition fee is $48,390. Besides, about 59.83% of the admitted undergraduate students get scholarship aid worth $41,752.

With financial aid, a student may pay an average of $35,104, including tuition, fees, book, supplies, and living costs.

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What is the Student life at Columbia University like?

Columbia University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,202, with a gender distribution of 51 percent male and 49 percent female students. At Columbia University, the percentage of students that live in college-owned houses is 92%, while the percentage of off-campus students is 8%.

In addition, Columbia supports veterans and those who want a career in the armed forces. Similarly, undergraduate students have access to one or more ROTC programs. In fact, there is an active student veteran group on the Columbia University campus.

In sports, Columbia University is part of the NCAA I and has 844 student-athletes, 463 men and 381 women, who compete in intercollegiate athletics.

FAQs on Columbia University Acceptance Rate in 2023

What SAT score is used to gain admission into Columbia University?

The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1450 to 1560. Similarly, 59% of students submit SAT scores during the application process.
The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 33 to 35. Also, 51% of the applicants submit SAT scores during the application process.


Actually, only 6% of those who apply to Columbia University are granted admission. Admission to Columbia is very competitive, and the institution has one of the best standards for admission.

Is Columbia University an Ivy League school?

Yes, Columbia University is an Ivy League.

When is admission at Columbia University released?

Actually, Columbia University releases their early decision applications by Nov. 1. In the same vein, students will receive an admission decision in mid-December. This is according to the university’s website.

Conclusion

Columbia University, ranked #1 among the best colleges for philosophy, #2 as the best college in English and performing arts in America, is the dream of many students. Unfortunately, the university can not admit all.

Hence, when compared to the number of applicants, the Columbia University acceptance rate is very low.

If you wish to study philosophy, English, and performing arts, this is the right school for you. However, it does not mean this school is not good for other majors. It is among the first five oldest institutions in the United States of America.

Interestingly, Columbia University produced a one-time president of the United States of America, Barack Obama.

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