We look forward to getting to know you through your application. Be sure to read all contents in this First-Year Admission section as well as the Application Instructionscarefully before beginning an application.
Columbia accepts the Common Application; all first-year candidates must apply online.
We accept applications for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, undergraduate divisions of Columbia University; both serve full-time students only. Potential applicants to Columbia College who have taken a break of more than a year in their educations (with the exception of those in mandatory military service) should consider instead Columbia University School of General Studies; the same is true for all students who wish to attend a part-time program because of personal or professional reasons.
Students interested in pursuing a transatlantic undergraduate educational experience could consider the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po.
Application Requirements- Application InstructionsExplore the requirements for first-year admission to Columbia College and Columbia Engineering.
- What Does Columbia Look For In a Candidate?Learn about the holistic evaluation of candidates at Columbia and how the Committee makes decisions.
- Required Standardized TestingRead details on the standardized tests required for admission, which vary by school and applicant.
- Supplementary MaterialsThe Committee welcomes supplementary materials in science, engineering and the arts.
- InterviewsInterviews, when available, are conducted by alumni volunteers around the world and are not required for admission to Columbia.
- Columbia-Juilliard ExchangeColumbia College partners with The Juilliard School for two programs. Find out more about the programs and applying to the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange.
- Early DecisionColumbia offers both Regular Decision and Early Decision. Find out more about the binding Early Decision program.
- Home-Schooled StudentsFind out more information on applying and admissions requirements for home-schooled students.
- International StudentsFind out more information on applying and admissions requirements for international students.
- Questbridge StudentsColumbia has a partnership with QuestBridge. Find out more information on applying and admissions requirements as a QuestBridge scholar.
- November 1, 2015 Deadline for Early Decisionapplications.
- Mid December Decisions released online to Early Decision candidates.
- January 1, 2016 Deadline for Regular Decision candidates.
- January 15, 2016 Deposit deadline for admitted Early Decision candidates.
- Late March Admissions and financial aid decisions released online to Regular Decision candidates, and invitations mailed for on-campus and regional programs for admitted students.
- May 1, 2016 Deposit deadline for admitted students.
- May 15, 2016 Deadline for requesting deferral of enrollment.
- Late June Final high school transcript due for incoming students.
- Late August Required New Student Orientation Program and academic year begin.