How to get into Columbia: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements for International Students

Before we get into the whole discussion on how to get into Columbia, let us first list some of the reasons that make Columbia University so attractive to study abroad aspirants.

• Student-Friendly Location: Situated in Morningside Heights, New York City, Columbia's campus is located in a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood. Students have access to all that New York City has to offer, including world-class museums, theatres, and restaurants. Commuting is also quite easy from and to Columbia University.
• Prestigious Alums: The university has a long list of accomplished alumni, including four presidents, forty-six Olympians, eighty-four Nobel laureates, ninety-nine Pulitzer laureates, and several celebrities.
• Placements: A full-time position in the technology, telecom, and internet sectors was obtained by 33% of Columbia alumni in 2023. In the financial services industry, firms such as Biz2Credit and Berenberg Capital Markets employed about 26% of the graduates.
• Major Recruiting Firms: Amazon, ByteDance, Dell, eBay, Facebook, Intuit, and Vivo are a few of the major firms that recruit Columbia graduates. Working at such firms gives students a major kickstart in their careers.

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Now, let us get to the elemental part. The acceptance rate, admission process, deadlines, and more of getting into Columbia University.

If you want to attend Columbia, you must be an active achiever. Here are a few pointers on Columbia University requirements for international students:

• Write appealing essays
• Score highly on your standardized admission test
• Engage in extracurricular activities that highlight your skills and attributes
• Do well in all of your high school classes

What is the Acceptance Rate at Columbia University?

Columbia University requirements are quite intense, therefore, getting into Columbia is quite competitive. The acceptance rate of the Columbia University for the class of 2023 was a pitiful 5.2%. Among the best colleges and universities in the country, Columbia is tied for third place. Just five of every 100 applicants for the class of 2023 were accepted, which is an extremely low acceptance rate.

Columbia University ranks 22 in the QS world university 2023 ranking. If you want to get into Columbia, your grades are crucial. It will take a lot of work to get accepted at Columbia. Columbia University requirements for international students admission are rigorous and hard.

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International students should find solace in knowing that, despite their perceptions, the admissions procedure at abroad universities is the same for all students worldwide. The steps you must take as part of the Columbia University admissions application process are as follows:

1. Ace the SAT/ACT

International applicants to Columbia University must submit their SAT/ACT results to be considered for admission. According to Columbia, the required minimum scores are ACT: 34–35 and SAT: 1440–1570.

2. Ace the GRE/GMAT

Achieving an excellent GRE/GMAT score is a requirement for international applicants to Columbia University's postgraduate programs, which includes the MBA program. The range for a GMAT score is 700–760.

3. English Proficiency Tests

If you are a non-native English speaker, like India, you will need to take an English proficiency test to demonstrate to Columbia University that you are proficient in both written and spoken English. The university-accepted TOEFL iBT and IELTS scores are 100 and 7.0, respectively.

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4. Complete The Application Procedure

Using the official university website, you can submit your application to the university. Your SAT/ACT results, English proficiency test results, high school transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and any additional papers requested should all be uploaded.

5. Interview

If your application is shortlisted, then you will have an interview with the university board of directors. This is the chance to demonstrate your soft skills and passion regarding your subject area and attending the university.

6. Pay The Application Fee and Wait To Receive The Acceptance Letter

Await the arrival of your acceptance letter after paying the application fee. The application fees at the Columbia university ranges between USD 85 - 250 / INR 7,080 - 20,750, varying program-wise.

7. Start Your Term

Once you have cleared the interview and secured a spot in your desired course, pay your tuition fee, and off you go!

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Being unaware of the accurate deadlines for early, late, fall, spring, summer, or winter intakes can prove detrimental in your quest to study at Columbia University or any university abroad. Hence, be mindful of the following dates:

• The closing date for early decision applications is November 1.
• The QuestBridge National College Match submission deadline is November 1st.
• Early decision financial aid applications must be submitted by November 15.
• Online announcement of early decision applicants' decisions in mid-December.
• The standard decision application deadline is January 1.
• Early January is the deadline for early decision applicants to submit deposits.
• The deadline for normal financial aid applications is February 15.
• Decisions on applications for routine decisions are published in late March.
• For a normal decision, the deposit deadline is May 1.
• Requests for enrollment deferrals must be submitted by May 15.
• The final transcript submission deadline is in late June.

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Columbia University considers more than simply your test results and performance. Surely, applicants with exceptional intellectual promise are sought after by Columbia. But, they also look for students who have a strong moral code and a sincere desire to change the world. What qualities does Columbia University seek in a candidate?

• Your grades and high school courses.
• Your peer group, familial situation, high school, and support systems.
• The overall quality of extracurricular activities, how it will benefit the Columbia community, and your moral integrity.
• Your letters of recommendation demonstrate your promise and intellectual interest.

Columbia University Requirements for Tests

To be admitted to Columbia, you must have a weighted GPA of between 4.1 and 4.5. Not only must you get a high GPA, but you also need to succeed in challenging courses like honours and AP courses. In addition to your high school transcripts, Columbia University will also review the results of the several standardised tests you must take to be admitted to a course.

The following table compiles the combined score requirements for the several tests:

International applicants to Columbia University must meet the requirements and provide any additional paperwork to be accepted. Sorting documents beforehand can ease the entire application process for you.

The following list of documents must be submitted alongside the Columbia University applications for getting admitted into any program there:

• Proof of high school educational credentials
• ACT/SAT scores
• GRE/GMAT scores
• Results of English proficiency tests like the TOEFL/IELTS
• Letters of Recommendations
• Statement of Purpose
• CV
• USA student visa
• Passport copies
• Passport-size photographs
• Proof of funds

In the final sections, we elaborate on the admission requirements and test scores that Columbia University expects from students. So, keep perusing!

The university offers some of the top resources for placement counselling. Nearly 95% of Columbia University alumni find employment immediately after graduation. The following are some of the most recent facts and figures on the employment of Columbia University graduates:

• In 2022, 6,436 one-on-one career counselling sessions were held.
• 401 CCE-sponsored activities, seminars, and programs happened in 2022.
• As a part of our Columbia Experience Overseas (CEO) programs, 574 students have completed an internship overseas.
• 97.8% of undergraduate degree holders at Columbia College and Columbia Engineering had at least one internship while attending the school.
• The median starting salary for working Columbia College and Columbia Engineering graduates is USD 80,000 / INR 66,36,040.

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Prepare ahead of time if you want to improve your chances of getting into Columbia University. Remember to establish a solid academic foundation and perform well on any other relevant exams. Aside from that, have confidence in your abilities and be upbeat. Explore, participate, and lead!

Worried about what your life as an international student will be like in a  bustling city? Need assistance with shortlisting and applying to universities abroad? Get in touch with the most reliable Yocket experts. Whether you want to explore options or want to streamline your application to your dream universities, we are here to help with everything.

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