Home-schooled students often have specific questions about the admissions process. We have included some frequently asked questions below. You should also explore the Applications and Admission Process pages for extensive information on our admissions process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Columbia evaluate home-schooled students?

Every application receives the careful attention of several members of the professional admissions staff, and decisions are made only after review by a committee of these officers.  In each case, admissions officers are weighing many components of a candidate’s background: academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, extracurricular distinction, special talents and abilities and many others.

Who fills out the Secondary School Report and what is required, since I do not have a traditional transcript?

You must send a copy of your curriculum for the past four years.  If you have been following an accredited home-school program, you must provide us with that program’s published curriculum.  If you have been taking courses at a local college or other educational institution, have the official transcript from that experience submitted to Columbia.

In addition, home-schooled students should also submit The Common Application’s Home School Supplement.

What standardized tests are necessary for application? 

All applicants to Columbia College and Columbia Engineering are required to take either the SAT or the ACT with Writing. Home-schooled students are required to take four SAT Subject Tests.  For the College, the tests can be in any four subjects; for Engineering, applicants must take 1) Mathematics at either Level 1 or Level 2, 2)  Chemistry or Physics, and 3) any other two of their choice.

Who fills out the teachers’ evaluations if I have not been in a classroom setting?

If you have taken classes at a local college or university or had an instructor or tutor brought in to teach one or more particular subjects, that instructor should write the recommendation.  Otherwise, your home-schooling instructor may write it, even if he or she is your parent.

Will I get credit for college courses taken while I was completing my secondary education? 

Columbia does not grant any credit for college courses taken during a student’s secondary education.

Is a high school diploma required for admission and matriculation?

Homeschooled candidates who are also applicants for financial aid must be certain that they meet U.S. government guidelines.  See www.fafsa.gov for more information.

How many home-schooled students are at Columbia College and Columbia Engineering?

Home-schooled students make up approximately 1% of the undergraduate student body at Columbia.

What is the required preparation for admission to Columbia?

Columbia doesn’t have a “required” curriculum for its applicants.  However, we do recommend that students have four years of English literature and composition, three or four years of mathematics, three or four years of one foreign language (ancient or modern), three or four  years of history and social studies, and three or four years of a laboratory science.