Application Requirements

All candidates must apply online. Please read the Application Instructions carefully before beginning an application. Please note that Columbia does not accept the Common Application or the Universal College Application.

The following are required components of a complete application:

• Application for Admission 1:
  • Autobiographical information
  • $75 application fee (or fee waiver from a school official
• Application for Admission 2
  (see What Does Columbia Look For In a Candidate?)
  • Lists and descriptions of student’s achievements, activities, interests, employment and summer activities
  • One short answer response regarding interest in Columbia
  • For engineering applicants, one short answer regarding interest in Engineering
  • One personal statement

• Secondary School Report
  • An official high school transcript (from all schools attended)
  • One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile
  • The completed Mid-Year School Report
• Required Standardized Testing
  (see Required Standardized Testing)
  • SAT and/or ACT exams
  • Two SAT Subject Test scores (for Engineering applicants, Math 1 or 2 and Physics or Chemistry)
  • English proficiency examination score (if necessary)
• Two Teacher Recommendations
  • For engineering applicants, one must come from a math teacher
  • These recommendations must be from a teacher who taught you in academic disciplines

Additional components of the application which may make it complete:

• Early Decision candidate agreement
  (see Early Decision)
• Optional interview with an alumnus or alumna
  (see Interviews)
• Supplementary materials
  (see Supplementary Materials)

Please note that Columbia reserves the right to evaluate an application and render a final decision even if all pieces of the application have not been received.