Application Requirements
All candidates must apply online. Please read the Application Instructions carefully before beginning an application. Please note that Columbia only accepts The Common Application.
The following are required components of a complete application:
- The Common Application:
- Autobiographical information
- $80 application fee (or fee waiver from a school official)
- Lists and descriptions of student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities
- One personal statement
- Columbia Supplement to The Common Application
(see What Does Columbia Look For In a Candidate?)- One short answer response regarding interest in Columbia
- For engineering applicants, one short answer regarding interest in Engineering
- Additional Columbia-specific short answer questions
There is no official income cut-off for financial aid eligibility. Since eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined by many factors, we encourage you to apply if you are concerned about your ability to pay.
- 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 or science 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 Agreement
(see Early Decision) - Home School Supplement (only for home-schooled applicants)
(see Home-Schooled Students) - International School Supplement (only for students applying from secondary schools using a non-U.S.educational system)
(see International Admissions & Financial Aid) - 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.
