Supplementary Materials

While we request that the submission of supplementary credentials be kept to a minimum, there may be occasions where such credentials provide information that the standard application does not. As a result, some recommendations are detailed below. Please note that we specifically ask that you do not send collections of award certificates and the like and explicitly direct that you refrain from submitting your application in binders or folders. Please be sure to include your name, Columbia ID number or Social Security number (if applicable) and secondary school on each item you provide and understand that such materials become part of your application and cannot be returned to you.

Science and Engineering

If you have been involved in scientific research and you are interested in pursuing a career in the sciences or engineering at Columbia, we welcome a 1-2 page scientific abstract you may provide for our review.

Creative and Performing Arts

If you are considering a major or concentration in Architecture, Creative Writing, Dance, Drama and Theatre Arts, Jazz Studies, Film Studies, Music or Visual Arts, or if you wish to contribute to the creative and performing arts community at Columbia through extracurricular involvement, we welcome supplementary credentials and materials (such as compact discs, slides, or professional resumes) that reflect your artistic ability and commitment. Please follow the directions below to submit the appropriate supplement for the appropriate interest. Note that we are unable to return materials to you.

Musical performance compact discs should include two works contrasting in period and tempo. The disc should clearly indicate the type of submission: jazz, piano, voice, or instrumental (please indicate the instrument). The disc must list the composer, name of the work and any movement title or opus number. Discs should be limited to no more than 20 minutes in length and should not include any biographical or introductory material. Candidates applying to the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange should still submit a disc for Columbia faculty to assess your talent and potential.

Artistic slides should be kept to one page and highlight the best work in your portfolio.

Please note that while professional resumes which detail your artistic involvement in dance, film, theatre or writing are welcome, digital video discs (DVD) and video cassette tapes (VHS), and writing samples will not be reviewed.

Finally, please be advised that while we welcome the submission of such credentials (providing they follow the directions outlined above) and we often request that our faculty evaluate submitted supplements, we can provide no guarantee that such materials will actually be reviewed or evaluated (as they are not required for the admission process).