Admission to Columbia is not based on a simple formula of grades and test scores. A variety of factors are considered including: grades, extracurricular interests, achievements and personal background.
 

Columbia follows a committee-based strategy; no candidate is admitted to Columbia College or Engineering without discussion and examination of the application by multiple officers.

 

Factors In choosing an applicant?

A variety of factors help the committee make a decision on a candidate including:

 

• Grades

• Who The candidiate is (family circumstances, secondary school, community, interests and access to resources)

• Activities Outside of the classroom

• The candidates character or personality, does it fit in columbias culture, diverse, residential campus.

• Doesnt the candidate fit the whole Ivy League school philosphy where curious thinkers come to grow.

• Teacher Recommendations.

 

Advice from Students

 

“Columbia is amazing! Don’t worry about fitting in here because even if you stand out, you will find a community.”
 

Jake O.; Accra, Ghana; History, African Studies
 

 

“As an international student, I must encourage students from abroad to come to Columbia to pursue their academic goals. Situated in New York City, it is a great place to not only learn about American culture but also to find other international peers.”
 

 

Marek S.; Slusovice, Czech Republic; Neuroscience and Behavior

 

References

 

First Year Admissions: http://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/first-year