Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private Ivy League research university situated in Morningside Heights, Manhattan. Renowned for its distinctive Core Curriculum, Columbia offers undergraduate programs through Columbia College and Columbia Engineering within a vibrant urban environment.
Acceptance rate
3.9%
Undergrad enrollment
6,750
Test policy
Test optional
Application fee
$85
Application deadlines
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early DecisionEarly Decision | November 1, 2026 |
| Financial AidEarly Decision Financial Aid | November 15, 2026 |
| Regular DecisionRegular Decision | January 1, 2027 |
| Financial AidRegular Decision Financial Aid | February 15, 2027 |
| TransferTransfer Application Deadline | March 1, 2027 |
Supplemental essay prompts
List the titles of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy.
Tell us about an aspect of your life so far or your lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia's multidimensional and collaborative environment.
At Columbia, students representing a wide range of perspectives are invited to live and learn together. In such a community, questions and debates naturally arise. Please describe a time when you did not agree with someone and discuss how you engaged with them and what you took away from the interaction.
In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not anticipate. Please describe a situation in which you have navigated through adversity and discuss how you changed as a result.
Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.
What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering?