Columbia University is the fifth oldest higher education learning center in the United States based in New York City. It is known as a Colonial College, which means it was established prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and there are just 8 others to be distinguished as such. It is also one of the most prestigious universities to get into as of this day.
What is Columbia University?
Columbia University, formerly known as King’s College, is a private ivy league university located on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhattan. As there are only seven other Ivy Leagues, Columbia University is highly competitive and hard to get into.Â
Testing Scores for Admission
According to the college, the average SAT score is around 1530, while the average ACT score is 34. According to the college, students should aim to be between the 25th & 75th percentile to have a realistic chance of getting in. The average weighted GPA of acceptance is around 4.16, which means that GPA is just as important as the main two standardized tests. Columbia University has made a point of saying that there is no preference between test scores and GPA as both are important.Â
Acceptance & Graduation Rate
Being an Ivy League College means that Columbia University is very competitive and has a low acceptance rate of 7%. As such, Columbia University is getting the best of the best, and their graduation rate reflects it as it is an extraordinary 96%.Â
How Are Applicants Rated?
Columbia University requires both a good SAT or ACT score and a GPA that requires students to get A’s and all of their classes, especially during junior year. Along with that, they recommend that students get 4 years of English classes and between 3 to 4 years of mathematics, science, social studies, laboratory experience, and learning a foreign language. They also recommend AP courses and SAT subject tests, but they are not required. Lastly, extracurricular activities are encouraged and highly recommended.
Tips to Get Into Columbia University
- Make sure to take rigorous classes in high school, and take AP classes wherever possible. English classes should be taken during all four years and students should take mathematics courses through pre-calculus and up to calculus if they plan on applying to the engineering school.       Â
- Columbia University does not allow students to superscore their SAT or ACT scores, but they are allowed to submit their highest test scores.Â
- The writing prompts the students must complete as part of their personal statement are Columbia specific, and short answer prompts must be answered in 150 words or less while the limit for the essays of 300.Â
- As Colombia is the first Ivy League college to be featured on our blog, it is important to reiterate that preparing to apply should start in junior high school or during one’s freshman year of high school. At this age, students should make sure to take the PSAT & pre-ACT.Â
How Does Columbia Compare to Other Top Universities?
Columbia University is ranked number 22 in the QS World University Rankings behind the University of Hong Kong and ahead of the University of Tokyo. The yield rate of Columbia University, the percentage of accepted students that decide to enroll is 67%. This is similar to the yield rate of Yale, which is 69%.
Are you or will you be attending Columbia University?
Stock up on gear to show your pride for Columbia. Grab this t-shirt, decals for your laptop, or this Columbia University pennant.
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