Columbia University is located in New York and is the oldest university in the state of the same name. Thanks to its Ivy League college status, the number of applications it receives is greater than the places actually available, so many aspire to access its many undergraduate and graduate programs. While some of them are more competitive than others, candidates can increase their chances of being admitted by planning ahead, getting high grades and getting good scores on entrance tests. Well-written essays are also an integral part of the application process. Additionally, some programs require resumes and letters of recommendation. If you want to know more, here are the steps to get into Columbia University.
Steps
Step 1. Talk to Columbia University graduates
Contact the program of your choice at the college to ask if they can give you a list of alumni to talk to about the nature of their academic experience and how they prepared for the program.
Step 2. Develop academic strengths
Barnard College is a Columbia-affiliated humanities-only college for women; it admits female students who have solid academic foundations. The institution recommends that female students prepare for the program by enrolling in advanced and accelerated high school courses in subjects such as math, English, science, history and foreign languages.
Step 3. Try to get a high Grade Point Average (GPA)
Columbia College and SEAS, the undergraduate institutions for newly graduated high school students, usually admit students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. The GPA is only one of many factors considered in an application for admission, but having a high one will increase your chances of being caught.
Step 4. Prepare for the expected standardized test
Find out about the test required for your specific program.
- Take the appropriate test to enter an undergraduate program. They may require you to take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) for admission to an undergraduate program.
- Study for the standardized tests provided for graduate programs. Each graduate program has its own requirements for testing. Columbia University's Teachers College, for example, requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international students.
- Score high on the standardized test. Due to the competitive nature of Columbia University's application process, a high standardized test score, along with a noteworthy GPA, will increase your chances for admission. Ask the admissions office what the average of the standardized test scores of students admitted in the past is. Depending on the program, this information may also be provided online.
Step 5. Fill out the university application form
- Visit the Columbia University program website. Download the form to fill out or complete the online application.
- Collect relevant documents related to the schools you attended, your GPA and test scores.
- Answer all the questions in the application carefully. Provide clear and precise answers to avoid possible misunderstandings.
Step 6. Write an essay
- Follow the instructions to the letter. Pay particular attention to the length, topic, and format of the autobiographical essay.
- Ask other people to review your essay before sending it. You can ask trusted friends, your teachers and / or your relatives, who should make comments regarding its clarity and effectiveness.
- Correct the essay before submitting it. You must send an impeccable text, free of grammatical errors and typos.
Step 7. Enter the letters of recommendation
The application process typically involves adding letters of recommendation, which you can request from professors, employers, community leaders, and others who are distinctly familiar with your work ethic, communication skills, and your skills.
Step 8. If requested, submit your resume
Application forms for graduate programs usually require a resume to have a window into your work history and achievements. Provide a well-structured CV that highlights your most important milestones.
Step 9. Consult the program website for application processing procedures
The various programs indicate the duration of the process. Most of them allow you to check the status of your application online.
