First-Year Admission

We look forward to getting to know you through your application. Be sure to read all contents in this First-Year Admission section as well as the Application Instructions carefully before beginning an application.

Columbia only accepts the Common Application, and all first-year candidates must apply online unless they do not have access to the internet.

We accept applications for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, undergraduate divisions of Columbia University; both serve full-time students only. Potential applicants to Columbia College who have taken a break of more than a year in their educations (with the exception of those in mandatory military service) should consider instead Columbia University School of General Studies; the same is true for all students who wish to attend a part-time program because of personal or professional reasons.

Students interested in pursuing a transatlantic undergraduate educational experience could consider the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po.

Application Requirements

Other Programs 

  • Columbia-Juilliard Exchange
    Columbia College partners with The Juilliard School for two programs. Find out more about the programs and applying to the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange.
  • Early Decision
    Columbia offers both Regular Decision and Early Decision. Find out more about the binding Early Decision program.
  • Home-Schooled Students
    Find out more information on applying and admissions requirements for home-schooled students.
  • International Students
    Find out more information on applying and admissions requirements for international students.
  • Questbridge Students
    Columbia has a partnership with QuestBridge. Find out more information on applying and admissions requirements as a QuestBridge scholar.

Request Information

Are you on the Columbia mailing list? Please make sure to fill out our inquiry form to receive more information about admission to Columbia, your areas of interest and Columbia events both on campus and in your area.

Advice from Students

“I would advise students going through the college application process to trust themselves. I remember when I was applying to schools that everyone had a strong opinion: my parents' friends, my teachers, even my hairdresser. Ultimately, you know best what is right for you. Listen to what people are saying, but if you have a gut feeling that you know what you want, it's okay to ignore everyone else and follow your dreams.”

“When you are visiting a school, try to talk to as many current students as possible. Are they people you could see yourself being friends with? Can you see someone you would like to be in an upperclassman? ”

View all advice