Frequently Asked Questions

Advising

How many Columbia students go on to professional or graduate schools?

Many Columbia students decide to go to graduate or professional school either directly after graduation or after several years of work. Columbia graduates are very successful in gaining admission to professional schools.

In 2008, Columbia undergraduates matriculated at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons (14), The Albert Einstein College of Medicine (8), Harvard Medical School (8), Yale Medical School (8), and Cornell’s Weill Medical College (5). Columbia undergraduates also matriculated at law schools including Columbia Law School (50), Harvard Law School (48), New York University Law School (44) and Yale Law School (12). Students who choose to apply to medicine and law schools work with the Office of Pre-professional Advising throughout the application process.

Related FAQ Topics: Advising, After Columbia, Other Columbia Schools and Programs

If I speak a language other than English, may I be exempt from the Foreign Language requirement in the Core Curriculum?

Yes, if you are fluent in another language, and you pass the placement exam on campus, you may be exempt from the foreign language requirement.

Related FAQ Topics: Advising, International Students

Are there any tutors available?

Tutoring for all subjects is available for students through Academic Success Programs.

Related FAQ Topics: Academics, Advising

Does Columbia grant credit for college courses and credits earned during high school?

No. Entering first-year students are not granted credit for college courses taken before graduation from secondary school. However, a maximum of six credits may be awarded for college courses taken after graduation from high school and prior to matriculation at Columbia. For more specific information, please consult the bulletin of Columbia College or The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Related FAQ Topics: Academics, Advising

Does Columbia grant placement, advanced standing or credit for standardized examinations?

Yes. Some placement, advanced standing or credit may be granted for nationally or internationally standardized examinations. Columbia will grant a maximum of 16 credits toward the bachelor’s degree. For more specific information, please consult the bulletin of Columbia College or The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Related FAQ Topics: Academics, Advising

Are there advisors for specific departmental majors?

Yes. All departments will assign faculty advisors to every student committing to either a major or concentration in that department.

Related FAQ Topics: Academics, Advising, Areas of Study

What are the advising and support services on campus?

All Columbia undergraduates will have a single all-purpose advisor from the Center for Student Advising for all four years.

Related FAQ Topics: Academics, Advising, Parents and Families, Student Life