For the QuestBridge Match Program we can consider only students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or students granted refugee visas. Foreign students (that is, those who are neither US citizens nor permanent residents, even if now living in the United States) are welcome to apply for Early Decision or Regular Decision. All foreign applicants are evaluated in a need-aware manner, which means that the admissions committee takes into consideration how much financial aid a student requires when rendering an admissions decision. Columbia admits a large number of foreign students who receive a substantial amount of financial aid. Students from over 90 countries are represented in our undergraduate student body.
QuestBridge
Can international students apply through QuestBridge?
Do you offer a fly-in program or travel funding for prospective QuestBridge participants or scholars?
No. You are always welcome to visit our campus for a campus tour or information session as well as any open houses or events we host on or off campus throughout the year. You can find more information on the Visit section of our website.
Can I track my QuestBridge application online?
Since QuestBridge processes your application and forwards documents to us on your behalf, we cannot provide you with online tracking. Please note that someone from our or QuestBridge’s Office will be in touch if we are missing a part of your application.
How do I apply to Columbia through the QuestBridge National College Match?
You must submit both the Common Application and the Columbia supplement along with your QuestBridge application. If you are a QuestBridge Finalist and applying through the Match Process, you must apply under our Regular Decision program. You can find a detailed list of required documents on the QuestBridge website under the Columbia University College Match Requirements.
Is the Match Process binding?
The National College Match at Columbia University is binding.
What if I am a QuestBridge finalist and choose to not follow through with the Match process or if I am not matched with a college or university?
If you have submitted the Common Application and Columbia Supplement as a QuestBridge finalist, you will automatically be considered for Regular Decision admission unless you contact Columbia and withdraw your application or are matched with another college or university. All applicants must submit the Common Application with the Columbia supplement along with their QuestBridge application. We will not accept or review your QuestBridge application in lieu of the Common Application and Supplement. Please note that if you match with a school that has a binding admission offer, you are not eligible for consideration in our Regular Decision process. You must check with your match school to be sure you understand the terms of your match.
If I am not named a finalist in the College Match Program, may I apply to Columbia?
Yes. Many QuestBridge students will not participate in the Match Process and will pursue admission to Columbia under our Early Decision or Regular Decision programs. Please explore our general requirements and deadlines for more information.
If I am a QuestBridge Finalist, do I need to submit an application fee?
The application fee is automatically waived for QuestBridge Finalists. Please check the Fee Waiver box on the Common Application. If you are a QuestBridge non-finalist, guidance counselors and school officials may request a fee waiver on your behalf.
If I am not admitted to Columbia through the Match Process, what kind of financial aid will be offered?
Financial aid at Columbia is need-based. There are no academic, athletic or talent-based institutional scholarships. Columbia meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all students admitted as first-years, including foreign students, and we continue to meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated financial need for all four years of study. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid and Educational Financing website. QuestBridge Scholars can anticipate receiving the financial aid outlined in our College Match Scholarship Package.
Is testing required for QuestBridge applicants?
Yes. You must submit scores from the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests. If you are applying to Columbia Engineering, you must take the Math and either Physics, Biology or Chemistry SAT Subject Tests. You may also choose to take the ACT Assessment instead.
You must be sure to request that your scores be reported directly to Columbia every time you take a standardized test. The approriate SAT code is 2116 (Columbia College or Columbia Engineering) or for the ACT, 2717.