Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting Campus

What is Columbia’s policy on admissions interviews?

Volunteer members of Columbia’s Alumni Representative Committee, in addition to select Student Interviewers, conduct interviews on behalf of Undergraduate Admissions. You will be contacted directly if an interview is available in the same area as your high school. Because we have a finite number of volunteers to interview many thousands of candidates, we are unable to grant interviews to all of our applicants and cannot guarantee that an interview will be available in any given area. Candidates who are not offered an interview are not at any disadvantage in the admissions process. 

Interviews are not available for transfer candidates.

More information on interview policies and procedures can be found on our website. 

Related FAQ Topics: Applying, Visiting Campus

Do I need to make an appointment to attend an information session or tour?

Reservations for information sessions and campus tours are strongly recommended and required for groups over 10.

If your plans have changed, you do not need to formally cancel your reservation.

The Visit section is designed to help you plan your visit to Columbia.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

I am interested in athletics at Columbia. How do I arrange a meeting with a coach?

Please visit the Columbia Athletics website, search for the sport you are interested in, and click on "Recruit" to complete the form that will be sent to the team's coaches.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

I am interested in speaking with a faculty member, is this possible?

Undergraduate Admissions works closely with faculty and we collaborate for both admissions review and in outreach to admitted students. As prospective students, we encourage you to direct specific academic questions to Undergraduate Admissions at ugrad-ask@columbia.edu.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

How can I find out if Columbia will be visiting my town?

Columbia admissions officers travel to various parts of the country and the world throughout the year, but the majority of our travel occurs during the fall. If you want to know if Columbia will be visiting a location near you, please visit the Columbia Visits You page.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

How do I arrange an on-campus overnight visit?

Undergraduate Admissions does not provide overnight accommodations for prospective students, but you are welcome to stay on campus as a guest of a friend. Alternatively, please refer to our Visitor Information page for a list of hotels and housing options that are within commuting distance to campus.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

My family does not speak English. Does Columbia provide information in other languages?

Columbia provides self-guided walking tours in five other languages to accommodate families that do not speak English. Copies of these self-guided walking tours are available in the Visitor Center.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

What hotels do you recommend that are easily accessible to campus?

There are a number of hotels within easy access to campus. For addresses and phone numbers, see Visitor Information.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

I do not think I can visit Columbia. Is there a way in which I can get a sense of the campus?

We provide an virtual tour that allows prospective students and families throughout the world to gain a better understanding of campus. The tour is led by Columbia students who describe academic and student life on Columbia's historic Morningside Heights campus in the middle of New York City.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

Where is the Visitors Center? And where is Undergraduate Admissions?

The Visitors Center can be found at 213 Low Library. Guests should go to the Visitors Center for all questions regarding Columbia, including checking in for information sessions and campus tours.

Low Library is located in the center of campus, a magnificent domed building facing south toward College Walk-which is a continuation of 116th Street. The Visitors Center is immediately on your left as you enter the building.

Undergraduate Admissions is located at 212 Hamilton Hall. Hamilton Hall is on the southeast corner of College Walk at the heart of campus.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

Does Columbia perform any outreach efforts away from New York?

Columbia has a presence around the world through our outreach efforts. Prospective students will be able to meet current admissions officers at local high school visits, college fairs, community-based organization sessions, Introduction to Columbia information programs and at information sessions offered jointly by Columbia and other colleges. Our efforts are supplemented by members of our Alumni Representative Committee who attend college fairs and other events on Columbia's behalf. Please go to Columbia Visits You for more information on upcoming programs around the world.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

How do I get to campus?

Please consult our Directions to Campus and Parking page to learn how to get to campus.

Related FAQ Topics: Visiting Campus

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