Frequently Asked Questions

QuestBridge

Can I track my QuestBridge application online?

Please use your application status page to make sure your admissions application is complete. In order to access your status page, you will first need to select "Reset Password" and follow the instructions from there. Instructions for tracking your financial aid information will be emailed to you after you have submitted your financial aid documentation.

Applicants should maintain a valid email address during the entire application process, as most of our information is communicated electronically. Please ensure that your email account preferences and security settings permit Columbia University-sent email to be delivered without filtering or junk mail routing. If your email address changes, please notify us immediately on the application status page.

If you have any additional credentials you wish to include in your application, you may submit them directly via the application status page. 

Related FAQ Topics: QuestBridge

I am not a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. Can I apply for the QuestBridge National College Match with Columbia?

Yes, Columbia will consider students who are not US Citizens or Permanent Residents for the QuestBridge National College Match. 

Non-citizens and international students are an integral part of the university and Columbia is deeply committed to enrolling a student body that includes students from around the world. We do not have a separate application or process for international students. Please refer to our website for more information.

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Do you offer a fly-in program or travel funding for prospective QuestBridge participants or scholars?

We do not have fly-in programs for prospective applicants or QuestBridge scholars. 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.

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How does the QuestBridge College Match work with Columbia?

The QuestBridge website lists all of Columbia's admissions requirements. Please do not submit a Common or Coalition Application. In addition to the materials submitted as part of your QuestBridge application, we require our Columbia QuestBridge Questionnaire. The Columbia QuestBridge Questionnaire can be accessed via your application status page and is due on November 1, 2020.

Columbia will accept the SAT and ACT scores included as part of your QuestBridge application. Self-reported scores are accepted, though please note that our office will verify scores for all enrolling students, and any discrepancies between official and self-reported scores may jeopardize a student's place in the class. Any new or updated scores may be uploaded through the application status page.

Financial Aid Requirements: All students that rank Columbia through the National College Match must submit the following financial aid information by November 1, 2020:

  • 2021-2022 FAFSA. Columbia's FAFSA code is 002707.
  • 2021-2022 CSS PROFILE online (including Noncustodial PROFILE, if applicable). Columbia's CSS code is 2116.
  • 2019 Tax Returns & W2s
  • Parent or Guardian's most recent 2019 pay stubs

These documents should be faxed to (212) 854-5353 ATTN: QUESTBRIDGE as soon as possible and no later than November 1, 2020.

Related FAQ Topics: QuestBridge

Does Columbia provide fee waivers for the CSS Profile?

The CSS Profile service provides fee waivers to qualifying domestic first-time, first-year students from families with low incomes and limited assets. 

Eligibility for fee waivers is automatically assessed at the time you submit the CSS Profile, and the waiver covers the costs of the registration fee for up to eight school reports.  Please contact the College Board with any additional questions regarding CSS Profile fee waivers.

Columbia does not offer additional fee waivers to domestic students.

If you have additional questions regarding the financial aid process, please contact Financial Aid and Educational Financing at ugrad-finaid@columbia.edu or 212-854-3711.

Related FAQ Topics: Financial Aid, QuestBridge

Is the QuestBridge Match Process binding?

Yes, the National College Match at Columbia University is binding.

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Can students who are undocumented apply to Columbia through QuestBridge?

Yes, Columbia considers all interested finalists to the QuestBridge National College Match program, regardless of citizenship status.

Related FAQ Topics: QuestBridge, International and Undocumented Students

If I become a QuestBridge Finalist and I am not matched, will Columbia consider my QuestBridge application for admission to Columbia during Regular Decision?

If you have submitted a complete application to Columbia as a QuestBridge Finalist through the National College Match, you will automatically be considered for Regular Decision admission unless you contact Columbia and withdraw your application or are matched with a binding college or university. 

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I have sent recommendation letters and a secondary school report through the QuestBridge application; do I need to re-submit these forms if I am applying to Columbia?

No. We will accept the materials sent through your QuestBridge Application for our process. However, all school materials must be uploaded by a school official. If you submitted your own transcript to QuestBridge, we cannot accept that submission and request that you have a school official send a copy of your transcript to ugrad-confirm@columbia.edu with your name high school and date of birth.

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If I am not named a finalist in the QuestBridge College Match Program, may I apply to Columbia?

Yes. Students who are not selected as Finalists must submit the Common Application or Coalition Application. Columbia does not accept the QuestBridge application in lieu of these applications. Please note that you may submit the essay you composed for the QuestBridge application for your Common Application or Coalition Application if the content is appropriate for the essay prompts.

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May I use the same essay I submitted to QuestBridge for the Common Application or Coalition Application?

QuestBridge Finalists should not submit any additional applications besides their QuestBridge Application. If you are applying Regular Decision and would prefer to have your Common or Coalition Application be evaluated, please contact us at questbridge@columbia.edu .

Related FAQ Topics: QuestBridge

If I am not admitted to Columbia through the QuestBridge Match Process, what kind of financial aid will be offered?

All of Columbia’s financial aid is need-based. All financial aid packages, including those of QuestBridge Finalists participating in the Match process, are based on demonstrated need. Our financial aid packages for those in Regular Decision will be determined in the same way as for those students who were selected through the College Match. Columbia meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all students admitted as first-years, regardless of citizenship. Loans are not a component of Columbia financial aid packages and we will continue to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need for all four years of study. For more information please refer to the Columbia/QuestBridge scholarship package description. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid and Educational Financing website.

Related FAQ Topics: QuestBridge

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