How to Get into Columbia University?

Gaining admission to Columbia University is highly competitive and requires rigorous preparation to apply. This guide provides Indian students with the knowledge and strategies needed to increase their chances of acceptance at the Columbia University. 

Columbia University is one of the prestigious Ivy League institutions that attracts students from worldwide. A high number of these applicants are from India. Known for its rigorous academic programs, vibrant campus life and global recognition, the Columbia University sets high bar for admissions. Also Columbia is one of the hardest universities to get into USA. Hence it can be a tough process. If you’re thinking- ‘how can I go to Columbia University from India’ then this article is just for you. 

Columbia University Admissions from India 

Based on the stats of the class of 2028 at Columbia University, the ‘top passports represented outside the US’ included India among 92 other nations. Thus, many Indian students apply to Columbia University each year and get through the admission process. Though Columbia University's acceptance rate was 3.8% for 2024, Indian students have managed to get into Columbia University. 

Understanding the Columbia University admission process is integral to cracking the admissions. For this, let us understand- 

1. Columbia University’s admission requirements 

2. Followed by Columbia University’s acceptance rate  

3. Upcoming Columbia University admission deadlines 

4. How to get into Columbia University - selection criteria 

After this, we will discuss how to get into Columbia University from India and essential tips to ace the admission process. 

Columbia University Admission Requirements 

To maximise your chances of admission, you must know the Columbia University admission requirements. Here are these- 

• High GPA (3.7 or above on a 4.0 scale) 

• Standardised test scores of SAT or ACT are optional and applicants can choose to either submit them or not. 

• English language proficiency must be proved by means of following exams- 

• TOEFL- Minimum score of 100 

• IELTS- Minimum score of 7.5 

• 3 letters of recommendation (LORs) from teachers and school counsellors who can vouch for academic strengths of applicants 

Columbia University Acceptance Rate 

Columbia University is renowned for its highly competitive admission process. The Columbia University acceptance rate typically hovers between 3-4%, making it one of the most selective universities in the US and the world. With thousands of applications each year, only a small fraction secure a spot. As per the past five year trends, Columbia University acceptance rate has varied, check out the stats below- 

Thus, till date the highest acceptance rate at Columbia has gone for the year 2020, or the class of 2024 that is, 6%. After the class of 2024, there has been a consistently lowered acceptance rate standing at 3.7%. Again, the Columbia University acceptance rate gains traction by just 0.2% for the class of 2027 but again falls by 0.05% for the recent admissions for the class of 2028. 

The low acceptance rate at Columbia University emphasizes the importance of building an outstanding application. Indian applicants will have to have their application designed in such a manner that it makes it through the selection process at the first step. 

Columbia University Admission Deadlines 2025 

The following are the admission deadlines for Columbia University for 2025 in the table below for reference- 

International applicants in need of an F1 student visa are encouraged to apply by the Early Action Deadline. 

Applicants can choose between the Fall intake or the Spring intake before applying to Columbia University. 

Selection Criteria for getting into Columbia University 

Selection criteria at Columbia University is simple. The admission committee reviews each application on a holistic basis. This means that each application submitted to Columbia University will be reviewed based on the applicant’s overall performance in- 

• High school/bachelors 

• Standardised test score performance 

• Overall academic performance 

• Based on the recommendations from recommenders 

• Via means of SOP and personal statement (Read SOP vs Personal Statement) 

• Interview performance 

How to Apply at Columbia University from India? 

For Columbia University admissions, international students’ applications will be accepted through- 

• Common Application, Coalition Application or QuestBridge Application for those applying for undergraduate studies. (Read Common App vs Coalition App- Which is Better?) 

• For UG courses, applications are accepted through the specific school's or department's application available through Columbia University website. The application process is the same. Applicants just have to log on and sign up and then re-login with credentials to begin filling the admission applications for Columbia University. Upon completing the application, applicants will have to- 

• Pay USD 85 for UG applications. This fee is non-refundable. However fee waivers are available for students who may find the fee a financial burden. 

• Pay USD 85 to USD 250 for PG courses. It's advisable to check the specific program's website for exact fee details. 
  

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indian Students 

Columbia offers need-based and merit-based financial aid. Indian students can also explore external scholarships like- 

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships 

• Tata Scholarships 

• Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships 

There may be other scholarships at Columbia University available for students, which can be researched upon.  

This was all about how to get into Columbia University from India.