Columbia University is a highly competitive Ivy League institution with an acceptance rate of 3.76% for the class of 2025. Admitted students typically have a high school GPA in the range of 4.13-4.33 and an SAT score between 1490-1560. However, there is no minimum GPA or SAT score required, as the university takes a holistic approach to evaluating applicants. To increase your chances of admission, focus on excelling academically, participating in extracurricular activities, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, and writing a strong essay.
What is the Columbia University Acceptance Rate
For example, if Columbia University received 50,000 applications for the class of 2027 and offered admission to 1,850 students, the acceptance rate would be calculated as follows:
Acceptance rate = (1,850 / 50,000) x 100% = 3.7%
The acceptance rate is an important indicator of the competitiveness of the admissions process at Columbia University. A lower acceptance rate typically indicates a more selective and competitive admissions process, while a higher acceptance rate suggests a less competitive process.
Columbia University Acceptance Rate
According to the data picked from the Columbia University website, The Columbia University Acceptance Rate for the class of 2027 is 3.9 percent.
Columbia University Acceptance Rate for International Students
The acceptance rate for international students at Columbia University is 13 Percent.
Columbia University SAT Scores
Most admitted students to Columbia University score very highly on the SAT. According to data from the class of 2027, the middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1490 and 1560 on the SAT, with a median score of 1540. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1490, while 25% scored above 1560.
Here is a breakdown of the SAT scores for the admitted students in the class of 2026:
- 25th percentile: 1490
- Median: 1530
- 75th percentile: 1560
Columbia University GPA Scores
Most admitted students to Columbia University have exceptionally high GPAs. According to data from the class of 2027, the middle 50% of admitted students had high school GPAs between 4.13 and 4.33, with a median GPA of 4.24. This means that 25% of admitted students had GPAs below 4.13, while 25% had GPAs above 4.33.
Here is a breakdown of the high school GPA range for the admitted students in the class of 2027:
- 25th percentile: 4.13
- Median: 4.24
- 75th percentile: 4.33
How can I Get into Columbia University?
Excel Academically to Improving Good GPA Scores:
From challenging coursework in high school to improving above-average GPA is key. Columbia University looks for students who have excelled academically in high school. This means taking challenging coursework and maintaining a high GPA.
Score well on Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)
As discussed in the previous section, While there is no minimum SAT or ACT score required for admission, most admitted students have scored in the top percentile. This means that scoring high with good margins on the SAT can also boost the standard of getting admitted. Aim for a score in the mid to high 1500s on the SAT or a composite score of at least 34 on the ACT.
Participate in extracurricular activities: Columbia University values students who have demonstrated leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities. Find activities that you are passionate about and make a meaningful impact.
Demonstrate Intellectual Curiosity:
Columbia University is looking for students who are intellectually curious and passionate about learning. Show this by pursuing independent research projects, taking on challenging coursework, and seeking out intellectual opportunities outside of the classroom.
Write a Strong Essay:
The essay is your opportunity to showcase your personality, interests, and writing skills. Take the time to craft a thoughtful and compelling essay that highlights your unique qualities and fits with Columbia University.
Get strong Letters of Recommendation:
Ask teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your academic and personal strengths to write letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Interview well:
If you are offered an interview, take advantage of the opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for Columbia University and your fit with the school.
Universities with an Acceptance Rate between 3.0 to 5.0 Percent
While Columbia University’s acceptance rate for the 2027 class is 3.9 percent and above, other great Universities still offer similar considerations in admission.
Here are other universities with an Acceptance rate of 3 – 5 percent.
- Stanford University – 3.4% acceptance rate
- Harvard University – 4.6% acceptance rate
- Columbia University – 3.76% acceptance rate
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – 4.0% acceptance rate
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – 3.4% acceptance rate
- Yale University – 4.6% acceptance rate
- Princeton University – 3.98% acceptance rate
- University of Chicago – 4.9% acceptance rate
- Brown University – 4.8% acceptance rate
- Johns Hopkins University – 3.9% acceptance rate
