I'm getting ready to apply to Columbia through regular decision for 2025, and I'm curious about any recent trends or changes in their process. Does anyone know what to expect or have any insights from past applicants?
Being someone well-versed in the intricacies of the college admissions process, I can offer some insight into Columbia University's regular decision process for your cycle. Note that Columbia has not announced any significant changes in their selection process for the upcoming year, so most might remain similar to previous years.
First, for Columbia, the regular decision deadline is typically January 1. It's crucial to ensure all the necessary components are in place prior to submitting your application. Columbia's application requires the Common Application, Columbia Supplement (which includes several essays), a high school report with a counselor recommendation, and two teacher recommendations, among other things.
Another key factor to remember when applying to Columbia is that, as of the 2024–2025 application cycle, Columbia has maintained its test-optional policy. This suggests you can actively choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. The university has assured students that the lack of test scores will not be held against them in the admission process.
Columbia looks for students who are intellectually curious, energized by the life of the mind, and eager to contribute to campus. Demonstrate this through your essays and your extracurricular list. Columbia falls in line with most highly selective colleges in the sense they are looking for students with a highly-developed specialty or "spike" rather than well-rounded students.
Columbia does not consider demonstrated interest in their admissions process, so attending admissions events or visiting campus (though beneficial in your personal application process) won’t directly influence your chances of acceptance.
And lastly, consider that Columbia is a need-blind institution. This means that your ability to pay for college is not a consideration in the admissions process. Furthermore, they pledge to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students.
Generally, Columbia releases regular decision admission notifications in late March or early April, but exact dates may vary from year to year.
I hope this helps and best of luck with your application process!
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