Hi everyone! Columbia is one of my dream schools, and I'm trying to get a better understanding of what SAT scores they're looking for. Can anyone tell me what kind of scores would make me a competitive applicant? Thanks so much!
Hi! I'm happy to help you understand what SAT scores can make you a competitive applicant for Columbia. Although it's important to remember that Columbia, along with other highly selective schools, takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications, having a good SAT score is definitely beneficial to your application.
To give you a sense of the scores admitted students have, Columbia's middle 50% range for the SAT is usually around 1510-1560. This statistic means that 25% of students scored below 1510, 50% of students fell between 1510 and 1560, and 25% of students scored above 1560. Keep in mind that these ranges can change slightly with each incoming class, but they do provide a good benchmark.
It is important to note that, for the 2024-2025 application cycle, Columbia University is test-optional, which means you can decide whether to submit your SAT scores or not. However, you're smart to still be thinking about target scores, as at a school as selective as Columbia, you generally want to showcase your strengths in as many ways as possible. For more detailed guidance on how to navigate test-optional policies, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-test-optional-mean-test-optional
Overall, aiming for a score in the 1500s will make you a competitive applicant to Columbia in terms of standardized testing. Of course, other aspects of your application such as your GPA, course rigor, essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations play significant roles as well. So, make sure to be thoughtful about how you assemble those other components as well.
If you're looking for tips on how to strengthen your overall application to Columbia, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-columbia-university-essays/. After all, most applicants to Columbia have excellent academic credentials, and the essays can be a great way to set yourself apart from even other highly qualified students.
Best of luck with your college application process!
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