In New York, Columbia University is the global leader in offering higher education. Meeting the eligibility criteria for studying an undergraduate course at this university is indispensable for international students. Amongst various criteria, the two main points are – clearing SAT cut-off or ACT score and meet GPA requirements. The College Board conducts the Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT standardised reasoning test. Applicants interested in getting admission in an undergraduate course in colleges and the universities of the United States should meet the SAT requirements. Harvard, Princeton University, and Columbia are a few notable universities that accept typical SAT scores.
Columbia University SAT Scores Requirement
The average Columbia SAT score accepted is 1505 on a scale of 1600. 1450 is the 25th percentile of SAT score, and 1560 is the 75th percentile. To put it simply, a 1450 score will place you in the “below-average” category, while any score above 1560 will take you into the “above-average” category. Thus, any score between 1500 and 1590 indicates a good chance of getting admission into Columbia University. Last year, the average SAT score for Columbia University was 1505. Students can give the SAT in the following subjects, History, English, Mathematics, Foreign Languages, and Science. What if your score is 1450 or less? No need to dishearten as you still have the chance to reappear and clear the SAT cut-off with a higher score. SAT Score Requirements For UCLA
Columbia University SAT Super Scoring
Fortunately, Columbia University has a Superscoring policy. It is also referred to as the Score Choice policy of the “highest section.” As per this, an applicant can re-appear for the SAT and choose the highest score from each of the two sections: Maths, Reading & Writing. Let’s understand this with an example. Example: You took two SATs. On the first attempt, you got 800 in Maths and 700 in Reading & Writing. In the second attempt, you scored 700 in Maths and 760 in Reading & Writing. As per the super scoring, combine 800 obtained in Maths in the first SAT and 760 in English obtained in the second SAT to get a cumulative score of 1560, a perfect SAT score. Do not forget to select the appropriate SAT code (a four-digit code assigned to every university and college in the United States) while sending your SAT score to Columbia University or the respective college.
ACT Test Score
Aspiring candidates can submit their ACT scores to secure chances of admission to an undergraduate course program at Columbia University. There is no minimum ACT cut-off, unlike the SAT, but yes, the likelihood of getting an admission reduces with a low ACT score. The average accepted ACT score is 33 out of 36. So, any score between 33 and 35 will increase your chance of getting admission to Columbia University. Like SAT Code, follow a watchful attitude and select the appropriate ACT code while submitting the scores. SAT Vs ACT Exam
GPA Requirements of Columbia University
Though Columbia University does not specify any requirement for a higher GPA, the higher GPA acts like a saviour. It reduces the chances of rejection immediately after applying. Thus, meeting the average GPA requirement and the SAT score is indispensable if you are looking forward to getting admission into the deemed University. The accepted GPA is 4.12. Any score below 4.12 is categorised as an unweighted GPA. Compensate below or average 4.12 GPA by scoring higher in ACT or SAT cut off to meet the undergraduate admission requirements at Columbia University easily.
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Additional Requirements
Besides clearing the Columbia University SAT score or ACT score, an applicant needs to submit the required documents for completing the application for the admission:
Academic Transcripts
Generally, the secondary school report includes a high school transcript. The high school will share this transcript with Columbia University. This report will sneak a peek at your academic achievement, including GPA and class grades.
Guidance Counsellor’s Recommendation
Including a letter of recommendation from a high school. A Guidance counsellor recommendation is a great way to stand out your application from the crowd. However, do not keep it a generic one. Instead, please provide a detailed list of volunteer work done, extracurriculars, and cultural or family values so that the counsellor can attach it to the letter.
Mid-Year Report
Mostly, students apply to Columbia University when they are in mid of high school; therefore, this report highlights the grades they obtain after applying. Columbia University asked for this report to ensure that your grades do not plunge after applying. Students can self-report it, or their respective counsellors can share it with the concerned authorities.
School Profile
The school profile is a summary of the high school. It includes vital information such as course curriculum, grading systems, and student body statistics. The guidance counsellor submitted it on a student’s behalf.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Accepted
Columbia is a private Ivy League Research University. Therefore, it has a low acceptance rate, hardly 5-6%. This means only 5 or 6 applicants get an admission out of 100. Thus, stand out of the crowd by the following these handy tips:
Start Early
Start planning everything early to avoid last-minute stress. This implies taking an early decision to apply for SAT, starting researching early for Columbia University, preparing early for the standardised tests, and applying timely.
Track College Admissions Process & Deadlines
Keep a close track of the official website of Columbia University to get accurate information about the admissions process and admission deadlines.
Enrolment for SAT Prep Programs
Getting higher scores in SAT cut-off is a sure-shot recipe for getting admission to Columbia University. Therefore, it is good to enrol in a preparatory program or hire personalised tutors for different subjects to gain a competitive edge. It is pivotal to prepare for the SAT examination 3-4 months before the application deadline. For instance, if you appear for the December exam, start preparing in August or September.
Visa Requirements
The admitted students need to apply for a student visa to study in the USA. Columbia University issues an I-20 form to students once they submit proof of financial resources. Once the form is issued, students can start with the process of applying for a student visa to study in the USA. The visa application must contain the following documents:
- Passport Copy
- Columbia Acceptance Letter
- I-20 form
- Completed visa application
- Multiple passport-size photographs
- Sponsorship or Scholarship letter (if required)
- Health Examination Form
- Immunisation form
Conclusion
Getting admission to undergraduate courses at Columbia University is highly competitive. Therefore, give your best shot by aiming for a higher SAT score and ACT score. Do remember that if your GPA is lower than 4.12, the rejection chances of the application will increase. So, try to compensate for low GPA scores by scoring higher on the ACT score and Columbia University SAT Scores. Besides scoring high on the standardised tests, try to impress the respective authorities by applying the necessary documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bachelor’s programs does Columbia University offer to International Students?
The University offers courses in over 90 areas. Some of the most popular choices at Columbia University are Engineering, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Visual Arts, Computer Science, Music, and Art History, to name a few.
What is an application fee for Indians?
An aspiring Indian applicant needs to pay USD 85 (INR 6472) along with the application to undergraduate programs at Columbia University. Applicants must understand that the application is considered incomplete without depositing an application fee and hence deemed to get rejected.
Does Columbia University accept dual enrollment?
Concurrent or dual enrolment refers to those students who take courses at two separate institutions-generally college and high school together. Columbia University does accept dual enrollment credits.
Does Columbia demand Advanced Placement (AP) scores?
Columbia does not require AP scores. But the scores are accepted if an applicant submits the scores along with the Common Application.
Does Columbia University offer any financial aid to Indian students?
The University does provide need-based financial aid to international students. Students need to apply for aid while submitting their applications for college admission
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