Application Requirements
- GPA: The minimum GPA for admission to Columbia University is 3.0 on a 4-point scale (B+), with no grade lower than a C in the last two years of study.
- GRE Scores: A student’s GRE General Test scores must be submitted by the application deadline, but they do not have to be from the same sitting of the exam as their TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- Letters of recommendation: Applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation from faculty members who know them well and can speak authoritatively about their academic abilities and personal qualities.
- One letter should come from a former or current professor at your undergraduate institution; another should come from an employer or supervisor who can comment on your work ethic and leadership potential; all three letters should be sent directly by those who wrote them via electronic transmission (e-mail attachment) or postal mail only–no faxes!
- No more than four total pages may be used for all supporting materials, including resumes/CVs; essays/statements; letters of recommendation; transcripts etc… Please note that many schools require more than one essay, so if you have written more than one, please submit these separately as attachments rather than combining them into one document before uploading it into our online portal system called CASPA!
Relevant Documents Needed
- Application Form
- Transcripts
- Test Scores
- Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Transcripts are usually required. Send your transcripts directly to the school and not to a third party. If you’re submitting electronic copies, ensure they are in an unaltered format so schools can read them easily. If you’re sending paper copies, seal them in an envelope and ensure they have been stamped by the university’s registrar’s office or another official stamping authority at your school (for example: “Office of Student Records”).
Please submit your original language version of your transcript so that it can be evaluated by someone who knows what they’re looking at–and doesn’t have to rely solely on translation software!
Test Scores
Test scores and other credentials. You’ll need to submit an official copy of your GRE or GMAT scores and transcripts from all colleges attended. If you’re applying to Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), you must also submit TOEFL scores if you have yet to learn English. In addition, each department may have its requirements for additional materials, such as letters of recommendation or a statement of purpose or a personal statement.
Financial need form (if applicable). Students who wish to apply for financial aid must fill out this form online before they can submit their graduate school applications online.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are written statements submitted by individuals who can speak to your strengths and character. The exact number of letters required varies depending on the Program, but it’s typically between three and five.
Who should write them? The best letter writers know you well and have worked with you over time–often at least one professor or employer and family members or mentors who have helped shape your professional identity. If someone has been influential in helping develop specific skills (such as leadership), ask them if they would be willing to write a letter on this topic specifically.
Statement of purpose or personal statement
The statement of purpose or personal information is an essay that should be 1-2 pages long, written in the first person (i.e., “I” rather than “We”). It should be well-organized and include your career goals and why you want to graduate from Columbia University.
Your statement should not read like a resume; it should focus on why you would be a good fit for the Program and what makes your past experiences relevant to its mission. For example: “My interest in studying [Program] stems from my experience working with [Company] as an [Position]. Working there taught me how important it is for businesses today to have diverse teams who can collaborate effectively across cultures.”
Financial need form (if applicable)
