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Early Decision Application

If you’ve been dreaming of attending Columbia, this might be your chance
Early Decision is a binding option that allows you to apply to Columbia with the assurance that our Admissions Committee will seriously consider your application. You’ll receive an admission decision much earlier than regular applicants (starting in December) and know where you stand before other colleges release their decisions in April or May. If admitted under Early Decision, students must withdraw any other college applications and commit to enrolling at Columbia if accepted

What is an Early Decision?

An early Decision is a binding decision. If accepted, you must withdraw all other applications and attend Columbia University. You may not apply early Decision to more than one school. Early Decision applicants will receive a decision by mid-December of their senior year (or by January 1st if they apply under Early Action).

Early Decision Admission Criteria

To be considered for Early Decision admission, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who will graduate from high school
  • Have at least a 3.8 GPA on your first attempt at all required courses (this includes all AP and IB exams that are used to calculate your GPA)
  • Have completed the core courses listed below with grades of 95% or higher: English Language Arts; Mathematics; One laboratory science (Biology, Chemistry or Physics); Two additional academic subjects (International Baccalaureate Diploma Program courses may also be counted). 
  • Note: Computer Science A/AB can be counted as one of these other academic subjects; Computer Science Principles does not count towards this requirement.

When to Apply?

The Columbia University Undergraduate Admission Early Decision Application is available for students to complete in August. The deadline for submission of your application is November 1st, and there is a non-refundable $80 fee associated with applying to Columbia University

You can apply early Decision to Columbia University

You can apply early Decision to Columbia University. If accepted, you will be committed to attending that school and will not be able to apply elsewhere. If you are admitted via Early Decision, you must withdraw your application from any other colleges where it has been submitted and wait until regular decision deadlines before applying anywhere else. If you’re considering applying early Decision to Columbia University, make sure you understand the process and what it means for your chances of admission. You should also know that other options, such as regular Decisions or early action, are available. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about applying early Decision or any college application strategy!