Columbia University
Acceptance Rate Trend
SAT Score Range Trend
(middle 50% of admitted students)
| Year | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1500 | 1560 |
| 2023 | 1500 | 1560 |
| 2024 | 1500 | 1560 |
Application Timeline
Application Methods
👍 Great Fit If You Are:
Ambitious self-starters
if you’re the kind of person who thrives on pressure, chases impact, and defines success on your own terms, Columbia matches your drive.
Urban intellectuals
if you want your college years to unfold in the cultural and political heart of the world, surrounded by museums, protests, startups, and skyscrapers, this is your campus.
Philosophical high-achievers
if you love classic texts and deep questions but also want a foot in finance, law, or diplomacy, Columbia’s Core anchors you while New York pulls you forward.
Globally minded students
if you’ve always felt like a citizen of the world, Columbia’s internationalism and diversity will feel like home.
Focused doers
if you don’t need hand-holding and prefer to build your path through challenge and exploration, this environment rewards initiative.
🚨 Not Ideal For:
Balance seekers
if you're looking for a laid-back vibe, leisurely afternoons on the quad, or slow-burn friendships, Columbia may feel too intense or fast-moving.
Students overwhelmed by structure
the Core Curriculum is rigorous, mandatory, and prioritizes Western classics. If you want total academic freedom, this could feel constraining.
Quiet community lovers
if you want deep, consistent social support, Columbia’s individualistic and dispersed culture may leave you feeling disconnected.
Non-urban learners
if constant sensory input, crowded spaces, and fast-paced environments drain you, NYC itself can be exhausting.
Socially conservative students
the dominant culture is progressive, vocal, and politically engaged
Core Curriculum tradition
One of the oldest and most influential in the nation, Columbia’s Core emphasizes small, discussion-based seminars in literature, philosophy, art, music, science, and global cultures.
Urban Ivy League experience
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Columbia offers unparalleled access to internships, research, and cultural institutions like the UN, Wall Street, and Broadway.
Global Centers network
Columbia operates nine Global Centers worldwide, enabling students to engage in research, internships, and study abroad with deep local connections.
Pulitzer legacy and journalism leadership
Home to the Pulitzer Prizes and the first graduate journalism school in the U.S., fostering excellence in reporting and media innovation.
Manhattanville campus expansion
A 17-acre, state-of-the-art academic and research hub integrating architecture, sustainability, and community spaces into West Harlem.
☀️ Weather & Climate
spring
50-70°F (10-21°C)
Variable, cherry blossoms on campus, occasional rain
summer
75-90°F (24-32°C)
Hot and humid, urban heat effect
fall
45-70°F (7-21°C)
Pleasant, colorful campus foliage
winter
25-45°F (-4-7°C)
Cold with occasional snow, windy city conditions
Four seasons with NYC urban climate
☀️Average 224 sunny days per year
👩🎓👨🎓 Demographics
Gender Ratio
Ethnic Distribution
📚 Popular Majors
Campus Area Dining
Nearby Areas
College town atmosphere with diverse options
Upscale dining and casual spots