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Columbia University, situated in the heart of New York City, is a distinguished Ivy League institution celebrated for its rigorous academic programs, innovative research, and vibrant campus life.
Columbia consistently ranks among the world’s top universities, securing the 9th position globally in 2025 according to U.S. News & World Report.
Its esteemed schools, such as the Columbia Business School and the School of Law, are recognized for their exceptional curricula and influential alumni networks.
A hallmark of Columbia’s undergraduate education is its Core Curriculum—a comprehensive set of courses designed to provide a strong foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This curriculum fosters critical thinking and intellectual growth, ensuring that graduates have a well-rounded education.
Columbia is a powerhouse of research, with over $1 billion in annual funding supporting groundbreaking projects across various disciplines. The university has been instrumental in numerous scientific advancements, including the development of the laser and significant contributions to the Manhattan Project.
Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility, Columbia offers a generous financial aid program that is need-blind for U.S. students and meets 100% of demonstrated need. The university is also a no-loan institution, providing aid through grants and student work that do not require repayment.
Columbia’s campus life is enriched by its location in New York City, offering students unparalleled access to cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities. The university’s diverse student body and active campus organizations contribute to a dynamic and inclusive community.
Columbia boasts a rich history and vibrant traditions that contribute to its unique campus culture. The university’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and intellectual engagement is evident in its various student organizations and events.
In summary, Columbia University offers a comprehensive educational experience characterized by academic rigor, a commitment to research and innovation, and a vibrant campus life, all set against the dynamic backdrop of New York City.
Columbia University offers more than 80 undergraduate programs and diverse interdisciplinary options across its graduate schools, making it an ideal place for students with wide-ranging interests to excel. The university comprises several distinguished schools, including:
Columbia College
The undergraduate division, offering majors across the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Columbia Law School
A prestigious law school, known for its rigorous curriculum and shaping influential legal minds worldwide.
Columbia Business School
Renowned for its MBA programs, innovative finance curriculum, and leadership development opportunities.
Teachers College
Dedicated to educational leadership and advancing global educational research.
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
A leader in medical education and cutting-edge healthcare research, with a strong focus on clinical training.
Columbia University offers a comprehensive and holistic admissions process, aiming to enroll students who will contribute to and benefit from its rigorous academic environment.
Columbia University offers a diverse range of academic disciplines, with certain programs distinguished by their exceptional reputation and demand. Below are six of the most sought-after subjects that attract students globally:
Develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
Focus on AI, software development, and cybersecurity.
Explore genetics, neuroscience, and life sciences research.
Learn from the world’s top legal experts.
Understand market forces, finance, and global business strategies.
Study politics, policy, and international relations.
Since 2014, Essai has worked with hundreds of students with its end-to-end intensive counselling program.
In that time, our students have earned:
Columbia University maintains a highly selective admissions process, emphasizing academic excellence, standardized test performance, and a well-rounded extracurricular profile.
Columbia University has produced influential figures across various fields, including politics, technology, arts, science, and social reform.
Political Leaders
Columbia alumni have significantly impacted global leadership. Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia College in 1983.
Tech Innovators
Warren Buffett, often called the "Oracle of Omaha," is a testament to the profound influence of a Columbia education in finance and investment.
Nobel Laureates
Columbia boasts numerous Nobel laureates, with 103 affiliated individuals recognized in various categories, including Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Economics.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs
Columbia alumni have founded or led influential companies, contributing to business landscapes globally, including finance, healthcare, and tech. Notable business leaders include Warren Buffett, and Robert Kraft
Scientific Breakthroughs
Columbia university has been instrumental in numerous scientific advancements, including the development of the laser and significant contributions to the Manhattan Project.
Social Reformers
Columbia faculty and alumni are central to social movements, shaping policies that address inequality, climate change, and human rights worldwide. Notably, B. R. Ambedkar, a Columbia alumnus, was a central figure in the Indian independence movement and the architect of the Constitution of India.
Getting into Columbia University is highly competitive, but by strategically preparing and focusing on the following areas, you can boost your chances of admission.
Columbia values students who embrace its unique Core Curriculum, which provides a comprehensive foundation in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Aim to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to a well-rounded education.
Columbia University thrives in the heart of New York City, so highlight your involvement in urban-based projects or internships. Your ability to engage with a diverse, dynamic environment can make you stand out as a prospective student.
Columbia looks for students who show initiative in making a difference, particularly in areas like global health, sustainability, and community development. Involvement in meaningful service work or activism is especially valued.
Columbia has a strong focus on research across disciplines. Show your interest by engaging in independent research or contributing to projects that demonstrate your ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
Columbia values applicants who demonstrate intellectual depth. Instead of just listing your achievements, use your essay to articulate your intellectual passions, your learning process, and how Columbia’s academic environment will help you grow.
Columbia University emphasizes interdisciplinary learning. Highlight your flexibility and ability to connect knowledge across fields. Show how you plan to combine various areas of study to tackle real-world issues.
By tailoring your application to Columbia’s values of intellectual curiosity, urban engagement, and interdisciplinary exploration, you will enhance your potential to be admitted to this prestigious institution.
Columbia University looks for students who not only excel in academics but also bring distinctive personal qualities that align with the university’s mission to foster innovation, global impact, and intellectual growth. While there is no single “Columbia personality,” the following traits can help you stand out in the admissions process.
Columbia values students who embrace challenges and think critically. They look for applicants who push the boundaries of conventional thinking and are unafraid to engage with complex, abstract ideas.
Columbia admires applicants who show an entrepreneurial mindset, not just in business but in all areas of life. Whether it’s launching a new initiative, exploring innovative ways to solve problems, or showing resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles.
Columbia seeks students who are dedicated to using their skills and education to address pressing societal issues. Whether through technology, social entrepreneurship, or policy advocacy, applicants who actively seek solutions to global challenges stand out.
Students who show they can adapt and thrive in diverse environments, whether in academic collaboration, extracurricular activities, or navigating New York City, are valued members of the Columbia community.
Columbia seeks students who value personal development and actively contribute to collective growth, whether through mentorship, fostering inclusivity, or initiating campus-wide initiatives.
Whether through artistic expression, scientific inquiry, or interdisciplinary work, Columbia seeks individuals who use innovative thinking to solve problems and approach complex issues with fresh and imaginative solutions.
The acceptance rate for Columbia University is approximately 3.9%, making it one of the most selective universities in the world.
Columbia University has a test-optional policy through 2030. You can choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required for the application.
The average GPA of admitted students is typically around 4.0, with most students coming from the top 10% of their high school class.
Columbia admits approximately 1,500 students each year to its undergraduate programs.
Yes, Columbia University offers need-based financial aid, with 43% of students receiving some form of financial assistance. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.
Columbia offers a wide range of academic programs, including majors in humanities, sciences, engineering, business, law, medicine, and more. The Core Curriculum is unique to Columbia, providing a broad base in liberal arts.
Columbia has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1, allowing for close interactions and personalized attention between students and professors.
Yes, Columbia University is located in Manhattan, New York City. The area around Columbia, known as Morningside Heights, is considered a safe and vibrant neighborhood. The university has its own campus security to ensure student safety.
Columbia has a dynamic campus life with over 500 student organizations, including academic societies, cultural groups, and recreational clubs. Students also have access to New York City’s vast cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities.
