What Makes Columbia University a Top Choice

July 3, 2024

Columbia University is famous for many reasons, each appealing to different people. Some value its long history, while others highlight its Ivy League status. Its prime location in one of the world’s greatest cities also stands out. Known for its top-notch academics and as one of the oldest universities in the U.S., Columbia has many remarkable qualities that contribute to its reputation.

An Overview of Columbia Admissions

Location: New York City, New York

Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,200 students

Acceptance Rate: 6%

SAT Scores (Middle 50%): 1500-1560

ACT Scores (Middle 50%): 34-35

Columbia University is often ranked among the top five schools in the nation. Like other Ivy League schools such as Brown and UPenn, Columbia emphasizes academics and values intellectual diversity. STEM students need strong grades in humanities courses, and humanities students should excel in STEM subjects.

The Fu Foundation School of Engineering has the toughest academic standards, while Columbia College looks for students with strong extracurricular activities. Essays are crucial in Columbia’s admissions process, so applicants should write personal and engaging responses.

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Special Features of Columbia University

Founded in 1754 as King’s College by a royal charter from King George II of England, Columbia was renamed in 1784 after the U.S. gained independence.

Academics

Columbia’s academics center around the “Core Curriculum,” providing students with a broad education in literature, history, philosophy, music, art, and science. Core classes are small, encouraging close interaction with faculty and fostering skills like analysis, argumentation, and respect for diverse ideas.

Columbia has three undergraduate schools: Columbia College, the School of General Studies, and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS or Columbia Engineering). SEAS is one of the oldest and most respected engineering schools in the U.S. Engineering students take about half of their courses in the humanities and must also complete technical Core courses in subjects like Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics.

Columbia partners with Barnard College, a top-ranked all-female college nearby. Students can take classes at both institutions and participate in each other’s activities, offering the experience of both a large Ivy League university and a small liberal arts college.

Notable faculty include physicist Brian Greene, founder of the World Science Festival and author of best-sellers like “The Fabric of the Cosmos,” and Chelsea Clinton, an adjunct professor at the Mailman School of Public Health.

Extracurriculars

Columbia University’s fencing program is one of the best and oldest in the country, starting in the 1800s. Over the years, the program has produced many great fencers, including four-time Olympian Norman Armitage and two-time Olympian Caitlin “Katy” Bilodeau.

Besides fencing, Columbia has a lively student life with over 500 clubs and organizations. Students can join clubs ranging from Aikido to Venom Step, covering a wide variety of interests. The university also has its own radio station, WKCR, which is student-run and has been broadcasting noncommercially for over 25 years.

Living in New York City gives Columbia students endless opportunities to explore their interests outside of school. The Columbia Arts Initiative is a great resource, offering students free and discounted tickets to a wide range of events.

Traditions at Columbia

Columbia University has fantastic traditions that students enjoy. One of the most legendary is Orgo Night. The night before the big Organic Chemistry final, the Columbia University Marching Band takes over the main reading room of Butler Library at midnight. They play music, perform hilarious skits, and tell jokes to help students relax and have fun before the exam.

Another great tradition is The Varsity Show, which started in 1894. This isn’t just any student performance—it’s a spectacular showcase of the best talent from Columbia and Barnard. The show is a witty and entertaining satire on everything campus-related, making it a must-see every year.

In early December, Columbia has a tree-lighting ceremony on College Walk. Since 1998, this tradition has given students a break from end-of-semester stress. The university lights up the trees along College Walk, and students enjoy free donuts, hot chocolate, and performances by campus a cappella groups. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit before finals.

Residential Life at Columbia

Columbia University has a lively and engaging residential life that enhances the student experience. Most students live on campus for all four years, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. The campus is divided into four main residential areas:

Southfield: Known for its scenic views and central location.
E-Block: Offers a quieter atmosphere, perfect for those who like a peaceful environment.
West Campus: Provides modern amenities and is close to academic buildings and recreational facilities.
Fraternity and Sorority Houses: Offer a unique living experience for those involved in Greek life.

Greek life at Columbia is smaller than at some other universities, but it is growing. In 2006, just over 6% of students participated in Greek life. Today, about a quarter of the students are involved in fraternities and sororities, showing its increasing popularity.

Living on campus means being part of a close-knit community where students make lasting friendships. Whether you’re living in a traditional dormitory or a Greek house, there’s always something happening. From social events and club meetings to study groups and casual hangouts, the dynamic campus life makes it easy to meet new people and join in various activities.

Financial Aid at Columbia University

Columbia University has a great financial aid program. It’s need-blind, which means they don’t look at your financial situation when deciding if you get in. They promise to cover 100% of your demonstrated financial need.

The aid comes as grants and student work opportunities, so you won’t have to worry about paying back loans. If your family makes less than $60,000 a year, your parents won’t have to pay anything for tuition. For international students, Columbia isn’t need-blind, but they still promise to cover 100% of the demonstrated need for those who get in.

Columbia’s Unique Achievements

Columbia University is home to the Pulitzer Prize, a top award for journalism, literature, and music achievements. The Pulitzer Prize Board, made up of judges chosen by the university, decides who wins. Over 90 Columbia alumni have won a Pulitzer Prize.

Living in New York City

Imagine going to school in New York City, one of the world’s greatest cities. NYC offers amazing food, art, culture, sports, and entertainment. It’s a hub for careers in finance, entertainment, media, publishing, real estate, healthcare, and tech.

Living in New York is special. As John Steinbeck said, “Once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough.”

Your Chances of Acceptance at Columbia

Columbia is known for its selective admissions. Ivy League schools use the Academic Index, a single number that sums up your academic record, to see if you’re ready for their level. If your academic profile isn’t strong enough, admissions officers might not read the rest of your application, even though Columbia values extracurricular activities a lot.

You can use online chancing calculators to see your chances of getting into Columbia. They consider your test scores, GPA, and extracurricular activities and show you how you compare to other applicants. These tools also provide tips on improving your profile and boosting your chances of getting in.