Does Columbia have Early Action?

Getting into a top university like Columbia can feel like a big goal, but it’s achievable. The key is to ask the right questions from the start, like “What does Columbia’s application process look like?” or “Does Columbia have Early Action applications?”

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Columbia University’s Early Decision (ED) process, application tips, and more to help you put your best foot forward.

• Does Columbia Have an Early Action Plan?

• Columbia’s Early Decision Application

• When Does Columbia’s ED Come Out?

• Does Early Decision Increase Chances for Admission?

• How to Maximize Your Columbia University Application

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Takeaways

Does Columbia Have an Early Action Plan?

Let’s cut to the chase. No, Columbia does not offer an Early Action plan. Early Action would allow you to apply early and hear back sooner without binding you to a single school. Unfortunately, Columbia doesn’t offer this option. Instead, they have an Early Decision application process.

Columbia’s Early Decision Application

Columbia’s Early Decision (ED) plan can fast-track your application, similar to Early Action (EA) applications; there’s a set deadline that must be met, required documents and paperwork to be accomplished, and overall, a quicker time for you to hear back from Columbia on your final status as an applicant.

But there’s a catch—it’s binding. This means if you apply and get accepted, you’re committing to attending Columbia, no backing out. That is the main difference between Early Action and Early Decision: while Columbia’s ED applications bind you, applying to other colleges through EA potentially secures you a spot without having to disregard other options you may have. 

The idea is to show that Columbia is your top choice, and you’re ready to go all in. Columbia University is one of the most celebrated and most recognized Ivy League institutions in the world, and beginning your college journey with them could put you on the road to academic excellence. 

That said, applying Early Decision to Columbia can give you an edge, but it also means competing with some of the most committed applicants out there. So, let’s break down what you may be up against:

The competitive landscape of Columbia admissions

No sugarcoating it—Columbia is selective. For the Class of 2028, the Regular Decision acceptance rate was 2.9%. On the other hand, applying through Early Decision could bolster your hopes for an acceptance as Columbia’s ED acceptance rate is about 11.9%. Still competitive, but definitely higher.

So, what will it take to stand out? Your application will need to shine among thousands of highly qualified students. You’re not just competing with strong GPAs and test scores—you’re competing with students who’ve shown deep commitment and excellence across the board.

The weight of your GPA and test scores on your application

Columbia’s average GPA is around 3.9 or higher, which shows Columbia’s preference for students who excel academically. While the minimum GPA is not explicitly stated, a high GPA can add considerable weight to your application as it could be an indicator of your overall ability to handle college-level coursework.

While Columbia has adopted a test-optional policy, if you do submit SAT or ACT scores, they better be strong. Columbia typically looks for SAT scores between 1470 and 1530 and ACT scores between 32 and 34. These are pretty high benchmarks, so make sure to prepare thoroughly if you’re planning on submitting test scores.

When Does Columbia’s Early Decision Admission Results Come Out?

Does Columbia not having Early Action serve as reason enough to apply through Early Decision? Great! Now, when do you need to submit your application, and when will you hear back?

• Application Deadline: November 1st
• Decision Release: December 14th

Once you submit your application by November 1st, you’ll receive one of three possible outcomes by mid-December: either admitted, deferred, or denied.

If you’re admitted

First off, congrats! Getting an acceptance letter from Columbia through ED is a huge achievement. However, since ED is binding, this means you’ll need to withdraw any other college applications and fully commit to Columbia.

If you’re deferred

A deferral means Columbia hasn’t made a final decision on your application yet, but you’re still in the running. You’ll be considered again with the Regular Decision pool, and you’ll hear back on April 1st.

While being deferred might feel like a setback, it’s not the end of the road. This means that you will have been given more time to strengthen your application by updating Columbia of anything new—whether through academic achievements, a boost in your mid-year grades, or other significant updates. Simply keep in touch with Columbia at this stage and bolster your chances of admittance even more, at your own pace.

If you’re denied

It’s disappointing, yes, but a denial doesn’t mean the end of your college dreams, especially for Columbia. While you won’t be able to reapply to Columbia in the same admissions cycle, you can always try again next year. Plus, you should have other schools on your list, so stay focused on those opportunities.

Does Early Decision Increase Your Chances for Admission to Columbia?

As mentioned before, Columbia’s Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 11.9%, whereas the Regular Decision rate is a little less than 3%. While still competitive, the numbers show that Early Decision applications could provide higher chances for admission, compared to Regular Decision applications.

So, does applying to Columbia through Early Decision ultimately give you better odds? The short answer is yes—if Columbia is your first choice.

Here are a few reasons why Early Decision might be the right choice for you:

Less stress in handling your application

Let’s be honest, applying for college, while momentous, can also be a stressful experience—the thought of having to gather up your application requirements, submitting them, and then waiting for a response for months at a time, can be a hair-raiser.

With applicants having access to early action or early decision application processes, there can be a reduction in stress in waiting. If your steadfast goal is to make it into Columbia University, then applying under the Early Decision process could be your best bet.

More opportunities to apply for financial aid

Of course, applying early may not make sense for every student. One factor you should always consider when applying for Early Decision is the cost. In the current 2024-2025 school year, Columbia’s tuition now amounts to $93,417, with accompanying costs including housing, student fees, and personal expenses. 

This opens up the possibility of applying for financial aid, even more so when you’re applying through Early Decision. Columbia offers need-based financial aid to all students, whether they apply through ED or RD. If you qualify for aid, Columbia promises to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need.

All financial aid provided by Columbia is on a need-based basis, and they do not offer athletic or academic scholarships. The best thing about applying for Columbia’s financial aid is not only will you expect a 100% follow-through on Columbia’s part, there is also no cutoff for it. Simply complete your application and wait to hear back on your final status. 

A smoother online application process

Submitting your Early Decision application earlier would not only boost your chances slightly, but also ensure a smoother online application process. With heavy online traffic to be expected as the deadline nears, submitting everything much earlier will guarantee that you won’t have to experience any technical snafus and hassles. 

How to Maximize Your Columbia University Application

Now that we’ve known that Columbia has an Early Decision plan, it’s time to know what you can do to maximize your application to this Ivy League institution.

Let’s say in this case, you’ve fully decided on Columbia University as your institution of choice—besides your application requirements, what else can you do to give yourself that possible boost into admission? Here are some of the best practices for your consideration:

1. Strengthen your academic profile.

Columbia values academic excellence above all. For the Class of 2028, 94% of enrolled students ranked in the top 10% of their high school class. Even though Columbia is test-optional, you’ll want to ensure your grades and AP test scores are as high as possible.

If you have time before submitting your application, focus on improving your grades. A strong academic performance can be a game-changer in a highly competitive pool. A good GPA to have in preparation for your Columbia application should be around the 3.9 to 4.0 range, with equally strong test scores—1530 on the SAT, and 34 on the ACT—to go along with it. 

2. Get involved in meaningful extracurriculars.

Your high school years aren’t just about academics. Columbia looks for students who are well-rounded, so get involved in extracurriculars or co-curricular activities. 

Whether it’s student government, sports, or volunteering for various school or community initiatives, these experiences can help you stand out by showing leadership, commitment, and passion. High school is also a time for you to explore your passions, and the more of them you showcase, the more of you colleges will get to know better. 

The best examples of extracurricular activities to consider, especially for Ivy League schools, could involve the  following:

• Internships (Corporate, Non-profit, Environmental, etc.)
• Competitions (Writing, Debate, Art, Math, etc.)
• Clubs that involve the arts or sciences (Design, Robotics, Biotech, etc.)

Whichever club or activity you decide to partake in, it’s all worth showing to Columbia on your application.

3. Be ready to commit. 

If you’re applying Early Decision, be absolutely sure that Columbia is your top choice. Once you’re accepted, you’re bound to attend. Take some time to think through this decision and consider all the pros and cons as much as you can. If you have doubts, it might be better to apply through Regular Decision and keep your options open.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I track my Columbia application once I send it?

Application tracking is only available during certain times in the admission process. After sending your Columbia application, you will receive a notification on how to access your applicant portal, which you can use to track the progress of your application. To view your overall status, simply log in to your applicant page and click on “view update” in the Status Update box.

2. Do I need to interview as part of the application process?

As of May 18th, 2023, interviews are no longer part of the application process at Columbia University. However, applicants for the Higher Education Opportunity and National Opportunity Programs will get the chance to speak with student volunteers regarding the overall admissions process, though these conversations are merely for counseling purposes.

3. Can transfer students apply for Columbia through Early Decision?

While you may apply for Columbia as a transfer student, the Early Decision option will not be available. Typically, Early Decision applications are only available for incoming freshmen. Still, you can apply for scholarships. 

4. What’s the minimum GPA for admission to Columbia University?

The minimum GPA requirement for Columbia isn’t explicitly stated, but the average GPA of enrolled students is around 3.9, showing Columbia’s strong preference for students who heavily excel in their academics. Incoming students are encouraged to aim for high SAT or ACT scores upon applying to Columbia for better admittance chances. 

5. What if I need an application extension?

While the application deadlines of Columbia University are essential to meet, certain circumstances that could prevent you from doing so can be unavoidable sometimes. If you do need an extension to meet your application deadline, simply send an email to Columbia and inform them.

Takeaways

Now that you know if Columbia does have an Early Action plan or not, and what Early Decision applications may entail, best of luck on your application! Make sure to remember these key points and ensure yourself a steadfast and significant start on your collegiate endeavors.

• Columbia offers Early Decision applications for all incoming freshmen, which means that, once accepted, you are committed to attending Columbia University exclusively.
• The deadline for Early Decision applications is November 1st, with decisions expected by mid-December.
• There are many components to your Columbia application, especially for Early Decision. These will mainly include your test scores, high school class ranking, GPA, and your demonstrated commitment to attending Columbia.
• Be sure to consult a college admissions expert as you start your application to ensure a smooth process!