Does Columbia University Require SAT?

If you’re applying to Columbia University, you might be wondering if you need to take the SAT. The simple answer? No, Columbia doesn’t require SAT because the school is test-optional.

But just because you don’t have to send scores doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. In some cases, a strong SAT score could still give you an edge. So, how do you decide what’s best for your application?

In this blog, we’ll break down when submitting SAT scores can help, what Columbia’s score ranges look like, and how their test-optional policy works. We’ll also cover how Columbia evaluates applications without test scores, including the role of your grades, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars.

• Do You Need to Take the SAT for Columbia?
• Should You Submit Your SAT Scores to Columbia?
• Columbia SAT Policies If You Choose to Submit Scores
• SAT vs. ACT: Which One Should You Submit to Columbia?
• What If You Don’t Submit Any Test Scores?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Do You Need to Take the SAT for Columbia?

You don’t have to take the SAT for Columbia, but in some cases, it can still help your application. Since Columbia is test-optional, you get to choose if submitting your scores will make your application stronger. If your SAT score is high, it could give you a boost. If it’s not where you want it to be, you can leave it out. Columbia will focus on other parts of your application instead.

That means you have control over how you present yourself as an applicant. If you’ve got solid grades, strong extracurriculars, and killer essays, you might not need an SAT score at all. But if you think your score adds something valuable to your application, go ahead and send it in. It’s all about playing to your strengths!

Should You Submit Your SAT Scores to Columbia?

So, should you send in your SAT scores? The answer depends on how strong they are! A high score can help your application shine, but a lower one might not add much.

If your SAT score falls within or above the middle 50% range, submitting it could be a smart move. This range shows where most admitted students score, so landing in this zone means you’re in a competitive spot.  Let’s take a look at the numbers:

If your score is close to or above the 50th percentile (around 1530), it could strengthen your application. But if it’s lower than the 25th percentile (1500), you might be better off focusing on other parts of your application, like your essays and extracurriculars.

Now, let’s break it down even further by section:

If you’re taking the SAT, try to aim for at least the 50th percentile, but ideally the 75th.

A strong score in one section can help, but keep in mind that Columbia looks at your application as a whole. If your strengths lie in other areas like your GPA, essays, or extracurriculars, you don’t need to stress too much about the SAT. 

Columbia SAT Policies If You Choose to Submit Scores

If you decide to submit your SAT scores to Columbia, there are a few things you should know. Columbia has a test-optional policy, but if you think your scores strengthen your application, here’s how the process works:

Columbia superscores your SAT.

Columbia superscores the SAT. That means they’ll take your highest section scores from different test dates and combine them to give you the best possible composite score.

So, if you crushed the Math section on one test but did better in Reading & Writing on another, Columbia will mix and match to give you the best overall score. They’ll even do this across paper and digital SAT formats, so you don’t have to worry about which version you took.

You have time to retake the SAT.

If you’re not happy with your scores yet, you still have some time. Columbia accepts SAT scores from November for Early Decision and February for Regular Decision.

That means if you’re applying early, you have one last shot in the fall to improve your score. So if you think you can do better, go for it. Just make sure to prep smart and give it your best shot!

You can self-report your SAT scores.

Columbia lets you self-report your SAT scores on your application, so you don’t have to pay to send an official score report right away.

But here’s the catch: if you get in and decide to enroll, Columbia will verify your scores. If what you reported doesn’t match your official scores, it could put your acceptance at risk. So make sure you’re accurate!

AP and other test scores are optional.

If you’ve taken Advanced Placement (AP) exams or other standardized tests, you can submit those scores, but Columbia doesn’t require them. If you think they’ll help your application, go for it!

If not, no worries, it won’t hurt your chances. It’s all about showing off what makes you stand out, so focus on the things that highlight your strengths.

Make sure you send your scores the right way.

If you do send official SAT scores, use Columbia’s correct codes: 2116 for Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.

If you use the wrong code, you’ll have to contact the testing agency to resend them, which could slow things down. Also, don’t waste money on the “rush” service; it won’t make a difference in how fast Columbia gets your scores.

At the end of the day, submitting SAT scores is totally up to you. If your scores help show off your academic strengths, great! If not, Columbia will focus on other parts of your application, like your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars.

SAT vs. ACT: Which One Should You Submit to Columbia?

Columbia doesn’t favor one test over the other, so it’s totally up to you. The key is to submit the test where you scored the highest.

If you’re applying to Columbia and submitting the ACT instead of the SAT, it’s helpful to know the typical scores of admitted students. Here’s the middle 50% range:

To be in the most competitive spot, you should shoot for a 35 or higher. That doesn’t mean a 34 won’t cut it, but a higher score could make your application stronger.

Now, let’s break it down by subject. If you’re wondering how each section compares, here’s the range:

If your ACT score falls within this range, submitting it could work in your favor.

But if your SAT score is stronger, go with that instead—play to your strengths!

What If You Don’t Submit Any Test Scores?

No SAT? No ACT? No problem. Columbia is test-optional, so your application will be evaluated based on everything else you bring to the table. Here’s what they’ll focus on instead:

• Your grades matter more. Your high school transcript and midyear report will take center stage. Aim for a GPA of 3.9. Columbia wants to see a strong academic record over time. So keep pushing yourself in your classes because solid grades can make a bigger impact than a single test score!
• Your essays help you stand out. Columbia requires both a personal essay and Columbia-specific questions to learn more about your interests, goals, and what makes you unique. These supplemental essays are your chance to show Columbia who you really are beyond grades and test scores, so make it personal and let your voice shine through!
• Teacher recommendations carry more weight. Since you’re not submitting test scores, your teacher recommendations will play a huge role in showing Columbia what kind of student you are. You’ll need two recommendations from teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects.
• Your extracurriculars tell your story. What you do outside of class—clubs, sports, jobs, or volunteer work—can help show your leadership, passion, and character. So find activities you love and go all in because Columbia wants to see what makes you, you!

If you don’t submit test scores, focus on putting together the strongest application possible, showcasing your strengths, passions, and potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should you submit a 1500 SAT score to Columbia?

A 1500 SAT is a solid score, but at Columbia, it falls at the lower end of the admitted student range. If the rest of your application is strong stellar grades, compelling essays, and impressive extracurriculars, you might not need to send it. But if your SAT score helps showcase your academic ability, especially in combination with a rigorous course load, submitting it could still be a good move.

2. What if your SAT score isn’t that high?

If your SAT score is below Columbia’s middle 50% range, you might be better off leaving it out, especially if you have strong grades, extracurriculars, and essays that highlight your strengths. Columbia’s admissions team takes a holistic approach, so they’ll focus on what makes you stand out beyond test scores. Instead of worrying about a lower score, put your energy into crafting a standout application in every other area.

3. How important are AP or IB classes for Columbia?

Taking AP or IB classes can show Columbia that you’re challenging yourself academically, which is a big plus. They don’t require specific AP or IB scores, but a strong performance in these classes can boost your application, especially if your high school offers them. If your school doesn’t have many AP or IB options, don’t worry. Columbia looks at your coursework in the context of what’s available to you.

4. Can you submit your SAT scores later?

Yes! If you apply without test scores but later decide to submit them, Columbia will accept them as long as they arrive by their deadlines (November for Early Decision, February for Regular Decision). Make sure your scores strengthen your application before making the switch. If you’re on the fence, you can always wait and see how the rest of your application comes together before making a final decision.

5. Do colleges like Columbia prefer the SAT over the ACT?

Not at all! Columbia treats the SAT and ACT equally, so it’s all about which test you perform better on. If you have a high ACT score, submit that instead. There’s no advantage to picking one test over the other. The key is to send the score that makes you look the strongest academically. So, focus on the test that feels more natural to you and where you can score the highest!

Takeaways

• Columbia University is test-optional, meaning you don’t have to take the SAT. However, a high score could still strengthen your application if it’s competitive.
• If your SAT score falls in Columbia’s top 50% range (1500-1560), submitting it might help. But if it’s lower, you’re probably better off focusing on grades, essays, and extracurriculars.
• Columbia superscores the SAT, so if you take the test more than once, they’ll use your best section scores to calculate your highest possible composite score.
• If you skip the SAT, Columbia will focus more on your GPA, recommendations, and activities, so make sure the rest of your application is as strong as possible!
• If you’re still unsure about whether to submit your SAT scores, AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program can help you create the best application strategy to maximize your chances at Columbia!