What's the acceptance rate for Columbia University?

Incoming junior here and I'm trying to get an idea of my chances of getting into Columbia. I've heard it's really tough but does anyone know the actual acceptance rate? Is there anything specific they're looking for in an applicant? Thanks for any info.

Columbia is indeed very competitive when it comes to admissions, with an acceptance rate of approximately 4%. Keep in mind this may fluctuate a bit from year to year.

In terms of what they're looking for, Columbia aims to enroll students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, a desire to engage with their communities, and ambition to make a difference in the world. Your application should help to showcase these qualities, whether it's through your essays, extracurricular activities, or letters of recommendation.

Academically, they'd be looking for a robust set of high school courses, excellent grades, and strong test scores. For example, if the applicant's high school offers a rigorous curriculum such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, they would expect the student to have taken some of these challenging classes and performed well in them.

In your essays, you'd want to address your interest in the specific programs at Columbia and explain why you believe it's a good fit for you. It's worthwhile to spend some time researching Columbia's unique core curriculum and specific programs that interest you. Demonstrating this specific interest in your essays can be a crucial way to distinguish yourself.

Extracurriculars, as always, are pretty key. Rather than having a wide but shallow variety of activities, it can be beneficial to exhibit depth and dedication in a few areas. Leadership roles or substantial involvement are especially notable as they're an indicator of commitment and potentially successful integration into Columbia's academic community.

It's definitely a challenge to get in, but remember: the acceptance rate is just a number and doesn't completely define your chances. If you believe Columbia is a good fit for you and your ambitions, definitely consider applying. Good luck!