What are the prerequisites for Columbia University?

I'm a high school junior aiming for Columbia University next year. Can someone shed some light on the prerequisites required for Columbia? Any specific courses or activities I should focus on?

Columbia University, like many other Ivy League institutions, doesn't have strict prerequisites in terms of specific courses or activities. However, the admissions committee does look for students who challenge themselves academically and show a commitment and depth of involvement in extracurricular activities.

Academically speaking, Columbia will want to see a strong performance in a rigorous curriculum that includes courses in English, Mathematics, Foreign Language, Social Studies, and Science. Ideally, you should be taking the highest level classes available to you such as AP or IB courses. However, remember that the courses you take and the grades you get in them matter more than your AP scores in the admissions process.

Extracurricular activities count as well. Admissions committees at selective schools like Columbia are often interested in students who demonstrate a high level of commitment and achievement in a few key activities rather than just a large number of activities with less involvement. This concept is often referred to as “spiking,” or having a well-developed specialty.

That being said, they'll consider these achievements with a framework known as the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars. Top tier (Tier 1 and 2) activities show exceptional achievement at the national or regional/state level, which is usually the level of achievement that stands out in competitive admissions pools.

For example, winning a Congressional Art award or playing in a state orchestra would be considered top tier activities. Smaller involvement activities like general club membership fall into the lower tiers (Tier 3 and 4).

Remember to also put in the effort in your application essays. Columbia has its own set of supplement essays as part of the Common App, and the questions provide a chance for you to demonstrate your interest in the school and field of study, as well as provide insights into your personal identity and experiences.

Just ensure that you stand clear of cliche topics and try to offer a unique perspective or focus on something that is incredibly personal to you. For instance, instead of writing about how you worked hard in a challenging class, you could narrate a singular instance that changed your perspective on learning or drove you to push yourself harder academically.

The application will also ask for your SAT or ACT scores, if you wish to submit them, as Columbia is test-optional for the 2024-2025 application cycle. If scores are submitted, they will be considered as part of the Academic Index, a value representing the strength of a student's grades, and test scores.

Finally, demonstrating interest isn't a major factor in the admissions process. It's always a good idea, though, to show that you're making an informed decision in applying to Columbia and that you have a clear idea of how the programs there align with your long-term goals.

I hope this information helps you plan your senior year course load and activities, and best of luck with your journey to college admission!