Alright, so I'm curious about Columbia U. I love the city vibe and their programs seem top-tier. But I need to know, what's their admission rate? Is it as cut-throat competitive as I've heard? Anxiety's a bit high on this one, so I'll appreciate any info you guys can share.
Admission to Columbia University is indeed highly selective. For the class of 2028, Columbia's acceptance rate was around 3.8%, a historical low due to a surge in applications partially attributed to the test-optional policy in place that year. This puts Columbia among the most selective universities in the United States, and yes, you could call it "cut-throat competitive".
However, it's important to note a low acceptance rate is not the sole indicator of whether you will get accepted. Columbia, like many other top-tier institutions, will be looking at your academics (GPA, rigor of your curriculum), your extracurricular involvement (especially those where you've shown significant achievement or leadership), and your essays.
They are looking for students who are academically strong, but also students who have pursued their passions outside the classroom and can articulate their thoughts well through their essays. So, while the acceptance rate is low, if you are a strong candidate in these areas, you absolutely still have a shot.
Try not to let the low acceptance rate discourage you. As long as you make sure to also apply to a range of match and safety schools, you should go ahead and give Columbia a shot if you're passionate about the possibility of studying there.
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