SAT and ACT Scores For Columbia University

Columbia University stands as one of the most selective institutions globally, with a mere 4% admission rate. This indicates extremely competitive admissions, attracting a pool of highly qualified applicants.

Columbia offers an early decision program, allowing applicants to demonstrate their commitment to the university. This option, however, is binding, meaning students who are accepted must withdraw their applications from other schools.

At Columbia, submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional, giving students the flexibility to decide whether their test results accurately reflect their academic capabilities. However, high scores can significantly strengthen an application due to the competitive nature of the admissions process.

SAT Scores

  Recommended Score: 1520

SAT scores of admitted students at Columbia University are impressively high, with ranges from 1470 to 1570, representing the 25th to the 75th percentiles. These scores are among the highest nationwide, reflecting the elite academic caliber of Columbia’s student body.

For the SAT Reading section, admitted students typically score between 720 and 770. These high scores underscore Columbia's emphasis on excellent verbal reasoning and comprehension skills, essential for the rigorous liberal arts and sciences curriculum.

In the SAT Math section, scores range from 750 to 800 among admitted students. Such high scores highlight the importance of strong quantitative abilities at Columbia, especially for programs in engineering, economics, and the hard sciences.

Columbia recommends a SAT score of 1520 to be competitive within its applicant pool. Scoring above this level can help an applicant stand out, signaling their readiness to tackle the university’s challenging academic programs.

Prospective students should aim to meet or exceed this recommended SAT score, as doing so could notably improve their chances of admission, particularly in a pool filled with top-tier candidates.

ACT Scores

  Recommended Score: 35

The ACT scores at Columbia also reflect high academic standards, with admitted students typically scoring between 34 and 35. These scores position Columbia’s incoming class at the top of global academic performers.

ACT English scores among admitted students are notably high, ranging from 35 to 36. This range indicates that successful applicants are exceptionally proficient in English, a key skill for succeeding in Columbia’s extensive writing and humanities courses.

ACT Math scores vary from 32 to 35, showcasing the strong mathematical foundation expected of Columbia’s students. This is particularly crucial for those entering STEM fields, where advanced math skills are essential.

The ACT Writing scores of Columbia’s admitted students usually fall between 8 and 10, emphasizing the university’s focus on strong writing abilities, vital across all academic disciplines.

An ACT composite score of 35 is recommended for those aiming to be highly competitive at Columbia. Achieving this score can significantly enhance an applicant’s likelihood of acceptance, complementing a strong overall application.

Admission Numbers

Overall Rating: Extremely Competitive

Here are the applicant and admissions numbers per year for Columbia University:

Columbia University’s admission process is one of the most competitive in the world, reflected in its low acceptance rate and high test score requirements. Prospective students must demonstrate exceptional academic ability and intellectual potential to be considered.

While SAT and ACT scores are not required, they remain a critical component of a competitive application. Achieving scores at or above the recommended levels can substantially strengthen an applicant’s profile.

To maximize their chances of admission, applicants should exceed these scoring benchmarks and ensure their applications holistically reflect their achievements, skills, and potential contributions to Columbia’s vibrant academic community.