Skip to content
  • Solutions
    Our Services
    Admissions Committee Review
    BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
    Business School Admissions
    College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
    Computer Science & Engineering
    Essay Advising and Review
    Gap Year Admissions
    Graduate School Admissions
    Middle School College Prep
    Subject Tutoring
    Test Prep
    ACT Test Prep
    SAT Test Prep
    Transfer Admissions
  • About Us
    Our Story
    Why Us
    Success Stories
    Contact Us
  • Programs
    AI Scholar Program
    Research Scholar Program
    Startup Internship Program
    Passion Project Program
  • Resources
    Blog
    College Insights
    Ebooks & Guides
    Empowerly Score®
    Referral
    Webinars
    Upcoming Webinars
    Webinar Recordings
  • For Organizations
    Partnerships & Affiliates
    Empowerly for Employers

Sign In

Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation

Login

  • Blog > Applications, Pre-Application

Tips from Columbia University Admissions Officer

Picture of Gelyna Price

Gelyna Price

  • May 8, 2017

Admissions Officer

In this post, we asked a former Columbia University admissions officer for some helpful college advice for high school students. Read below for insider knowledge from a college expert with over a decade of experience working in admissions!

What does Columbia University look for?

Columbia looks for exemplary students. In other words, those who are clearly ready for a rigorous education. Here are some general things to note:

  • The majority of admits are in the top 10% of their class and have taken APs and honors courses throughout high school.
  • Around 50% have SAT scores between 1510 and 1580 or ACT scores between 32 to 35.
  • They have  strong recommendations from teachers who can speak to their character and work ethic.  
  • The personal statements show that the  applicant has a purpose and motivation to get into a specific career/industry. Admissions officers want to hear their story of what motivates them and who they really are as a person. We want to see extracurriculars and examples of real life experiences.  

Ultimately, we are looking for applicants who will give Columbia a good name and become top level in their career/industry: someone who is always striving to be better than they were yesterday.

When you worked in Columbia’s Undergraduate Admissions, how often did you have to reject extremely competent and accomplished applicants? 

Only a small percentage (5 or 6%) of the qualified students earn accepted to Columbia University. Many will receive rejections even if they’re highly qualified.   There simply aren’t enough spots to accept all highly qualified applicants.   For that reason, the admissions team will not accept applicants that do not show exceptional abilities in each and every piece of the application.  

What kind of student do you think is a strong match with Columbia?

Ideal Columbia students show that they are challenging themselves in and out of school and will continue to do so in the future. These are students who demonstrate independence, intellect, diversity, knowledge and spirit to understand and give back to the world. They therefore prove that they are ready for a rigorous academic program, can thrive in a city environment, and take advantage of Columbia’s resources.

Similarly, how much does Columbia value academic performance and extracurricular activities respectively in college applications?

Applications are reviewed holistically.  All documents are reviewed including academic pieces, extracurriculars, recommendations, and personal statements; each weighing heavily on the admission decision.

Extracurriculars have great importance to demonstrate your passion outside of the classroom. However, quantity is not necessarily better.  It is good to show interest in an area throughout high school whether it be in the arts, athletics, creative writing, research, competitions, etc. Some students are encouraged to submit supplementary materials for artistic talents if applicable (writing, photography, film, architecture, dance, etc).

The committee looks at extracurriculars to see if the applicant is able to fit into a community, to be social, show leadership, demonstrate time management skills, and, most importantly, show hands-on ‘life experience’. The majority of the committees believe that this is just as important as the academic scores.  

Do you have further questions you’d like to ask a former Ivy League admissions officer? Curious about our college counseling program? Empowerly draws upon years of expertise about college admissions. This generous former Columbia University admissions officer is one example of this. We invite you to book a consultation so we can discuss how Empowerly can serve you.

Book A Free Consultation
Share this post
College Internships
Picture of Gelyna Price

Gelyna Price

Related articles

Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

College Tour Tips: Questions You Should Be Asking

Maximize your college campus visit! Discover key questions to ask on tours for insights into academics, student life, and your ideal university fit.

College Essay Brainstorming Techniques That Actually Work

Stuck on your college essay? Discover proven brainstorming techniques to find your unique story and write a standout application. Get started now!

Big vs. Small Colleges: Pros and Cons

Deciding between a big university and a small college? Explore the pros and cons of each to find the perfect fit for your academic journey and campus life.

Empowerly is a member of:

Menu

  • Services
  • Success Stories
  • Careers
  • Become a Counselor
  • Refer a Friend
  • Book a Consult

Contact Us

  • enrollment@empowerly.com
  • 800 491 6920
  • empowerly.com

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Subscribe to our Newsletter
© 2025 Empowerly Inc | All Rights Reserved
Cookie Preferences
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

Enter your email to view the webinar

Solutions
Our Services
Admissions Committee Review
BS/MD & Pre-Med Admissions
Business School Admissions
College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
Computer Science & Engineering
Essay Advising and Review
Gap Year Admissions
Graduate School Admissions
Middle School College Prep
Subject Tutoring
Test Prep
ACT Test Prep
SAT Test Prep
Transfer Admissions
About Us
Our Story
Why Us
Success Stories
Programs
AI Scholar Program
Research Scholar Program
Startup Internship Program
Resources
Blog
College Insights
Empowerly Score®
Referral
Webinars
Upcoming Webinars
Webinar Recordings
For Organizations
Partnerships & Affiliates
Empowerly for Employers
Book a Free Consultation
Login