Columbia University in the Heart of Manhattan
Columbia University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, boasting alums that have significantly impacted our generation. Located in New York City, Columbia has produced Nobel Prize winners, groundbreaking researchers, and other brilliant minds. If you want to attend a university that can help you make your mark on the world, Columbia is the place for you.
So, what makes Columbia so unique? This blog post will give you an overview of what you want to know about Columbia University. We’ll cover everything from its history and campus life to its academics and admissions process!
A Brief History of Columbia University
Columbia University is an American private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King’s College by the royal charter of King George II of England, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. Columbia is ranked the 3rd best university in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, behind Princeton and Harvard. According to Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings, it is the 14th most global university.
As of 2019, the university has produced over 80 Nobel laureates, including Physics, Economics, and Literature. Additionally, 22 living billionaires and over 150 Academy Award winners have been affiliated with Columbia as students, alums, or faculty. Columbia alums and affiliates include five United States Founding Fathers; nine Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States; numerous living billionaires and foreign heads of state; 62 Academy Award winners; and 125 Pulitzer Prize laureates.
Today, Columbia comprises three undergraduate schools—Columbia College, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and School of General Studies—as well as 13 graduate and professional schools. Columbia is truly a world-class university with over 30,000 students and 4,000 faculty members spread across these schools and departments.
Campus and Location History
Over the centuries, Columbia has undergone many changes. In 1896, the university moved from its Midtown Manhattan location to its current Morningside Heights campus. In 1897, it became a foundational Association of American Universities member. In 2010 Columbia completed a multi-billion dollar expansion project that significantly enhanced its campus facilities.
Columbia’s main campus spans over 30 acres (12 ha) in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, New York City. It is adjacent to Central Park and bounded by Amsterdam Avenue to the west, West 110th Street to the north, Fifth Avenue to the east, and West 116th Street to the south. The university also operates several satellite campuses throughout New York City, including a graduate school of architecture, planning, and preservation; an art gallery; a performing arts center; two teacher-training schools; a medical center; numerous research centers and institutes; and its affiliate Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
Rankings & Standings
Columbia University is one of the eight Ivy League schools and is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the United States. Columbia offers a unique blend of academic rigor and world-class research opportunities. The school also boasts unique resources, including a large endowment and a diversified alum group. As a result, Columbia University ranks highly in national and international university rankings.
Columbia University is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world, and it was ranked #4 in the United States and #9 globally in the most recent rankings. Columbia is known for its rigorous academic programs, diverse student body, and exceptional faculty.
Columbia students can access many resources, including world-class libraries and state-of-the-art research facilities. The university also firmly commits to interdisciplinary research, with more than 200 centers and institutes devoted to exploring new ideas across disciplines.
The university is also home to several renowned research centers, including the Center for International Earth Science Information Network and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Columbia’s location in New York City gives students access to various cultural and intellectual resources. With its rich history and tradition of excellence, Columbia University is truly a world-class institution.
Columbia University is among the most selective, with an acceptance rate of less than 7%. Located in New York City, Columbia has a long history of academic excellence, and its faculty includes Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows.
In 2017, Columbia was ranked the 6th best university in the world by THE World University Rankings. Additionally, the Q.S. Graduate Employability Rankings ranked Columbia as the 17th most employable university in the world.
In addition to its academic strength, Columbia is highly ranked for its student life. It is home to over 30,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, and its campus is in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. As a result, it is not surprising that Columbia is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.
Academics at Columbia University
Columbia is renowned for its academic excellence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and over 200 graduate and professional programs. No matter what you’re interested in studying, chances are good that Columbia has a program for you.
Columbia students benefit from the school’s small class sizes, which allow for more one-on-one interaction with professors. Additionally, the faculty at Columbia is genuinely world-class—several Nobel Prize winners and Pulitzer Prize winners teach here. And with over 80% of classes having fewer than 20 students, you’ll get to know your professors and peers.
Columbia offers a truly unique academic experience. Thanks to its liberal arts tradition dating back centuries, students at Columbia are exposed to a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. This foundation allows students to think critically about their world and develop a well-rounded worldview. Additionally, Columbia’s location in New York City provides unparalleled opportunities for real-world learning experiences through internships and research projects.
Admission into these highly selective programs is very competitive; however, admission into multiple programs is even more so. Acceptance rates for the class of 2023 ranged from 5.8% (Columbia College) to 11.5% (School of Engineering and Applied Science).
Campus Life at Columbia University and New York City
Living in New York City affords students at Columbia a wealth of opportunities both on and off campus. As a student at Columbia, you’ll have access to all that NYC has to offer—from world-renowned museums and cultural institutions to ubiquitous internship and job opportunities. And with students coming from all over the world to study at Columbia, you’ll never find yourself short on exciting people to meet!
Of course, there’s plenty to do on campus as well. Columbia offers over 800 student organizations, from cultural groups to political advocacy organizations to sports teams. There are also dozens of performance groups on campus, including dance troupes, musical ensembles, and acapella groups. And if you’re looking for something more low-key, there are plenty of options, too—from movie screenings to coffeehouses to studying in one of Columbia’s beautiful libraries.
No matter your interests, you will indeed find your place at Columbia.
Applying to Columbia University
If you’re interested in applying to Columbia, the first step is to visit the admissions website and choose which type of applicant you are. Columbia offers different applications for first-year applicants, transfer applicants, international applicants, and veterans/active duty military personnel.
Once you’ve selected your application type, you must create an account and fill out your application. You’ll be asked to provide personal information, academic history, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. You’ll also need to write several essays, including a personal statement and Columbia-specific essay questions.
Finally, you’ll need to submit your application fee, the fee waiver request, and official transcripts and test score reports. Once all of your materials have been received, the admissions committee will review your application and render a decision.
Decisions are typically released in mid to late March for regular decision applicants and early April for early decision applicants. For more information on the admissions process, check out our website or contact us today!
Now that you know more about Columbia University, we hope you’re as excited about this world-class institution as we are! Be sure to check back soon for more updates on all things Columbia.
To be considered for admission, applicants must submit a complete application which includes:
– Official high school transcript
– Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
– Two letters of recommendation
– Personal essay
– Application fee ($80 for domestic applicants/$105 for international applicants)
Check out our website and blog for more information on the admissions process! We’ll keep you updated on all the latest news and information about this great institution.
Conclusion
Let us be the first to congratulate you when you’re admitted to Columbia! You’ve just joined the ranks of some of the brightest minds in the world. We hope you enjoy your time at this truly unique university. Whether you’re looking for an academically rigorous education or endless opportunities for extracurricular involvement, Columbia University has something for everyone. With a history dating back centuries and groundbreaking research happening every day, there’s no limit to what you can achieve at this world-class university!
For more information on Columbia University, check out our website and blog! We’ll keep you updated on all the latest news and information about this great institution.