Is Columbia University the hardest school to get into?

Asked by: David Stamm  |  Last update: August 10, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (48 votes)

Columbia University Columbia is the third hardest Ivy League to get into, with an acceptance rate of 3.85%. Students from around the world dream of studying at Columbia University.

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.

Is Columbia harder to get into than Harvard?

In 2021, Columbia edged past Princeton and Harvard to become the most competitive Ivy. However, with a current acceptance rate of 3.59%, Harvard is once again the hardest Ivy League school to get into.

Is Yale or Columbia harder to get into?

Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that Columbia University in the City of New York is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Yale University is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.

Why is Columbia University so hard to get into?

The school is a world-renowned research institution, and its selectivity and prestige mean that it is very hard for most people to be accepted by this college. Getting admitted to Columbia will require you to start preparing as soon as possible.

Asking Columbia Students How They Got Into Columbia | GPA, SAT/ACT, Clubs, etc.

34 related questions found

Is Columbia harder than NYU?

Overall, it's harder to get into Columbia. The private institution is also part of the Ivy League. However, NYU competes with Columbia in many areas, including performing arts, business, and law. NYU also offers more online classes than Columbia.

Can an average student get into Columbia?

The acceptance rate at Columbia University is 4%.

For every 100 applicants, only 4 are admitted. This means the school is extremely selective. Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation.

What is the least snobby ivy?

Most probably Cornell. It is a biggest and youngest of the ivies, and probably the least old-money, preppy, snobby environment.

What is the hardest major at Columbia?

Furthermore, Columbia's Engineering programs, specifically the Computer Science, Biomedical, and Electrical Engineering programs, are renowned for their rigor and competitiveness. With the ever-growing tech and biological-field advancements, these majors are in high demand and thus have higher standards.

Why is Columbia University so prestigious?

Columbia is renowned not only for its rich history but also for being one of the top universities worldwide with the most Nobel laureates. This article talks about what makes Columbia truly exceptional and why studying there can be a transformative experience that shapes your life in ways you never imagined.

Is Columbia harder to get into than Cornell?

Is It Harder to Get Into Cornell or in Columbia? Based on the acceptance rate, it is easier to get into Cornell at 7.90% than Columbia at 3.85%. However, admission varies depending on the program.

How rare is it to get into Columbia University?

The acceptance rate at Columbia University is 4%.

In other words, of 100 students who apply, only 4 are admitted. This means the school is very selective.

What is the easiest little ivy to get into?

Which Little Ivy Is Easiest to Get Into? The Little Ivy that is easiest to get into, based on acceptance rates, is Lafayette College, which has a relatively high acceptance rate. However, it's important to note that acceptance rates can change over time.

Is Dartmouth a fake ivy?

Dartmouth College (/ˈdɑːrtməθ/ DART-məth) is a private Ivy League research university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States.

How elite is Columbia University?

COLUMBIA IS A TOP 4 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY IN THE US. It deserves to be in the top 4 top institutions in the USA. Columbia demonstrates excellence, prestige and communal support.

Is Columbia more prestigious than NYU?

Is NYU More Prestigious Than Columbia? Both NYU and Columbia are well known and prestigious. Columbia is part of the Ivy League which is considered very prestigious in the US and abroad. Because Columbia has a lower admission rate than NYU, there is a general perception that Columbia is more prestigious than NYU.

What high school sends the most kids to Ivies?

The high school that traditionally sends the most students to Ivy League schools is often a prestigious private school. Phillips Exeter Academy and Phillips Academy Andover, both elite private boarding schools, are known for sending a significant number of their graduates to Ivy League schools every year.

Which Ivy is the whitest?

Ivy League race demographics: how diverse are they?
  1. Harvard University: - White: 35% - Asian: 24% ...
  2. Yale University: - White: 40% ...
  3. Princeton University: - White: 39% ...
  4. University of Pennsylvania: - White: 35% ...
  5. Columbia University: - White: 30% ...
  6. Dartmouth College: - White: 48% ...
  7. Brown University: - White: 45% ...
  8. Cornell University:

What is the prettiest ivy?

1. Princeton University: Princeton's campus is renowned for its beautiful, spacious, and well-maintained grounds. Gothic and collegiate architecture dominate the landscape. Their eating clubs also add to the uniqueness of campus life.

What is a hidden ivy?

In short, the Hidden Ivies are a group of 63 schools that are so excellent academically and otherwise, they're seen as worthy of the “Ivy” title, even if they're not part of the traditional Ivy League. These colleges got their name from the book published by educational consultants Howard and Matthew Greene.

What type of student gets into Columbia?

It is important for all applicants to understand that, beyond academic excellence and preparedness, there is no one factor that determines whether they will receive an offer of admission. We do not admit students based on any single factor or to fill quotas.

Can you get a full ride to Columbia University?

Students coming from families with annual incomes less than $150,000 (and typical assets) are able to attend Columbia tuition-free. Columbia awards more than $225 million annually in scholarships and grants from all sources.