How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in applying to Columbia University. All prospective students must apply using our online application. The GSAPP is no longer accepting paper-based applications.

To apply online go to Online Application

Only one application per admissions period is accepted. Multiple applications to different programs will not be processed unless you are applying to a dual degree program.

Our Dual-Degree programs are Master of Architecture and M.S. Historic Preservation, Master of Architecture and M.S. Urban Planning, M.S. Urban Planning and M.S. Historic Preservation.

Application Requirements for Degree Programs:

APPLICATION FEE:

A $75 non-refundable application fee is required. This fee can be paid by Visa or Mastercard, and must be submitted via the online application system. Candidates applying to a dual degree program within the GSAPP will need to submit two separate applications and application fees.

TRANSCRIPTS:

An official transcript from each university attended and credit earned is required. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes. The envelopes must not be opened by the student. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by notarized English translations.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:

Three letters are required. Recommenders may submit their reference letters electronically through our application system. For recommenders who wish to submit their recommendation letters on paper, please remind them to include the your full name and program of study in the body of the letter. The GSAPP does not have a special form to fill out. Envelopes must be sealed with the recommender's signature on the flap.

PERSONAL STATEMENT:

In a statement of approximately 500 words, describe your background, your past work in your intended field of study, and your plans for graduate study and a professional career. If you are presently in a graduate program at another university, please explain why you wish to leave. If you have not yet come to a decision about your career, or if your plans are tentative, please do not hesitate to say so.

RESUME:

Resumes are recommended for the M. S. Real Estate Development program only.

PORTFOLIO:

A portfolio is required for the Master of Architecture, M.S. Advanced Architectural Design and the M.S. Architecture and Urban Design program.

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE- All applicants must submit a portfolio containing reproductions of original drawings, prints, graphic design, or sculpture. Portfolios must not exceed 8.5 X 11 inches(22 X 28cm) or be more than 0.5 inch (2cm) thick. Large Portfolios with glass or protruding metal parts, slides, DVD's, or CDs are not acceptable. Portfolios must be marked with the applicants' name.

M.S. ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & M.S. ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN- Applicants must submit examples of architectural design following the above format.

Portfolios that do not conform to this format will not be accepted.

Please submit a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish to have your portfolio returned. For international addresses you may submit postage coupons in lieu of U.S. stamps.

All Architectural portfolios will be discarded May 15 unless return is requested prior to this date.

GRADUATE RECORD EXAM:

The GRE is required of all applicants to the Master of Architecture, Urban Planning, Historic Preservation, and M.S. Critical, Curatorial, & Conceptual Practices programs. Test scores should arrive by the application deadline. A score of 500 or above on both sections are suggested. GSAPP requires a minimum verbal score of 450. Submitted applications with a verbal score below 450 will not be reviewed. Information about the GRE can be obtained by contacting the Educational Testing Service by phone 1-800-473-2255 or web at www.gre.org. Test scores should be sent to the institution code 2164. A department code is not needed.

Applicants to the Advanced Architectural Design, Architecture and Urban Design, and Real Estate Development programs are not required to take the GRE.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

All applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam. Information can be obtained by contacting TOEFL/ TSE Services, phone 1-877-863-3546 (inside US) or (609) 771-7100 (outside US) or by web www.ets.org/toefl.

A minimum TOEFL score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test or 100 on the internet-based test is required for admission.

The institution code is 2164 and Dept. Code 12.

FINANCIAL AID:

Only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for scholarship aid from the school.

Scholarships are need-based only. Applicants who are applying for scholarship aid must submit the online Scholarship form by January 15. In addition, a copy of the 2007 IRS form 1040 is required from the student, spouse and students' parents, regardless of financial dependency status.

Those interested in student loans and/or Work-Study need only submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Our FAFSA code is E00115. Information can be obtained by contacting the Federal Student Aid Program at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by phone 1-800-433-3243, or the Columbia University Financial Planning Office, 202 Kent Hall, NY, NY 10027 (212) 854-7040.

It is the applicant's responsibility to make certain all materials are submitted. All documents become the property of the University and cannot be returned.

RE-APPLYING:

We are no longer saving files or materials sent during previous application periods. Those wishing to re-apply must resubmit all of the required application materials for their new application to be considered complete.

NOTICE OF ADMISSION STATUS:

Applicants are notified of their admission status online by the first week of April. Admission decisions are not given over the phone.

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Applicants interested in the above dual degree programs will need to apply to both schools and be admitted to both schools to pursue the dual degrees. Application requirements are the same as listed above. Applicants need to consult the respective schools' admissions office for further information.