Faq

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

CAN I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM?

You can only apply to more than one program if you are applying to an approved dual-degree program within GSAPP.

CAN I APPLY TO BOTH M.S. AAD AND M.S. AUD?

Applicants may only apply to one of the two programs. Duplicate applications will be rejected. If multiple applications are received, the GSAPP will process the first application submitted and discard the others.

HOW DO I SEND MY TEST SCORES?

HOW DO I SEND MY TEST SCORES TO THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE?

Applicants need to contact the testing company directly to have official test scores sent to the GSAPP Admissions Office.

GRE score reports should be sent to the GSAPP at Institution Code 2164, a department code is not needed. Please contact Educational Testing Service (ETS), 1-800-473-2252 for more information.

TOEFL score reports should be sent to Institution Code 2164, Department Code 12. Please contact ETS, 1-877-863-3546 (within US) or (609) 771-7100 (international) for more information.

GMAT score reports should be sent to Institution Code QF8-73-53. Please contact the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) for more information.

WHAT ARE THE TEST SCORE REQUIREMENTS?

Applicants to the Master of Architecture, M.S. in Historic Preservation, M.S. in Urban Planning, M.S. in Critical, Curatorial, and Conceptual Practices and M.S. in Real Estate Development are required to take the GRE. Applicants should contact ETS to have official test scores sent to the Admissions Office via Institution Code 2164. Scores sent to any other institution code will not be accessible to GSAPP staff. GRE scores are valid for five years after the test date. We do not publish a minimum score requirement and encourage all to apply. The average GRE scores for admitted applicants are 161 for the verbal section and 165 for the quantitative. We review all application materials holistically.

Applicants to the M.S. in Real Estate Development program may submit GMAT scores in lieu of GRE scores. Applicants should contact GMAC to have official test scores sent to the GSAPP Admissions Office via Institution Code: QF8-73-53. Scores sent to any other institution code will not be accessible to GSAPP staff. GMAT scores are valid for five years after the test date.

All applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores (with the exception of Introduction to Architecture applicants). We do not accept the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL. Applicants should contact ETS to have official test scores sent to the GSAPP Admissions via Institution Code 2164, Dept. Code 12. Scores sent to any other institution code will not be accessible to GSAPP staff. TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date.

International students who have successfully completed two years of study in an English-speaking institution may waive the TOEFL exam requirement. We do not publish a minimum score requirement. The average admitted applicant has a TOEFL score of 104.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY TEST SCORES WERE RECEIVED?

After submitting your application, you will be able to see which materials have been received by reviewing the application checklist on your status page. We ask that students allow at least two business days for their application status to be fully updated as our admissions staff manually checks each application before updating online.

HOW DO I WAIVE MY TOEFL SCORE?

Students who have completed two full years in an educational institution with English as the official language of instruction are eligible to waive the TOEFL exam. The exam can be waived directly in the online application for students who have met the requirements.

DO YOU ACCEPT THE IELTS?

No, we do not accept the IELTS. We require the TOEFL.

DO YOU ACCEPT THE TOEFL ITP?

No, the TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program) exams are not administered by ETS and is not for University-level admissions.

WHAT IS THE LENGTH REQUIREMENT FOR THE PERSONAL STATEMENT?

The personal statement should be approximately 500 words long.

DO I NEED TO HAVE THE M. ARCH PREREQUISITES COMPLETED BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

You do not have to complete the prerequisites by the deadline. You will need to complete them before you start the program in the fall.

I have a background in architecture. Can I gain admission directly into the 2nd year of M. Arch?

I HAVE A BACKGROUND IN ARCHITECTURE. CAN I GAIN ADMISSION DIRECTLY INTO THE 2ND YEAR OF M. ARCH?

In rare cases, the admissions committee may determine that an applicant is eligible to be admitted directly into 2nd year, which is called “advanced placement”.

In the application there is a section where you can indicate that you would like to be considered for advanced placement.

For more information on advanced placement & advanced standing, please click here.

MY RECOMMENDER IS HAVING TROUBLE UPLOADING THEIR LETTER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

They may email a copy of their recommendation letter directly to the Admissions Office via mail_arch@columbia.edu and our staff will add their letter to your application.

WHEN ARE RECOMMENDATION LETTERS DUE?

All application materials, including letters, should be received by the application deadline.

I AM APPLYING TO A DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM WITHIN GSAPP, HOW DO I USE THE SAME RECOMMENDATION LETTERS?

Please add your recommenders as instructed in the online application. Recommenders need only upload the recommendation letter in one application. Our Admissions Staff will ensure that the letters are added to the second application.

ONLY ONE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION IS REQUIRED FOR MY PROGRAM, MAY I SUBMIT MORE?

Yes, you can add additional recommenders if you wish.

CAN I SUBMIT ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATION LETTERS?

Yes, you can add additional recommenders if you wish.

I AM HAVING DIFFICULTY UPLOADING MY TRANSCRIPT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

You may email a copy directly to mail_arch@columbia.edu.

WHAT DOES ‘UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT’ MEAN?

An uploaded scan of your transcript or PDF is considered ‘Unofficial’ if it sent directly by you, rather than from the issuing institution. Unofficial transcripts are perfectly acceptable for the admissions process. You will be asked to provide an official copy of your records (signed, sealed & mailed or certifiable PDF) from your previous institutions only if you are admitted to GSAPP and choose to enroll in the school.

WHAT DOES ‘CERTIFIED TRANSLATION’ MEAN WITH REGARDS TO NON-ENGLISH TRANSCRIPTS?

The translation must be certified as an accurate translation of the original and should be notarized or otherwise authenticated (either by degree-granting University or third-party). Either WES or an official translation (certified/notarized/authenticated as accurate) is appropriate. Both the non-English and translated copies of your transcript should be uploaded.

Can I make an appointment with the admissions office?

CAN I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE?

The Admissions Office has an open door policy, no appointments are required. The GSAPP Admissions Office is in 400 Avery Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 9AM-5PM EST.

What are admissions office hours?

WHAT ARE ADMISSIONS OFFICE HOURS?

The GSAPP Admissions Office is open Monday-Friday, 9AM- 5PM EST.

WHAT IS THE MAILING ADDRESS FOR THE GSAPP ADMISSIONS OFFICE?

GSAPP Admissions 400 Avery Hall, 1172 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10027

PROGRAM QUESTIONS

WHEN DO THE PROGRAMS BEGIN?

M. ARCH, M.S. HP, M.S. UP, M.S. CCCP, and NY/P begin in the fall semester.

M.S. AAD, M.S. RED, M.S. AUD, and Intro programs begin in the summer. Please visit the academic calendar for specific dates.

CAN I APPLY FOR THE SPRING TERM?

We do not have spring admissions for our degree programs. Special Students and Visiting Scholars have spring term admissions, with a December 1 application deadline.

CAN I START M.S. AAD/M.S. AUD/M.S. RED IN THE FALL?

Due to the nature of the program requirements and their course sequences, it is not possible to start these programs in the fall or spring. Please view the academic calendar for more information.

WHAT IF MY GRADUATION DATE IS AFTER THE START OF PROGRAM?

You must have completed your degree by the start of program. If your degree is not conferred at that time, you will be required to send an official letter from your degree-granting institution stating that you have completed all degree requirements and when your degree will be granted.

CAN I MISS CLASS FOR MY GRADUATION CEREMONY?

Students must be present on the first day of class, and cannot miss more than three classes during the semester.

DO YOU OFFER DEFERRALS?

We are only able to grant deferrals for documented medical emergencies.

DO YOU ACCEPT TRANSFER STUDENTS?

We do not accept transfer students. Students must first apply and be accepted to one of our programs.

In some rare cases, M. Arch applicants are admitted directly to 2nd year, allowing them to complete the degree in 2 years rather than 3. For more information please click here.

Are the architecture programs at GSAPP designated as STEM?

ARE THE ARCHITECTURE PROGRAMS AT GSAPP STEM DESIGNATED?

Columbia GSAPP’s Master of Architecture (M.Arch) and Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design (M.S.AAD) are now designated as a STEM programs.

Currently, the CIP codes (Classification of Instructional Programs) for the M.Arch Program and M.S.AAD Program are eligible for a STEM OPT Extension if other criteria are met. Consequently, international M.Arch and M.S.AAD students are eligible to apply to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) for an additional 24 months of OPT authorization after the initial 12 months of OPT to work in the United States.

At this time, the STEM designation only applies to the M. Arch and MSAAD programs.

Details

Can I get credit for courses taken in undergrad to count toward the M. Arch degree requirements?

CAN I GET CREDIT FOR COURSES TAKEN IN UNDERGRAD TO COUNT TOWARD THE M. ARCH DEGREE REQUIREMENTS?

A student admitted into M. Arch with an undergraduate degree in architecture may receive credit for some courses; credit will be evaluated on an individual basis (maximum 9 points).

For more information on advanced standing, please click here.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE QUESTIONS

DOES GSAPP OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

GSAPP has one need-based scholarship available to U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents for whom we are able to verify need. Merit-based fellowships are also offered to select applicants. Please see Tuition and Aid for Domestic Students for more details.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIP?

The need-based scholarship form is within the online application and must be completed before submitting the application. The form will only appear in your application portal if you are eligible (U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident status).

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A MERIT-BASED FELLOWSHIP?

All applications are reviewed for select merit-based fellowships; there is no form to submit and it is not necessary to state your interest.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER SCHOLARSHIP/FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?

ARE THERE ANY OTHER SCHOLARSHIP/ FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?

Columbia University Student Financial Services has information about Institution Aid and Outsides Awards, while eligibility may vary. For more information please visit: http://sfs.columbia.edu/grad-institutional-aid and http://sfs.columbia.edu/grad-outside-awards

I’M FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT; DO I STILL NEED TO SUBMIT MY PARENTS’ FINANCIAL INFORMATION?

Yes. Most of our students are independent from their parents and have been for several years. In order to make a fair and accurate judgment about a student’s need, we review this information.

Scholarships will be considered only if the application has been filled out appropriately and all tax forms have been submitted.

DO YOU OFFER FEE WAIVERS?

Fee waivers are granted to McNair Scholars, applicants in the Peace Corps or the military, and to those who currently receive financial aid from their home institutions. We will need documentation (i.e. a letter from official office or copy of student financial statement showing aid) to process your request. Applicants should create an application online before submitting documentation. Decisions are processed within three business days. Documentation should be sent via email to arch_admissions@columbia.edu.

WILL APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AFFECT MY CHANCE TO BE ADMITTED?

At GSAPP we have a need blind admissions policy. Students are admitted based on merit; applications are reviewed without any knowledge of their financial situation.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?

All applications are reviewed for select merit-based fellowships; there is no form to submit and it is not necessary to state your interest. Please see the Tuition and Aid for International Students page for more information.
At this time we do not offer need-based financial aid to international students. However, international students may be eligible to apply for student loans. A co-signer who is a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident and lives in the U.S is usually required. Please contact our Student Financial Planning office at 212.854.7040 for further information.

HOW DO I ESTIMATE THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROGRAM?

Please see the Tuition and Aid for Domestic Students and Tuition and Aid for International Students pages for a summary of tuition and fees.

Columbia University Student Financial Services has information about current and past estimated total cost of attendance on their website.