How does COVID-19 impact the 2021 admissions process and application review?
Columbia University’s graduate and professional schools, as well as their respective admissions committees, will take into account the important disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak when reviewing student transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their customary practice of performing holistic reviews of individual applications or dossiers. Specifically, we will respect decisions made by institutions or individuals regarding the adoption of Pass/Fail or similar grading options during the period in question.
Please read the University’s Statement of Principle regarding 2021 admissions.
Have the Standardized Test Requirements changed for 2021 admissions?
Columbia GSAPP is waiving the GRE requirement on master’s degree program applications for 2021 admissions in recognition of limited testing availability due to the impact of COVID-19.
Each degree program offered by Columbia GSAPP has unique admissions requirements, please see the Application Process page to review the program-specific application deadlines, processes, and requirements.
All applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores. Columbia GSAPP will accept IELTS and Duolingo test results as alternatives to TOEFL scores on applications for 2021 admissions in recognition of limited testing availability due to the impact of COVID-19. (International students who have successfully completed two years of study in an English-speaking institution may waive the TOEFL exam requirement provided they can submit relevant transcripts.)