New York-based Columbia University’s graduate programs are among the most sought after courses in the world. Ranked consistently among the top universities in the world, admissions at this Ivy League university are extremely competitive. It is no surprise then that you need a great GRE score to improve your chances of admission at Columbia.
Most colleges/departments at Columbia do not specify any minimum GRE score. Just like other top schools, admissions committees look at GPA, personal statement, recommendations and work experience, in addition to a GRE score.
Nevertheless, GRE scores remain an important metric for admissions at Columbia. If you are looking at some of the most competitive disciplines such as engineering and education, you will really need to be at the top of the pile of GRE scores.
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The admissions page of the Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) provides a useful guide regarding their attitude towards GRE scores. The page says – “No department other than Psychology sets a minimum score requirement. For those applying to Psychology, although the department bases its decisions on an overall recommendation of applicants’ scores, grades, recommendation letters, and potential for scholarship in the program, it encourages applicants to have a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1200 (for tests taken prior to August 1, 2011) or 310 (for tests taken after August 1, 2011 and subject to the revised scoring system).”
Given below is a table that covers Columbia University GRE requirements across a few of the departments/programs. These Columbia University GRE scores are estimated based on historical data and information available on official websites of these departments/programs. While these may not be the perfect numbers, they will serve as good indicators to students regarding GRE score requirements across schools.
GRE Scores for Columbia University :
Department/Program |
GRE Score Requirement |
| Columbia University Department of Psychology | 1200 – Old Score, 310 – New score |
| Fu Foundation School of Engineering And Applied Science | Quantitative – 82% or above, verbal and writing – 64% and above |
| Columbia University Department of Computer Science | Verbal – 159, Quant- 166, Analytical Writing – 4.3 |
| Ph.D. program in Applied Mathematics or Materials Science & Engineering | Quant – 680 (Old Score) |
| Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health | Verbal – 158, Quant- 152, Analytical Writing – 4.8 |
| Columbia University Department of Physics | GRE Physics Subject test Score – 884 |
Also, do not get obsessed with GRE scores. Just like other schools, Columbia looks at a lot more than the GRE scores. Your personal statements, GPA, recommendations and interviews all count towards your admission. If your departments/programs are not in the table listed above, get in touch with the admissions offices. There is a good chance that your target program may not specify any cut-off or average GRE scores. In that case, your target GRE score for Columbia will have to be based on your own online research as well as interactions with admission officers and current students. Feel free to visit the campus as well. Aim to be around 160 in both the verbal and quant sections of the GRE to really feel comfortable about your score. However, the requirements vary widely across programs, and your application and preparation should be more aligned with your target Columbia University program.
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