How To Send SAT Scores To Columbia University? A Complete Roadmap with IvyStrides
- Hemant Attray
- Sep 23
- 8 min read
Columbia University, located in the heart of New York City, is an Ivy League institution where ambition meets opportunity. From Morningside Heights, the historic campus that is popularly known around the world, to highly advanced and futuristic research centers, Columbia University has much to offer its students. Not just a chance to learn but to evolve as an individual, in one of the most lively cities in the world.
Whether it’s the Columbia Core Curriculum that builds well-rounded thinkers or access to global networks in media, finance, science, and technology, Columbia shapes students who want to impact the world.
The university’s resources are unmatched:
Columbia Libraries - over 13 million volumes, one of the largest collections in the U.S.
World-class research labs in AI, biomedical engineering, and climate science.
Global alumni network - including Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Warren Buffett, and Amelia Earhart.
With a Columbia University acceptance rate of 3.9% for the Class of 2028, it is among the most selective schools in the U.S. If you want the power of an Ivy League education combined with the global energy of New York City, Columbia is a dream worth pursuing.
The real question is, are you preparing strategically to reach Columbia University? To find out where you stand, talk to IVYstrides counsellors and start evaluating your profile today.
How To Send SAT Scores to Columbia University – Superscoring and Relevance
Columbia is officially test-optional through the 2025–26 admissions cycle. That means you don’t need to send SAT or ACT scores to apply. But here’s the thing: recent data shows that about 44% of admitted students submitted SAT scores and around 23% submitted ACT scores. Which means- Submitting strong scores can still help your application stand out in a sea of qualified applicants.
Columbia takes your best scores. They’ll mix and match your highest section results from different test dates, SAT Math with another day’s Reading/Writing, or ACT English with your best Math, Reading, and Science. Basically, every test you take is another shot at boosting your overall profile.
Self-Reporting
When you apply, you can just self-report your scores. If you get in and decide to enroll, that’s when you’ll need to send the official ones.
Codes
Columbia’s SAT code is 2116, and its ACT code is 2717 - don’t mix them up when you send scores.
Timeline
Usually, the October SAT/ACT works for Early Decision (Nov 1), and the December dates work for Regular Decision (Jan 1). Still, always double-check Columbia’s website for the most up-to-date info.
Think of your test score as an extra spotlight. It’s not the only thing Columbia looks at, but in a test-optional world, a strong number can give your application that final push.
Smart move: At IvyStrides, we plan retakes around superscoring. With adaptive mocks, section-specific drills, and analytics, we make sure every test you take builds toward the strongest score Columbia will see. Join our SAT Prep Program and send in a score that actually works for you.
Why Does Columbia Stand Out Among the Other Ivies in The US?
Columbia isn’t just another Ivy, it’s different because of where it is and how it teaches. Living in New York puts you right at the center of everything: finance, arts, tech, media, and even global diplomacy. Columbia students intern at Wall Street firms, Broadway theaters, the UN, and startups, all before they graduate.
Then there’s the Core Curriculum, which makes sure every student dives into philosophy, literature, science, and history. You don’t just become a specialist in your major; you learn to think bigger and sharper.
A lot of students worry that Columbia is “too competitive” or “too city-focused.” The reality? Columbia looks for a mix of voices, experiences, and backgrounds. And yes, students with SAT scores in the 1510–1560 range get in when they bring strong essays and meaningful extracurriculars.
So if you’ve been second-guessing whether Columbia is the right fit, here’s the truth: the mix of Ivy-level academics and NYC’s energy is one of a kind. Don’t let hesitation hold you back.
Enrol in our SAT fall batch and find yourself already closer to Columbia’s standards than you realize.
How To Prepare For Columbia University? (The IvyStrides 3-Phase Plan)
Columbia follows a holistic admissions process, but strong academics remain critical. At IvyStrides, we suggest students with a proven 3-Phase Plan to apply to their favorite league school:
Phase 1 – SAT/ACT Readiness
Columbia’s middle 50% SAT range is 1510–1560, ACT composite 34–35. Superscoring is allowed, which means retakes matter. Consistent practice under real test conditions is key.
Phase 2 – Profile Building
Columbia looks for “impact-driven” students. That means building depth in one or two areas, such as STEM research, Olympiad excellence, debate leadership, or social impact projects. Strong recommendations from mentors reinforce this.
Phase 3 – Application Execution
You’ll need to pick between Early Decision (binding, due Nov 1) and Regular Decision (due Jan 1). Early Decision can boost your chances a bit, but if you’re accepted, you’re committing 100% to Columbia. Applications go through the Common App, which makes things easier, but don’t forget Columbia has its own extra questions. And most importantly, your essays matter. Use them to show curiosity, leadership, and what makes you you. That’s what helps your application stand out.
Columbia has a bunch of supplemental essays you’ll need to tackle:
Book an Info call to help you write a powerful essay to apply to the IVY League schools |
Columbia admits complete individuals, not just test-takers. But without strong SAT or ACT results, most applications don’t move forward. If you want to set a strong foundation, join IvyStrides SAT Prep Classes and apply to Columbia University with clarity and confidence.
What Do Columbia’s SAT and ACT Scores Reveal About Admissions?
Columbia is officially test-optional, but SAT scores still play a significant role in strengthening applications. For the Class of 2029, among students who chose to submit, the middle 50% SAT scores ranged from 1510 to 1560, while the middle 50% ACT scores were 34 to 36. These numbers show just how competitive Columbia is at the top end, but they also remind students that scores alone do not decide admission.
In fact, Columbia’s holistic review places equal weight on academic consistency, essays, extracurricular activities, and community impact. That’s why nearly 19% of enrolled students are first-generation college students, and 21% received Pell Grants proof that determination and personal stories can balance numbers.
The takeaway?
Submitting strong SAT/ACT scores can set your application apart, but if your SAT scores fall short, Columbia still evaluates your overall profile. To know if your current performance aligns with Columbia’s expectations, take IvyStrides’ SAT practice test and understand where you stand compared to admitted students.
When Should You Begin Preparing for SAT Columbia?
Columbia applicants who succeed prepare with foresight.
In Grades 9–10, they build academic excellence and begin exploring interests.
In Grade 11, they take their first SAT attempt and refine their “spikes” (research, arts, leadership).
By Grade 12 (Fall), they are retaking the SAT/ACT if needed and finalizing Early Decision applications in November.
Unlike many Ivies, Columbia’s Early Decision is binding, which increases your chances if you’re committed. Waiting until Regular Decision in January makes admission far more competitive. If you want to structure your preparation with confidence, follow the SAT dates and stay ahead of the Columbia timeline.
How Affordable Is a Columbia Education Really?
Columbia is often mistaken as “unaffordable” because of its New York location. In reality, it offers one of the strongest aid programs in the Ivy League. With total costs around $85,000 per year, Columbia meets 100% of the demonstrated need for admitted students. Families earning less than $150,000 pay no tuition, and those earning under $66,000 pay nothing for tuition, room, or board. Nearly 50% of undergraduates receive financial aid.
This means Columbia can be more affordable than private universities in your own country.
Don’t let assumptions about cost stop you from applying. Scoring high on the SAT opens doors for every college in the US. Download our scholarship guide and discover how Columbia ensures money isn’t a barrier to your education.
What Do Columbia’s Admissions Numbers Tell Us?
Columbia admitted just 2,319 students from a record number of applicants, with an acceptance rate of 3.9%.
SAT Middle 50%: 1510 - 1560
ACT Middle 50%: 34 - 35
Total Enrolled: 1,610 students
Diversity: Over 50% students are of color and representation from over 100 countries.
Financial Aid: Nearly half of all undergraduates receive aid.
The message is clear: Columbia is ultra-competitive, but it also rewards preparation and impact.
Can I Thrive at Columbia University?
Columbia thrives on students who embrace both competition and collaboration. Intellectual curiosity, resilience, leadership, and adaptability to a fast-paced city are traits that make students successful here. If you are unsure about Ivy Leagues, scoring 1530 SAT alongside some powerful projects like a climate change research project, makes you a strong Columbia candidate.
If you’ve been wondering whether Columbia is right for you, the answer lies in whether you are ready to challenge yourself academically while embracing the opportunities of New York City. If that excites you, register as a student–parent team and let us assess your readiness for Columbia.
Where Should You Join For the Perfect SAT Score Journey?
Columbia admissions is rarely a solo journey. Students who succeed have strong family support, inspiring teachers, and structured mentorship. At IvyStrides, we serve as the strategic partner who brings all these pieces together. From SAT prep to essays, from financial aid planning to Early Decision strategy, we help students approach Columbia with discipline and confidence.
Success in the Ivy League doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built by systems and guidance. If Columbia is your dream, talk to our counsellors and begin building the team that ensures you stay on track.
What If Columbia Isn’t Your Final Destination?
Aiming for Columbia is never wasted. The preparation requires strong positions for Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT. For Indian students, it strengthens candidacy for Ashoka, OP Jindal, ISB, and international scholarships. The skills you build - resilience, communication, and leadership outlast every admissions decision.
Columbia may be the dream, but aiming for it ensures success wherever you go. If you want to maximize opportunities across Ivy Leagues while keeping Columbia in sight, enroll in our SAT Prep Batch and start preparing today.
Final Word
Columbia is more than a university. It is a gateway to the world’s cultural, financial, and intellectual capital. From its Core Curriculum to its New York advantage, from its generous aid program to its Nobel-winning faculty, Columbia represents a dream of excellence and impact. But reaching it requires clarity, structure, and mentorship.
At IvyStrides, we provide the **MASTER PLAN FOR SAT mastery, profile building, and application execution, so you approach Columbia with confidence. Your Columbia dream deserves more than hope; it deserves action. Start today. Join IvyStrides SAT Prep and stride toward Columbia with clarity.
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