Columbia University Supplementary Materials Guidelines

Applicants are encouraged to showcase the breadth and depth of their extracurricular activities within the activities section of their admission application. This includes listing the full name of each organization and providing a brief description of their involvement. While the submission of supplementary credentials should be kept to a minimum, there may be instances where such materials offer valuable insights beyond what is covered in the standard application.

Please note that supplements are not required as part of the admissions process. However, for those choosing to submit supplementary credentials, the following deadlines apply:

• Early Decision applicants must submit supplements by November 1.

• Regular Decision applicants must submit supplements by January 1.

• Transfer applicants must submit supplements by March 1.

Types of submissions

Academic research

Applicants who have conducted research with a faculty member or mentor in fields such as science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, or languages are encouraged to submit a one or two-page abstract as a supplement to their application. The abstract can be uploaded in the Columbia-specific section of the Common Application or the Uploads page of the Coalition Application. Please note that links provided in other sections of the application (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, websites) will not be reviewed.

When submitting an abstract, applicants will also need to answer a few brief questions about their research experience. This includes details on the duration of their involvement, their specific role and contributions to the project, and the contact information of their research mentor. This information will help provide a clearer understanding of the applicant's research experience beyond what is included in other application materials.

Additionally, a letter of recommendation from the research mentor is welcome. The mentor can send the letter via email to ugrad-confirm@columbia.edu, via fax to 212-854-3393, or via mail to Undergraduate Admissions.

Creative Portfolios

Supplementary portfolios may be submitted by applicants who wish to contribute their creative talents to Columbia's campus through a major or extracurricular opportunities. While these supplements are optional and not required for the admissions process, they can provide additional insight into an applicant’s abilities and interests.

Students will have access to Columbia's arts and maker communities and facilities, and can engage in these communities regardless of whether they submit a portfolio or declare a major in the arts. Typically, students who submit an Artistic Portfolio have achieved recognition at local, state, national, or international levels in their field and have dedicated significant time and effort to their art form(s). The Maker Portfolio offers an opportunity to showcase past creations or ongoing projects that demonstrate creativity, technical skill, and hands-on problem-solving.

Supplements for Architecture, Creative Writing, Dance, Drama and Theatre Arts, Film, Maker, Music, and Visual Arts can be submitted through Columbia's SlideRoom portal. Applicants should select the program that corresponds to the application type they are using for their Columbia application.

Architecture

Applicants should submit up to 10 digital images or models that showcase their best work. Images must be in jpg, png, or gif formats, with a maximum file size of 5 MB each. 3D models may be submitted via Sketchfab. Each submission should include the title, year, and medium of the work.

Applicants are also welcome to include a résumé (in pdf format) detailing their architecture experience and any recognition received. A processing fee of $10 is required at the time of submission.

Visual Arts

Applicants should submit up to 20 images that highlight the best work in their portfolio. Images must be in jpg, png, or gif formats, with a maximum file size of 5 MB each. Each submission should include the title, year, and medium of the work.

A résumé (in pdf format) listing the applicant’s visual arts experience and recognition is also welcome. A processing fee of $10 is required at the time of submission.

In addition to the creative materials, each portfolio must include the name and contact information of a reference who can verify the applicant's talent and dedication to their creative discipline. Appropriate references may include club or activity supervisors, in-school teachers, private instructors, internship or job supervisors, and mentors.

Each submission incurs a fee, which is listed for each program above. If paying this fee presents a financial challenge for a family, a fee waiver can be requested by emailing ugrad-slideroom@columbia.edu before submitting the SlideRoom portfolio. Additional instructions for requesting a SlideRoom fee waiver are available on the SlideRoom portal.

Applicants are advised not to send collections of awards or certificates, and should avoid submitting or mailing any supplementary materials in binders or folders. CDs, DVDs, or hard copies of any materials should not be sent, as they will not be reviewed.

Additionally, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that all submitted materials will be reviewed or evaluated, as they are not required for the admissions process.

Source: Columbia University