Test-Optional

Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020-21 undergraduate application cycle featured an unprecedented 36.3 percent spike in Ivy League applications, with Columbia seeing a 51 percent increase. It is likely that Columbia’s record-low 3.7 percent acceptance rate was, in part, due to a decision by all Ivies except Princeton to make standardized testing optional this year. In a system where standardized testing costs range from $50 to $70, a harrowing expense for many low-income students, will this groundbreaking policy change inspire a long-overdue move toward increased admissions equity and diversity?

Every year in late March, all eight Ivy League universities simultaneously release undergraduate admissions decisions to tens of thousands of eagerly waiting high school seniors. For many, Ivy Day—as it has been dubbed by the admissions community—represents the end of a long, stressful, and taxing application process. With a single click, students’ dreams of attending the Ancient Eight either come true or are shattered.

“Do you like it?” a young woman asks her boyfriend, referring to the yellow dress she has put on for her first day at a new job.

With lectures being virtual this semester, finals likely feel much more stressful. Whether you’re studying for your economics or biology exam, reading over your notes and rewatching lectures might feel repetitive and unhelpful. In addition to your usual studying, check out these YouTube channels and study sites for a fresh perspective on whatever topic you’re struggling with.

When undergraduate applicants to Columbia and Barnard begin their Common Apps this fall, they will be given the option—for the first time in recent history—to decline to submit standardized test scores with their application.

The first member of the Barnard community has tested positive for coronavirus, Barnard President Sian Beilock confirmed in an email Wednesday night. The announcement added that the community “will continue to see a growing number of COVID-19 cases in the Barnard and Columbia community.”

International students in Columbia College and the School of General Studies will be able to apply for employment authorization through Curricular Practical Training starting this summer, potentially allowing students to work for an additional twelve months within the U.S. and alleviating application fees, following a policy change finalized Monday.

Like every university, Columbia is proud to uphold esteemed and age-old traditions, and one you'll become familiar with in no time is our knack for acronyming everything.

For many of us, school (unfortunately) doesn't end when we turn in our last exams. For the overachieving, goal-oriented, and/or insane, summer is just another outlet to make their resumé oh-so impressive and shiny.

College Days are back! An (almost) week-long event sponsored by CCSC that celebrates all the things that make being in Columbia College special, each day is dedicated to a facet of the CC Core. Of course, there's cool swag being given away at many events!