Frequently Asked Questions Application Policy and Procedures Application Fee Supporting Materials Standardized Tests Tracking Your Application Decisions, Deferrals and Reapplying Miscellaneous

May I send supporting documents before submitting an application?

Yes, all supporting materials received are kept on file and added to a student’s application file when the application is received.

May my supporting documents, such as letters of evaluation, transcripts, GRE or TOEFL scores, etc., arrive after the application deadline date?

Yes, materials may be received up to two(2) weeks after the deadline date for the specific department, with the exception of the Psychology Department which will accept materials up to one(1) week after the deadline date.

Where should my application materials be sent?

All materials should be sent to the Office of Admissions:

Columbia University GSAS
107 Low Library MC 4304
535 West 116^th Street
New York New York 10027
212-854-4737

Applicants should not send any materials to the department.
If you are sending your package via express mail and are required to supply a phone number please use the following: 212-854-4737

Can transcripts and letters of evaluation be sent directly to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences or should I collect and forward them?

Transcripts and letters of evaluation may be submitted in either fashion, as long as they remain in their original sealed envelopes.

Does the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences accept letters from career or letter services?

Yes, but we recommend that letters of evaluation should address the specific requirements for the program to which you are applying. Letters kept on file in a dossier service may be too general.

Can a letter of evaluation be submitted without a GSAS cover sheet?

Yes, however, please be aware that if a letter is submitted without the accompanying form, your right to view the letter is automatically waived. Additionally, letters submitted without this form, MUST be written on official letterhead.

How can I obtain a cover sheet for the letters of evaluation?

You can download the cover sheet by clicking here.

May I submit more than the required three letters of evaluation?

Yes, but we request that you send no more than one or two additional letters.

How many copies of each transcript must be submitted with an application?

One official transcript is all we require.

Do I need to submit transcripts if I only took a few courses at another school?

Yes. A transcript showing all courses and grades of any academic work must be submitted. However, if the courses and grades are listed on the main transcript a separate transcript need not be submitted.

How long should my statement of academic purpose be?

It should not be much in excess of 500 words.

How can I get supporting materials (e.g. writing samples, portfolios or tapes) returned to me?

If you would like materials such as these to be returned to you, please include with your submission a written request and a self addressed stamped envelope. Materials are returned after admissions decisions have been made. Only certain materials may be returned to an applicant. All other materials become the permanent property of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Under no circumstances will transcripts or letters of evaluation be returned to the applicant.

Am I required to provide any financial documents as part of the application process?

No. If you are admitted, you may be asked to provide certain financial documents.