Frequently Asked Questions
The Application
How do I apply to Columbia University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)?
Applicants must apply online.
Applying on-line will give you greater control of the application
process and will allow us to process your application more efficiently.
I am interested in two different programs at SEAS- can I apply to both?
No, you must apply to only one program at a time. Do not apply to more than one program at SEAS for a given term.
Can I submit my application first and send supplemental material later when available?
You may submit the online application first and send ETS Test Scores or Recommendation Letters after if necessary and prior to the deadline. All other supplemental material must be submitted together with the online application.
Be advised that after the deadline to apply Columbia reserves the right to evaluate an
application and render a final decision even if all pieces of the application have not
been received. Furthermore, once the application is under evaluation it can not be updated to include new supplemental material received and may be considered for admission as is.
Where do I mail supplemental materials?
Supplemental materials should be uploaded online and Official Transcripts mailed to the Graduate Student Services
Office. Please include your full name as it appears on your application
for admission, date of birth, academic program, and application term on
your documents.
Supplemental material must be mailed to:
Columbia University
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Office of Graduate Student Services
524 S. W. Mudd
500 West 120 Street, MC 4708
New York, NY 10027
GRE and or TOEFL scores should be sent via ETS (www.ets.org) to institutional code 2111.
Can I submit additional materials once my application is under evaluation?
Unfortunately, once you have been notified that your application was sent to the department for evaluation of admission you may not update it. Additional materials sent will not be considered in
the decision. Furthermore, an application will not be evaluated a
second time should the decision be made prior to receiving additional
material.
Please be advised candidates should
not submit copies of awards or financial documentation
to this office since submission of these extra materials will not enhance chances of
being admitted. Documents submitted will not be returned.
Computer Science and Electrical Engineering applicants please login to your application to upload or update supplemental material.
Do all of my application materials need to be submitted online?
Yes, applicants must submit all
application requirements online. This includes uploaded copies of official transcripts and
recommendations. No exceptions are made to the requirement.
Be advised, Official Transcripts must also be sent via postal mail to our office and ETS Test Scores sent to institutional code 2111 from ETS at www.ets.org.
Do I need a degree in engineering to apply?
Ordinarily, the applicant will have majored in the field in which
graduate study is intended. But in certain programs, preparation in a
related field of engineering or science is acceptable. The applicant
will be admitted only if the undergraduate record shows promise of
productive and effective graduate work.
How should I pay the application fee?
The application fee is paid online using a major credit card. No other forms of payment are accepted.
Do you accept international/foreign checks for payment of the application fee?
No, the application fee must be paid using a major credit card via the online application system.
I am having technical problems with the online application system. Who should I contact?
It is best if you locate and contact the webmaster or technical support
from your online application. If you continue to have the problem you
may email the Office of Graduate Student Services at
and we will contact them for you.
May I provide you with any background information about
myself, such as GPA, education/experience, and or test score results to
learn about my chances for admission or possibility for financial aid
before applying?
Unfortunately, we can not evaluate your candidacy prior to submission of a complete application.
There is no specific cutoff for standardized test scores or GPA.
If you are interested in admission we encourage you to submit a complete application along with the required documents.