Cornell University Admits 5,824 Students to Class of 2029
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Columbia Accepts 4.28% of Applicants to Class of 2029
28/03/2025•9 minute read
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Key Trends & Insights
ED Acceptance Rate
Regular Decision Results
How to Stand Out
With the arrival of Ivy Day, Columbia University has completed its admissions cycle for the Class of 2029, reaffirming its position as one of the most selective universities in the world.
While Columbia did not reported its Regular and Early Decision numbers separately, it did publish its overall acceptance rate results. Out of 59,616 applicants, only 2,557 got accepted, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 4.28%. Here's a detailed breakdown and insights to help prospective applicants better understand the evolving admissions landscape.
Class of 2029 Overview
| Admission Round | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision (ED) | 5,872 | TBA | TBA |
| Regular Decision (RD) | 53,744 | TBA | TBA |
| Overall | 59,616 | 2,557 | 4.28% |
Key Trends and Insights
- Noticeable Acceptance Rate Increase: This year marks one of the biggest increases in the acceptance rate at Columbia, going from 3.8% to 4.28%.
- Increasing Application Numbers: Since going test optional in 2020-21, Columbia has seen a sharp spike in applications, jumping to almost 60,000 applications from 40,000.
- Testing Requirements: Columbia is in its fourth year of having a test-optional admissions policy. This may affect the number of applicants and overall acceptance rates, even more so perhaps as other Ivy League schools are reinstating testing requirements.
Advice from our Crimson Strategists
Columbia's admissions remain fiercely competitive, demanding not only exceptional academic performance but also evidence of meaningful engagement and genuine passion. Applicants should focus on standing out authentically rather than merely fitting into a perceived mold.
Early Decision Acceptance Results
- Total Applications: 5,872
- Accepted Students: TBA
- Acceptance Rate: TBA
Columbia received slightly fewer Early Decision applications this year, decreasing by 2% compared to last year's 6,008 applicants.
Although Columbia hasn’t yet reported the number of Early Decision applicants accepted for the Class of 2029, we can make thoughtful projections based on years of Columbia data we track.
Over the past four years Columbia’s Early Decision acceptance rate has hovered between 10–15%, providing a fairly reliable range for estimating this year's ED acceptance rate, with 12–14% being a reasonable estimate.
The most recently published Early Decision acceptance rate statistics for Columbia are from the school’s 2023–24 data set (Class of 2027):
- Total Applications: 5,733
- Accepted Students: 840
- Acceptance Rate: 14.65%
Why Apply Early Decision?
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
- Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Columbia your strong interest in joining their academic community.
Columbia's Regular Decision Acceptance Results
This year, Columbia did not release a breakdown of the regular decision acceptance rate results. With that said, we can expect more information to be released in the fall.
Last year, Columbia's Regular Decision acceptance rate was an ultra-competitive 2.3%. Based on current trends, we anticipate another challenging admissions cycle.
Key Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):
- Applications Received: 54,239
- Students Accepted: 1,598
- Acceptance Rate: 2.95%
Historical Trends
This historical data demonstrates Columbia’s consistently competitive admissions process, with numbers hitting a post-pandemic plateau over the past four years.
Historical Acceptance Rates at Columbia
| Class Year | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Overall Rate | RD Rate | ED Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | 59,616 | 2,557 | 4.28% | TBD | TBD |
| 2028 | 60,248 | 2,319 | 3.8% | 2.9% | 12% |
| 2027 | 57,129 | 2,246 | 3.9% | 2.7% | 14.6% |
| 2026 | 60,377 | 2,253 | 3.7% | 2.7% | 12.5% |
| 2025 | 60,551 | 2,355 | 3.9% | 2.9% | 11.9% |
Includes estimated figures.
How To Stand Out in Columbia's Admissions Process
- Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades and a high GPA.
- Strong Essays: Use your essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
- Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
- Test Scores: If submitting, aim for high SAT or ACT scores within or above Columbia's reported range.
Final Thoughts
If you're a prospective student thinking about Columbia, be sure to check out our full guide on how to get into Columbia!
Otherwise, congratulations to all students admitted to Columbia Class of 2029—your achievement reflects remarkable dedication and excellence. For those considering applying to Columbia in the future, the admissions landscape is increasingly competitive, making strategic preparation essential.
Crimson Education specializes in helping ambitious students navigate this challenging process, offering tailored guidance to build compelling applications that reflect their authentic strengths and passions.
If you're a student or parent interested in Columbia or other top universities, speak with one of Crimson Education’s admissions advisors today and start charting your path to success.
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