Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (P&S) was founded in 1767 as the medical college of King’s College, later Columbia University. The first classes were held in a room on the second floor of the old City Hall. P&S was the first institution in America to award a degree in medicine, and it has been at the forefront of medical education ever since. Over the course of its history, P&S has produced scores of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to medicine and public health. During World War II, P&S faculty members served as leaders in the fight against infectious diseases and helped develop antibiotics that revolutionized modern medicine. In recent decades, P&S has become one of the top-rated medical schools in the country, with a strong focus on research and cutting-edge technology. Its faculty members are engaged in groundbreaking work that is helping to advance medical care around the world. In addition to its educational mission, P&S is also actively involved in community service projects aimed at improving public health both locally and globally. From providing free healthcare services to underserved populations to leading global efforts against AIDS and other infectious diseases, P&S continues to be an example for other institutions around the world.

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Columbia University, abbreviated as CU, is one of the top-ranked U.S. medical schools located in New York, NY. Keep reading to see admissions application information including average GRE scores, admissions selection factors and dual degree programs of Columbia University.

630 W. 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
(212) 305-3595

Admissions E-mail: psadmissions@columbia.edu
Web site: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/ps
Electronic application: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/ps

Fall 2008 Admissions Information
AMCAS application accepted? Yes
Earliest application date: 06/01
Application deadline: 10/10
Oldest MCAT considered: 2004
Application fee: $75
Director of admissions: Dr. Andrew G. Frantz
Does this school ask for a secondary application as part of the admissions process? Yes

This school requires undergraduate work in these subjects in order to apply: biology, English, organic chemistry, physics, general chemistry

Is a personal interview required for admission? Yes
Are interviews conducted at the medical school? Yes

Acceptance notice to regular application for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Earliest date: March 2
-Latest date: August 24

Applicant’s response to acceptance offer for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Maximum time in weeks: 3 weeks
-Does the school consider requests for deferred entrance? Yes
-Deposit to hold place in class: None
-Deposit due: N/A
-Deposit refundable prior to: N/A
-Starting month for the class of 2007-2008: August

Early Decision Plan application period for the 2007-2008 first-year class:
-Does the school have an Early Decision Plan (EDP)? No
-EDP application period begins: N/A
-EDP application period ends: N/A
-EDP applicants notified by: N/A

Fall 2005 Admissions Statistics

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the country. It has a long history of excellence and a commitment to educating the best and brightest medical students. The admissions process is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of only 4.7%. The average GPA for accepted applicants is 3.9, and the median MCAT score is 515. In addition to academic excellence, applicants must also demonstrate strong personal qualities such as leadership, creativity, and dedication to service. As part of the admissions process, candidates must submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or mentors who can attest to their character traits and academic achievements. Furthermore, each applicant must complete an interview with a member of the admissions committee. This interview provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their knowledge about medicine and share their personal experiences that will make them successful at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Applied Interviewed Accepted Enrolled
Total: 6,292 1,272 286 155
In-state: N/A 250 59 44
Out-of-state: N/A 1,022 227 111
Women: N/A 595 135 71
Minorities: N/A 306 76 34
International: N/A 56 8 3

Acceptance rate: 4.5%

GPA
Average undergraduate GPA: 3.78

MCAT
Overall score (composite): 11.9
Verbal reasoning: 11.2
Physical sciences: 12.1
Biological: 12.1
Writing: Q

Undergraduate Majors
Biological sciences (biology, microbiology, zoology, etc.): 34%
Physical sciences (biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, etc.): 32%
Non-sciences (sociology, economics, English, etc.): 25%
Other health professions (nursing, pharmacy, etc.): 0%
Mixed disciplines and other: 10%

Biological sciences (biology, microbiology, zoology, etc.): 34%
Physical sciences (biochemistry, chemistry, engineering, etc.): 32%
Non-sciences (sociology, economics, English, etc.): 25%
Other health professions (nursing, pharmacy, etc.): 0%
Mixed disciplines and other: 10%

Combined Degree Programs
Combined degree programs offered: M.D./Ph.D., M.D./M.B.A., M.D./M.P.H.

Does the school have a combined college/M.D. program? No
Number of years to complete combined college/M.D. program: N/A
Web site for combined college/M.D. program: N/A

Selection Factors
Details on the policies, preferences, criteria, factors and procedures used in the M.D. admission process:
(Data appear as originally submitted by this school)
For recent classes the mean GPA has been 3. 79, and the mean total MCAT score between 35 and 36. Breadth of interests, leadership potential, and participation in extracurricular activities are also looked for. We seek diversity of background, geographical and otherwise. No preference is given to state of residence. Members of underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to apply.