The Columbia University undergraduate admissions timeline for fall 2027 entry shows that Early Decision (ED) and QuestBridge National College Match applications close November 1, with results released in mid-December. Irvine seniors who plan to apply early to Columbia have a little over three weeks.
Who Is Affected by the Columbia Early Decision Deadline
Seniors applying to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. The key points:
| Item | Columbia policy |
|---|---|
| Early Decision deadline | November 1, plus a signed Early Decision agreement |
| Early Decision financial aid materials | November 15 |
| Early Decision results | Mid-December: admitted, deferred, or denied |
| Regular Decision deadline | January 1, with results in late March |
| Standardized testing | Optional for the 2026-27 cycle; SAT or ACT required from the 2027-28 cycle, with a waiver available on request |
| Application fee | $85, nonrefundable; fee waivers available |
Early Decision is binding: an admitted student must withdraw all other applications and enroll, and the agreement is released only when, after consultation with the financial aid office, the student cites financial reasons for not attending. Deferred students move to the Regular Decision pool and are notified by April 1; denied students may not apply again that year to Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, or the School of General Studies. Columbia does not conduct interviews.
What to Do Now About the Columbia Early Decision Deadline
Start with the supplement. The 2026-27 Columbia-specific questions include a list of texts and resources (100 words or fewer) and several short answers (150 words or fewer each) on lived experience, disagreeing with someone, navigating adversity, why Columbia, and the intended area of study. Planning and revision support is available through the EDUBUS College Essay Bootcamp.
Confirm recommendations and testing. Columbia requires two recommendations from teachers in academic subjects, and Columbia Engineering applicants need one of them from a math or science teacher; materials sent by the school may arrive after the deadline. Testing is optional this cycle, and the timing of score reports is covered in Early Deadlines: Will SAT/ACT Scores Arrive in Time?.
Place Early Decision within the full college list. A student may hold only one Early Decision application. College list and early strategy support is available through the EDUBUS University Admissions Planning service, and the binding terms of each early plan are explained in Early Decision vs. Early Action: Which Are Binding.
Sources
- Columbia Undergraduate Admissions: First-Year Applicants (accessed October 7, 2026)
- Columbia Undergraduate Admissions: Early Decision (accessed October 7, 2026)
- Columbia Undergraduate Admissions: Testing Policy Update (accessed October 7, 2026)
- Columbia Undergraduate Admissions: Columbia-Specific Application Questions (accessed October 7, 2026)
- Duke Early Decision Due November 2Duke Early Decision closes November 2; the last usable ACT is October 17 and SAT November 7. This brief lists the Early Decision dates and essay rules.
- Harvard Short Answers Set, REA Due November 1Harvard requires five 150-word short answers for 2026-27, and Restrictive Early Action closes November 1. This brief lists the prompts, testing rules, and early limits.
- Penn's Three Supplements, ED Due November 1Penn requires three supplemental prompts for 2026-27, and Early Decision closes November 1. This brief lists the prompts, word limits, testing rules, and aid deadlines.
- Crean Lutheran First Round Due November 20Irvine's Crean Lutheran High School closes first-round materials November 20 and sends first acceptances December 4. This brief lists documents and aid dates.
