Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons

Applying to P&S

Entrance Requirements

Attendance for at least three full academic years at an accredited college in the U.S. or Canada.

One year of English and one year each of biology and physics, with labs

Two years of chemistry, one year of which must be organic chemistry, with labs

If your undergraduate college has awarded you Advances Placement (AP) credit in chemistry or biology, we urge you to expand your knowledge of the subject by taking an additional year at the collegiate level. Our recommendations for students with AP credits include physical chemistry and courses in genetics and developmental biology (embryology). If you lack just one or two of the required courses, you may apply to us if you can complete these courses before your anticipated date of enrollment. You mav have concentrated in any area while in college.

MCAT

We accept the MCAT taken during the year that you are applying to us, or within the prior three years

It is rare for individuals who have received premedical education at schools outside of the United States and Canada to be offered admission to P&S. This is primarily because the Committee on Admissions has no satisfactory means of evaluating the caliber of premedical education available at many other colleges and universities throughout the world. For such applicants we require that at least one year of premedical training be taken at an institution in the United States. The MCAT also must be taken.

Otherwise, admission to P&S is possible for all qualified applicants regardless of sex, race, religious affiliation, national origin, or physical disability. A qualified applicant is an individual who can undertake all segments of our curriculum and acquire the knowledge and skills required by the faculty for certification for the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Degree. All graduates must be able to take a history, examine a person, and synthesize the findings into a diagnosis and plan of evaluation and treatment independently.

Diversity

Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons is a world leader in medical education, research, and clinical practice. This success stems from Columbia's dedication to diversity in thought, education, and selection of students. Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, or sexual orientation. Individuality is paramount at Columbia and the diverse student body and faculty exemplify this.

Medicine is an evolving landscape, with the science and those it seeks to serve constantly transforming. The issues and perspectives addressed are a function of the diversity and experiences of those participating. Columbia educated Physicians are uniquely equipped to assess and respond to the changing environment as a result of their diverse viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. In doing so they succeed in furthering research, changing policy, and improving healthcare in the world around us.

Transfer students

Applications for transfer into the second, third, and fourth year classes are not accepted.

Application Procedures

Applications for admission to the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons must be made through the American Medical College Applications Service (AMCAS). Applications can be obtained beginning June 3^rd through the World Wide Web at www.aamc.org

Once you have submitted your AMCAS application and received your AMCAS ID number, you will be invited to complete the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons on-line secondary application which can be accessed through ApplyYourself at P&S Secondary Application. There is a non-refundable $85 application fee, which may be waived in cases of financial hardship. The deadline for submission of your secondary application is November 15th at 11:45 P.M. EST.

Once you have submitted your secondary application you must forward a passport size photo, along with your letters of recommendation. Please be sure that your recommendations and photo reach our admissions office no later than December 15th. Your application will not be evaluated until your photo and letters of recommendation are received. Please mail any amendments/additions and supporting materials to the Admissions Office:

Office of Admissions
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
630 West 168th Street, Box 41, Room 1-416
New York, NY 10032
Phone: 212-305-3595
Email: psadmissions@columbia.edu

We will notify you when your application has been received and completed (when transcripts, letters of recommendation, and MCAT scores have been received), and when our committee is ready to evaluate it. If you are not informed that your application is complete within two months after we receive it (and no later than December 15), you should contact us. It is in your best interest to do all you can to facilitate the prompt completion of your application. If completion is delayed for want of one or two letters, you can request letters from other individuals, but please inform us of the change. After December, the later your application, the fewer places remain in the class. At later stages, highly ranked applicants have a greater chance of being offered a place on our waitlist instead of being given an immediate offer of admission. Because our selection process is not computerized, and because decisions about your application are made by members of the Admissions Committee, your application may be processed more slowly at P&S than at other schools.