The College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University Admissions Statistics and Rankings

Medical School Admissions

Admissions Policies and Procedures

Details on the policies, preferences, criteria, factors, and procedures used in the admission process. Data appear as originally submitted by this school.

Columbia’s role as a world leader in education, research, and clinical practice stems from our dedication to diversity of all kinds – background, thought, education, and geography. We seek individuals who have demonstrated academic achievement, broad interests, and leadership potential. In recent classes, mean GPA has been 3.79 and mean total MCAT score between 35 and 36. No in-state preference.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University

Admissions Information

Director of admissions Stephen Nicholas, M.D.
Application fee $85
AMCAS application accepted Yes
Applications accepted June 1 (Begins)
October 15 Application deadline
Secondary application required Yes
Personal interview required Yes
Regular application acceptance notification March 1 (Begins)
July 16 (Ends)
Students must respond to offer of admission within (weeks) 3
Deferred entrance available Yes
Deposit to hold place in class due N/A
Early decision plan offered No
Early decision application period N/A
Early decision plan notification date N/A
Starting month (class of 2013-2014) August

Admissions & Enrollment

MCAT Scores, GPA, and Coursework Requirements

Average undergraduate GPA 3.78
Oldest MCAT considered 2008
Average MCAT scores 11.9 MCAT composite score
12.3 biological
12.2 physical sciences
11.2 verbal reasoning
Q writing
Required undergraduate coursework
biology
English
organic chemistry
physics
general chemistry

Combined Degree Programs

Combined degree programs offered M.D./Ph.D., M.D./M.B.A., M.D./M.P.H.
Combined college/M.D. program offered No
Number of years to complete combined college/M.D. program N/A
Combined college/M.D. program URL N/A

Medical School Academics

Program Offerings

AIDS internal medicine
drugs/alcohol abuse pediatrics
family medicine rural medicine
geriatrics women’s health

Student/Patient Interaction

How often do first-year students come into contact with patients through the school curriculum? Very frequently
Are there opportunities for first- or second-year students to work in community health clinics? Yes
Do all students spend time with community practicing physicians in community-based, ambulatory settings during the course that teaches basic clinical skills (e.g., history taking/physical diagnosis)? Yes
Do all students spend time with community practicing physicians in community-based, ambulatory settings during an introductory course aimed at introducing students to medical practice? Yes

Stress Relief Services Offered

(Data appear as originally submitted by this school.)

Services
expanded-hour gym access
peer counseling
professional counseling
religious support
support groups

Faculty

Full-time faculty-student ratio 2.7:1 – High
Full-time faculty 1,811
Part-time faculty 2,661
Full-time faculty in basic sciences 211
Part-time faculty in basic sciences 64
Full-time faculty in clinical program 1,600
Part-time faculty in clinical program 2,597

2011 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Grants

NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions) $424.6
NIH-funded grants received by medical school and affiliated hospitals 871
Principal investigators (PIs) 559
Full-time faculty working on NIH research grants 860

Teaching Hospitals

Primary teaching hospitals affiliated with this medical school where clinical teaching or training is carried out.

Hospitals
Harlem Hospital New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center
New York State Psychiatric Institute Stamford Hospital

Curricula Descriptions

(Data appear as originally submitted by this school.)

Four-year program curriculum
Columbia replaced old designations of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th years with three major segments. The first combines basic science, clinical experiences and skills development. The curriculum’s depth and strength are evident in the Major Clinical Year, which includes inner-city, suburban and rural clerkships. Electives and an in-depth scholarly project allow for differentiation and integration.

Medical School Ranking

#8 Best Research
#43 Best Primary Care

(5) Ranking by Specialties

#5 in AIDS
#2 in Drug and alcohol abuse
#9 in Internal medicine
#13 in Pediatrics
#5 in Women’s Health

Research Ranking Scores

Score 78
Peer assessment score (out of 5) 4.5
Residency directors assessment score (out of 5) 4.4
NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions) $424.6
NIH research grant funds per faculty member (in thousands) $234.44

Primary Care Ranking Scores

Score 63
Peer assessment score (out of 5) 2.9
Residency directors assessment score (out of 5) 3.7
Graduates entering primary care specialties (2009-2011 average) 34.6% – Low

Ranking Admission Statistics

Average undergraduate GPA 3.78
MCAT composite score 11.9
Acceptance rate 4.4% – Low
Full-time faculty-student ratio 2.7:1 – High
Total medical school enrollment 663

Medical School Student Body

Student Body

Total medical school enrollment 663
In-state students 28.8%
Minority students 37.7%
Underrepresented minority students 20.5%
International students 4.1%
Non-traditional students 66.0%

Medical School Cost

Financial Aid Contact Information

Financial aid director Ellen Spilker
Financial aid phone (212) 305-4100

Expenses

Tuition
Full-time: $47,600
Required fees $5,059
Room and board $15,977
Average indebtedness of 2010 graduates who incurred medical school debt $117,544

Financial Aid Availability

Students receiving any financial aid 83%
Students receiving loans 67%
Students receiving grants/scholarships 60%
Students receiving work study 7%

Medical School Residency

Residency Program Admissions (Class of 2011)

Graduates admitted to their first-choice residency program N/A
Graduates admitted to one of their top three choices of residency programs N/A
Most popular residency and specialty programs (2010 and 2011 classes)
anesthesiology orthopaedic surgery
emergency medicine pediatrics
internal medicine psychiatry
obstetrics and gynecology radiology – diagnostic
ophthalmology surgery – general

Primary Care and In-State Residencies

Graduates entering primary care specialties (2009-2011 average) 34.6% – Low
Graduates accepting in-state residencies (2010 and 2011 average) 54.0%