FAQ
Prospective Student FAQ
1. Where can I find an application?
For information on applying to the undergraduate program, please contact the
Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Graduate applications are only available online, at School of Engineering and Applied Science: About Applying. The priority application deadline for admission to the doctoral program (Ph.D. and Eng.Sci.D) for the fall term is December 1. The deadline for M.S., part-time, and non-degree students is February 15. For information about the status of your graduate application, please see: Applications Status and Admission Decisions.
2. Is financial aid available?
Financial support is awarded to doctoral candidates only on a competitive
basis in the form of assistantships that provide a stipend, a tuition allowance, and medical fees. For 2009-2010, the stipend for teaching assistants is $22,500 for nine months; for research assistants, the stipend is $30,000 for twelve months.
For more information, please see: Scholarships & Fellowships
3. Where can I find information about tuition and fees?
Please contact the office of Student Financial Services for information regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid.
The cost of on-campus, single-student housing (dormitories, suites, and apartments) ranges from $3000 to $5600 per term; married student accommodations range from $1300-$1800 per month. For the single student, a minimum of $22,000 should be allowed for board, room, and personal expenses for the academic year.
4. What is the minimum acceptable GRE score for admission to the graduate program your department?
There are no minimum test score requirements for SEAS. However, the average GRE scores for the entering class of Fall 2007 were
Verbal: 531
Quantitative: 775 (APAM minimum acceptable score is 650)
Analytical Writing: 4.25
Please note: the GRE Advanced is required for applicants to the Applied Physics doctoral program.
5. Is the GRE Advanced test required to apply for the Ph.D. program in Applied Mathematics or Materials science & Engineering?
No, only the doctoral program in Applied Physics requires the GRE Advanced test.
However, the GRE Advanced is strongly urged for doctoral applicants in
Applied Mathematics and Materials Science & Engineering.
The minimum acceptable score suggested for admission is 680.
6. What is the minimum acceptable TOEFL score for admission to the graduate program in your department?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all candidates who received their bachelor's degree from a school in which English was not the official spoken language. TOFEL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
The average TOEFL score is 619 (paper-based), 269 (computer-based), and 104 (internet-based or IBT).
The school code for reporting test scores is: 2111.
For more information, please see SEAS Graduate FAQs: Standardized Test Scores
7. How many students are admitted to the graduate program each year?
For fall admission in 2009-2010, 36 students matriculated out of 270 applicants. 11 doctoral students were given financial support.
8. When can I come for a visit?
The Visitors Center,
located in Room 213 of Low Library, welcomes more than 45,000 visitors
each year and serves as a central location for prospective students and
visitors seeking general information about Columbia University.
Information sessions and campus tours for prospective undergraduate
students of Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of
Engineering and Applied Science are typically offered Monday through
Friday. Weekday sessions are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and
are followed by tours at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Though Saturday
morning sessions and tours are offered, dates vary throughout the year.
For the most up-to-date schedule, see the Visiting Columbia for undergraduates.
A campus tour for all others - prospective graduate students, tourists,
and new employees - is available weekdays at 1:00 p.m. A special campus tour
for students at middle schools can be arranged by calling the Visitors
Center.
Graduate students are also welcome to visit SEAS or schedule an
individual appointment with a representative from the Office of
Graduate Student Services. For more information, please see Visiting Columbia for graduate students.
9. Can I meet a with a professor or take a lab tour?
Visitors are always welcome to visit the APAM Department to meet our Student Services Coordinator. Please feel free to stop
by the APAM office, 200 Mudd, anytime between 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Please note: it is very difficult to schedule a faculty appointment or a lab tour if you do not make arrangements ahead of time.
If you are
interested in meeting with a faculty member, or taking a tour of any of our labs, please send an email to or call the APAM Student Services Coordinator at 212-854-4457 to make an appointment before you come for a visit.
Current Student FAQ
1. Who should I talk to about which courses I should register for?
Each semester you should meet with your advisor to have your program plan approved. Please refer to the Academic Advisors list for your particular field and year.
Undergraduate students should also consult Columbia's Division of Student Affairs: Center for Student
Advising.
Graduate students purusing a doctoral degree should also consult Ph.D. Requirements for Current Gradutate Students.
2. Who should I talk to about student affairs related questions (registration, bills, health service, etc.)?
Please contact the APAM Student Services Coordinator at 212-854-4457
for any questions you may have about registration procedures, bills and
fees, holds on your account, health service, gym access, grade changes, or leaves of absence. The student services coordinator will also assist graduate students by scheduling oral exams and
thesis defenses.
3. Will I have an assigned desk?
Shared desks and lockers are available for first-year doctoral students in room 292 Engineering Terrace. Key card access to
the student rooms, including the student lounge in room 292A ET (lounge
access after 5pm only,) will be set up approximately two weeks after registration.
After graduate students complete their first year, they will be given
bench or desk space in the lab of their advisor.
Unfortunately, due to space limitations, there are no desks available for undergraduate students or master's students not enrolled in a Ph.D. program in the Department.
4. Where are public computers and printers located?
Student may use computers in the many computer labs and kiosks located
throughout the campus. The closest computer lab to our department is in
251 Engineering Terrace.
5. Who should I call if there is a problem with my office or lab?
Columbia has a centralized custodial service, Maintenance Control,
212-854-2222. Students may call Maintenance directly or report problems
(light bulb missing, room temperature, etc.) to the office staff.
Medical Physics FAQ
Please see the Medical Physics FAQ page. back to top