Standardized Testing

The Dual Degree Program has adopted a test-optional policy for first-year Anglophone applicants. Non-native English speakers should refer to English proficiency testing requirements, which remain in effect. Please see below for how this one-year policy will affect the admissions process.

  • If I do not submit SAT or ACT scores, will it affect my application and/or admission to the Dual Degree Program? Since testing is not a required component of the Fall 2024 application cycle, students who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process. However, if students have previously completed testing and are able to submit SAT or ACT results, they are welcome to do so. The Office of Admissions will continue to evaluate all submitted information within the holistic and contextual review process that considers the individual circumstances shaping each applicant's journey. The rigor of a student’s curriculum, academic achievement, and demonstrated intellectual curiosity will remain central to the review of their application file. 
  • How do I submit SAT or ACT scores if I have them? Our testing policies remain the same for students who choose to submit standardized test results. The Office of Admissions will continue to accept self-reported scores but will require an official score report upon enrollment sent by the testing agency. Students with multiple test scores on file will be evaluated on the highest score they received in any individual section of that test.
  • Does this policy apply to other test scores?
    Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and other proficiency exam scores are not required, but the Office of Admissions will accept these results for any students who choose to submit them.

As a reminder, this policy is only applicable for first-year Anglophone students. All other applicants, please see below for detailed information on testing requirements.

What standardized test scores do I submit?

As noted above, Dual Degree Program has adopted a test-optional policy for Anglophone applicants. However, students who choose to submit their Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing Program (ACT) scores as part of their application for admission should have their score reports sent directly from the testing service to the Dual Degree Program, care of Columbia University School of General Studies.

  • The College Board (SAT and TOEFL) code for Columbia University School of General Studies is 2095.

  • The ACT code for Columbia University School of General Studies is 2716.

Please note that the testing codes above for the School of General Studies differ from those for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering; please ensure that all test scores are sent to the appropriate admissions office.

Students for whom English was not the primary language of instruction for their high school or secondary education (e.g., French lycée students, including those in American/British OIB sections) and did not live in an Anglophone country for at least three years must submit official scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). These scores must be received by the January 2 application deadline. 

The Dual Degree Program admissions committee requires the following minimum scores for students applying to the program.

SAT and ACT Tests

Non-native English speakers may choose to submit an SAT or ACT score instead of a TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or CAE; however, the admissions committee reserves the right to ask students to later submit a TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or CAE as part of their application.

Regardless of the standardized test result used in the admissions process, all admitted students will also be required to take the English Essay Examination offered by the Columbia University American Language Program in their second year at Tel Aviv University before beginning their coursework at Columbia if English is not their native language and was not the primary language of instruction in their secondary school.

Unofficial documents are accepted as part of the application review process. If offered admission, in order to enroll you will be required to submit official documents. Official standardized test scores must be sent directly from the testing institutions to the School of General Studies. See testing codes above for the SAT and ACT exams. English Proficiency exams must be sent directly from the testing agency to [email protected].