GRE Accepting Universities Columbia University (USA): Complete Guide 2026

GRE Accepting

Columbia University (New York City, USA) is one of the most competitive destinations for graduate study—and in 2026, it’s also one of the most searched “GRE-friendly” Ivy League options. But here’s the real truth that applicants must understand:

✅ Columbia is GRE-optional for many programs in the 2026 cycle

✅ Some programs still require GRE/GMAT (especially business/selected professional programs)

✅ Policies vary by school + by program, so you must verify requirements at the program level

This guide gives you an accurate, 2026-ready view of where GRE fits at Columbia, which programs accept it, which don’t require it, and the real application deadlines you should plan around—plus a smart submission strategy.

Columbia University + GRE in 2026: What’s Changed (and What Hasn’t)

Across many universities, GRE rules changed over the last few years. Columbia’s 2026 admissions cycle reflects a more flexible approach in several major schools:

• Columbia Engineering: GRE is not required for the 2026 admission cycle (Spring 2026 and Fall 2026). Submitting is optional and applicants aren’t penalized if they don’t send scores.

• Columbia Data Science (MS): GRE General Test scores are optional for 2026 applications.

• Columbia SIPA: Deadlines are clearly published for Fall 2026 intake (Early Action, Fellowship consideration, Final).

• Columbia Business School MBA: GRE is accepted as an alternative to GMAT, and official August 2026 entry rounds are published.

So yes—Columbia is absolutely a GRE accepting destination, but the best approach is: treat GRE as program-dependent, not university-wide.

GRE Accepting Universities Columbia University: Program-by-Program GRE Policy (2026)

Below is a practical table covering major Columbia graduate schools where GRE policies are clearly stated for the 2026 cycle.

GRE Policy Snapshot Table (2026)

Columbia school/program (examples)	GRE status in 2026	What the official page says
Columbia Engineering (graduate programs)	Not required (optional)	GRE is not required for the 2026 cycle (Spring/Fall 2026). Optional submission allowed; no penalty if not submitted.
MS in Data Science (Columbia Data Science Institute)	Optional	GRE General Test scores are optional for 2026 applications.
Columbia SIPA (MPA/MIA/MPA-DP)	GRE varies by program, but deadlines are fixed	SIPA publishes Fall 2026 deadlines including Early Action and Fellowship consideration.
Columbia Business School (MBA)	GMAT or GRE accepted	CBS publishes the August 2026 entry deadlines (R1/R2/R3).
School of Professional Studies (SPS) – Bioethics (example)	Standardized test required (GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT)	SPS states Bioethics applicants must submit official standardized scores (with some exemptions).
Political Science (Graduate Admissions page)	GRE optional	Department page explicitly says GRE is optional and not required.

Key takeaway: Columbia is “GRE accepting” in multiple ways:

• Some programs: GRE optional

• Some programs: GRE accepted/expected (often with GMAT alternative)

• Some programs: standardized test required

Real Application Deadlines for 2026 Intake (Tables With Exact Dates)

You asked for real dates and clean structure—here are the exact deadlines from official Columbia pages.

1) Columbia SIPA Deadlines (Fall 2026)

SIPA clearly lists deadlines for Fall 2026 across MIA/MPA programs.

SIPA program (Fall 2026)	Early Action	Fellowship Consideration	Final Deadline
MIA	Nov 1, 2025	Dec 20, 2025	Feb 5, 2026
MPA	Nov 1, 2025	Dec 20, 2025	Feb 5, 2026
MPA-DP	Nov 1, 2025	Dec 20, 2025	Feb 5, 2026

2026 strategy tip: If you want funding, treat Dec 20, 2025 (fellowship consideration) as a “must-hit” date.

2) Columbia Business School MBA Deadlines (August 2026 Entry)

Columbia Business School publishes the exact MBA round deadlines for August 2026 Entry.

CBS MBA (August 2026 Entry)	Deadline
Round 1	September 3, 2025
Round 2	January 6, 2026
Round 3	March 26, 2026

CBS also provides an Options & Deadlines page for entry points and cycles

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3) Columbia Engineering Deadlines (General Graduate Timeline)

Columbia Engineering lists general graduate application deadlines that are commonly used across programs (always confirm your department’s page).

Columbia Engineering (general guidance)	Deadline
Doctoral programs	December 15
Master’s programs (priority for some)	January 15
Master’s programs (regular for all)	February 15
Spring start (where available)	October 15

And importantly, GRE is not required for the 2026 cycle in Engineering.

Should You Submit GRE to Columbia in 2026?

Use this decision framework.

Submit GRE if:

• Your program requires standardized test scores (example: SPS Bioethics requires scores unless exempt).

• Your program says GRE is optional, but you want to strengthen:

  • quantitative readiness (STEM, data science, engineering),

  • academic competitiveness (especially if GPA is borderline),

  • credibility if your university grading system is less familiar to U.S. admissions.

You can skip GRE if:

• Your program clearly states GRE is not required and you already have:

  • strong grades in relevant subjects,

  • strong research/projects,

  • strong letters + SOP.

For example, in Columbia Engineering, applicants who do not submit GRE are not penalized in review.

What GRE Score Is “Good” for Columbia?

For many Columbia programs in 2026, GRE is optional, so there may not be a published cutoff. That means your GRE should be treated as:

• A supporting proof of readiness, not the foundation of your application.

• A way to strengthen your profile if another part is weaker.

Practical 2026 approach:

• If you submit GRE, aim for a score that clearly supports your program’s rigor (especially quant-heavy fields).

• Don’t take GRE at the cost of deadlines—missing SIPA fellowship consideration or MBA Round 1 is far more damaging than a slightly higher score later.

Columbia Application Requirements That Matter More Than GRE

Even for GRE-friendly programs, Columbia’s top evaluators heavily weigh:

1. Statement of Purpose (SOP)

   • Must match the program’s curriculum + your goals

2. Letters of Recommendation

   • Especially important for research/academic programs

3. Transcripts + relevant coursework

   • Proof you can handle graduate rigor

4. Resume + measurable impact

   • Particularly for SIPA and MBA applicants

5. English proficiency tests (if applicable)

   • Always follow the school’s instructions (varies by program)

For Data Science MS, Columbia lists GRE as optional but still expects strong materials like SOP, recommendations, transcripts, and CV.

Step-by-Step Columbia Plan (2026 Intake)

Step 1: Pick your Columbia school and program first

Columbia’s GRE policy is not “one size fits all.” Confirm the program page.

Step 2: Lock your deadlines early

Use the tables above:

• SIPA Fellowship consideration: Dec 20, 2025 

• CBS MBA Round 1: Sep 3, 2025 

• Engineering regular MS deadline: Feb 15 

Step 3: Decide GRE strategy

• If GRE is optional: take it only if it clearly helps your profile.

• If required: plan early so you’re not rushing score submission near deadlines.

Step 4: Build a strong “Columbia-style” profile

• Quantify impact (projects, internships, leadership)

• Show fit (courses, faculty, labs, policy tracks)

• Ensure LORs are specific and evidence-based

Step 5: Submit early when possible

Early rounds typically give better planning time for interviews and scholarship review (especially MBA/SIPA).

Common Mistakes Columbia Applicants Make

1. Assuming GRE policy is the same across Columbia (it isn’t).

2. Missing scholarship/fellowship consideration deadlines (especially SIPA).

3. Submitting a generic SOP not tied to Columbia’s curriculum and NYC-based opportunities.

4. Weak recommendations (generic letters are a major hidden rejection cause).

5. Using GRE as a substitute for weak academics/projects (it rarely works alone).

FAQ: Columbia + GRE (2026)

1) Is Columbia among the GRE Accepting Universities Columbia University applicants should target in 2026?

Yes. Columbia is one of the most prominent GRE Accepting Universities Columbia University applicants can target in 2026 because several schools (like Engineering and Data Science) treat GRE as optional, while programs like the MBA accept GRE as an alternative test route.

2) Is GRE required for Columbia Engineering in the 2026 cycle?

No. Columbia Engineering states the GRE is not required for the 2026 admission cycle (Spring 2026 and Fall 2026).

3) What are Columbia SIPA Fall 2026 deadlines?

For Fall 2026, SIPA lists Nov 1, 2025 (Early Action), Dec 20, 2025 (Fellowship Consideration), and Feb 5, 2026 (Final Deadline).

4) What are Columbia MBA August 2026 entry deadlines?

Columbia Business School lists Sep 3, 2025 (R1), Jan 6, 2026 (R2), and Mar 26, 2026 (R3) for August 2026 entry.

CTA: Apply Smart to Columbia for 2026 (Next Steps)

To apply confidently for 2026 intake, use these official resources first:

• Columbia Engineering — GRE policy + requirements (2026 cycle) 

• Columbia Engineering — general application deadlines 

• Columbia Data Science MS — GRE optional for 2026 

• Columbia SIPA — Fall 2026 deadlines 

• Columbia Business School MBA — August 2026 entry deadlines