A major declared after arrival
Columbia says students apply to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. The pages read describe no separate admission to Mathematics.
Undergraduate · Columbia College
Columbia Mathematics: theoretical mathematics from a modern perspective
Columbia admits students to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering, and Mathematics is a major offered through the College once enrolled. The Bulletin describes an introduction to the highlights of theoretical mathematics over four hundred years from a modern perspective, begun through Honors Mathematics or the calculus sequence. This guide makes no claim of a separate admission to the major.
Official information · read 1 November 2026, no entry-year label
What Columbia says about Columbia Mathematics
Taken from the Columbia Bulletin entry for Mathematics in Columbia College and Columbia Undergraduate Admissions' Academics, Testing and International Applicants pages, read on 1 November 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check Columbia's pages for the 2028-entry details.
40 to 42 points
The Bulletin sets the size of the major in points.
An honours or calculus start
Majors begin with Honors Mathematics A and B or the calculus sequence.
Algebra, analysis and geometry
The major then moves through the main branches of modern mathematics and their hybrids.
The SAT or ACT is required from August 2027
Columbia says it will require first-year students to submit ACT or SAT results; it accepts A levels and the IB.
Official sources
- Columbia Undergraduate Admissions: Academicsundergrad.admissions.columbia.edu
- Columbia Bulletin: Mathematicsbulletin.columbia.edu
- Columbia Undergraduate Admissions: Testingundergrad.admissions.columbia.edu
Read on 1 November 2026 on the Columbia Bulletin entry for Mathematics in Columbia College and Columbia Undergraduate Admissions' Academics, Testing and International Applicants pages, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. Columbia's department website, the full course lists and descriptions, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The major
What the Bulletin says the major is
The Bulletin describes the major as an introduction to highlights of the development of theoretical mathematics over the past four hundred years, studied from a modern perspective and applied to problems inside mathematics and in fields such as physics, cryptography and finance. Majors begin with Honors Mathematics or the calculus sequence, usually followed by linear algebra, and then learn aspects of algebra, analysis and geometry and their hybrids, such as number theory and complex analysis. The major requires 40 to 42 points. This guide does not list individual courses.
Is it the right major?
Mathematics beside Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Columbia describes these separately, so the major is chosen after arrival. Avandy's comparison is general.
Mathematics fits if
you want proof, structure and theory as your degree.
Applied Mathematics fits if
you want modelling for other fields. Avandy's Columbia Applied Mathematics guide covers it.
Statistics fits if
your centre is data and probability. Avandy's Columbia Statistics guide covers it.
Admission and testing
Columbia College, an SAT or ACT and A levels or the IB
Columbia says students apply to either Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. It accepts all secondary school curricula, including the IB and Cambridge A Levels, and reviews applications within the context of the curriculum. It says that starting in August 2027 it will require first-year students to submit ACT or SAT results. The major is not a separate application. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Columbia's.
Do you prefer theory and proof to modelling?
The Bulletin frames the major around theoretical mathematics.
Would you start with Honors Mathematics or calculus?
Both routes are described.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT with your A levels or IB?
Columbia says it will require one of them from August 2027.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Columbia's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check Columbia's own pages for the 2028-entry details.
The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 1 November 2026, which carry no entry-year label
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Columbia has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated
This guide has not read them. Check Columbia for the values that apply to your application year.
What to do now
Read the Mathematics entry in the Columbia Bulletin and plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB.
Support
Independent support with planning your own application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Columbia College or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with Columbia College. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply directly to Columbia Mathematics?
The pages read describe applying to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. Majors are declared after arrival.
How many points does the major need?
The Bulletin says 40 to 42 points.
Where is mathematics applied?
The Bulletin names physics, cryptography and finance as examples.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
Columbia says that starting in August 2027 it will require first-year students to submit ACT or SAT results.
Does Columbia accept A levels and the IB?
Columbia says it accepts all secondary school curricula, including the IB and Cambridge A Levels, and reviews applications within the context of the curriculum.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Columbia's wording with no entry-year label. Check Columbia's pages again when Columbia publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Columbia Mathematics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics, their interest in proof and theory and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.