Newly Admitted Students

Applicants who are admitted to Columbia University School of General Studies will be sent an official acceptance packet. The packet contains important, time-sensitive information about institutional and federal financial aid, housing, and the steps necessary to begin enrollment at the School of General Studies.

Step 1: Acceptance Reply Form

In order to secure a place in the entering class, you must send in the Acceptance Reply Form and a $500 deposit.

If you deferred your offer of admission from a previous semester, you must confirm your attendance for the upcoming semester by submitting the Acceptance Reply Form.

Step 2: GS Planning Day 

The Academic Planning Session (APS), part of GS Planning Day, is a mandatory small-group session led by an academic advisor that provides new students with an overview of academic requirements and an introduction to GS policies.

Once you attend an APS, you will be able to meet with your advisor who will register you for classes.

In addition to the APS, GS Planning Day includes a financial aid workshop, a student-led campus tour, and a meet-and-greet with current students.

Register for a GS Planning Day session now. 

Step 3: Housing Application

If you are interested in obtaining University housing, you are advised to complete the online housing application as soon as possible (login information is included in your acceptance packet).

For more information on housing, consult the housing section of the GS website and the University Apartment Housing website.

Step 4: Orientation

This mandatory event on Monday, August 26, 2013 is designed to introduce you to your fellow students and the stimulating intellectual and social environment of Columbia University.

Read more about Orientation.

Step 5: New Student Checklist

The New Student Checklist lists additional activities that can help facilitate your transition to Columbia.