Transfer: How to Apply
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Apply as a transfer student if you’ve completed high school, home school, or a GED program and have earned (or will earn) college credit at a college or university before your first day at Columbia. This excludes dual enrollments (including Summer at Columbia) and/or any college or university enrollment completed during the summer immediately following high school or GED completion.
If you have not enrolled in courses at a post-secondary college or university, or if your coursework is covered by the exceptions listed above, please review the Freshman Application Requirements.
If you are you an international student who will require a visa to study in the United States, please follow the steps listed here, and review this page for additional information.
You can also review a complete checklist and timeline for transfer students at the links.
Need help planning your transfer to Columbia? Our Transfer Admissions team is here for you.
Our planning tools can help you chart your transfer path.
Get to know our transfer admissions team.
Application Deadlines
Spring 2024 Applicants: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Fall 2024 Applicants to the Acting (BFA); Musical Theatre Performance (BFA); Contemporary, Jazz, and Popular Music (BMus); and Music Composition (BMus) Programs: Friday, December 1, 2023
Fall 2023 Applicants, all other degree programs: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Common Applicants: Please factor in a 24-hour period for Common App to transfer your data to Columbia College Chicago
BA, BFA, BMus, and BS: What’s the difference?
Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs allow for greater flexiblity and exploration within the curriculum. This includes the ability to tailor elective coursework beyond your major or add a minor. Around 90% of Columbia students are pursuing a BA degree.
Our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Music (BMus), and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs feature more intensive required coursework in the major with limited flexibility for electives.
A Note on Standardized Test Scores
Columbia College Chicago's admissions process is entirely test-free. Standardized test scores will play no role in the college's determination of a student's admissibility, or in awarding merit-based scholarships.
After admission, students who have them are encouraged to submit results from Advanced Placement or International Baccaulaurate tests. Just list Columbia on your College Board account or talk to your school's IB diploma program coordinator about how to send your scores. Columbia grants credit for scores of 3 or higher on AP exams and 4 or higer on IB exams.
Learn More
Ready to Apply? Follow these steps.
1. Submit your application.
Use the "Apply Now" link above to access the application.
2. Submit the following required items.