Pantone 292 or no?

This year, Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science received an unprecedented number of applications, totalling at 36,292. This is the largest applicant pool in Columbia’s history. Only 2,193 students, or 6.0%, were admitted this year, including students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the territories, and 85 other countries.

News of Columbia’s record low admit rate comes just one week after Barnard announced the lowest admissions rate in its history at 16%. Newly admitted CC/SEAS students can also take comfort in the fact that they were not exposed to the same fear as Stanford hopefuls.

At 3pm, the entire Office of Undergraduate Admissions gathered on College Walk to send out admissions decisions for all CC/SEAS applicants. Jessica Marinaccio had her usual blue coat casually slung over one arm and was sporting a matching blue dress (which, along with the coat, doesn’t seem to be exactly Pantone 292 but we won’t spoil this special day) . Deantini was also present, but was not wearing any blue (for shame). The event closed with a lively rendition of “Roar Lion Roar!”

You can read the full press release from the Admissions Office below, as well as a gallery of the grand mailing of the letters.

Total number of applicants: 36,292

Total number of students admitted: 2,193

Admit Rate: 6.0%

Statement from Jessica Marinaccio, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid

“Today, my colleagues and I are thrilled to welcome the newest Lions to the Columbia Class of 2020. This year’s 2,193 admitted students, selected from the largest applicant pool in Columbia’s history, amazed and humbled us with their exceptional accomplishments in and out of the classroom, their adventurous intellectualism and their commitment to a better society.

“The students admitted today, along with those admitted Early Decision, represent an extraordinarily diverse range of backgrounds and voices that we are excited to have at Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. They come from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., the territories and 85 countries around the world. As our applicant pool grows, the process of selecting next year’s class becomes increasingly challenging. But we are confident that the Class of 2020 brings that unique combination of academic ability, leadership skills and personal characteristics that have distinguished Columbians over the years, and it makes today truly one of the most rewarding days for us in the Offices of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid and Educational Financing.”

Photos via Mason Amelotte