What high school courses does Columbia Engineering expect applicants to have completed?

Columbia Engineering expects a very strong college-prep curriculum, with particular emphasis on advanced math and science. The key expectation is that applicants will have completed math through calculus if their school offers it, along with solid laboratory science, especially physics and chemistry. They also want four years of English and a strong overall academic program across history, social science, and foreign language.

A competitive schedule would also include four years of English, several years of history or social studies, and consistent study in a world language. Columbia looks closely at course rigor in the context of your school, so they are not expecting classes your high school does not offer, but they do want to see that you challenged yourself with the strongest program available to you.

For senior year, if possible, try to stay on the engineering track academically: calculus or the highest math available, a lab science such as physics, chemistry, or both if feasible, plus a balanced set of core academic classes.