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Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions from across the offices supporting Columbia College and Columbia Engineering collected here in one place for your convenience. You can browse by topic/department or search by keyword.

FAQs for All Incoming Students, Berick Center for Student Advising

Where can I find a list of class offerings?

You may browse offerings by subject in the Directory of Classes, or search on Vergil.

How do I know what classes are required for a program of study?

Please consult the CC Bulletin or SEAS Bulletin.

I plan to be pre-med. What classes should I take?

A sample schedule may include: General Chemistry I and Calculus I. Please consult the pre-med curriculum for more information. You should also attend the Pre-Health Workshop during the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP).

What should I do if the class I want to take is full?
  • Don’t panic! During NSOP and once classes begin, it is likely that more spots will open up as all students finalize their schedules. The first two weeks of classes are known as the Change of Program period. You'll be able to add courses to your schedule during that time. 
  • You should check to see whether or not the course has a waitlist; if so, add yourself to the list.
  • If you still want to get into a class that is full, it is essential to attend the first class.
  • In case a seat does not open up, you should plan to attend the first class meetings of the next best options on your list. Twelve credits is the minimum required for all students. If you drop below 12 points, you risk being withdrawn from the term (except in your last term, when you are permitted to go below 12 points).
What should I do if I do not like the time/day a class is offered?

Everyone has their ideal schedule and class time preferences. However, sometimes you have to take classes at a day or time that is not your first choice. You can certainly try to join the waitlist for a section that is more preferable. However, if you are not added to the class from the waitlist, consider taking the class at a different time. Who knows, that class could wind up being your favorite class!

Placement Exams: How do I know which level of a math, science, or language class to take?

Some placement exams are available online and others will be given during the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). Please monitor the CSA's list of placement exams, which will be updated continually over the summer as information becomes available. You will find additional information about placement and possible exemption based on AP, IB, A-level and SAT II test scores in the Academic Planning Guide for your entering year.

How do I purchase textbooks?

Students often purchase textbooks from the Columbia Bookstore or Book Culture.

I have AP/IB or other outside credit. How can I add that to my transcript?

Typically, AP/IB and other outside credit is added a student’s record the summer after they complete their first year at Columbia. Your advising dean will enter the appropriate credits for you based on any score reports you submitted to the University. Please consult the Academic Planning Guide to see if AP credit may place you into a higher level class or give exemption to a requirement.

I have non-academic questions about preparing for Columbia.

Please see the FAQs on the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) website.

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