Apply to this Program

Application Deadlines

Applicants are urged to submit application materials well in advance of the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

The Office of Admissions begins reviewing applications immediately after the application deadline.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

The Actuarial Science program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Only international students enrolled in this program full-time qualify for a student visa.

Note: Applicants for whom English is not a first language will be required to demonstrate English proficiency before being considered for the program, regardless of whether or not they have studied at colleges or universities where the instruction is in English.

Application Materials

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online and submit supporting materials online (except test scores and transcripts, witch must be submitted in sealed envelopes). Online applications can be processed more efficiently.

1. Completed Online Application form.

   Applicants who are unable to apply online may download a copy of the application, complete it, and mail it, together with all supporting documents, to the address below.

2. $50.00 nonrefundable application fee (U.S. currency). Applicants not applying online may pay in the form of a check or money order made out to Columbia University, or provide credit card information on the application form. Do not send cash. Checks must be in U.S. currency drawn on a U.S. bank.

3. Official transcripts, from all post-secondary schools attended, in envelopes sealed by the issuing institutions. Copies, opened or unsealed envelopes, unofficial printouts, or facsimiles will not be accepted. Many schools take a number of weeks to fulfill transcript requests; please plan accordingly. Academic transcripts in foreign languages must be accompanied by an official translation (as well as a guide or key where appropriate or necessary). Applications containing transcripts without translations will not be considered.

4. Résumé

5. Three letters of recommendation, written by teachers or professional colleagues who are well positioned to comment on your intellectual strengths and professional promise.

6. Statement of academic purpose (500-750 words) addressing the following:

   • your professional goals
   • your background in mathematics, statistics, economics, business, and/or actuarial science (noting if you passed any of the SOA/CAS exams).
   • your intention to study either full-time or part-time
   • your interest in taking summer classes should they be offered

7. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test are required. The admissions committee pays particular attention to the quantitative reasoning score. GRE school report code: 3602.

   Please note that the General Test is not offered in October or April in states with test disclosure laws. For complete information about the GRE go to www.ets.org.

8. Non-native speakers of English must fulfill additional application requirements.

Submitting the Application

1. Applicants who apply online are encouraged to submit all remaining supporting application materials in a single packet. Applicants who apply by mail should submit their application and all supporting materials in a single packet. While the Office of Admissions will accept materials submitted piecemeal, such submissions substantially delay the admissions process.

2. All submitted materials should clearly bear the applicant's name, Social Security number, and the name of the program to which he or she is applying.

3. Because of the large volume of applications we receive, the Office of Admissions cannot accept application materials (e.g., transcripts) submitted in advance of applications themselves.

4. Applications are not considered complete until all required materials (including the application fee, and ALP scores if necessary) have been received. Only complete applications are reviewed.

Mailing Address and Contact Information

Actuarial Science Program
Office of Admissions
School of Continuing Education
203 Lewisohn Hall
2970 Broadway, Mail Code 4119
New York, NY 10027-6902
212-854-9666
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
 

Notification of Admissions Decision

Strong candidates (who submit their application early) may be admitted before the deadline. Once the deadline has passed, all remaining applications are reviewed. It usually takes three to four weeks to receive a decision after the review process begins.

Important: Because of the volume of applications we receive, please allow up to four weeks to receive your decision. Students will be notified of decisions via e-mail.