Columbia University International Applicant Guidelines: Applying for financial aid via Early Decision may result in a deferral; non-English documents require official translation.

Columbia University's undergraduate admissions website has specific instructions for international applicants: the application process is essentially the same as for domestic students, but there are a few important points to note regarding financial aid, document translation, and proof of English proficiency.

Specific Implications and Advice for Chinese Students and Parents

• Financial Aid and Early Decision Applications: International students can apply for Early Decision (ED). However, international students who require financial aid and do not fall under the need-blind category may be deferred to the Regular Decision pool, even if they are highly qualified, to allow the university to review the global applicant pool. Parents and students are advised to plan their finances in advance. Specific admission rules are subject to official updates.
• Translation of Application Materials: For students from non-English-medium schools, all non-English documents in the application (such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) must be officially translated into English and submitted along with the originals. It is recommended to contact your school or a professional agency early to prepare the translations.
• Optional English Conversation Video: Columbia does not conduct its own interviews, but applicants can choose to submit an InitialView or Vericant conversation video to demonstrate their English fluency. Videos must be scheduled, completed, and submitted before the deadlines: November 15 for Early Decision, January 15 for Regular Decision, and March 1 for transfer students.
• Test Scores: Columbia accepts various high school curricula. Scores from required internal and external exams for graduation (such as A-Levels, IB, AP, or national unified exams) must be submitted; those not required for graduation are optional.
• Agency Partnership Statement: The Columbia Undergraduate Admissions Office has not authorized or partnered with any independent agencies worldwide for admissions. Any agency claiming to be an authorized admissions agent for Columbia is making false claims.
• U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens studying overseas are treated as domestic applicants for financial aid purposes and are always considered under the need-blind policy.

Source: https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/international. Policies are subject to the latest official releases.