FAQ
Be sure to keep track of your deadlines for enrollment confirmation, financial aid, and housing by reading through this list of frequently asked questions. Contact the Office of Admissions with any additional issues or concerns.
What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
The deadline to file your FAFSA application is February 15th, 2017. You can submit a free application on this site.
For more information regarding financial aid, please click the tab “Financial Aid” at the top of this page.
How do I confirm that I will be attending Mailman in Fall 2017?
To confirm your enrollment, you must pay the $500 confirmation fee. Please view your decision letter for additional instructions.
How do I apply for on-campus housing?
Please note that students are responsible for acquiring their own housing. Newly admitted students who require either single or couples housing and will begin in Fall 2017 may apply for CUMC housing online from April 15 until June 1. Housing notifications for newly admitted students will occur in mid-June 2017. For more information, please use the resources provided by CUIMC's Office of Housing Services.
Are there health requirements I must complete before arriving in NYC?
Yes. You will receive communications from Student Health Services in late Spring with a link to the preregistration forms. For more information, please use the resources provided by CUIMC’s Student Health Services.
*Students who do not complete their required health information before arriving on campus will have a hold placed on their student record and will not be able to register for courses/attend classes.
I am an international student. When will I receive my I-20 student visa form? Do I need to send additional documentation?
If you are an international student, you must apply to Columbia University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for student status. The I-20 is required to apply for a student entry visa at a U.S. consulate, to present at a port of entry upon arrival, and to transfer your SEVIS record if you are currently in the United States on an F-1 status. NOTE: SEVIS transfer students must have the current school’s international office transfer your SEVIS record to Columbia before you apply for an I-20 from Columbia.
Application Process: I-20 Certificate of Eligibility
- As soon as possible, submit your online application for an I-20 by following the steps at The International Students and Scholars Office website. NOTE: All supporting documents must be submitted by email using the address provided on this site.
- The ISSO will review your documentation and send the I-20 that is required to apply for an F-1 student entry visa at the U.S. Consulate in your home country or, for students who already have F-1 status, to complete the SEVIS transfer process. NOTE: ISSO usually sends out the I-20 forms four (4) weeks after it has received all required documentation and your application is complete.
Are disability accommodations available? Who should I contact?
Disability Services facilitates equal access for students with disabilities by coordinating accommodations and support services. Accommodations are specific to the disability-related needs of each student and are determined accordingly. Accommodations may come in the form of adjustments to policy, practice, and/or programs. Accommodations can only be provided after a student has submitted their registration form (pdf), submitted documentation (pdf) verifying their disability status, and met with a representative from Disability Services. Students are encouraged to submit all information early to ensure timely and reasonable accommodations can be made for the coming semester. Visit Disability Services for additional information regarding all accommodations.
Do I need a computer?
Many Mailman School degree programs require students to have recent laptops (less than two years old) with specific hardware and software specifications. These include, but are not limited to, Columbia MPH, Accelerated MPH, and MHA programs. All students must comply with these requirements in order to engage in their degree programs.You can read more about the specifications required on this page. Computer requirements are subject to a yearly review by the academic departments.
How can I register for classes?
The registration experience for students varies by department and degree populations. Some students will be pre-registered for their fall courses (Columbia MPH, Accelerated MPH, MHA, and Executive MPH and MHA); while others will register themselves during Orientation (Doctoral Students, MS, and Executive MS). Those students who self-register can expect to receive helpful information during Orientation at their department breakouts.