NEXT STEPS TO ENROLLMENT

We’re thrilled you’ve made Columbia part of your college search process. We know this is an exciting time for you and your family—and we also know it can come with some challenges. That’s why we want to make the process as easy as possible for you.

We hope this checklist will serve as a handy guide that outlines your steps toward becoming a Columbia student. But keep in mind, steps can vary from student to student. This list may not be comprehensive, and not all steps may apply to all students.

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Check Your Columbia Connect Portal And Your Email Regularly

Your Columbia Connect portal (colum.edu/connect) is always going to be the most up-to-date resource to manage your next steps, know what needs to get done, and when you need to do it.

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Submit Your Tuition Deposit

When you’re ready, the whole process starts with securing your spot in the incoming class by submitting your $250 tuition deposit. The deposit is non-refundable after May 1.

☐ ACTIVATE YOUR COLUMBIA ACCOUNT—AND CHECK IT OFTEN ONCE YOU DO

This one is important because nearly every step that comes later depends on it. Activating your login credentials will allow you to access Columbia’s housing application, class registration, bill payment, course management system, and your official Columbia email account. You’ll receive instructions on how to do this within 48 hours after submitting your deposit.

☐ APPLY FOR HOUSING

Students coming to Columbia from outside a commutable distance are encouraged to live in campus housing. The housing application will be available to new students in early-April. As part of the application process, students will complete a personal profile, indicating their housing preferences and information about their personal habits (e.g., cleanliness, guests, sleeping, studying, etc.) to be used in the housing assignment and roommate pairing process. The application requires a $500 prepayment. For more housing information, please visit colum.edu/residencelife

☐ FINALIZE FINANCIAL AID

If you’ve submitted your FAFSA, then you’ve got your award letter and you and your family have started planning to fund your education—that’s great! Make sure to check Columbia Connect for any additional documentation that may be required. This could include verification documents and/or any final transcripts. And don’t forget to complete loan entrance counseling where applicable.

If you haven’t yet submitted your FAFSA, we strongly recommend you do so soon. Just go to studentaid.gov and use Columbia College Chicago’s code, 001665.

☐ COMPLETE PLACEMENT ACTIVITIES

Columbia requires placement assessments for both Writing and Mathematics classes. If you have or expect to have transfer, dual enrollment, AP, IB, or CLEP credits in these categories, then you might be able to skip this step. All other students should plan on devoting about two hours to completing The Write Class and ALEKS. These assessments will help ensure that you’re in the appropriate classes right from the start. Some departments also have placement activities specific to their intended majors, so watch your Columbia Connect portal and your email for notifications about those.