I would think she was referring to the transcripts and other school documents. The application is due January 2, so you should submit the essay by then. Not sure about the time zone, but I would guess 11:59 Eastern Standard Time (New York time zone). I would strongly encourage you do not wait until the last second - make sure you submit it on time, or else your application won’t be received.
Hi, has anyone received their Columbia University ID yet? Do we need to fill in the forms that require this ID before the January 2 deadline?
Not sure which forms you’re referring to, but you won’t get your official Columbia University ID until after you enroll. Maybe those forms are asking for some other kind of ID?
I meant the Identification number.
I got an email saying
‚Please note that once your application has been processed you will receive an email with your Columbia University Identification number.‘
After submitting the application I could access two forms about financial aid that require this Identification Number.
Since you said the identification number is for financial aid, note that the financial aid application deadline is February 15 (https://sciencespo.gs.columbia.edu/financial-aid-timeline). So you don’t need to submit those forms by the January 2 deadline.
As to what needs to be completed by January 2, make sure you follow the website (https://sciencespo.gs.columbia.edu/application-process-and-requirements#Application%20Process%20and%20Requirements).
A complete application for the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po includes all of the following:
-Submission of the online application.
-Official* high school transcripts, secondary school records, or GED test results.
-Official* transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
-Official* standardized test scores reported directly to the Dual BA Program by the testing service. Please refer to the Standardized Testing page to review standardized testing requirements.
-One admissions essay. See the admissions application for essay question.
-Two letters of recommendation from teachers and/or a guidance counselor familiar with your academic career.
-A nonrefundable application fee of $80 in the form of a check or money order payable to Columbia University. Applicants using the online application may use a credit card to pay the $80 fee.
Hope this helps!
Last minute question!! I think I’m overthinking things at this point but we don’t need to submit the common app application to Columbia is we’re doing this one, right? I have it done but looking back it seems like I shouldn’t turn it in. Help!!
Don’t worry! You do not need to submit the Common App, only do the online application for Dual BA as per the website instructions: https://sciencespo.gs.columbia.edu/application-process-and-requirements
Thank you!! That’s what I thought but I think getting down to the wire is making me a bit paranoid. Happy new year 
Hi again! Unfortunately, I already submitted the first part of the Common App for Columbia College—what would you recommend I do now? Is there someone specific I should email to sort this out? Or is it too late for me to apply to the Dual BA program now? Thanks
How do I fill out the extracurriculars section? It looks like the only option is submitting a resume so I’m not sure how to add the extracurriculars
@GSTourGuides
Due to the holiday period, i havent been able to reach either of my recommenders , but ive already submitted every other required document and submitted my application, if they send the recommendation after the jan 2 deadline, will i be penalized?
Solved.
It’s been a while since I applied, so I can’t remember how the Common App works. If you’ve only submitted “part” of the Common App - and not a complete application - to Columbia College, then perhaps you’re in the clear. Otherwise I’m not sure how to withdraw a submitted application or whom to contact to get it fixed - the admissions office may be a good place to start, but you might not get a response in time.
Because you cannot apply to both the Dual BA AND Columbia College, you have to make sure that you have only applied to one or the other. I would make sure that the Columbia College application has not been submitted and still apply to Dual BA.
I can’t access the application portal, so I can’t help you with how to add them. But I do remember not being able to submit all of the extracurriculars that I wanted to include. So I made sure to put all of my extracurriculars in the resume (which also allowed me to elaborate a bit on what the activity is and what my role is). But don’t take this to mean you should go overboard elaborating in detail what each of your activities was like in the resume! Resumes should be concise.
Not sure if you’ll be penalized necessarily, but the application does require all of the documents (including recommendation letters) to be received by January 2.
Presumably you told your recommenders the deadline, so just have faith that they knew to submit them on time. I know plenty of my peers in high school worried their letter writers wouldn’t submit on time, but teachers know the importance of these letters and the need to submit them on time.
The admissions team does take into account documents taking time to arrive, for example SAT test scores from December test dates or transcripts sent by mail. It’s possible they may give a little leeway for a slightly delayed recommendation letter, but I can’t make promises.
But bottom line, I don’t think you should worry if you haven’t heard from your recommenders. It is the holidays after all, so they probably aren’t checking emails too much.
I read that interview invitations will be sent out on February 15th. Is that an exact or general date? I also read that the main part of the interview is discussing current events. What other questions are usually asked during the interview? Does the Admissions Team ask about academics or extracurriculars you were involved in?
You should treat this date as a general date.
We generally describe the interviews to be a hybrid American- and French-style college interview. You will be interviewed by one Columbia and one Sciences Po (usually from the campus to which you applied) representative. The American side of it is what you typically see when applying to traditional four-year programs in the United States with “get to know you” questions about your interest/motivation in the program and your experiences that would make you a good fit for it. The French side is more about testing your critical thinking skills and knowledge of current events in the region of focus (for example, the Middle East if you applied to Menton). They don’t expect you to be an expert, but you should have some knowledge of what’s happening in the region of focus.
In general, the interviews don’t have a rigid structure and are more free flowing, so nobody gets the same interview necessarily. The best way to prepare for the interview is to read the news and to think hard about why you want the Dual BA experience. I hope this helps!
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@GSTourGuides That is very helpful. Thank you for the advice!
Thank you for the information. Is the time frame similar for the Trinity Dual BA? Should we expect to hear by mid February?
The time frame is slightly different for the Trinity program: “Applicants will receive an update on their application status in late February-early March. Those invited for an interview will be prompted to schedule a time to meet with the admissions committee either in person or via teleconference in New York or Dublin.” (https://tcd.gs.columbia.edu/admissions) So you should expect to hear back by early March at the latest!