Transfer Application Requirements | Columbia College Chicago Ask Us 312-369-7130 Email Appointment Request Info Visit Us Virtual Events Campus Visits Apply Now Freshman Transfer Graduate Second Bachelor's Returning Students Nondegree Seeking For all students affected by recent college closures: We understand that these developments have disrupted your educational plans, and we are here to help you continue your work toward a creative career. If you're interested in transferring to Columbia College Chicago, please review the information on this page to help prepare your application. Please reach out to us at transfer@colum.edu so we can expedite review of your application and transfer credits. Transfer: How to Apply APPLY NOW Apply as a transfer student if you’ve completed high school, home school, or a GED (called HiSET in some states) program and have earned (or will earn) college credit at a college or university before your first day at Columbia. This excludes dual enrollments (including Summer at Columbia) and/or any college or university enrollment completed during the summer immediately following high school or GED (or HiSET) completion. If you have not enrolled in courses at a post-secondary college or university, or if your coursework is covered by the exceptions listed above, please review the Freshman Application Requirements If you are you an international student who will require a visa to study in the United States, please follow the steps listed here, and review this page for additional information You can also review a complete checklist and timeline for transfer students at the links. Need help planning your transfer to Columbia? Our Transfer Admissions team is here for you. Our planning tools can help you chart your transfer path. TRANSFER PLANNING TOOLS Get to know our transfer admissions team. Important Dates and Deadlines October 1, 2025: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available at fafsa.gov. Submitting the FAFSA will help to maximize your access to all possible financial aid. The application deadline for the Acting for Stage and Screen (BFA); Comedy Writing and Performance (BFA); Musical Theatre (BFA); Performance and Songwriting  (BMus) has passed. These programs have corresponding BA degrees for which the application is still available. BA, BFA, BMus, and BS: What’s the difference? Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs allow for greater flexiblity and exploration within the curriculum. This includes the ability to tailor elective coursework beyond your major or add a minor. Around 90% of Columbia students are pursuing a BA degree. Our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Music (BMus), and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs feature more intensive required coursework in the major with limited flexibility for electives. A Note on Standardized Test Scores Columbia College Chicago's admissions process is entirely test-free. Standardized t est scores will play no role in the college's determination of a student's admissibility, or in awarding merit-based scholarships. After admission, students who have them are encouraged to submit results from Advanced Placement or International Baccaulaurate tests. Just list Columbia on your College Board account or talk to your school's IB diploma program coordinator about how to send your scores . Columbia grants credit for scores of 3 or higher on AP exams and 4 or higer on IB exams Ready to Apply? Follow these steps. 1. Submit your application. Use the "Apply Now" link above to access the application. 2. Submit the following required items. Transcripts As a transfer student, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges where you have previously been enrolled —even if you didn't complete any graded credits. Columbia does require final high school transcripts for some transfer applicants. If you: Earned your GED, or Were home-schooled, or Attended a non-US high school, or Have completed FEWER than 24 graded semester college credits at the time of application International Applicants: Please see this page for more complete instructions. How to Submit Transcripts Ask your institution(s) to electronically transmit transcripts to Columbia College Chicago Admissions, or mail them to 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. All transcripts received by mail or in person must be in the original sealed envelope from the school. We also accept transcripts—when sent directly from the institution—via email at admissions@colum.edu If you are applying to transfer from a partner institution with a Guaranteed Admission program , Columbia College Chicago's Admissions Office will purchase your official transcripts to complete your application. Please note that this purchase applies only to the application process. If you complete additional coursework after admission, a final transcript must be purchased before the start of your first semester at Columbia. Writing Sample Within the application, submit a writing sample in response to this prompt: Please provide a short personal statement that outlines your goals for your enrollment at Columbia College Chicago. You may choose to write about development of your creative practice, progress toward your career objectives, improving specific skills, or your own personal growth. The application will also have an optional section where you can provide additional information about items in your academic history that you might want to explain. Application Fee Columbia does not charge an application fee. Portfolios | Auditions | Interviews Portfolio, audition, and/or interview requirements can vary based on your intended major. Students applying for BFA or BMus degrees are required to submit materials. Your submission will be considered for admission to the program as well as for the Faculty Recognition Award . Please follow the guidelines for your intended major. The submission deadline for the Acting for Stage and Screen, BFA; Comedy Writing and Performance, BFA; Fashion Design, BFA; Musical Theatre, BFA; and Performance and Songwriting (BMus) applicants is Monday, December 1, 2025. For all other BFA programs, the submission deadline is Thursday, January 15, 2026. Portfolios or auditions are not required for BA or BS applicants, but it is to your advantage to submit materials. A submission is the only way to be considered for the Faculty Recognition Award . Please follow the guidelines for your intended major. The submission deadline for all BA or BS applicants is Thursday, January 15, 2026. Requirements & Deadlines: Freshman Graduate Transfer Second Bachelor's Returning Students Nondegree and Certificates International International Undergraduate Students International Graduate Students Test-Free Admissions Visit Us: Campus Visits Getting to Columbia Virtual Events Campus Visits Additional Information: BFA/BMus Portfolio and Audition Requirements Faculty Recognition Award Requirements Admitted Students Undergraduate Student Graduate Student Financial Aid Admissions Timeline & Dates Undergraduate Timeline Graduate Timeline & Dates Planning your Transfer Veterans First-Generation Students International Admissions Staff Transfer Admissions Staff All Admissions Staff Undocumented Applicants Achieve Columbia Summer at Columbia: Summer at Columbia Registration Courses FAQs Educational Partnerships: Columbia College Chicago and Illinois Tech Course Exchange Program Columbia College Chicago and Lake Forest College Course Exchange Program American Academy of Art RE:ALIZE Estimate your cost Complete our net price calculator to calculate your cost.