What Do All the Deadlines Mean?

If you are applying to start during the fall semester, you may have noticed that there are several options for deadlines - and today, December 20, is the Fellowship Consideration Deadline.

We are getting lots of questions about this, so we thought to address this in a blog post. Also note that deadlines vary based on program and term so be sure to check the “Deadlines” tab of our How to Apply page for information on relevant deadlines!

• Early Action Deadline: Early action applicants demonstrate to the admission committee that they are serious about applying, they are considered for institutional fellowships/scholarships, and they receive their decision notification early. Our early action deadline is non-binding. In other words, Early Action admits are not bound to attend and will have a spring deadline to decide if they want to come and to submit their deposit. As far as admissions consideration, there is no advantage to applying for one deadline over another!
  
  Decision Notification: Applicants that apply by the early action deadline will receive their decision earlier - typically before January.
• Fellowship Consideration Deadline: Applicants that submit a complete application to SIPA by the fellowship consideration deadline and indicate that they want to be considered for funding will be considered for institutional fellowships and scholarships. You can read more about direct funding at SIPA on our SIPA and Columbia University funding page.
  
  Decision Notification: Applicants that apply by the fellowship consideration deadline will typically receive their decision around mid-to-late-March.
• Final Application Deadline: Applicants that submit their complete application for the final application deadline will only be considered for admission, but not fellowships. Applications received after the final application deadline will not be reviewed by the application committee, so be sure to submit your application on time!
  
  Decision Notification: Applicants that apply by the fellowship consideration deadline will typically receive their decision around mid-to-late-March.

One last note about deadlines to keep in mind - all application materials (including the video essay and letters of recommendation), must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for that round. For example, if an applicant submits their video essay or recommendation letters one day after the Early Action deadline, they would be considered for the next deadline round (Fellowship Consideration). The Admissions Committee is not able to review incomplete applications, as that would be unfair to the applicants.



Of course, if you have any questions we are always here to help. Good luck with your applications!