A prominent college admissions consultant reports that a growing number of students who were recently accepted to Columbia University have decided not to enroll, citing concerns over the school’s handling of campus protests and administrative policies.
According to the consultant, who works with high-performing high school students across the country, the change in sentiment marks a sharp departure from previous years, when Columbia was seen as one of the most desirable Ivy League institutions. This year, however, unrest on campus—including student demonstrations, administrative clashes, and growing national media attention—has caused some accepted students and their families to reconsider.
The consultant explained that several of their clients had initially celebrated being admitted to Columbia but reversed course after closely watching the university’s response to recent activism. While some students sympathized with the demonstrators, many expressed discomfort with what they described as an unpredictable campus climate and a lack of clear communication from university leadership.
The concerns appear to be influencing decisions even among students who had ranked Columbia as their top choice. Reports indicate that some are instead opting for offers from peer institutions such as Yale, Princeton, and the University of Chicago, viewing them as more stable environments for both academic focus and personal development.
While Columbia has not released official data on enrollment commitments, early signs suggest the institution may be facing unexpected yield challenges. Admissions officers are now reportedly fielding more questions from admitted students and their families about campus safety, free speech policies, and how the university plans to manage ongoing activism in the fall.
The shift in perception could have broader implications for Columbia’s reputation and competitiveness in the national admissions landscape, especially as more students weigh social dynamics and political climate alongside academics in choosing where to study.
University officials have not commented directly on the claims, but they have previously reaffirmed their support for student expression while emphasizing the importance of maintaining campus order and academic continuity. Whether the institution can reassure incoming students before final enrollment deadlines remains an open question.