Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (2026): DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions | DAT Destroyer | OAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM) is one of the most prestigious dental schools in the United States. Located in New York City, it is part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center and consistently ranks among the top dental programs in the country. This guide covers everything pre-dental students need to know about Columbia dental school requirements, DAT scores, GPA expectations, and how to build a competitive application.
Columbia Dental School at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Columbia University College of Dental Medicine |
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Degree Offered | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) |
| Program Length | 4 years |
| Application System | AADSAS |
| Average DAT Score (AA) | ~430–460 (200–600 scale) |
| Average GPA | ~3.7–3.8 overall / ~3.6 science |
| Class Size | ~80 students per year |
What DAT Score Do You Need for Columbia Dental School?
Columbia is highly competitive. Most successful applicants have a DAT Academic Average (AA) in the 430–460 range on the current 200–600 scale. Columbia does not publish strict score cutoffs and evaluates all applicants holistically — however, strong scores across all sections are essential to be competitive.
Competitive applicants to Columbia typically have:
- DAT Academic Average around 430–460 (new 200–600 scale)
- Overall GPA around 3.7–3.8 or higher
Columbia does not set minimum DAT score requirements. Admissions decisions are made holistically, taking into account your full academic record, dental experience, research, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
| DAT Section | Competitive Score for Columbia (200–600 scale) |
|---|---|
| Academic Average (AA) | 430–460+ |
| Total Science (TS) | 430–460+ |
| Biology | 410+ |
| General Chemistry | 410+ |
| Organic Chemistry | 410+ |
Learn how DAT scores are evaluated and what is considered competitive:
DAT Percentiles — How to Interpret Your Score and Improve Your Chances
Columbia Dental School GPA Requirements
Columbia expects a strong academic record. Most admitted students have:
- Overall GPA of 3.7 or higher
- Science GPA of 3.6 or higher
- Upward GPA trend is viewed favorably
- Post-baccalaureate coursework can help strengthen a lower undergraduate GPA
Columbia considers both your cumulative GPA and your science GPA (BCPM) separately. Like DAT scores, there are no published GPA minimums — the review process is holistic.
Columbia Dental School Prerequisites
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine requires the following undergraduate coursework:
- Biology with lab (1 year)
- General Chemistry with lab (1 year)
- Organic Chemistry with lab (1 year)
- Physics with lab (1 year)
- English or Writing (1 year)
- Biochemistry (strongly recommended)
- Mathematics — Calculus or Statistics recommended
All prerequisite courses should be completed at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution. Confirm current requirements directly with Columbia admissions as they may be updated.
Columbia Dental School Application Requirements
- AADSAS application
- DAT scores (taken within the last 3 years)
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Letters of recommendation (at least one from a dentist)
- Personal statement
- Dental shadowing hours (minimum 100 hours recommended)
- Research experience and community service are valued
Columbia Dental School Acceptance Rate
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine is among the most selective dental schools in the country. The acceptance rate is approximately 4–6%, with thousands of applicants competing for roughly 80 seats each year.
A strong DAT score, high GPA, meaningful dental experience, research background, and a compelling personal statement are all essential for a competitive Columbia application. Because Columbia evaluates applicants holistically, no single factor determines admission.
How to Prepare for the DAT for Columbia
To be competitive at Columbia, you need a DAT score in the 430–460 range on the 200–600 scale. That requires serious, structured preparation starting well before your application cycle.
The DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer by Dr. Jim Romano are the most comprehensive DAT prep books available. Dr. Romano has been helping pre-dental students achieve top scores since 1985, with over 35 years of teaching experience.
For a structured preparation plan, see the DAT Study Guide (2026) and the Best DAT Prep Books (2026 Guide).
For a full breakdown of the DAT exam structure, read: What Is the DAT? Understanding the Dental Admission Test
Students comparing top dental schools often also review programs such as the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and the UCLA School of Dentistry to better understand differences in admissions standards.
Frequently Asked Questions: Columbia Dental School
What GPA do you need for Columbia dental school?
Most admitted students have an overall GPA of 3.7 or higher and a science GPA of 3.6 or higher. Columbia does not publish minimum GPA requirements and evaluates applicants holistically.
What DAT score do you need for Columbia dental school?
A competitive DAT Academic Average for Columbia is in the 430–460 range on the current 200–600 scale. Columbia does not set minimum DAT score cutoffs — admissions are holistic. No single section should fall significantly below 380.
How hard is it to get into Columbia dental school?
Very competitive. Columbia has an acceptance rate of approximately 4–6% and receives thousands of applications each year for roughly 80 seats. Strong DAT scores, GPA, dental experience, research, and a compelling personal statement are all essential.
Where is Columbia dental school located?
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine is located in New York City, New York, as part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus in Washington Heights.
Start Your DAT Preparation Today
If Columbia University College of Dental Medicine is your goal, your DAT score is one of the most important factors in your application. Start preparing early and use the right materials.
Students often ask which DAT study materials are actually used in real courses. The DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer are the core books used in Dr. Jim Romano's DAT preparation classes, both online and in person. Dr. Jim Romano has over 35 years of teaching experience and has helped students prepare for the DAT with the DAT Destroyer series since 2006.
➡️ Start your DAT preparation for free
- DAT Destroyer — advanced DAT science practice and review
- Math Destroyer — master the quantitative reasoning section
- General Chemistry Destroyer — deep preparation for one of the hardest DAT sections
- Organic Chemistry Odyssey — master reactions, mechanisms, and stereochemistry
- Dr. Jim Romano's Biology Review — comprehensive biology coverage
- DAT and OAT Classes — in-person and online with Dr. Jim Romano
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As Dr. Romano says: “Get the damn book — it is all in there.”