Credentials Verification

Columbia University requires all incoming students to complete a credentials verification process before enrollment. The process includes verification of letters of reference and of all post-secondary transcripts and degrees awarded.

Columbia GSAS has contracted with Re Vera Services to assist with the verification of letters of recommendation. All GSAS applicants must provide consent to participate in this verification process by completing an Authorization and Release Form. 

 Information for Recommenders 

  • Re Vera Services (www.reveraservices.com) is a company specializing in higher education verifications. Re Vera Services can be reached at [email protected] or 1-888-408-4384.
  • Columbia University has officially contracted with Re Vera Services to perform routine verifications on its behalf.
  • Recommenders may be contacted by a Re Vera representative to confirm authorship of submitted letters. We ask that you please respond promptly to any such inquiry, as the successful completion of the Re Vera review process is essential to a student’s ability to enroll in  the Graduate School at Columbia.
  • Recommenders may contact GSAS Admissions directly with any questions or concerns regarding the verification process at [email protected].

Information for Students

Admitted students must submit final, official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended, including proof of all degrees awarded prior to enrollment in GSAS.

Detailed information about each part of the credentials verification process appears below.

All applicants to GSAS are required to grant consent to participate in the credentials verification process. This consent is granted by completing the Authorization and Release Form. A link to this form and instructions for its submission appear on the “Re Vera Authorization and Release Form” page of the GSAS online application. Submission of the Authorization and Release Form is mandatory for all applicants.

All applicants should contact their intended recommenders to inform them that Columbia GSAS has contracted with Re Vera Services to assist with the credentials verification process required by the University. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their recommenders understand that they may be contacted by Re Vera Services, and for confirming that they are able and willing to respond promptly.

All enrolling students must provide official final transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, even if a degree was not awarded. Transcripts must include course names and grades for all work completed.

For a transcript to be considered official, it must be sent from the Registrar’s Office directly to the GSAS Office of Admissions via secure electronic delivery or as a completed WES evaluation (if applicable). Any documents to which a student has had access, including any transcripts uploaded as part of the application, are automatically considered unofficial.

Please click here to review detailed instructions for the submission of Final Official Transcripts.