October 19, 2025

Columbia Law School has stirred the pot with a fresh new rule for international students applying for the Juris Doctor (JD) program. Starting from the fall 2026 admissions cycle, all international JD applicants must write a statement explaining, "why they wish to study in the United States." This hot new demand is part of a huge $220 million settlement Columbia University signed with the federal government on July 23, 2025. The university's deal, made with the Trump administration, aims to dig deeper into the real reasons why foreign students want to study in the US. Columbia Spectator revealed that the new application now requires international students to submit this personal statement electronically when they first apply. Interestingly, other parts of Columbia University, like Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, haven’t yet added this question because their applications were already live for the 2025-26 year. But university officials say these schools will catch up next year. Why the change? Columbia’s spokesperson said the new question is part of a bigger push to follow federal rules. "Applications will provide international students the opportunity to explain their interest in pursuing studies in the US," the spokesperson told Columbia Spectator. Future admissions will roll out these updates across more programs. The story behind this change is tied to how President Donald Trump’s government wanted colleges to keep a close eye on international student admissions. This settlement doesn't just mean asking questions; Columbia also agreed to rethink its financial reliance on international students. Why? Because in 2023, international students pumped nearly $903 million into Columbia, making up 14.7% of the university’s operating revenue and over 60% of its net tuition income, according to financial reports shared with Columbia Spectator. Focusing on the Law School, it had a whopping 593 international students in fall 2024—that’s 34% of the total—making it the Ivy League’s champion for foreign student enrollment. For comparison, Harvard Law had just 17% international students. But it's not all smooth sailing. The Trump administration toughened visa rules, adding social media checks and other screenings. Columbia Spectator reported that four international Columbia students lost their visas in April alone. These strict policies led to a 19% drop in international student arrivals this August. Columbia’s acting President Claire Shipman spoke up about the visa worries, saying students might think twice before applying because of uncertainty. To help, Columbia’s International Student Hardship Fund gave nearly $500,000 to support those facing extra travel and visa costs. Finally, the new requirement isn't just a box to tick. Columbia Law’s Master of Laws (LLM) program now asks all its international applicants to think seriously about timing, motivation, and why they picked the US. This big change highlights the tricky dance between global dreams and tough government rules. For students dreaming of studying in the US, the lesson is clear: now, it takes more than good grades; it takes a clear, honest story about why America’s schools are the place to be!

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Tags: Columbia law school, International students, Us study, Visa rules, Trump administration, University admissions,