I am trying to decide whether or not to apply to Columbia. Would you be able to give me an idea of the minimum standards for admission?

Most successful applicants to our Ph.D. program score above the 90th percentile on the quantitative section of the GREs.  Students are advised they should have completed undergraduate linear algebra, probability and statistics, advanced calculus and real analysis to be prepared for classes in the Economics Ph.D. program.  Superb reference letters and/or excellent performance as an undergraduate are considered in the admission process as well.  Foreign students must also meet the minimum required TOEFL/IELTS (see below).  Official department visits, including meeting with faculty members, are arranged after students have been admitted. However, you are more than welcome to arrange a tour of the Columbia campus through the Visitor’s Center, http://www.columbia.edu/node/6060.html