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Hey everyone i was just wondering what you thought about my chances at getting into Columbia! Here are my stats:

PSAT: 223 (74v/80m/69w)... I'll probably be a national merit finalist
SAT: 1480 (700v/780m) but I'm pretty sure I'll break 1500 on my second try
SAT II's: Bio 800, Math II 740, Writing 670 (oops), literature 630 (oops again)
APs: Bio 5, Calc AB 5, Calc BC 5, Stats 5, AP lang & comp 4
Rank: i will be #1 or #2 out of 110
ECs: varsity track (7-12)... received letter 10-12, tutoring 10-12, i taught a french class at an elementary school for comm. service 10-12, i helped start and anti-drug group at school, one year service on student council, and hopefully i will be able to start a GSA this coming year (yes, i'm gay )
Other Stuff: WPI Math Meet $1000 dollar scholarship winner, Harvard Book Prize
Senior Schedule: Basically the very hardest classes at my school (except Eng Lit AP which wouldn't fit) and two classes at Holy Cross

Thanks Guys!

By Ml41588 (Ml41588) on Saturday, July 05, 2003 - 04:50 pm: Edit

I think you have a shot, but not much more than that becuase there are many people applying to Columbia who are overqualified. If you really want to go to Columbia, (i recomend that you do, because it really is a great place to be), then apply ED. You're chances ED will be greater as well. Also send in just 3 SAT II scores, and don't send in the lit. You have good ECs. Also, Columbia would like to have a national merit finalist, so if you made it to a finalist that would be really great. You are qualified however there are many students applying who are. Try to get yourself a hook for your application. Is there anything that you really shine in?/ have a great interest in and have awards/clubs to show it? Work on that, and also try to bring your satI up to 1500. Good luck and I hope you get accepted!

By Thedad (Thedad) on Saturday, July 05, 2003 - 08:23 pm: Edit

All you SAT II scores will show...they'll just circle the highest three, unless you can block any of them with the now-defunct Score Choice. JimJ's idea of applying ED is spot on, especially for Columbia; you might want to think about re-taking the SAT II Writing in October...study the hell out of it between now and then.

By Tennizpro06 (Tennizpro06) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 03:21 pm: Edit

I'm interested in Columbia also. Can someone explain this ED program?

By Thenarrator (Thenarrator) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 06:02 pm: Edit

Columbia has a binding Early Decision (ED) program. You apply early(Nov 1) and you get your letter early (usually mid december). If you are accepted, you HAVE to go to Columbia (there are few exceptions).

Colleges like ED because your enrollment is guaranteed, so they like to accept qualified ED applicants.

There are usually a lot less people applying ED (about 1600 at columbia), so you have a lot less ppl to compete with, but the competition usually is a lot fiercer.