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I have been told by many that Columbia probably doesn't care about applicants who don't get 1500+ on the SAT. If I have a 96 GPA, 6/183 unweighted and 8/183 weighted ranks, lots of ECs, and prospectively, three SAT II's in the lower 700s, does this theory hold true? In other words, what kind of SAT scores would they be looking at for an applicant like me, and how would doing early decision affect my chances?

By Haruko (Haruko) on Sunday, March 07, 2004 - 09:32 pm: Edit

First of all, don't listen to what people tell you for the most part. Rumors shmumors. There isn't really a formula, but it doesn't help to be ace at everything (stats-wise at least). "..Lots of ECs." I have to disagree with that. That could just mean you are apart of Key Club, NHS, CSF, Spanish Club, Science Club, Academic League... a lot of them, but no real drive. You would win if it was a numbers contest. Just do your best- try to get the highest score you can. Applying ED- I think I read that they accept 50% or something of their frosh undergraduates that way. Applying anywhere ED definitely increases chances. You're telling them exactly what you want and in return.. well, you have a better advantage.

By Aeg315 (Aeg315) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 06:54 am: Edit

The majority of my ECs are meaningful ones. When I say lots, I'm referring primarily to the various musical ensembles in which I partake (Band, Pep Band, Marching Band, Choir, Madrigal Singers, Stage Ensemble, Tri-M). I'm also an NHS member (running for an office after this year - I tutor a LOT), a Key Club Vice President, member of the Long Island Challenge team (we didn't get picked for the television show this year; if we get picked next year, I'll be on the team... we go to regional quiz bowls monthly), Latin Club President. I do a great deal of community service, which I find fun at times. But yes, I guess the other clubs (SADD, Youth Decide) I'm in aren't as meaningful (I'm not as ardently devoted).

Anyway, thanks for your feedback, Haruko. Perhaps any others would like to give me their opinions?

By Foreignboy (Foreignboy) on Monday, March 08, 2004 - 09:50 am: Edit

Most of (if not all) the Ivy League schools have some form of academic index. This means they take your SAT score, and GPA, and SAT2s, and class rank, and punch them into a formula to calculate your academic rating, which is a number on a scale. Eg. Princeton uses a 1-5 scale, in which 1 is the best, 5 is the worst. Dartmouth uses a 1-9 scale, 9 being the best.
So actually, if the rest of your stats are really good, they can make up for a lower SAT score. Of course they will also look at the application individually, but with like 15000 applicants, it's hard to give every one much attention.

What SAT score do you need?
Well, I guess you should try to score as high as possible, but there's no real cut-off mark.
ED will help your chances, because they make it a point to fill a certain % of the class with ED applicants.
Hope that helps.

By Aeg315 (Aeg315) on Tuesday, March 09, 2004 - 06:56 pm: Edit

Thanks! That is very helpful.