<p>Hello everyone. I'm a rising senior and I've recently taken interest in Columbia University in New York. I need honest opinions and suggestions, please!</p>
<p>My GPA is low (3.2-3.6) and my school isn't known for their academics, though we're in one of the most competitive counties in the country. That being said, I'm in the top 10%. My SAT scores are all very good, though my math is low but my critical reading scores make up for it. I'm mostly taking IB classes (I can't get the full diploma because of my relocation).</p>
<p>All in all I'm an average student. I'm not really sure if I have the edge that Columbia or other schools are looking for. I'm a mixed female (African American, Mexican, Navajo). I've moved many times because my father is in the Army. I volunteer a lot in the Army community and at my high school. I just recently became involved in the drama department, where I now hold a leadership role. I would have gotten involved earlier, but my high school in Hawaii did not offer many extracurriculars. I've gotten awards for my volunteer service in the army and in the church, and I'm also currently volunteering at Arlington National Cemetary.</p>
<p>I want to major in Psychology. There is an important woman at Stanford that wants me there so I imagine she'll be a good rec. I'm the only one going to college in my family, since both of my sisters have autism. They're actually the main reason I want to go into Psychology!</p>
<p>Thanks in advance. Feel free to ask questions and suggest other schools.</p>
<p>I am in the same situation as you. My dad is in the Airforce and I think it has completely messed up my chances for getting into a good school because of our constant moving.</p>
<p>I stopped reading at “African American, Mexican, and Navajo.” Congratulations, you’re in 3x over!</p>
<p>^ Columbia is one of the most selective schools in the country. Probably next in line after Harvard, Yale, Princeton, CalTech and MIT. By combination of scores, rank and acceptance rate, Columbia is more selective than Stanford (<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/687793-selectivity-ranking-national-us-lacs-combined-usnews-method.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/687793-selectivity-ranking-national-us-lacs-combined-usnews-method.html</a>) It is not hurting for URM applicants who are either off-the-charts brilliant, or merely very smart but with a raft of impressive ECs, in addition to stellar grades and scores. </p>
<p>A GPA of 3.2-3.6 would be very low for Columbia (where the average entering GPA is about 3.9 according to PrincetonRev), especially coming from a school not known for its academics. To compensate, I’d expect SATs above 2300 and exceptional ECs. Maybe somewhat lower on the SATs for URMs, if the ECs are truly remarkable.</p>
<p>What is Columbia’s appeal? The urban location? The Core curriculum? The University of Chicago has both of those features and is a little less selective (still a real reach but more realistic). If the attraction is not that specific, I suggest you consider some LACs that are outside the top 10, where your background would help you stand out more in the field.</p>