<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>If you have at least 700 per SAT section you will be a good candidate.</p>
<p>Agreed ^ SAT IIs included. But may I ask what countries you’ve lived in? As someone who’s dad also works for the Foreign Service/State Department/Army/etc, I’m just a little interested :)</p>
<p>Also, you’re GPA is extremely low, but, if you’ve got a high ranking they’ll disregard your GPA. Do you know what your exact ranking is?</p>
<p>Thanks for your swift replies.
@Josh, I’ve lived all over the states, and I’ve been to Australia, England, France, Mexico, Samoa, Canada, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Holland. I recently moved from Hawaii, where I lived for 6 years. I’d love to study abroad, and Columbia offers some great programs!</p>
<p>My exact ranking? Not sure, but in the 10% range I’m sure.</p>
<p>Wow - ok, so you definitely beat me 
I’ve only lived in seven countries. But, if you’re interested in studying abroad, you should definitely look into Dartmouth. I believe it’s got what is considered the best study abroad program out of all the ivies - and you probably have a more * secure * chance of getting in. And, since your dad works in the army, I believe that would make you full pay, right (I might be incorrect)? But, either way, you have a good chance at Columbia if you choose to truly pursue it. I’d advise you to ED if you’re 100% sure, since that’ll probably solidify your chances of acceptance. Although, your GPA may look iffy at first, but just make sure your school sends Columbia some sort of explanation on their grading system. Also, how many students does your school send to top schools (Ivies + MIT + Stanford) on average?</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! I’ll look into Dartmouth. Yes, it’s just sad how difficult transferring was for me. A friend of mine also moved from Hawaii and was enrolled as a freshman when she was a senior! So it could always be worse. We’re one of the most diverse schools in the country, with 2/3 of our students stating that English is their second language. There’s always a bright side, and I’m happy to be here.</p>
<p>As for the number of kids sent to top schools, I’ll have to look it up. What countries have you lived in?</p>
<p>You’re welcome Wait, where’s the school you just moved to? Cause having 2/3rds of the students with English as their second language is incredibly high. </p>
<p>One thing I didn’t mention on my previous posts was about your race –> being a mixed race like you are (Navajo, Mexican, African American) should help you a lot - you’d probably be viewed as a URM, which is good.</p>
<p>I’ve personally lived in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Paraguay, Bolivia, Haiti, Honduras, and the US :)</p>
<p>In Virginia. It’s an extremely unique school, where people speak all sorts of languages.</p>
<p>Geez, how did you ever decide on a college? XD</p>
<p>Ohhhh, that’s cool though Your English skills must be much more superior than everyone else’s. </p>
<p>Hahaha, actually, I’m only a rising junior, but I’m looking at Brown (maybe ED), Columbia, Dartmouth, UC Berkeley, UofChicago, Tufts, Cornell, Georgetown, Northwestern, USC, NYU, and Tulane. My stats aren’t exactly up to par (damn those SATs!) with the schools I mentioned, but hopefully, with enough practice, they soon will be :)</p>
<p>Can I ask what your SAT score is or are you not posting it for privacy reasons?</p>
<p>formerhawaiian - It would be good if you could just list your stats and nail it down a bit more. 3.2-3.6 is a wide range and it makes quite a difference if you are on the lower end or higher end of that range. Also please list your SAT scores by section, what AP classes you have taken, any EC’s besides drama (I know that has to be tough having moved so much), and financial needs. If you get into Columbia, can your family afford it? That kind of information is critical.</p>
<p>Sure, no problem.
CR - 770
M - 620
W - 700</p>
<p>AP is not available where I go to school. Because of my school’s diversity we have IB classes. Personally I’m not a fan of the program, but I took many IB classes and most of my classes during my senior year are IB. Once again I couldn’t get the full diploma because if circumstances due to my move.</p>
<p>I’ve done all sorts of dance-hula, jazz, and modern-for the past eight years. I have logged many hours volunteering not only at the local chapel but with the Army community as well, specifically helping out Army wives while their husbands were away, helping make dozens of care packages, etc. </p>
<p>Yes, my family can afford it. The GI Bill will help things out.</p>
<p>And the GPA? Unweighted, please.</p>
<p>Sorry for the late response, but it took me forever to obtain it. 3,5 unweighted</p>
<p>As a URM with a very high CR score, interesting life experience and good enough everythig else, I think you’re a strong candidate anywhere.</p>
<p>Thanks for the response, Redroses!</p>
<p>Also, will applying ED help my chances?</p>