<p>Columbia is my absolute DREAM school. I don't even think I need to explain why. I've been working hard my entire high school career so that I may have many options after graduation. </p>
<p>My stats are:</p>
<p>I'm the first-generation in my family to go to college in America, as my parents are originally from Peru.
Low-Income Family
I am top 2 in my junior class of about 450 students.
By the time I graduate, I will have taken 9 AP courses.
My GPA is around a 4.8-5. By the end of this year, it may be a five or above--God willing.
I will be taking the SAT again-I can't base my score off of what I got my sophomore year, because I barely managed a 1900, but I'm confident that after actually studying I can "hopefully" get a score of at least 2100.
I have participated in various leadership conferences such as HOBY of NC, Clemson's Challenge for Academically Talented Students, Governor's Page Program, I have participated in a four-week summer residential program [focusing on DNA studies with a small amount of physics] and I will be attending a six-week residential program known as Governor's School NC [focusing on a Natural Science discipline] this coming summer. Next year, I will most likely be interning at a metabolic research institute.
Clubs:
Beta Club
National Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
Leadership Club
Junior Statesman of America
[and various others--that aren't well known]
I play tennis on my high school team. </p>
<p>I have done a variety of community service activities:
I tutor children at the local elementary school-through a program.
I volunteer at the Christian Mission--like a local "salvation army."
Local Nursing Home Volunteer
I am starting a program through my church to assist lower-income, minority students in school--tutoring, guidance, etc.</p>
<p>I can't really remember what I've done at the moment, but I think I have a bit more. PLEASE don't assume that I'm looking for compliments, I am not in any way. I'm sure that others have MUCH more impressive resumes than I do. I simply want honest answers and tips. For this reason, I would like to know what you think my chances are of going to Columbia and what you think I could do to help raise my chances of acceptance. What could I do to make me stand out?</p>
<p>You have good qualifications except for your current SAT, so the most important thing you can do is to get that score up. That said, don’t get your heart set on one school only. You also should consider applying to Univ. of Chicago - very similar curriculum. Look for other schools with “Directed Studies” (such as Michigan LSA Residential Colleges). If you are a girl, consider Barnard (next door, can take Columbia classes).
For boosting your chances, read, read, read this summer. Look at the curriculum and read some of the books. It seems like Columbia is looking for intellectual curiosity, and it seems like you have it, so be prepared to discuss deeply and meaningfully. Study for the SAT and/or ACT and take again! Do you know if Columbia will consider Peruvian a URM? If not, boost your score to at least 1500/2150.
Try to be the tennis captain.
You are starting a tutoring program, which is excellent.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you for your suggestions! I am actually going to Chicago this spring break to tour the campus–my brother just got a job up there and is looking for some apartments. I find it interesting that you pointed that out–destiny maybe? Haha. I know it’s an absolute necessity to raise my SAT score, I did fairly well on the PSAT, for not studying of course, and am recognized as a National Hispanic Scholar. I fell short some points for the NMSQT. I think they may consider me an URM, how great would that be? Thank you once again for your input.</p>
<p>If you’re a National Hispanic Scholar, then you are a URM. 2100 is more than sufficient for a low-income URM (and 1900 may even be), but of course the higher your score, the more attractive you become to colleges, even top colleges such as Columbia :></p>
<p>You look quite competitive, especially if you raise your scores. The one thing I would say is that your ECs seem a little scattered–focus on a few that you’re most passionate about and emphasize them in your app. For you that seems to be research (bio major? are you applying to CC or SEAS?) and volunteering (the tutoring program is a great thing to highlight.) And of course, knock those essays out of the park.</p>
<p>Congratulations on being a National Hispanic Scholar!
That is something that you should put on your resume -for the rest of your life, actually!</p>
<p>ROFL, actually no! No high school accomplishment belongs on your resume once you’re beyond your first 1-2 years in college. You’ll get laughed out the door if you have anything high-school related on your resume.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of your help–I’ll be sure to focus on the more important parts of my ECs in the year to come. Due to the incredibly competitive nature of Columbia, I think only good can come from raising my SAT scores, and I see this as a complete possibility. I know some clear benefits I have is that I am a girl, am low-income, and am part of a minority group.
And thanks for the heads up about the Scholar recognition.
What does Columbia look for in prospective students? High academic scores is a given, but are there any specifics that I should know about? Also, would it be best to apply for a specific college or go in as undecided?</p>
<p>You can’t be undecided. You have to choose either CC or SEAS. It’s a pretty easy choice. Are you an engineer? If so, choose SEAS; otherwise, choose CC. </p>
<p>As far as what Columbia values in an applicant, it’s not wondering what Columbia values in an applicant! If you try to conform to a stereotype of a Columbian, you likely won’t be admitted. You have to pursue what you’re interested in, get involved in ECs, volunteering, or employment that interests or motivates you. You have to do well in your classes and on standardized tests, and you have to have some appreciation for an intellectual life. You should not try to tailor yourself to Columbia; just be yourself, but don’t be afraid to do something out of the ordinary. </p>
<p>When you actually apply, then you should present yourself in a way that appeals to schools. But there’s a difference between presenting yourself favorably and trying to change who you are to be more favorable to an admissions committee. The content of your college profile has to be authentic, even if the presentation is a tad manipulated. Basically, don’t worry about appealing to colleges this early, or you’ll ironically end up being an unappealing applicant.</p>
<p>I’m wanting to major in either Chemistry or Biology, not engineering. So I’m assuming CC. And of course! I don’t want to have to mold myself around a school. Finding a college is about finding what best fits me–not the other way around. The reason I want Columbia is because I can sense that the intellectual environment is incredible, a quality that is not likely to be found elsewhere-easily that is. I guess what I’m lacking is having a definite passion, which is something I’m assuming Columbia loves to see. It’s something I’m striving to find and something I hope to one day attain, not just for Columbia, but for personal self-fulfillment. Thanks for your help! I guess all I can really do right now is, the clich</p>