Be honest, do I have a chance?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
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<p>P.S. I would prefer people with experience answer this question! Please don't bother if you're just going to be like, "who cares" or "you have no chance." just let me know why you think that so I could improve myself. I am a Haitian American female, in 11th grade. I have a 3.8 gpa, a 2150 sat score, a few honor classes under my belt (no AP's unfortunately), I am involved in many clubs and activities at my school such as varsity math team, speech and debate, and dance and will be Pres. of french club senior year. I have a few good comm. service like Make a Wish and special ed student teaching and medical assistance I did in Haiti after earthquake. I am in NHS, and Math Honor Society. I am motivated, and do well in school, and organized a pen drive in my school to send to kids in need. I am well traveled and culturally knowledgeable. I'm also confident, tall, and pretty (I hate to be vain but I feel like those qualities are beneficial when it comes to interviews and such). I doubt this helps but my dad attended Columbia for grad school :/ Do I have a fair chance of getting in Columbia U. I heard it was very culturally diverse and has preference for African-American girls such as myself. Will my credentials and ethnicity help me? Answer honestly and not too brutally lol! Have a fabulous day</p>

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While your GPA is decent and you have a good SAT, your seeming lack of a very rigorous transcript will set you extremely far behind your peers who will also be applying with similar or better grades, but transcripts filled with many AP/IB classes. Transcript rigor and GPA are the two top-most evaluative factors for very selective schools such as Columbia regardless of your diversity bump. Make sure you apply to a wide variety of schools. My gloomy assessment for your Columbia chances pertains to other selective colleges, too, unfortunately. Good luck</p>

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<p>Regarding the APs, it depends on how many are offered at your high school. Also, if they are available, sign up for some in senior year and do well the first quarter/semester.</p>

<p>Excellent essays and letters of recommendation can help as well. Do some reading about writing the common app essay. There are many pitfalls. This is a useful site on essay writing: <a href=“http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/”>http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Yes, you will be considered in the context of your school. If your school offers a selection of AP classes, then it would most likely count against you for not choosing more rigorous courses.
I would email the admissions office to make sure regarding your legacy status.</p>