<p>I'm wondering if a solid essay, dedicated ECs, and solid recs can make up for a decent GPA and SAT/IIs</p>
<p>Just as some background:</p>
<p>GPA: 4.16 or so (top 8%) (8 APs, 1 self study AP, 5 honors, 4 college courses [including senior year])
SAT: 2120 (1440 old)
SAT II: 790 U.S, 770 IIc</p>
<p>But I think I can really pull my essay off. I've been a teacher for the past two years at this summer program that helps students in low income areas. I really love it, and it's going to be the main focus of my personal statement. I've got great interview skills, and two teachers that I can expect great recs from. My ECs are focused on my two passions, science and history. I've recieved awards in both areas as well. I'm applying ED and really hope to get into Columbia, as it's my first choice.</p>
<p>i think it can help put a borderline to an admit. Also, that seems like a powerful topic. My topic was about my first school bus ride in kindergarten. lol</p>
<p>I absolutely think you have a great shot at Columbia. Columbia heavily stresses EC's that are dedicated and the personal essay. Make it a unique essay not only by topic, but also by style and I think you will be accepted.</p>
<p>i am pretty convinced that the sort of essay you want-- one that will "get you in", all other things being as they are-- doesn't necessarily need to be about a powerful topics as much as it needs to be artfully written, unique, and engrossing. having a good topic will, however, surely set you on the right track to attaining those other characteristics.</p>
<p>it looks to me like you definitely have a shot. make sure to keep those senior grades up next year (or better yet, improve them =), and good luck with your apps!</p>
<p>Very good input from everyone so far-I like that you used the word "passions"-to directly quote an adcom-they like to see passion and joy. Although my son did not write about his passions: theatre, literature, and policitical activism in his full essay, they were definitely highlighted on the app form, short anser questions, ecs section, recs, and interview. He wrote his essay about a serious car crash he was in (from which he and his friend, tho not the car, walked away uninjured) in Sep 04 after a weekend visit to Brown University. Yes, he mentioned Brown in the essay, and yes, he used 2 four letter words in the essay to describe his thoughts while the car rolled over 3 times; but then he described how this experience affected him and his philosophy/approach to life. When they called him for an interview a couple of weeks later, I swear I got the flavor of: "We've got to meet this guy". What I liked about the essay was that it was honest, told a story with vivid details, and showed how my son came to accept his vulnerabilties and embrace a "journey vs outcome" life view through this experience. Whatever you decide to write about, just make sure your own voice shines through, that you create a portrait of yourself that can be SEEN by the reader, and remember: SHOW, DON'T TELL. I'm sure you'll do very well.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Whatever you decide to write about, just make sure your own voice shines through, that you create a portrait of yourself that can be SEEN by the reader, and remember: SHOW, DON'T TELL.
[/quote]
Great advice.</p>
<p>When my daughter went through her application process to Columbia we got the distinct impression that the essay does matter. Her essay managed to capture who she was in the "Show, Don't Tell" way mentioned above. The adcom mentioned it when speaking to my daughter's GC so we know that it was read with care.</p>
<p>When I wrote my essay, I did use my major passion of music to help elucidate all of the activities and interests I have in my life. My long essay was under 450 words, but was also along the lines of "show, dont tell." Make your writing come alive throughout the essay and don't ever leave the reader wanting more or asking questions. A good essay, should most of all, describe and give a portrait of you.</p>
<p>In my college experience, what I truly found to be the most important part of it was not what essays you wrote, what EC's you had, what SAT scores you achieved or what schools you got into. What I found was that the college application process is a time to take a look at the first 17 years of your life and find the things that are truly meaningful to you and to remember why they are so important. If you seriously take the time to look back at your life so far and write truthful and sincere appications, I can guarantee that success will come your way.</p>
<p>essays definitely make the biggest difference at columbia...i know someone who got in to cc with an 1100 on his SAT (old)...that by no means seems like a score for an ivy...but he got in based on his essay alone...then again, he's a killer writer...but just to let you know....</p>