Can great SATs, EC, and achievements make up for average grades at the top colleges?

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm trying to hopefully get a transfer to Columbia University as an international student from Canada.</p>

<p>My GPA is very average, I'll admit that. (3.5/4.3) but I got a very good SAT score I think and have a great overall application. I'm participating in the international commerce games, have a lot of different community service (ranging at 500 hours by now I think), have started my own business (legalized), and published a collection of short stories. I'm a minority and come from a below middle-class background. I believe I can also write a very good essay.</p>

<p>The question is however; can all of that balance out my very 'meh' GPA for an Ivy League?</p>

2

<p>What's the SAT score?</p>

3

<p>Are you at a top college? What minority? Can you get two profs to write that you are one of their best students ever?</p>

4

<p>I got in the 2200 range.</p>

5

<p>bumped for the night</p>

6

<p>I think it's possible. Give it a try. It's not going to happen unless you give it a try</p>

7

<p>I'm definitely gonna apply. I just want to be realistic about my expectations.</p>

8

<p>In some cases it can, but you have to be a real standout. If you just fleed Libya or something completey extraordinary, you'll most likely get in to many colleges.</p>

9

<p>You have nothing to lose by applying and giving it your best shot. There's no one here who can tell you whether or not you'll be accepted if you apply. We do know that if you don't apply, you will have no chance of acceptance. </p>

<p>Just make sure that you have true match and safety schools that you'd be happy to attend and can afford to attend.</p>

10

<p>dunployeee....I'm from Libya...I wish i actually fled from their instead of being born here :( ...lol jk ujk</p>

11

<p>that's Funployee to you...;)</p>

12

<p>go ahead and try</p>

13

<p>I have a friend who transferred to Cornell from a small city college in New York.</p>

14

<p>cool...what does that have to do with this</p>

15

<p>bumped- itd be great to hear from people with experience in this.</p>

16

<p>I will bump this until you fine gentlemen are dead :)</p>

17

<p>I think you have a good shot. Obviously your GPA could be better, but it isn't so bad as to remove you from the pool. Especially considering you're probably in the top 10% of your class. I would also follow NSM's advice, add true matches and safeties to make sure you aren't caught with your pants down.</p>

18

<p>I doubt I'm in the top 10%....Im applying either way but I just like to get prepared with realistic expectations. I'm not going to spend 47 hours on an essay for a school for which I'll be discarded from admission during the first round.</p>

19

<p>I am not sure if your SAT's of 2200 would make up for your low gpa. Your strengths have to balance out your weaknesses so I dont think your SAT alone will accomodate for your gpa(just being realisitic). Now if you have extremely good ECs which I think you do and write an extremely good essay, I think maybe you can make up for the loss. This will require that you bust your butt to be a strong applicant. Best of luck with that. What are you majoring in?</p>

20

<p>economics. Hopefully minoring in english and creative writing.</p>