<p>I am a junior and want to apply Early Decision to Columbia Engineering this fall. Here are my stats:
- IB Diploma Candidate (TOK, IB Bio HL, IB Physics SL, IB English HL, IB Spanish SL,
IB Mathematics SL, IB World Topics HL) (have not taken these exams yet)
- AP European History - 4
- AP US History - will take exam next week, but I typically am in high 4 to low 5 range
- AP English Language and Composition - 5
- AP Calculus - will take next year
- Probably will take AP Biology exam along with the IB
- 4.0 weighted GPA (3.7 unweighted)
- 33 ACT (33 English, 35 Math, 36 Writing, 27 Science)
- Band all 4 years of high school - 1st chair alto saxophone, NYSSMA solo fest, so far a<br>
perfect record of level 6 (hardest) 100's
- Piano player for 9 years, although non-competitive
- Tang Soo Do Karate and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, five years, will be black belt in a few months
- Assistant martial arts instructor for two years
- Job at the public library, three years
- Peer tutor for alto saxophone
- National Honors Society (will find out later this week, but I can't imagine why I wouldn't<br>
make it, since all my teachers love me)
- I plan on joining Interact Club next year</p>
<p>Do you think I have a good chance at getting into the Fu Foundation School of Engineering at Columbia University for mechanical engineering? I know I don't have tons of extracurriculars, but the ones I have are consistent, and show both passion and multidisciplinary skills. Also, are my GPA and ACT's impressive, as well as the fact that i'm taking 2 IB sciences at the same time?</p>
<p>Thanks for reading, and please answer honestly!</p>
<p>Nothing about you screams engineering… where are the math and science ECs? You don’t have any. Columbia would want to see that you’re passionate about math and science if you want to be an engineer, and if you spend your time doing… well not math and science, it looks a little random that you’re applying to become an engineer. You might be able to get into Columbia and THEN switch to engineering… I’m guessing that’s possible. sorry :/</p>
<p>Thanks for commenting! I thought maybe AP calculus and IB physics were good for engineering? Also, I am taking SAT subject tests in physics and math in June. As for math and science EC’s I don’t know of any options in my school - no math clubs or anything. As for not doing only math and science activities, I have many things that I am good at, so I try to show that I can excel at many things, hoping to come across as a well-rounded student who is strong in pretty much every aspect.</p>
<p>You don’t want to look like a well-rounded student (unless you happen to amazing at just about everything) more like “superior in one or two areas.” Thankfully, your well-rounded-ness doesn’t comprise of “president of this and that club” (which effectively means nothing). You’re pretty good at music and karate, and these things will make you stand out from the crowd. </p>
<p>But just taking the tests that apply to the subject you wish to study doesn’t mean you have any curiosity persay about the topic. For example, I got a 4 on Micro/Macro last year and an A in the class but economics doesn’t bring meaning to my life or anything (obviously a 4 isn’t a 5, but it’s a fairly good score). It would be silly of me to apply to schools saying I want to major in economics even though all I did was take the AP class and test. I didn’t join DECA, the school’s investors club, discuss economics with my teacher, take any classes at the local community college, do a summer program, etc. These things would show I have some interest and passion in economics. Colleges would see that I’m just pretty good at the class, but I don’t care too deeply about the topic. </p>
<p>Columbia might feel the same way about you. If his school doesn’t have math/science clubs or any program, the admissions peeps might ask, why didn’t he seek out opportunities where he could do what he supposedly loves? Again, I must say that probably every single other kid you’re competing against for admissions has math/science ECs and awards. My suggestion for you? Do a summer program that’s math/science related, see if there’s any awards you can apply to win, and/or look around for a community college class you can take. Google will be your friend tonight for things like this :p. Best of luck!</p>
<p>If you don’t get in, you could always do the 3-2 Columbia Engineering Program, where you’re pretty much guaranteed to get in as long as you get a 3.0+ in one of the participating colleges.</p>