HYPMS are undoubtedly notorious for their awkward admissions. (esp. MIT)
I just discovered columbia is in that list.
i thought all colleges excluding HYPMS were number driven. of course, EC’s are taken into account but not as heavily as HYPMS. But I guess I’m making a wrong assumption. Am I right about the idea that HYPMS + Columbia are completely unpredictable in their admission?
<p>No. They aren't completely unpredictable. As an H alumni interview, I have not been particularly surprised at who was accepted/rejected in my area. Students and parents tend to be surprised because they assume that admissions are more stats driven than they are.</p>
<p>I have never seen a student get into H without a strong, demonstrated intellectual passion. This is something that is rare and that most people don't recognize. Most people mistake a drive to get straight As or to pad a resume as being intellectual passion.</p>
<p>This is always an interesting topic of discussion, and as a recent Columbia ED acceptee, I am thrilled with the decision, but can also say that there are many other deserving candidates. What makes a person stand out, I believe, in admissions is a demonstrated passion, a solid academic record and in the ballpark SAT's. It is not impossible to get into these schools, but it does take some luck as well.</p>
<p>Also, if an admissions representative gets a "feeling" about an applicant or application such that they would feel the student would truly thrive at the college, even if they dont have as high of grades and SAT's, that student may get in. Just because a student thinks he/she is a match for the college, doesn't mean that they really are. I think the most important aspect of a college admissions decision is whether or not a student will be able to thrive on the opportunites given to them as well as help improve the quality of the school in return. At that point, a student may also get a leg up. </p>
<p>Again, I am only a high school senior, but from my personal experience as well as others in my grade, this seems to be the general trend.</p>
<p>JAUG - your post was very well written and well said - for a young person you seem to have a wondeful grasp for a system that few understand.</p>
<p>Good Luck to you</p>