<p>Hi, I am currently a junior in a large public school. I would love to attend Columbia, but I realize that it is really competitive so anyone's opinion would be appreciated. In case knowing my race/gender helps, I am a white male in NJ. I am also a legacy, so hopefully that boosts my chances.</p>
<p>Transcript: My current classes and projected grades are as follows.
AP Calc BC: A
AP USH: A with some possibility for a B
AP Physics C mech: A
AP French: B with some possibility for an A
AP English Language: A
Economics: A</p>
<p>My UW GPA will most likely be somewhere between 3.7 and 3.8 when I apply to colleges.
Class Rank: Will most likely be top 10% when I apply.</p>
<p>Test Scores:
SAT I: 2280, 770 CR, 730 M, 780 W
I will definitely retake since I intend to apply into a math-intensive major.
SAT II: 800 chem, 800 math II
AP: 5 on chem and 3 on music theory (will not report)</p>
<p>ECs and awards:</p>
<p>tournament chess player, 2000 USCF</p>
<p>I have been playing piano for ~8 years and have certification for my level.</p>
<p>Columbia Science Honors Program (does this help?)</p>
<p>~50 hours of volunteering, but I will definitely have significantly more by the time I apply.</p>
<p>Was chosen to represent my school in a county-wide competition my freshman and sophomore years, winning my section last year. I will participate again this year.</p>
<p>Participated in state-wide chemistry olympics. My team won fourth place in our event.</p>
<p>I am part of my school's science olympiad team. My team won first place in our event (chemistry)</p>
<p>I would say a high maybe chance to low good chance. Columbia is competitive but you have a unique application. Get your math up to 750 and I would say good chance!</p>
<p>Thanks for the optimism! I definitely will try to get math up. I don’t know how I messed up on it since it is normally my best subject. Is there anything else I should focus on to improve my chances? I still have another year after all.</p>
<p>we’ll…are you applying to SEAS or CC?
If you are applying to SEAS then I say that it’s a low reach.
(…people always say here that it’s easier to get into SEAS)
But if you are aiming for CC, then I would say it’s a high reach just because it’s really random. When I look at the CC student body it’s very very diverse and a lot of us are just as similar as someone who didn’t get into columbia but goes to another top 10/20 school. I only got a 2290 and got into CC, so it really depends. However, you’re ECs are pretty good, so I think you are at a very very good place (maybe getting one more award will be helpful…or doing an internship…just to show that you are a global person).</p>
<p>Not bad. You seem to have a lot of focus on Chemistry, and seem to be very good at it, which is something I think Columbia will see. Make sure you get great recommendations and write an amazing essay. Also, try doing something Chemistry-related this summer, if you not already otherwise occupied, like a Chemistry community college class. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’d have to say that your chances are decent.
Your test scores and EC’s seem solid, but try to see if you can lock in an internship, or possibly Sci/Chem fair awards or olympiad prizes, as that’ll really strengthen your app.</p>
<p>I’d say you definitely have a shot! High match to low reach. </p>
<p>Your scores and extracurriculars are both solid. The only advice I’d say is like the above posts have said, try to get that one extra special thing that can make you stand out, and select teachers who you have a really good personal relationship with to write your recommendations. Keep up the good grades in the heavy courseload, and make sure to stay involved (leadership positions wouldn’t hurt, either).
Good luck! :)</p>
<p>You’re test scores and transcript are solid. And you have good, focused ECs. You are truly a decent candidate so I would say low reach. Good luck and congratulations on you accomplishments you will seriously do great wherever you go :)</p>
