<p>Maybe try to get all your SAT scores into the 700’s and jump to the top 10% if you can for Columbia. I think you’re good for TAMU. For the essays, combine them! Say despite “these circumstances blah blah blah I’m this amazing leader blah blah blah” 
That’s what I would do 
Also, I may have missed this if you specified your gender, but if you are a female AND a minority applying to engineering, then that will definitely help!!! Good luck :D</p>