<p>I visited Columbia during a school trip to NY and I absolutely loved it. I would never have considered applying had I not visited. It's absolutely amazing. :)</p>
<p>I am applying to Columbia College.</p>
<p>GPA: 4.21 W, 3.87 UW
10-12 GPA: 4.38</p>
<p>AP classes taken:
Euro (4)
USH (5)
Comp Sci (3)
Chemistry (4)
English Lang (3)
Physics
Calc BC
Statistics</p>
<p>I also took an Astronomy course at my local community college.</p>
<p>Demographics:
Location: LA County, CA
School: Public
Class Rank: School does not rank (i am in at least top 5% of my class of over 500 students)
Currently a candidate to become valedictorian</p>
<p>Awards/Honors:
California Scholarship Federation
AP Scholar with Distinction
Tradition of Academic Excellence (offered by my school to students with 4.0 GPAs or higher)
Honorable Mention for a Soloist Competition
National Orchestra Cup - 3rd place</p>
<p>EC's</p>
<p>MUSIC EC'S
Violinist
Concertmaster for school orchestra
3rd chair for community youth orchestra
Appassionata - community service orientated around music - play solo pieces in local retirement homes, churches, etc.
Theater - I got to play in the Orchestra pit for musicals like West Side Story and Jekyll & Hyde
Attended chamber music camps 3 years in a row over the summer</p>
<p>CHINESE EC'S
Tutor English via webcamming to students in Southern China
Chinese folk dance - dance for local Chinese New Year performances
Traveled to China over the summer to teach English to rural middle school students</p>
<p>COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Key Club Secretary ('10 - '11)
Key Club President ('11 - '12)
Hospital volunteer since last summer</p>
<p>OTHER EC'S
Math Honor Society - group of math students who provide tutoring environment for those needing help with math
Link Crew - high school transition program for freshmen. Mentored six freshmen during the beginning of the school year during my junior year. </p>
<p>REC'S
*Counselor: did not read
*Chemistry teacher: did not read
*Orchestra teacher: did get to read. He talked about my leadership and musical abilities as well as how I am a strong student.</p>
<p>Hooks?:
*did a concerto solo with my school orchestra
*first generation college student (on my mom's side)
*unique EC's: tutoring via webcamming, traveling to China to teach English
*lots of leadership
*will also send the Art Supplement with a recording of myself playing two concertos and a recommendation from my private teacher
*demonstrating an interest to join Columbia University Orchestra if admitted</p>
<p>SAT scores:
SAT I: 2080 (650 CR, 720 M, 710 W)
I retook the SAT I in December and I'm still waiting for scores. I'm expecting 2100+</p>
<p>SAT II's: 760 Math II, 710 USH, 690 Chem</p>
<p>Personal Statements (wrote two for UC schools, but will submit one via common app)
Essay #1 - Wrote about how violin shaped my desire to learn and to take an active role in guiding my education</p>
<p>Essay #2 - Wrote about how my trip to China and how my dad's philosophy made me an opportunity seeker.</p>
<p>I do not think the essays are very great, but I had various English teachers read them and said they were brilliant and interesting to read. I am not a confident writer and I never think my writing is good. LOL.</p>