Chance Me for Columbia University Fall 2017-18 ED

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

Grade: incoming senior
Residence: Ohio
Grade Average: UW: 3.7 W: 3.92
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Asian (Korean)

Pre-high school:
Physical Science (A)
Algebra 1 (A)
Latin I (B)

Freshman:
French 1 (A)
Modern World History (B+ - A-)
Honors English I (A)
Honors Geometry (A)
Biology (A)
Choir: (A)

Sophomore:
French 2 (A)
Top Level Choir (A)
AP American Studies aka AP US History combined with Honors English 2 (C-B+)
Chemistry (A)
Honors Algebra 2 (A)

Junior:
French 3 (A)
Top Level Choir (A)
Honors Precalc: (B+ - A)
Honors English (B - B+)
AP Physics I (B)
AP Government (B+ - A-)

Next year (Senior):
IB French HL
IB Psychology
AP American Language
AP Calculus AB
Top Level Choir

Highest ACT Score: 32 (taking it again one more time in September)

EC:
over 200 hours at local food pantry
Leader and overseer of teen operations at the food pantry
National Honors Society
Multicultural Club
French Club
Teen Institute (drug free club)
Charity events (performing at concerts)
Top Women’s Choir (3 years)
Feeding the Homeless (Faith Mission)
Participating in 3 top level choirs
Student Council
Sophomore Cabinet
Senior Cabinet Co-Leader
Head chair of the community committee where we find how to get the school involved with the community
Principle’s Advisory Council
CAP (a highly selective program offered at my school where upperclassmen mentor freshman)
Drama Club (thespian)

Letters of Rec:
Choir teacher who has had me for four years and knows me outside of school
French teacher who has had me for four years
My cardiologist who is a Columbia Alumni and has known me since I was 10 months old

Personal Essay:
When I was younger, I was in dire need of cardiological surgery, so my parents took me to the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, which is part of the Columbia Medical Center. My main surgeon was a Columbia graduate and my cardiologist who I see till this day is also a Columbia graduate. Because of the extensive surgery, I am currently a case study at the Columbia Medical School. Columbia saved my life. If it weren’t around, I wouldn’t be alive today.

2

Not trying to be rude…But your GPA unweighted (and weighted) is kinda low (for Ivy League levels). Your EC’s are good though!

For the essay, I wouldn’t talk about how great Columbia is…they already know that. From my POV, it looks like you are just sucking up to the college. Maybe for your essay you could focus on a passion or a hook.

In all honesty, all Ivy League schools are reaches for almost everyone. The combination of a low GPA and a lack of a hook (maybe you are First gen or low income??) makes it seem like a reach to me Being full blooded Asian doesn’t help either :frowning: . That said, you are applying early decision and have a rec letter from alum.

If you are set on applying to Columbia go for it, but I would keep some matches/safeties in mind

Best of luck in your adventures to get into Columbia!!
PS: I’m actually touring Columbia this Wednsday

3

@NeilMo Thanks for the advice. And yeah. I’m very very very aware of my low GPA haha. I’ll definitely work on that passion/hook, but I’m going to have to take some time on that. And have fun on your tour!

4

@ylim9911 yeah, it’s hard to find a hook. Don’t write about Volenteering or athletics (everybody does). Maybe write about something related to the field you want to go into (I’m assuming medical, if so maybe write about internships/experiences in the medical field). Or you can write about all your leadership (that seems to be your strongest area of EC’s) and how that makes you a good candidate for Columbia.

My essay for example is going to be business related because I love it and I’m most likely applying to UPenn {Wharton} Early decision. My essay is specifically about how I qualified for international competitions for DECA and FBLA, and my internship at a multi-billion dollar construction company in the finance department.

Good luck!! :slight_smile: :slight_smile:

Care to chance me back? It would be much appreciated (both positive and negative feedback)
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/19808078#Comment_19808078