Chance me for Columbia University in NY plus LACs

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a junior thinking about the months ahead. I already have a list of possible colleges, but suggestions for reaches, matches and safeties are more than welcome. I want to study something in the Humanities field.</p>

<p>COLLEGES:
• Columbia
• Williams
• Amherst
• Vassar
• Haverford
• Amherst
• Hamilton
• Bowdoin
• Barnard
• Connecticut (don't really want to go, safety)</p>

<p>STATS:
• GPA unweighted - 3.95
• PSAT: 216
• SAT: 2100 w/out studying, will be retaking this fall and will probs get 2200+
I'm taking Literature and French for SAT IIs in June. I'll definitely get 750+ in French. </p>

<p>CLASSES & RANK:
• I'm foreign, from Italy. I've been studying at a boarding school in NH since my sophomore year. This school doesn't rank, but at the school I attended my freshman year I was ranked #1/60, and it was a very competitive British prep school which regularly sends students to Oxbridge.
• The NH school I attend now is an alternative boarding school, which means no APs, BUT I'm taking the most rigorous courses, all centered around the humanities field (Philosophy, World Religions, Global Issues, Advanced French Lit., Honors Eng, Honors US His) plus Advanced Calc.</p>

<p>EXTRACURRICULARS:
French Club - co founded in 10th grade and am now president
Active & Helping - club at my school that centers on charity, through which I've done many hours of community service and organized several projects. Joined in 10th grade. I also worked at a soup kitchen over the summer, and I've done many, many hours tutoring two of my peers in Math.
Model UN (10,11,12)
Literary Journal: editor 11 & 12, contributor 10</p>

<p>SUMMER PLANS:
Probs an internship in publishing. I got an interview for TASP but was ultimately rejected.</p>

<p>STRENGTHS:
My essays will probably be very good, as writing is my forte.</p>

<p>So, what chance do I have to get into those schools? Which other similar schools could I get into? What do you suggest I do to improve my application?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Will you be applying for financial aid?</p>

3

<p>Yes, I will, and I know that’ll make it harder at all LACs except Amherst</p>

4

<p>If you can get your SAT up to a solid 2200 or higher (2250+) then you will have a solid shot at all those schools minus Connecticut. 2100 is pretty low for those schools and some of those LACS are every bit as selective as columbia.</p>

5

<p>Yeah, really selective schools. Find a safety you love should be the first thing you do.</p>

6

<p>Connecticut is my safety. In any case, wouldn’t you say that I’m a competitive enough applicant that I’m bound to get into at least one?</p>

7

<p>“I’m a competitive enough applicant that I’m bound to get into at least one?”</p>

<p>No, not necessarily. Nobody is “bound” to get in at least one reach. You have a decent shot though.</p>

8

<p>Yeah you have a good shot at them. However, one can not be bound to get into at least one. You should get a safety you love. This is difficult as its hard to “love” a school that is lower ranked on paper than your other schools. However, visiting a few safety schools can help as you should find something appealing at them(campus, people, food, culture, attitude, location…) that is hard to truly experience through the internet.</p>

9

<p>Actually, the acceptance rate for the top LACs is higher than for Columbia. Columbia’s acceptance rate this year was about 7.5%, whereas the acceptance rate for schools like Pomona was around 12-13% this year. Williams and Amherst acceptance rates are comparable to Pomona’s, rather than to the top-tier universities. The academics at the LACs can rival those of the top-tier universities, unquestionably, but the acceptance rates tend to be much higher, in large part because the applicant pools are much smaller than for the most selective universities. So, the poster who told the OP that selectivity was similar for Columbia and the LACs was not completely accurate. A superb education can be had at these top LACS, so never get so caught up in Ivy fever that you forget what these small, wonderful schools can offer. And, clearly in the OP’s case, he or she has these excellent schools on his/her radar. OP should also consider Swarthmore. And, unless completely wedded to the east coast, Pomona (CA), and Carleton (MN), as well. Not saying “no, Columbia,” just cautioning that the admit rate for it versus the top LACs is NOT the same.</p>

10

<p>I am absolutely have to stay in the Northeast, as I’m from Italy, so those West Coast LACs are not for me. </p>

<p>I agree with you in that people often underestimate the value of an LAC education. The only reason I’d go to Columbia is that I love NYC and it would be convenient for me to study there (I was considering Barnard, as it’s a LAC in the city, but then I visited and hated it). </p>

<p>What safeties do you propose?</p>

11

<p>Have you thought about Trinity College? I do agree with other posters that a good safety is a must. Some of my friends are going to their safety schools next year and some of them are not happy. You must acknowledge that you could be attending your safety school, so choose carefully! Also the idea that the more schools you apply to the better your chances doesn’t really apply in real life. If you’re not up to a certain school’s standards then they’re not going to admit you. You have a shot at all of these schools. I have similar stats and I was accepted to top 20 schools (small ivies: Hamilton, etc)-this is where I believe you’ll have the most success. Good luck!!</p>

12

<p>Chances at Columbia not very good, but much better at Barnard especially if you apply there ED. As for all of the top LACs, in my view these are unlikely w/o a substantial bump up on your SAT (100+). Remember you are competing for limited spots at these universities against many foreign students who will have 2250+ SATs. Some other ideas – try Bryn Mawr, Ursinus, Trinity in CT, Boston U, and Bates. PS – Connecticut College is a really good LAC. I would not dismiss it w/o a visit.</p>

13

<p>Is there nothing I can do to make Columbia even a mid-reach?</p>

14

<p>Any advice appreciated.</p>

15

<p>Do you attend an uber top NH boarding school meaning Exeter or St. Paul’s? Admissions from these schools is complicated by legacies and athletes at very top schools, but schools like Hamilton are relatively easy to get into from those schools. Though getting much aid could be tough, so apply to several at that level. CT is not a safety unless you can be full pay there.</p>

16

<p>As an East Coast LAC, Skidmore is another possibility. I also agree with the poster who suggested Boston University for you. Large school, but with many wonderful programs.</p>

<p>Look, you have EVERY RIGHT to apply to Columbia or any dream school you want. Never let anyone say you haven’t a right to dream. We are, however, suggesting that you temper the dreams with a measure of reality, based upon your credentials. You need a strong set of matches, and a strong set of safeties. Then, sure, one dream school if you want.</p>

<p>It is time to stop being hung up on “names” and start doing the hard work of researching, and then MATCHING to credentials. Please also use resources other than CC. CC can be very valuable. But it is not a substitute for frank talks with teachers, SCs and parents. People who actually KNOW YOU!</p>

17

<p>I have talked with my college counselor, and we have agreed that East Coast LACs are good matches for me. I still want to try to get into Columbia though. </p>

<p>What do you guys propose I do to improve my application apart from getting my SAT over the 2200 mark? I mean, I can’t really improve my grades any more.</p>

18

<p>I don’t attend Exeter or St. Pauls; as I said, my school is a small, alternative school that doesn’t even have APs.</p>

19

<p>OK, but you MUST have some safety schools or you could – I say could, NOT might, or will – but could have some disappointment ahead of you. Your list should not just be made up of so-called elite schools, LACs or otherwise. You need a better rounded list than you have, while still applying to your dream schools. Good that you spoke with your GC, but if he/she is ONLY steering you to the top-tier LACs, you are being VERY seriously misled. Which is why we here on CC are just urging realism in your approach. You should apply to some of those AND easier schools, and true safeties. Just because the East Coast LACs are, according to your GC, good matches DOES NOT MEAN you will get in. It is too hard and too unpredictable to bank on. We are just urging you to be smart, and realistic, and you can do this WITHOUT giving up your dreams.</p>

<p>As for Columbia, if that is your dream, go for it. But remember it is a dream school and NOT a sure thing. Boost your SATS. Have ECs that you are passionately involved in. Really, really, really, work on your essays. Columbia does the Common App., but its supplement has three or four essays THAT COLUMBIA TAKES SERIOUSLY!!! You might look on the Columbia Forum and the specific '16 ED and RD results threads to get a sense of who gets in and what gets them in. It’s hard. Columbia was more selective than Princeton this year!</p>

<p>As for those LACs, remember: a match does not mean acceptance. Get a better rounded, deeper list of schools together come application season. And, good luck!</p>

20

<p>Okay, so I need a couple of safeties.
Skidmore sounds fine. Bucknell, Union, Lafayette, Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall and Gettysburg are others my GC has proposed. None of them really appeal to me though…</p>

<p>What do you think is the best way to get a 650 in Math up to 750 or so? There are endless threads here on books, techniques, etc. but they all seem to contradict each other. Swingtime, you seem to be quite the expert on the subject of college admissions, what do you think? </p>

<p>In what concerns ECs, I am passionately involved in the Literary journal; it’s no easy feat to get the submissions and get it published. It doesn’t sound impressive at all though, but I’m sure I can convey a certain degree of passion and commitment through my essays. I am also very committed and passionate about volunteer and charity work. Should I perhaps found an NGO this summer?</p>