Hi! I’m currently a second semester junior in NYC and would like to know my chances at Columbia. My SAT is a 1470 and I’m planning to apply to conservatories as well. I’ve gotten a 5 on both the AP Music and AP Chem test and will be taking AP Physics 1 and USH this year. I’ve won at several film festivals as well at music competitions, composition and clarinet, and have attended summer festivals as well. I’m a little worried because my SAT was so low, my first time, but I plan on doing some studying and taking it again in June. I’m also a legacy and might apply EA but I’m not sure yet.
I’m not an expert, but I’ll chime in to help as I just recently finished up the whole application process (I’m a HS senior) and also applied to Columbia (rejected though haha). Your accomplishments with film & music are definitely impressive, and I think 1470 is a good score. SATs aren’t everything and you should focus on other aspects of your application too. Improvement is always great but don’t stress too much about your score!
How are your grades? Any other extracurriculars that you feel confident about sharing on your application? Additionally, the 6 required supplemental essays for Columbia & your personal statement are VERY important and will really boost your chances if they are well-written & display your character and why you are good for the school.
Lastly, I’d like to say that decisions are pretty unpredictable when it comes to ivies in general, so it’s difficult to chance sometimes. I believe colleges in general like to see that you have passion & commitment for a thing or things in your life, which seem to be film & music for you. Make sure to have a mix of safeties, targets, and other reaches.
My GPA is pretty average it’s in the low mid 90s . I used to be a VP in a club at my school and I teach on the side as a faculty of a small music school. I’m planning on being an English major and have submitted to some contests and will hear back soon.
Do you know what you’re GPA converts to a 4.0 scale? What level are these festivals at, Regional? State? National?
All in all, your academics don’t seem particularly stellar. As you’ve admitted yourself, your SAT and GPA aren’t phenomenal, and considering that you’ve taken 4 AP’s, your course load doesn’t seem especially hard. With that being said, your academics are still good enough to put you into the conversation of potentially being admitted. Like vc1288 mentioned, make sure that your essays are exceptional and you’ll have a chance of being accepted.
Also, I’m pretty sure Columbia only has ED - not EA, so apply ED if Columbia really is your #1 since it’ll boost your chances by a little bit.
I just double checked my GPA and it coverts to a 4.0 (uw) All the festivals are international level and the courses in my schools are all honors+post AP level.