<p>Okay, just ignore the things I have said, I think we are getting incognito embarrassed. :)</p>
<p>^^ I actually don't think the OP is embarassed at all.</p>
<p>"The reasoning that 'ooh, we all have our set backs and shouldn't make them public / discuss them" is simply not valid because in certain circumstances (this is one of them), the set back is so big that it puts all accomplishments in a different context altogether. Set backs have shades of gray, a line needs to be drawn and this is pretty close to black (or white)."</p>
<p>I think setbacks make people more interesting--if the OP wrote an essay to evoke sympathy, the tone would be very different from an essay designed to show how he has grown. Setbacks, as well as their portrayals, have shades of gray, like Confidentialcoll said.</p>
<p>Oh, and ultimately, setbacks/experiences/whatever shape your character, which is ultimately what columbia wants to see. If you don't talk about them, what can you talk about?</p>
<p>Yup, essay is done. I think everyone understands the whole "disadvantaged backgrounds shape you, and aren't necessarily pity stories" is understood by everyone lol.</p>
<p>Don't worry about the AP's. My school doesn't offer any either, I didnt take any, and I got in early decision :-)</p>
<p>As for your chances, I think Columbia is a reach for you. Your ACT score is on the low end for Columbia, and your lit score is, no offense, abysmal. But, if you do well on the physics that could make up for it.</p>
<p>^no offense taken.</p>
<p>Yeah, I definitely realize my lit score is abysmal. I was really hoping for a 33 on that ACT, but just missed it. I'm studying hard for the physics so I can get another 700+.</p>
<p>Good luck incognito!!! Hope you do well on it!</p>
<p>Thank you. I'm worried because my Physics class did not go very in-depth into like anything T_T. So I'm relying on Princeton Review.</p>
<p>^ Be careful, although the curve for Physics is very lenient, the answer options for the last ~20 questions could fool you into choosing the wrong one. But then again, it is not that hard to score over 700 on Physics.</p>
<p>Oh, I'll watch out for that.</p>
<p>I think if I get the conceptual ideas for the test down, I'll be able to understand the more abstract questions with practice.</p>
<p>Math is probably my strongest subject, and physics seems heavily heavily connected to it.</p>
<p>Does anyone know of a site that has all the formula's that I would need to know?</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity (in case you are still perusing this forum)...Loma Linda Academy?</p>
<p>Do let us know how it went..admissions decisions are coming out (already out), correct? </p>
<p>I feel you have a good chance for at least half of your choices; the essay sounds interesting. Good luck, and let us know!</p>