Chance of acceptance?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
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<p>I know threads like this are obnoxious, and I apologize, but I didn't know where else to get a real opinion on my chances of getting into Columbia. I'm a junior at a public high school. My GPA, not weighted, is 3.975, and I'm ranked 11th of 207 students. I'm taking the most intense course load possible at my school, with three APs this year and planned dual enrollment next year, and I'm moderately involved: four years of varsity tennis, founder of the film club, independent study for art, volunteer work and NHS. My SAT score this spring was lower than I would've liked - 2190, or 1460 on the old test - but I plan to retake it this summer, and I know I can improve it. My father is Egyptian but my mom is white, so I doubt I'll be able to use the race card, and there is no legacy. </p>

<p>Any insight on whether or not I have a chance at getting accepted, just based on this general information, would be really fantastic, because if I do, it's going to take a little financial planning to make it happen. Columbia's been my dream school for a long time, but I don't want to aim too high.</p>

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<p>You want to demonstrate one of three things:</p>

<p>1) Superlative success in some areas of pursuit for you. that means winning things, getting noticed in a field or with a publication, making a difference somewhere - either show leadership or success.
2) Genuine passion for an academic discipline, as demonstrated either with #1 or with a host of other indicators, such as recommendations and extracurricular commitments that are in-line.
3) Kick-ass essays and why-us blurbs that demonstrate a deep thinking process, good character, and/or a mature perspective. And hopefully they show a little personality too.</p>

<p>I would say the same thing to anyone with your stat profile. You look good but you're not shining. Shine in one of those ways.</p>

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<p>"My father is Egyptian but my mom is white, so I doubt I'll be able to use the race card"
Are you serious? I def would play the AA card.
You look like the quintessential bright HS kid. Unfortunately, Denzera is right: You don't stick out. Getting in by writing kick-ass essays will be pretty damn hard. Apparenlty, 90% of all essays suck. How much are you involved in the Egyptian culture? Think about a way to distinguish yourself from others.</p>

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<p>Egyptian is middle eastern. There's no AA for middle easterners.</p>

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<p>I would just say that I'm black. It's kinda true.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
I would just say that I'm black. It's kinda true.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>i'm still debating whether to do this for med school....i def didnt do it for undergrad though</p>

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<p>^ well, ARE you black? hahah, if you are it increases your chances and so i'd say go for it.</p>

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<p>...i'm 100% egyptian...that's why it is relevant to this thread.</p>

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<p>"...i'm 100% egyptian...that's why it is relevant to this thread."</p>

<p>You're black to me, :D! I mean this in a good way! You didn't use it for undergrad? So now is your time for compensation. Go for it, my black friend, ^^.</p>

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<p>if you'd met shraf, you'd realize that at any point, he might be the whitest person in the room (personal appearance aside). :)</p>

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<p>lol... that doesn't mean anything. Just because I might be the blackest white guy at my school, it doesn't mean that I got to put "black" on my application, :D. I got a riddle for you guys: What's white on the inside but black on the outside?</p>

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<p>an Oreo, champ.</p>

<p>fake edit: or Barack Obama / Condoleezza Rice / Colin Powell / insert successful black public figure here</p>

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<p>We don't have Oreos, so I was gonna say Obama, haha. You beat me to it though.</p>

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<p>Michael Jordan</p>