<p>I'm a senior, and I'd really like to apply to Columbia. The thing is, I kind of got pushed into taking some classes that I really shouldn't have over the past few years (Honors Chem, AP Physics C, AP Calc), that sunk my GPA. This year, I'm actually taking classes I'm interested in, and I'm hoping to get a 4.0, but I know that even if I ace first semester, my GPA from the past few years is dramatically lower than anything in the range that Columbia seems to accept. I still have a challenging schedule with 4 APs (last year I had 5, and the year before that 2), but I think that since I'm not at all scientifically inclined, I have a much better chance of doing well. </p>
<p>I have decent SATs, I think (2300 on my first try last year, and I'm taking it again this fall, along with some SAT II's), and I've done fairly well (4s and 5s) on all the AP tests I've taken, but I didn't take the AP Physics test.</p>
<p>Extracurriculars: Longtime member of two dance groups (one ballet, one classical Indian), with various distinctions and awards. Officer of a cultural group at our school. Helped organize a fundraiser for victims of the earthquake last year. Played an instrument in a group that performed for senior citizens in various retirement homes. While visiting family in Africa, did volunteer work at an AIDS clinic (that looks like such a cliche application-stuffer, but it really wasn't), an editor of national award-winning school literary magazine. </p>
<p>Also, I live in the Midwest and am of mixed race, if that would make any kind of a difference...although I'm sure that with Columbia's applicant pool, they have all the diversity they need.</p>
<p>I'm really interested in Columbia, but does my low GPA mean there's no point in applying? And what other schools are of comparable quality and located in cities? Are there any that don't place as much focus on GPA as on other qualities? Thanks!</p>
<p>I got into columbia despite having lower grades than i would've liked (a 3.3 unweighted), because i blew the top off of standardized tests, had a ton of ECs, and then:</p>
<ul>
<li>went out and got a job my senior year of HS (I had basically finished the HS curriculum in 3 years)</li>
<li>worked full-time for my senior year, professionally, at a software company</li>
<li>took an extra year off to work for a 2nd year. applied ED to SEAS since I was strongest in math and science, after a year and a half's work experience. had a recommendation from my boss</li>
<li>got in, because as Shawn Abbott my admissions officer said, "I showed that I had grown up and learned how to handle a real workload with maturity"</li>
</ul>
<p>There are always ways to address a deficiency in an application, but the rest of it better be strong. If you're as good at tests and classes as you say you are, maybe a year off might do you good. But basically you're trying to persuade them to take a chance on you.</p>
<p>Admissions officers would rather see you get pushed into those hard classes and struggle a bit than to take those really easy classes and cruise. And a 2300 SAT is better than Decent.</p>
<p>first of all, you should not give the impression that you are trying to make excuses for your GPA. columbia dont just want people with high GPA, they want students that are taking the hardest course load availble to them AND have showned that they can handle those courses. so "honor/AP" classes sucking up your GPa really isn't much of an excuse anyways.</p>
<p>now that being said, be proud of what you have. so what if its not a 4.0? the fact that your classes are honors/APs should give you a decent weighed GPA anyhow.you didn't state you GPA which showed that you don't have the confidence in yourself. come on and say it since you are asking us for chance.</p>
<p>also "predicting" your gpa this semester isn't going to help much either. who knows whats going to happen this year?</p>
<p>i cannot answer your question because you did not give enough information. "low" GPa to some people mean 3.8 while to others means 2.0.. which low are we talking about here?</p>