<p>Int'l applicant
Asian male (Chinese)</p>
<p>GPA 3.8ish uw / 4.0 w (top 1% in my school of 250 kids)
SAT V 730 / M 800 / W 750 - 2280
SAT IIs Math IIC - 800 Chinese with listening 800
(I'm gonna take 2-3 more SAT IIs in oct. and nov.)
ACT 35</p>
<p>ECs aren't spectacular at all but I was involved in some clubs
and service projects and held president position for one of them.</p>
<p>What'd be my chance at Columbia if I apply as ED?
I'm gonna try to hold double major in engineering and economics..</p>
<p>First the good. You have outstanding test scores, and that will play to your favor with the adcoms. The bad- you have weak EC's (going by your assesment). When admissions officers are pooring over stacks of apps, all applicants have your range of test scores. Columbia could fill the class with people who got 35+ or 1550+ alone. However, it is not in the schools best interest to take brainiacs who can ace standardized tests. Strong leadership and EC's are what distinguishes one applicant over the other. For example: All cars do the same thing-take you around. But its the little extras that make it a Kia versus a Bentley. Basically, without great extras to show your individualism to the committee you get lost in the sea of overachieving academics. My advice for you is write some great essays about whatever it is that you do and get some great teacher recs. Other than that, just hope for a little luck. But great job on the scores, I envy them greatly.</p>
<p>Gee, halopeno what are your qualifications to be giving advice?</p>
<p>Just curious.</p>
<p>halopeno, what kind of ECs/awards would you consider to be great?</p>
<p>And no WAY do all/most Columbia applicants have those test scores! Columbia's 75th % SAT score is a 1530, same as this person, so they're def better than most in the standardized test score department... After all, standardized test scores = very important factor, ECs = important. So of course both matter a great deal, but I'd def say SAT scores are more important -- GPA and SAT scores are the two most important things. Especially applying ED, I'd say this person has a fair chance -- S/he does have some ECs -- Said was president of something, and if the essay is great... Who knows.</p>
<p>Listen, I don't consider myself a professional college advisor, but I do have some common sense. In terms of test scores: your scores can't get you in, but they can keep you out. That is an age old adage in the college admissions process. As for ECs, you don't have to have outstanding ECs to look good for college. What I mean is, you don't need to spend every summer in Kenya taking care of Children who have been orphaned by aids. But what you do need to do is pick a passion or two and pursue it to your utmost ability. Be great by your own standards, not some elses. If I confused/insulted you my bad, but seriously, I don't think what I'm saying is anything earth shattering.</p>