<p>I am an average student 4.5 weighted GPA, although my school does normal GPA out of 4.6, not 4.0, and I have taken every available honors or AP course available to me. I also have some extra curricular activity.</p>
<p>I did some community service for people who are influential in the NYC public school district in the Harlem area (right near Columbia) One of these people has also recently recieved an award from the university.</p>
<p>These people are both going to write letters of recommendation for me so I was wondering how far letters of recommendation from people have have influence in the Area and that know people in Columbia would go.</p>
<p>It depends. What do you want to do? Also, Columbia is getting to be one of the most selective Ivies, so you have to be careful.</p>
<p>Also: are you a girl? Because if so, then you should apply to Barnard, if you want to go to Columbia. My sister goes to Barnard, and not only does every single student who goes to Barnard get a Columbia degree, but you can take every single one of your classes at Columbia, as well as be a part of all their sports teams (my sister is a cox for the men's crew team). Barnard is kind of like the back door in. </p>
<p>If not, then...have you ever tried drag? (just kidding)</p>
<p>i don't want to mention any names but i do realize that they are prominent figures in the community, thats why i was asking if they would carry any weight</p>
<p>Of course. The more famous and well known, the better, especially if one just won an award from the university; that's what I've always seen. Just make sure they're good letters, of course.</p>