<p>Hey, I am new to college confidential and am wondering if you guys think I have a shot at being admitted to Columbia. I don't have the most AP's and Honor's courses as most applications, but my SAT and life labor throughout high school might make up for it?
Anyways, here is what I am looking at:
SAT
730 Math
780 CR
710 Writing
ACT
32
Unweighted GPA: 3.5
Weighted: 3.9
I am currently taking 6 AP's as a senior in high school, I will explain a bit later why I am taking 6 this year.
AP Stat
AP Psych
Ap Econ
AP Bio
AP Calc AB
I am taking AP Lit online because I don't have room in my schedule for it during school.
Since Freshman year, I started an Invisible Children's club and raised over $5,000 USD for children in Uganda. I also have worked full time since freshman year, which is the reason for my lower GPA/no Honors courses. I also have done volunteer work for four years at Hospitals and Charity centers in Atlanta. Is it even worth me applying? Or should I just stay in state?</p>
<p>yes, absolutely apply!</p>
<p>where do you work full time?</p>
<p>I work at a bagel shop in atlanta. I had to work full time throughout my high school career.</p>
<p>I'm assuming you're working full time to support yourself and/or your family. If so, I'm in awe of you--that takes a lot of determination! I imagine that, if such an extenuating circumstance comes into play, that Columbia will consider your application on a different plane than others. They'll still want you to be intelligent, get good grades, and be involved in some key activities. But a 3.5, especially if your school or your classes are moderately rigorous, is impressive! And raising that much money in a club you started shows quite a bit of initiative. </p>
<p>Don't be afraid of applying because you're not the traditional applicant. That extra hardship makes you stand out from the pack. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Yeah, it's kind of awesome.
In spite of working full time, you've got some impressive stats--and all those AP classes!</p>
<p>Definitely apply. It will be an advantage applying from the south. Can you apply early decision? That would help your chances. If you cannot because of financial need, make sure you write letters to Columbia admissions telling them it is your first choice and that you could not apply early decision because of financial need and that you would go if accepted. That is if it is your first choice</p>
<p>...Denzera should have some good insights on this. Where is he?</p>
<p>I worked full-time for two years between high school and college, and a supplemental recommendation from my boss at work was a crucial factor in my admission (so said my admissions officer). If you've truly been a hustler your whole time in HS, and have made measurable impacts even at a bagel shop, then see if your boss can write you a recommendation letter that speaks to your maturity, commitment to the place, and any innovative ideas you've had to improve it. Show your impact and passion there.</p>
<p>Also, don't try to explain away your grades - they'll speak for themselves well enough, and they're not atrocious. Don't want to be apologizing or risk sounding like you're whining. You're proud of your accomplishments and you've done well despite your challenges - that's your mantra, present it with confidence.</p>
<p>A good essay topic may come from your volunteer experience. Pick a funny or interesting story that can somehow reveal an aspect of your character or personality; don't use cliches as your conclusions. (Bright-line test: if anyone doing volunteer work could cite the same conclusions as you, then it's not a good conclusion).</p>
<p>Do you have any extracurricular involvement besides your volunteering at hospitals? and, uh, your "full-time" job (how many hours a week is that, anyway?)</p>
<p>No I dont have any other extracurricular involvement. I've worked 40 hours a week since freshman year. It wasnt my choice, but my brother got into drugs and it caused my mom to have a nervous break down. So I had to work for everything.</p>