<p>Ok so I'm a Swedish, Israeli American girl (3 passports) who lived in Thailand during my sophomore and junior years. I speak three languages fluently and am learning another (Spanish). I'm doing the IB program and got 38/42 predicted (my school doesn't predict the extra three points from extended essay and theory of knowledge). My recommendations are very good and I think my essay and writing supplement are both interesting and well written. My ECs are decent, except I've moved around a lot so I have no ECs that I've done throughout all four years. My problem is the standardized testing...I tried the SATs and got 1850 (low I know) but I decided not to retake it because I can't do the SATII because none of my classes work with the American curriculum. Anyways, I did the ACTs twice but only managed to get 27 because I honestly do not test well. Do you guys think I have a chance of getting into Columbia University even with my low test scores? </p>
<p>Does Columbia require the SAT 2? </p>
<p>As you know, your SAT score isn’t top notch. Im not sure i understand why you didn’t retake the SAT…that really has nothing to do with your inability to take the sat2. </p>
<p>You will just have to wait and see. I hope you have applied to other schools where your chances of acceptance are better, in addition to Columbia, which is a reach.</p>
<p>I’m not hearing uniqueness except for the languages and travel. Do you make a lot of those experiences in your essays? Do the letters of rec speak to those experiences and what kind of person you are as a result? Those test scores are probably fatal, however. </p>
<p>@thumper1 From what I understood talking to an admissions officer at the university, if you take the ACTs then SATII is not necessary. That’s also why I didn’t take the SATs again…anyways it’s tricky with these tests because in Sweden it’s limited to where and when you can take them. I have applied to other schools - as you said, it is a reach school and I am perfectly aware of that. It’s my dream school and if I get in I would be ecstatic but I know the chance is very low so I won’t be heartbroken if I’m rejected.
@jkeil911 I have not just travelled, I have immersed myself into different cultures - I have been thrown into new situations that have forced me to adapt. But yes, my essay is very much about diversity and how learning from other cultures has helped me in seeing what’s good and bad in our society (I know that may sound cheesy but it isn’t in my essay haha, especially because I want to study development). I was genuinely touched by what my teachers wrote for my letters of recommendation so hopefully those will help. As I said earlier, I am aware that Columbia is a reach but I figured I might as well try - even if my test scores suck. Anyways, thanks for both of your very real replies and I apologize for writing such a long reply! :)</p>
<p>good luck, OP.</p>
<p>I don’t like to “chance” in general, but like the others, I think Columbia would be \very difficult with those standardized tests. If you want NYC you can consider Barnard (still a big reach), NYU (still a bit of a reach) and Fordham (where your SATs are in the range). I am pretty sure Columbia and Barnard require SATII or the ACT. I would study and try the ACT again. Good luck with the process. It is fine to reach for a dream school, but be sure to give yourself some solid more reachable options as well.</p>
<p>@happy1 Thanks for your reply 
I have also applied to other schools, this is my reach and I know there is only a minuscule chance that I will get in. I’m not even sure if the states is for me, I may end up in Europe. </p>
<p>Sia, I don’t know about Columbia, but I think your chances would be pretty good at Barnard. My daughter was admitted to Barnard 8 years ago with an ACT of 27 – I think admissions have tightened somewhat since then, but test score ranges are about the same. Barnard will focus on what you bring to the table, and I think they would appreciate your international living experience and facility with languages. </p>
<p>Don’t sell yourself short. Apply to the schools that you want to attend - but definitely consider Barnard. You’d have full access to Columbia offerings in your fields of interest, combined with closer relationships with faculty at Barnard. </p>
<p>@calmom Thanks for your reply! I wish I had looked into Barnard earlier but for some reason I didn’t consider it. Another issue for me is money, as my family is not particularly wealthy and I do not want to be stuck repaying loans until I’m 50. That’s one of the reasons I thought Columbia was so great, because they seem to prioritize financial aid (as opposed to schools like NYU). Maybe if I apply next year, I’ll try Barnard - it seems like a wonderful school. :)</p>
<p>Barnard has great financial aid and meets 100% need so if your family is middle class to lower income, it’s probably going to be cheaper than your state school… Run the Net Price Calculator to see.
Here’s a list of colleges that meet 100% need, some of which meet need without any loans at all.
<a href=“Colleges with Need-Blind Admission for U.S. Students”>Colleges with Need-Blind Admission for U.S. Students;
<p>Wow thank you so much! @MYOS1634</p>