Columbia , low grades... Help

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>My dream is Columbia University. I'm really passionate about political science, got an A on every poli sci/ history course I ever took in HS. However, I've dealt with some hardships in the past few years that have hurt my grades freshman and sophomore year. My father passed away and I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, and have dealt with serious depression as well. My grades freshman / sophomore year in classes I wasn't good at -- like math and science, really slipped. And I mean like big time. I got a C in freshman year math (Hnrs Algebra 2) and a D+ in sophomore year Honors Chem. I know I should've dropped chem... But I was doing fine until I bombed my final, so my final grade sucks (finals are worth 20% of my final grade in my school, it is what it is). Junior year I've pulled myself together, got a really high GPA (math and science included), and continuing upward trend in senior year hopefully. I'm taking APs and honors in all of my classes (freshman THRU senior year) and I've overcome a lot of these obstacles. I'm planning on making this very clear in my college app. Don't want to go into detail but I have good extracurriculars I'm passionate about etc... But I'm mainly concerned about my grades.</p>

<p>With the circumstances, do I still have a chance at Columbia (especially with that HORRIBLE chem grade???)? Or should I just not bother... It's really messing with my head. Expertise will be VERY WELCOMED.</p>

<p>Thank you. I'm kind of freaking out.</p>

2

<p>Also my projected GPA is 3.6/3.7 UW. I have good grades in everything else… Everything else is an A or B on my transcript, those are my only “really bad grades.” My SAT will hopefully be 2200+. </p>

3

<p>Also did well on my SAT IIs. Everything else on my transcript is “good” just really concerned my grades will completely screw my app over.</p>

4

<p>A rising number of schools are disregarding freshmen year scores. I believe columbia is one of them! Anything can happen, keep your hopes up. </p>

5

<p>In your essays, make sure to write about all of the hardship you faced. Write about everything you went through and have been battling with and how you grew stronger from it. Make sure to keep an upward trend on your grades. Your situation could actually benefit you, as long as you make your situation out to be something that made you a better person and a better candidate for the college. You can’t do anything about the grades you achieved in the past, but you can impact how you do from now on.</p>

6

<p>Keep in mind that a B is a “bad grade” as far as Columbia goes.</p>

<p>Even a 2200 SAT is not particularly impressive for a top school.</p>

<p>It’s going to be tough for you.</p>

7

<p>The rising trend will be good but your GPA (even with the extenuating circumstances) is likely to hold you back. Make sure your essay is stellar. I wish you the best of luck</p>