<p>Yeah, Columbia might have to lower its standards less than other schools simply by virtue of it’s applicant pool and location. The class of 2013 is 12-13% African American, and 16% Latino, these are higher than the US averages for those ethnic groups, but significantly lower than the proportion present in New York City. Given that the applicant pool is [inter]national but also heavier weighted locally, Columbia would easily receive more minority applicants than peer schools. Columbia has also historically had some of the highest proportions of minorities in the ivy league. Plus factors like Obama, Holder, Patterson, and location near Harlem come into play.</p>
<p>If they are receiving more minority applicants they don’t need to try as hard to fill a certain percentage of the class. The current class of 2013 make up is something like:</p>
<p>23% Asian
12-13% African American
15% Latino
30% Jewish
25% White, non-Jewish</p>
<p>(I’m guessing there’s some overlap between white and latino, Jewish and latino and white and asian)</p>
<p>All things considered though, being Black or Hispanic definitely helps, the acceptance rate even within these groups will still be brutally low (my guess is like 15% instead of the 10% average)</p>