<p>Just have a small question. For the past 3 years, I was engaged in a complex and technical Linguistics research which, though might not be to a standard which can be published as a book or something, was still pretty intensive. </p>
<p>My research was recently sent through my dean to a Columbia Prof. who thought it was pretty impressive and refreshing and he wrote a note to the Undergrad. Admissions panel saying he would love to have me as a future student in Columbia and engage in collaborative research. Needless to say, this man is internationally (and I exaggerate you not) renowned in his research and his books are honestly amazing if you are into this subject. I dont want to reveal his information so I will stop at that. </p>
<p>I understand that he does not know me personally and therefore cannot comment on my personal qualities and character. This is the reason why I still have 2 teacher's reccs. This is mainly his opinion on the standard of academia that was present in my research. </p>
<p>I have had different people telling me that either this is not going to matter much in the process or that a Prof.'s reccomendation is going to mean a lot.</p>
<p>From Columbia students (please no know-it-all high-schoolers) would you guys be able to guage the value of this please? I would really love to hear your opinions on this. </p>
<p>Thanks so much in advance guys and hope to join you guys in NYC next fall.</p>
<p>It can’t hurt to have him write a letter to be included in your application. Unless he’s already done so. Just don’t have him comment on your personality, have him stick to what he knows, even if that only works out to 200 words or so.</p>
<p>Denzera, I live 1 ocean and 3 continents away from New York City lol so I can’t receive his letter to be included in hard copy. He told me that he has already written to the Columbia Undergraduate Office. I consulted this with a regional officer who came to our country and asked for the procedure. She said all he has to do is write a note, around 200 words or something would still be fine in her words, and he did just that :)</p>
<p>I am a little apprehensive to tell him what to write since this is really a big big deal and luck for me. This guy is a ****ing celebrity to be honest. Nothing surprising though, he is in Columbia for a reason. </p>
<p>And thanks Epaminondas Really appreciate the candid opinion. Hope it all works out. </p>
<p>The “Why Columbia” mini-essay is always one of the most important parts of the application because you can really separate yourself. There is always a range of responses… the most generic (“NYC!”, “Core!”, etc) tend to reflect negatively, in the sense that it’s a completely missed opportunity.</p>
<p>One of the absolute best approaches is to talk about a specific professor you’ve admired for a while and always wanted to study with. That’s very common in well-received grad school applications or even professional schools.</p>
<p>Let’s just say having a professor say “I’d really like to work with this 17-year-old!” is probably one of the most credible and impressive things that can show your devotion to a particular school (and your academic passion). Assuming everything else in your application is in order, you will really stand out - and I say that very rarely on this board.</p>
<p>I already submitted everything btw a few days ago but I talked about a particular Linguistics study in Columbia and how they were mocking Noam Chomsky with a monkey. I also mentioned the Columbia school of Linguistics (a school of thought) and though not this particular professor, I mentioned one of the founders of this linguisitcs study and how this department really intrigued me and made me wanna do an independent linguistics major here. </p>
<p>Besides my SAT which is a bit low, between 2150 to 2200 and my ORM + International status (which I turned around in my essay about my underprivileged upbringing), I do have everything else in order, international awards, excellent reccs, grades, essay, knowing 5 languages and a little mention of a kind WKCR dj who showed me around columbia last year and how it made me wanna be a jazz dj there too :)</p>
<p>if you can cover all of that in 600 characters, you really are a master of the admissions process. it’s a lot harder to write a short essay than to write a long one.</p>
<p>hahaa no i know srrinath, he says that in jest, we’re applying from the same country. but hey thanks a lot, I have PMmed you my Why Columbia, so perhaps you can take a look and offer your comments if you wish :)</p>
Really appreciate the candid opinion. Hope it all works out. </p>