Columbia University admissions and SAT scores

<p>Hi everyone, </p>

<p>2 years ago a visitor who went to my school made a presentation about his admittance to Columbia University. Apparently he got a 1550 on his sat, had an average of 90 + and did pretty much average on other exams. Is it true that ivy leagues have a penchant for athlete students? Is it easier for athletes to get into an Ivy league , per se Columbia even though their scores are average? </p>

<p>If you are a regular student with an average sat (1500-1900) and 90 + average, nicely written college essays...PLUS a decent background in personal interests, hobbies, volunteer, job experience..what are your chances of getting into Columbia? </p>

<p>Have you or anyone you know was accepted to an Ivy league with an average sat? Thanks</p>

<p>IMHO: why,as an extreme outlier, that guy would present his extremely low SAT scores and GPA (as far as Columbia goes) and falsely impress his story as somehow even remotely typical, is beyond me. Frankly it’s utterly stupid.</p>

<p>Yes Ivies can accept athletes whose scores may be lower than the rest of the student body. Is it easier for them to get in? Than who? They’re competing against other high-achieving athletes. </p>

<p>Unless someone has a “hook” like being a wanted and recruited athlete, having an average sat (1500-1900) and 90 + average, nicely written college essays only is an absolute NO GO with a pool as competitive as Columbia.</p>

<p>are you sure that wasn’t a 1550/1600…?</p>