<p>I have made it my Goal to attend Columbia University since 8th grade. I visited the campus and I feel like I belong there. I believe I have worked hard in high school
3.9 GPA Unweighted 4.1 Weighted (will definently be higher by end of year)
"hard Classes taken"
Spanish 1-4, AP World (got a 5), AP US (got a 4), AP Psych (got a 5), AP English Comp, AP Chem (got a 2-yikes), AP Biology, AP Physics, AP Calculus AB, AP Comparative Gov, AP Literature. My only B has been AP Chem
E.C's
Student Council President, 2 time Cross Country Captain, (hopefully) track captain, NHS, Student Advancement Committee member, international student advisor, school paper opinions writer, Indoor Track, community service club</p>
<p>Here is the problem.
SAT
Reading: 650
Writing: 630
Math:590</p>
<p>ACT+Writing Composite: 29</p>
<p>I am taking the SAT again and am shooting for a 700, 700, 630. What do you think my chances are guys?</p>
<p>I plan on applying Early Decision to Columbia with hopes to be a Biochemsitry major</p>
<p>Also do you think it would be useful to submit an additional recommendation from the admissions at my school. I have worked with him a lot. (I go to a private Mennonite School)</p>
<p>Columbia is a reach school for anyone because it is ivy-leauge and super competitive (has an admit rate of less than 10%). Your SAT/ACT scores are low so I’d have to say it’s a huge reach at this point, and most likely not going to happen. If you do happen to raise your score to what you are shooting for (700, 700, 630) your chances will increase slightly but not much. </p>
<p>You can submit the additional recommendation but I’m not sure how much it will help unless it is simply stellar and speaks very highly of you.</p>
<p>You need to raise your SAT and ACT. I’d aim for a bit higher than what you said. Also, your ECs are not stand-out and are pretty random. From what I’ve gleaned, Columbia (and many colleges, for that matter), like to see that you focused in on one or two activities that you’re really passionate about and excel in them, rather than a laundry list of random clubs. </p>
<p>If I were you I’d maybe let them know you have testing anxiety or something to explain your high grades in difficult classes but low standardized test scores.</p>
<p>Even with your goal scores, I think Columbia is out of reach for you. You would be applying to a STEM program with a 590-630 in Math. Most successful candidates would have a 750+.</p>
<p>I would strongly recommened you play your one ED card at a school that you have some realistic chance at, I just don’t think Columbia is one of them.</p>
<p>Continuing on being frank, you might want to reconsider your choice of major. You didn’t do well on the Math SAT and your got a 2 on AP Chem. It’s only going to get harder from here.</p>