<p>Hey guys, could anyone chance me for applying to Columbia University as a transfer (English Major) this winter (2014-2015)? (I know it's a bit early but it’s honestly a big blip on my radar right now). Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Gender: Female
Ethnicity: White
Applying As: Rising Junior
Currently a Student At: State University (Honor’s College)
Current GPA: 3.99
ACT: 31 (35 E, 35 R, 28 M, 28 S)
(Full-ride school scholarship for academics)
Classes include: Stats, Latin, Communications, Shakespeare, Classics, Humanities courses</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:
1) Radio Show Host: I host and write a popular radio show on a local FM channel, focusing on political satire</p>
<p>2) Latin Club: VP of Latin Club</p>
<p>3) Music: First violinist in a number of my school’s ensembles, including the Symphony Orchestra and a chamber group. Also self-taught and concerto-level proficient in guitar, piano, mandolin, and many other instruments</p>
<p>4) Charity: Volunteer once a week tutoring and playing with inner-city children from a local orphanage</p>
<p>5) Improv Club: Regular host and featured player for my school’s Improv Club</p>
<p>6) Writing Fellow: I work as a Writing Fellow (basically sponsored by the English Department to be available to critique students on their writing and help them improve before they turn in their essays) </p>
<p>7) Tennis: Tennis player for school team, successfully competed in State</p>
<p>8) Stand-Up Comedy: Successful stand-up comedian, performing in well-known open mic venues in California, as well as frequently in local bars, cafes, etc. Hired by school for a few larger school events</p>
<p>9) Democrats of USU: Campaign for and help manage the Democratic Party representation at my school (including registering people to vote, raising awareness, organizing and participating in rallies, etc… It’s woefully underrepresented around here)</p>
<p>10) Columnist: Write a monthly column for school magazine, focusing on life, thoughts, etc</p>
<p>Essays –
-One about my passion for succeeding and pushing myself to learn and experience things that terrify me
-One about difficulties I’ve had in life (abusive father, subsequent battles with depression, strange religious upbringing) and how that affected my High School academics (which were awful). Also pointed out how well I’ve done in a college atmosphere after living away from home and family</p>
<p>Letters of Recommendation:
-One from uncle (MBA from Harvard, now a successful CEO, who knows about my struggles in my home life)
- Three from professors, all of whom I received A’s from and loved me as a student (one with a Master’s in Theology from Harvard, one with a degree from Cornell, one a successful Humanities teacher) </p>
<p>Hooks – Underrepresented state, overcome major obstacles… and (I hate to sound so brag-y but) my well-known and respected violin teacher called me a “prodigy” because I can play anything I’ve heard before on any instrument (I’ve won many “Superior” awards and played at a famous concert hall with a famous symphony multiple times as well. I hate to mention it because I sound like an a--, but I’m just trying to represent myself properly)
Legacy - Nope</p>
<p>(That's it. Thanks again!) </p>
Well, IMO, your ECs are fantastic! Radio Show, Tennis, and Democrats of USU all sound awesome. However, your ACT could be a bit higher. A 33 would be better, of course. Also, the people who are writing your letter of recommendations are great. Overall, you have a great shot. Maybe take the ACT again? I don’t know, you have a lot of college credits, so I’m not too sure if HS stats matter anymore. But, Columbia is an Ivy League school, so it might