Could I get into Columbia or Harvard??

Hey guys! I need some input ASAP please. I’m a senior and I have to start applying to unis in a month. My mom really wants me to apply to Harvard because she thinks I could get in and they have that 100% financial aid. It would be so cool to go there or any other Ivy League, especially Columbia bc I’m liking the NYC feel. But I’m scared bc I feel like anyone who goes to these schools applies with like “currently saving the world” haha which I don’t have. So please do you think I could somehow get in?

Anyways here’s everything since 10th grade:

-GPA 4.0

-Honor roll every quarter

-Valedictorian, ranked first every single year

-10th grade citizenship award

-SAT 1840 (I’m retaking it in October so I’m hoping to raise it to at least 2000)

-No AP classes because my school doesn’t offer any, BUT my whole schedule is packed. I’ve had a total of 4 years of a wide variety of English, science, social studies, math (even calculus), and foreign language (Spanish and Arabic)

In 9th grade (last year I was in America before we had a bunch of financial problems and moved):
-Teacher in taekwondo to little kids as well as some adults.
-Worked at parties held there.
-On taekwondo normal team, demo team, dream team, and leadership team.
-Had my leadership patch and uniform because I volunteered on avg 15 hoursa week.
-Ranked most outstanding student of the year.
-Constantly volunteering and fundraising. We put together a taekwondo showcase and raised $50,000 for kosairs children’s hospital.
-attended women’s leadership conferences for girls with 4.0
-took the only AP class available to me
-received distinguished in 2 solos and ensembles at Kentucky Music Ensemble Association
-first chair violist
-Volunteered weekly with PetSmart with the animal adoption center

After moving, 10th grade and on:
-In charge of stage set up and décor for a school play (we had no prior props so everything was made from scratch) Also have been in charge of decorating, from scratch, for independence day, science fair, and multiple kids activities.

-aiding in and raising money for prom committee
(my school doesn’t really have clubs or sports, but I want to be involved as much as possible and would love to be in certain clubs in university that i dont have the opportunity to participate in here.

-Work about 25-30 hours a week during school and 60 hours a week during the summer at a kids fun center. I have multiple jobs there: one of the birthday party coordinators, piñata maker, babysitter, as well as cashier. My main focus is working instead of many EC’s or clubs because I’m tying to save up money a well as help my family (because we struggle financially.

-Constantly volunteering through opportunities at my work place, school, and on my own. I get the chance to host free fun days for the orphans of a orphanage/education center quite often. I also volunteer with the AMAN organization, we do a bunch of activities and events to raise money for a fund in which we raise money so poor families in urgent need of surgery and medical care can get it.

-Also, if it matters I was nominated and got almost a full scholarship to Global Youth Leaders Conference but I still couldn’t afford the rest so I didn’t go. I was also interested in a few summer programs and workshops but I couldn’t afford them.

-I also have played piano for 10 years, viola for 7 years, and guitar for 3 years

I’m superrrr sorry for how long this is but I jus wanted to be sure everything was thorough so you guys could give me a more accurate and narrowed opinion

Also, if you don’t think this is enough to be accepted is there ANYTHING else I could do that might make me stand out more. I am so dedicated and a hardworker with very limited resources available to me.

Your chances with an 1840 SAT are practically nil unless you’re an athlete. Even with 2000, your odds will be 1% or less.

No chance whatsoever.

ok then what admission rate do you think I should be looking at? What about NYU?

A couple of questions:

  • You mention "last year I was in America". Are you a US citizen? Where are you living now? Whether you are applying as an international applicant or as a dual status applicant (US citizen living overseas) could make a difference.
  • Are you a URM? You mention piñata making, so I'm assuming you are in a Latin American country, probably Mexico.

You have a lot of ECs, but they are too diffuse. You need to present yourself with a clear focus. What are you about?

An 1840 SAT will limit you severely, and will raise questions of grade inflation or level of competition if you are valedictorian. Even 2000 isn’t going to be very impressive. If you are a URM that will help some, but if you are an international applicant that will hurt.

Right now I wouldn’t even think about Harvard or Columbia. NYU might be an option if you get your SAT up, but they aren’t known for having great financial aid. I don’t know if you are eligible for Questbridge given your demographic situation, but that might be something to consider.

Look at some test-optional colleges. There are many terrific liberal arts colleges where your test scores will be adequate and your other accomplishments will shine brightly. Look for colleges outside of your own geographic region, via sites like “Colleges That Change Lives,” especially if you are an underrepresented minority applicant. They are often eager to enhance diversity and your academic credentials are very strong. I would suggest applying to a few elite test-optional colleges like Wesleyan or Bowdoin, also. They are usually pretty generous with financial aid for outstanding applicants.

1840…? If you can get into 2150+ then I’d say you have a fair shot, and by fair shot I mean the same chance all the other qualified kids have, which is around 10%

I agree with the others. Work on getting your SAT score higher and this will open up more options.