<p>I'm going to be a high school senior next year, and I was wondering if I would be able to get into Columbia University with the activities I already have. I'm interested in a Neuroscience major, hopefully leading into a career as a neurosurgeon. So far, I have an weighted GPA of 4.2516. My course load is very rigorous, mostly consisting of honors and AP classes. I will have taken 4 years of French(including AP and IB) as well as 3 years of Arabic. Next year, I will be taking IB Theory of Knowledge, IB History of the Americas, IB/AP English, IB/AP French IV, IB Biology, IB Chemistry, and AP Statistics. I have passed all 8 of the AP tests I have taken, and have gotten 5s on 6 of them, a 3 on AP Environmental Science, and a 4 on AP English Language. I have taken the ACT once, but was not able to study for long and only got a 29; I am currently studying to retake it in the fall, after studying all summer, and hoping to get a 31/32. I have not taken the SAT II yet, but I do know I will be taking the Math II exam and the Chemistry exam. I am taking all AP/IB classes next year. I have volunteered at the hospital for about 50 hours, am currently volunteering at the SPCA, am part of various clubs, such as chess club and HOSA, as well as french club. I was a 2 year member of the World Language Honors society, and will have been in National Honors Society since sophomore year. I have done 2 years of wrestling, a of lacrosse, and a year of weightlifting. Last year, I was vice president of French Club, and treasurer of a program in which high school students went to an elementary school and mentored children in the 2nd and 3rd grades for 2 hours, helping them with various activities. I am also a founding member of a program in which students volunteer at a Nursing Home. Also, during middle school, I excelled so I was able to skip a grade, making me a year younger than all others in my graduating class. Is this enough to get into Columbia? Is there anything I could do to improve my chances?</p>
<p>Try for a 33 or higher on the ACT or attempt the SAT. If you plan on sending in your ACT but do not get 700+ on Subject Tests, do not send them in if not required. Most colleges just require the ACT OR the SAT with 2 Subject Tests. Otherwise, I think you’ll get in and I really hope so! 
Please chance me back: my tread is in the front page of the “What are my chances” subforum.</p>
<p>I looked up the scores, and the 25th percentile for Columbia is 29; however, I don’t feel comfortable with that, and I already planned on retaking it I was wondering if you had any idea as to what I should be shooting for in the SAT?</p>
<p>Oh, I forgot a course for my Senior year. I will also be taking year two of Math SL, which is Calculus. I will also be taking the AP Calc AB test.</p>
<p>Actually, the 25th percentile for Columbia is a 31. Check the admissions website.</p>
<p>2150 is what I’d say but higher never could hurt</p>
<p>For the ACT or SAT don’t shoot for the 25th percentile. The applicants who get in there are those who have something else going for them. Rather, aim for the 75th percentile or higher as a better sign that your test scores will help you.</p>
<p>As of right now, no, you can’t. Your ECs are weak for Ivies as you don’t really have any strong focus or one big hook to separate you from any other candidate. Then there’s the issue of your ACT: 29 is far too low. If the 25th percentile is a 31, shot for a 34+ to give yourself a chance.</p>