<p>I'm an upcoming senior and I'm debating applying to Columbia ED. Am I even competitive at all, since my GPA isn't the greatest? I was horribly unfocused my freshman year, but junior year I tried my hardest to prove that I am a smart, hardworking person.
So what do you think?</p>
<hr>
<p>TEST SCORES:
ACT Composite: 33 (I'm taking it again to try and get it to a 34)
ACT Reading: 34
ACT English: 35
ACT Science: 34
ACT Math: 25 (ha...getting tutoring for that one...)</p>
<p>SAT II Literature: 790
SAT II US History: 730
SAT II Spanish: 650 </p>
<p>GRADES:
Weighted (w/freshman year): 4.1
Unweighted: 3.7
Weighted (w/out freshman year): 4.3</p>
<p>UPWARD TREND:
Will my upward trend in grades help? I took THE most rigorous courseload possible.
Freshman: 3.4/3.6 Soph: 3.8/4.0 Junior: 4.8/4.8 </p>
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<p>EXTRACURRICULARS:
School newspaper, 3 years
Founded the school literary magazine
Alternative Energy Organization, Secretary
Beta Club, Publicity
J-Club (Journalism club), President/Founder
Work experience: Stylist at a local clothing boutique
Internship: Reporter/blogger for a local online newspaper</p>
<p>LEADERSHIP:
Editor-in-chief/Founder of the school literary magazine
Section editor of the school newspaper, 1 year
Editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, 1 year
President/founding member of 2 clubs at school (see above)
Varsity cheer captain</p>
<p>ATHLETICS:
Varsity cheerleading (4 years)
Competitive dance (my whole life)</p>
<p>VOLUNTEER/SERVICE WORK:
200+ hours
Young Leaders in Health Care
Beta Club
Relay for Life</p>
<p>HONORS AND AWARDS:
Won writing competition awards in National Student Press Association journalism conventions
Honor roll
Scholar athlete</p>
<p>Here’s my takeaway:
*your test scores are pretty great
*your gpa is definitely good
*you have a “theme”. I think the only thing that got me into Columbia was having a theme to my application (drama/playwriting). You’ve got journalism, and it seems like you’re a really focused person. You’d probably do well applying ED (I applied RD though, so it’s not like people only get in through ED) if you really want to go here and here alone. Make sure you visit campus! </p>
<p>Before you write your app, just make sure you think really hard about the cohesive, whole image of yourself that you’re presenting on paper. You want to have a hook, something that people can remember you by. Make sure that’s apparent. </p>
<p>Good luck with everything!</p>
<p>Thank you so much!!! That was very helpful. It’s good to know that someone thinks my stats are good enough to make me a competitive candidate–and I’m definitely going to work the writer/journalist angle on my application. Thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>I’m a current Columbia student (class of ‘14) and I’m working on starting a company that provides application and essay counseling/advice, but I’m trying to freelance my services a bit before diving in. I’m planning on offering one on one skype conferences to evaluate candidates’ essays or applications/supplements. Contact me at <a href=“mailto:rcm2140@columbia.edu”>rcm2140@columbia.edu</a> for more info!</p>
<p>doesn’t your act composite come to a 32?</p>
<p>I think you have a good shot. Again, it’s good that you have a theme. I’d retake the Spanish SAT II if I were you, but that isn’t totally necessary. Of course, retake the ACT as well. Consider taking the SAT too (not “II”); try to get at least a 2200.</p>
<p>Do you have any AP tests under your belt?</p>
<p>Yes, I do have AP exams!
Spanish Language: 5
English Language: 5
European History: 3
US History: 5
Art History: 4</p>