Do I have a shot? (slightly freaking out)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>Caucasian Male</p>

<p>I'm applying Early Decision, hoping that increases my chances somewhat. </p>

<p>I want to major in Creative Writing (how important/necessary are supplemental materials for this?)</p>

<p>I go to a Catholic college prep high school in Southern California</p>

<p>4.07 weighted cumulative GPA, 3.59 unweighted cumulative </p>

<p>32 on my ACT June 2010 (34 english, 28 math, 35 reading, 30 science, 11 writing score)</p>

<p>2010 on my first SAT (11/09)
600 Math
700 Writing
710 Reading</p>

<p>Took the October SAT, I think I improved in reading and writing but did worse in math. Will know 10/28</p>

<p>AP's
Sophomore - AP European history, 4
Junior - AP English Language 5, AP US history 5, AP Chem 1 (but got a B in the class)
Senior - taking AP Gov, AP Econ, AP English Lit, AP Bio, AP Stats</p>

<p>Extracurriculars/Clubs
Marching/Concert band 4 years, trumpet section leader
Jazz band three years, lead guitarist
Spanish Honors Society
California Scholarship Federation</p>

<p>Two hopefully great recommendation letters from my AP US History and AP Language teachers who loved me.</p>

<p>If anyone wants to read my essay, which I think sets me apart, let me know.</p>

2

<p>what are my chances of getting into columbia?</p>

<p>I have a 3.95 GPA from a college prepatory high school.
24 on ACT
only taken 2 AP Classes: Calculus and US history
low income
lots of ECS like NHS, and few leadership positions
really good essay writer.</p>

3

<p>dnt freak out im pretty sure youll get in. i thought for admission to columbia you need the act or sat and 2 subject tests. hopefully you took the subjects tests</p>

4

<p>Forgot to mention subject tests…
690 English Lit
750 US history</p>

<p>Flash -
Your GPA is good, but I think your ACT is very low…when did you take it?</p>

5

<p>blind leading the blind? Troy: it seems that you’re a viable candidate. But given the serendipitous nature of selective college admissions, your chances are like most others: very tough.</p>

<p>That’s just the numbers. However, Flash, your 24 ACT takes you way out of the norm of admitted students. Can you retake?</p>

6

<p>Troy: Heres my honest evaluation. I think your SAT/ACT are in the lower end of the spectrum, hopefully you do better in the Oct SAT. I am not sure where your GPA places you within the school, but on a 5 scale weighted, it is pretty average. Although you have a lot of clubs/ecs, they are pretty common among applicants. Quite honestly, I think your biggest weakness is not standing out. Please take these with a grain of salt.</p>

<p>Flash: Agreed. Your ACT score reduces your chances to almost zero, need to improve those immediately. You have a lack of AP classes, which may suggest a not very rigorous curriculum. Your NHS and few clubs are too common among applicants, said again. Need to stand out<<< important.</p>

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<p>I’m hoping my essay makes me stand out, I think it’s a unique subject and shows my strength and desire to be a writer.</p>

8

<p>every applicant brings something unique to the table, so don’t let people tell you that you are common…also the odds of admission are reduced to zero if you don’t apply, so give it your best shot and take a chance.</p>

9

<p>Update: 2090 on October SAT (750 Writing, 740 Reading, 600 Math)</p>

<p>submitting my app in the next few days for the monday deadline. Wish me luck!</p>

10

<p>My comment:
You certainly do not have anything which puts you in the “throw in the trash” pile.</p>

<p>Now its a matter of portraying yourself in the right light which Columbia wants.</p>

<p>And I can tell you now that none of us truly know how to get that light right.</p>

11

<p>Columbia would prefer a resume to a portfolio of creative writing.</p>

12

<p>I’d say although on CC you’re going to take a lot of crap for your scores and because you don’t have a “hook” on paper, there is almost always a potential chance for kids that aren’t borderline Gods of EC’s and maybe you are one of them, or the Admissions officer just “likes” you and thinks you will be a good fit.</p>

<p>Hope I’m not making you feel rejected or anything, but I’d say don’t be let down over your chances yet:)</p>

13

<p>You have a pretty good shot esp. with your solid SAT score and ACT score.</p>

<p>Could you please chance me?</p>

<p>SAT: 1890 (Retaking in November…expecting 2000+)
SAT II: Chem: 700 , Math II: 610 (I told them I intend to major in Chem)
APs: Chem: 4, World History: 4, US History: 3…will take, Macroeconomics, Calculus AB, Literature and Composition in May
GPA: 94.3%/100%
EC: Volunteered at Pharmacy, Library and joined clubs including NHS
National Award: AP Scholar
Solid essay IMO and is original.
Low Income student…EFC should be 0.</p>

<p>I’m EDing to Columbia. Chance me please.</p>