<p>I am a current junior and Columbia is my top choice, I would do anything to go there. But here are the facts:</p>
<p>My gpa is 85 at the moment. I am in the top 30%
Several students are accepted from my high school to Columbia each year.
I am an international applicant.
I will ask for financial aid.
Sibling an alum.
No hooks.(like a varsity athlete, or a son of someone famous, nothing like that)</p>
<p>Would getting great scores on the sats and aps, a great personal essay, great recommendations and applying ED to SEAS cover up that miserable gpa?</p>
<p>Or with that GPA, should i just not bother to fill out any applications for any ivies.</p>
<p>You still have a chance. Don’t let the GPA get you down. Like i’ve said before on these boards for chances. They turn down 4.0 GPA’s and valedictorians all the time, they want a great personality that goes with all those statistics and someone unique. They also want a diverse student body and your essay will separate you from the pack. Your sibling being an alum should help a lot. Your SAT and ACT scores should help as well. Just don’t give up, the financial aid need shouldn’t affect your chances of getting in.</p>
<p>I think you should apply if you really love the school You definitely have a shot if your essays and your SAT scores are GREAT! How would you rate your extra curricular activities? Being in the top 30% isn’t what Columbia likes to see but it’s not a reason not to apply. It does depend on how many kids are in your class too- mine has 35! Haha. My school though is still unbelievably competitive and is one of the top private schools in the country. </p>
<p>Columbia’s my dream school too and I’m an international applying for financial aid. I’m really worried about my SAT score affecting my chances. SATs are tomorrow (yikes!) Good luck ED!</p>
<p>The international pool is extremely extremely competitive. You’re in the top 30% of your HS. With that logic, the top third of your HS alone has a better chance than you do. And that’s in your HS, not to mention your home country.</p>
<p>On top of that, you want financial aid. Although 123abc456’s rudeness is obvious to everyone, I concur with the fact that you have zero chance. I would not advise you to apply to Columbia.</p>
<p>T26E4, thank you for your honest and kind reply. And 123abc456, my question obviously shows that I am aware of my ****in gpa. that is the entire point in asking this question. Anyways still thank you</p>
<p>123 was being a jerk, but he is right. i’m sorry, but I do not think your application will be seriously considered. i think you should identify what about the place you like and seek out other schools which have those things. </p>
You definitely have a shot if your essays and your SAT scores are GREAT! How would you rate your extra curricular activities? Being in the top 30% isn’t what Columbia likes to see but it’s not a reason not to apply. It does depend on how many kids are in your class too- mine has 35! Haha. My school though is still unbelievably competitive and is one of the top private schools in the country. </p>