<p>The Columbia app only has 1 essay question and ridiculously short "short answers"; in addition, the collegeboard reports that its emphasis on ECs was "important" as opposed to "very important". Does this signal that Columbia values scores over ECs compared with other Ivies?</p>
<p>They're both very important. The application is efficient; they don't have to require a 3 page resume to care about your ECs. And who cares what the college board says?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Does this signal that Columbia values scores over ECs compared with other Ivies?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Considering it has one of the lowest median SAT scores AND one of the lowest acceptance rates of the Ivy League, it's doubtful.</p>
<p>Quoting from Columbia's official FAQ:</p>
<p>
[quote]
What criteria are used for admissions decisions?
The Columbia University first-year class of 1,017 students in the College and 315 in Engineering is chosen from a large and diverse group of applicants. In the process of selection, the Committee on Admissions asks questions about each applicant’s academic potential, intellectual strength and ability to think independently. The Committee also considers the general attitudes and character of the applicant, special abilities and interests, maturity, motivation, curiosity and whether he or she is likely to make productive use of the four years at Columbia. In its final selection, Columbia seeks diversity of personalities, achievements and talents, and of economic, social, ethnic, racial and geographic backgrounds. Each applicant’s academic record is examined, together with reports on personal qualities that have been supplied by the principal, headmaster or counselor and by teachers. The student’s record of participation in the life of his or her school and community is also important, as is his or her performance on standardized tests.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I remember talking to a couple of ppl (one from Canada, one from NY) who were admitted to CC, and neither had astonishing test marks... would personal character & drive to learn, then, be a very important quality?</p>
<p>Would a drive to learn be an important quality if we actually failed in trying to learn? I really want to learn but I'm not able to...Will the adcoms, in their infinite mercy, still extend their grace to me?</p>
<p>Still a results-based business, musil. which is why the grinds sitting in Butler library till 3am on a saturday are found in greater quantity than the pot smokers at the Hungarian pastry shop - a fact I find regrettable but understandable.</p>