<p>How hard is it to get into Columbia as a high school junior? What exactly is the "special promise" they say they look for on their website? Do high school juniors actually get accepted?</p>
<p>Special promise: They want to see that you are capable to be with kids who have finished senior year. They want to see if you are matured enough. They also want to see if you can bring something special to Columbia. They want to see what you can do for Columbia.
Few high school juniors actually get accepted. Mainly because they don’t stand out when compared to other applicants (also it’s because they have one year less of ECs and Grades). You pretty much have to have done a whole bunch of AP classes to have a good chance.</p>
<p>If I recall correctly, a junior from my school got in this year. He doesn’t seem to have that special promise though. I’m pretty sure he only took 3 AP classes in all his time in high school too. I think the bottom line depends on whether you have a good reason for it. If you have classes to take next year, then stick around. Unless its a financial issue, which is also understandable.</p>