early decision: what are my chances

<p>I'm applying early decision to Columbia.
I attend a highly selective public residential high school called the North Carolina School of Science and Math.</p>

<p>GPA: 5.25
Class Rank: 1st out of 400 at my old school (9th and 10th)
no ranking at new school (11th and 12th)
Grades: straight A's 9th and 10th, a couple B+'s in 11th (we're on a trimester system, so 15 classes total)
SAT: 790M 700V 620W
SAT IIs: taking Nov. 5th
APs: Comp Science A, US History, Calculus BC, Enviro Science (5.0's in all four)</p>

<p>I have taken the most challenging courses available to me, including AP Computer Science and Discrete Math as a freshman.</p>

<p>I'm a "Multicultural Peer Counselor" at my school, which is a selective leadership position based on the promotion of cultural tolerance and awareness. I'm President of the Political Debate Club. I've done History Day, WorldQuest, and a little bit of Model UN. I also attend academic and outdoor programs during the summer. Between 9th and 10th grade, I went to a camp in D.C. called LeadAmerica. Between 10th and 11th, I did an Outward Bound expedition. Between 11th and 12th, I went to 3.5 week program at Columbia on globalization and U.S. foreign policy, which is the topic of my personal essay.</p>

<p>If anyone would like to read my essay and comment, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>I've got great recommendations, including one from my professor at Columbia that I had this summer (wonder if that will help any extra?).</p>

<p>I know I've got a low SAT verbal (not to mention writing, but I assume I can make up for this with my essay, grades, and writing recommendation). I'm also a little unsure about how I'll do on the SAT II's. How much do you think my high GPA will count for?</p>