<p>This post may seem pessimistic to say the least, but at the same time, it's just a look at reality in terms of Columbia Colleges Admissions process. 1956 applicants applied last year ED to CC. Eventually, only 6 were admitted from the deferred applicant pool. I have heard people say that Columbia chooses its deferral pool very carefully, but at the same time...</p>
<p>"26.1% of Early Decision applicants to Columbia College were deferred to Regular Decision."</p>
<p>That's around 510 kids, and for only 6 to get admitted into CC after getting deferred makes the acceptance rate among this specific group a mere 1.2%. That's a pretty scary number, considering most of us still probably consider Columbia our #1 after being deferred. With a much larger percentage applying this year than last, that percentage is most likely lower than 1%.</p>
<p>This is what I realized after visiting the Columbia Admissions site and I may be blowing this out of proportion, but the numbers and stats are there. It's relatively depressing to me, especially after those around me kept telling me getting deferred, is way better than getting rejected, but at this point, it seems that the two are almost indifferentiable.</p>
<p>Of course, people say, there are "so many other colleges, that are great!" Well, I'm sure that's true in certain aspects, but for me, there isn't a school that really comes close to Columbia from my perspective.</p>
<p>Sorry if this thread is depressing, but my main purpose was to just get some of my frustration out somehow. Just one criticism towards all selective college admissions, they may have chosen some of the best applicants stats wise, but truthfully, it's not fair to base an individual's potential upon high school stats and achievements. I don't think it's fair that our society decides that it is accurate to determine someone's intellectual capacity and future just by what they have done in a mere 4 years. This post may make you give up or it may make you work even harder to sway the admissions office, but I've concluded that the admissions process can really seem like a crapshoot sometimes. I'm sure I'll get criticized for this, especially since it seems I criticize some of those accepted, but don't take the post personally, if you know you were a great candidate, and you know you deserved to go to Columbia, then you should feel comfortable with yourself and you should be proud of yourself. Good luck to all.</p>