What kind of scores are needed to get into Columbia or be considered?
SAT, SAT Physics, SAT Math Level 2, ACT, Ap exam scores, Cumulative GPA
Here’s a link to a site that can give you some ideas about the school’s average scores:
In general, you can usually find statistics about a university’s acceptance scores by browsing around a bit online. Keep in mind, of course, that this is only one component of your application. Good luck!
You should check the Common Data Set for Columbia to see the federally reported ranges of scores. Personally, I’d say the following:
SAT: at least 1430 for your application to not be thrown out immediately
SAT Math: as close to 800 as possible. All SAT Subject exams should be as close to 800 as possible.
ACT: probably like a 32-33 to even be considered
AP exams: as many 5s as possible. They’re self reported and don’t mean a whole ton compared to GPA, it will be noticed if you, say, get an A in AP Calculus and then a 3 on the exam.
CUM GPA: depends on the weighting of your high school. As long as you’re in the top 10% of your high school, you should be alright.
So would it look bad if i got a 3 on ap physics exam but a 99 in the class? Like Im trying to major in physics so i feel as tho it does, but the only reason he gave me a 99 in the class was because i got a 98 on the regents exam n had the highest in class. Also, i got a 2 on m ap languange exam and a 90 in the class but i have a totally valid reason for that. My english teacher was a horrible teacher who was absent for the rest of the year and Ive seen him only in sept, october, january and like may. He rarely came for “medical reasons” n didnt prepare us for the test at all. I only took it cause i thought it would look dumb to have an app class but take no ap exam.
I feel like those are valid things to explain in the additional information section. But it still looks kinda bad, no lie.
You don’t need to report AP scores to Columbia. Look at the FAQ for undergrad admissions.
“AP and IB test results are not necessary for application to Columbia, although the information when available may be helpful in assessing a student’s academic achievements. Students who seek to gain credit for AP or IB results should know that credit is granted only after a student is enrolled at Columbia and at the discretion of individual departments.”
As an aside, it is critically important that you do your own research and understand exactly what is required for each college application.
Do not complain about a HS teacher in your college application. Virtually everyone comes across a bad/grade-deflating teacher at least once in his/her HS life and you don’t want to come across as a whiner who makes excuses. You got a 90 in the class so there is no explanation is really necessary.