Help increase my chances.

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>Columbia University has been my dream school. It would be the best college for me to attend, but the only problem is actually getting accepted. Right now, I know that I have no chance of getting into the school, but I'm trying to change that. This is where I need your help. It would be greatly appreciated if you guys could explain to me what I could do to make my dream come true. And if it is still possible for me to still get in. </p>

<p>Here are my stats:
9th: (not my best year)
GPA: 3.3 Unweighed.
Rank: 18 of 185
Classes: I took the hardest classes that I could take which were four honors classes.
Sports: none</p>

<p>10th:
GPA: 3.7 Unweighed.
Rank: 16 of 167
Classes: I took the hardest classes that I could take which were four honors classes.
Sports: Swimming
Participation: Treasurer of my Class, Member of Key Club (we can only join one club in my school)</p>

<p>11th(So far):
GPA: 3.6 (plan on increasing this to 4)
Rank: 12 of 160 (plan on increasing this)
Classes: The hardest that I could take which are two honors and two AP.
Sports: Swimming (joining USA swimming for the whole year and plan on participating in races)
Participation: Treasurer of my Class, secretary of Key Club, part of the prom committee, and plan on completing 100 community service hours.</p>

<p>About me:
I was born in America, but left the country after 2 years. I lived in Poland for eight years and moved back here without any knowledge of the English language. I am a dual citizen and I am bilingual. Right now I am 17 years old and a Junior in high school.
SAT: 1820 (530 Reading, 670 Math, 620 Writing)
- I am studying my ass off at the moment and plan on increasing this score by a lot.
-I am planning on using early decision on columbia. </p>

<p>Do I still have a chance of getting accepted? If yes, what could I do?</p>

2

<p>well you seem to have a unique life background which can give you an edge when it comes to writing essays. But i definetly still think that you have a chance but since you’re already working on your grades, SAT’s and rank, I recommend taking and doing well for the SAT subject tests along with maybe focusing on a interest, such as politics or science, that you have, devote a plethora of time to it by getting an internship or a program or a job involving the interest of choice, and use that as a “hook” so the admissions officers can see that if you were to attend, you will be a great asset since you could become the next Marie Curie or Obama depending on your interest. Good luck! +)</p>

3

<p>Increase your SAT score to a 2100+, get STRAIGHT A’s (no B’s) for your remaining years of high school to demonstrate an upwards curve, and try to find something that you are passionate about and keep working on it. Definitely talk about your background in your common app essay and emphasize how hard you have been working from barely knowing English to the present. </p>

<p>I sincerely hope that you’ll make it because I know what it’s like moving here from Europe (I was a few years older than you when I came here but still).</p>

4

<p>Sorry man… I actually don’t think you have a shot. I would hate to tell you that you have a chance when I know you’ll probably be rejected in 10 months. You have a low GPA, low SAT and no mindblowing EC. Hopefully, you will start looking at some other great schools.</p>