Would Barnard be an option? Very convenient cross-registration with Columbia across the street, does not emphasize test scores as much as grades (where your 4.0 unweighted with hard classes is the best possible), and has ACT mid-range of 28-32.
Run the net price calculator on all schools under consideration to get an idea of the finances; be sure to talk to your parents about the costs.
If you want to try to raise your test scores, consider taking both the SAT and ACT to get two chances at raising it. Some students do better on one compared to the other.
I’ll look more into BU and Barnard, I definitely need to become more serious about finding schools that will give me generous aid. I know that if I do have the pleasure of being accepted into Columbia, but don’t get the aid I need then I’ll be pretty stuck, but honestly I’ll kick myself if I don’t ED to the place I know is my first choice. (The higher acceptance rate helps too, even if it is a self-selecting group). But having more than a few financial safeties and matches in my back pocket will definitely help ease my nerves.
If you are set on applying ED to Columbia then think of something wonderful to do this summer and next semester that would make you stand out a bit more in terms of extracurriculars. I’m not sure what that would be, but think of something that you would love to do, that you could write about passionately and that might have an impact. I think that’s important at the top schools
@citymama9 I got into the summer program at The Jackson Labs ( Summer Student Program), I hoping this helps me to stand out since I’m doing independent research at such a high level. I didn’t put this on my original post (I forgot) but I’ve been heavily involved in research all throughout high school
That’s great, and it will make a big difference! Good luck:)