<p>Although I am only in freshman year at high school, I already really want to attend Columbia because of its quality education and great writing program. Yet, I am really confused about admissions...some websites say that you need to be the granddaughter of a dean or have someone in your family donate a library or something....is getting in really that hard? I know that it helps to be a prodigy with music or a super-athlete but unforchanetly I haven't taken up sports or instruments and I think that even if I start immedietly I won't stand out that much in either talent. So far, in school I am maintaining a 96+ average and trying to involve myself in clubs that I can achieve high-positions in. I am also looking for a part-time job and probably will start piano lessons soon. What else can I do? Am I doing enough? PLEASE HELP! ANY ADVICE WILL BE HIGHLY APPRECIATED!!</p>
<p>PS: Right now, I am attending a private college-prep school. I have the oppertunity to transfer to a nationally acclaimed humanities school that houses the top-students in New York City. The only problem is, in this school I will not be in the top 5% of my class like I am now, and may not be able to take all the APs like I am planning to do in this school. Should I transfer??</p>
<p>I don't think I like you, for various reasons, but I'll reply anyway even though you're probably just being annoying for fun.</p>
<p>-the quality of education is what counts, not the number of APs taken or the class rank
-do you need the money, why do you want a part-time job? what?
-do you like the piano?
-do you like these clubs or are they just stupid and easy to do?
-you can get in if you have talent
-if you have that attitude about doing enough, then you will not get in
-do you read often? "unfortunately" and "immediately"</p>
<p>Hey, It'll be alright. Yes, Columbia is a very difficult school to get into (tied for 3rd lowest admission rate), but a 96+ average is a great place to start. No matter where you go to school, take the hardest courses available. Also, don't just join clubs for the sake of it. I got in ED and I am part of only a few on campus clubs (2 or 3), but I am extremely dedicated to those clubs. Do things that interest you and make you feel good about your education. </p>
<p>You have enough time to do enough, obviously. Just keep up the grades and try to get involved in a few groups and truly dedicate yourself to them.</p>
<p>I would just like to thank you all for your feedback and apologize to anyone that I bothered. The only reason why I really posted a thread was because the "counseling programs" my school has been offering to the students work starting freshman year, and because I couldn't afford them I thought I should try to get some input from people that have been in my position before -- basically I thought it was normal to start thinking about it all. I'm not really doing anything just for the sake of doing it, all I'm trying to do is keep my options open/explore different interest, and I apologize if I insulted anyone that thought I was making a joke.</p>
<p>I think it is great you are thinking about, but step back a bit, and see where you will be happiest. Seriously, if you are not happy in your high school, then you won't do well.</p>
<p>Not being in the top 5% of a competitive school is okay. And is there a reason you couldn't take the APs? Too many kids, too many pre reqs? You can alsways self study and take the test anyway.</p>
<p>Don't take piano unless you really like it. Don't join a club so you can be president in 2 years, join a club because it is fun, you can do some good work and it makes a difference. Colleges will know you are padding you resume with stuff. Make the things you do real for you, no one else. That requires a passion, not "will this look good". If you are good at it because you love it, that will shine through and people will see that and more will come your way.</p>
<p>You are on the right track, planning well, and working hard. Just remember to enjoy highschool!!</p>
<p>sugarplum, as the parent of a daughter graduating this year, I kind of admire your thinking about those things now. looks like another "mom" post (citygirlmom) covers it well. experiencing what my daughter went through, she's offering you good advice. "passion" is important. looks like you need to define that for yourself first. and she's right, have fun in high school. fun will feed the passion and I believe it was my daughters passion that helped her get accepted, so far, at each college she applied to. We haven't heard from Columbia (that's why I am here) but she was an EA at MIT. Looks like she is leaning very strongly there. And by the way, she wasn't nearly as curious as you are about where she was going to school! She had talked about Stanford since she knew what college was, and the past 10 months steered her to MIT! so see, your direction can completely change (how many miles between Stanford and MIT/Columbia?!?!?) over the next 3+ years. Good Luck to you</p>
<p>...just letting you know. don't worry i was worried about the college process beginning my freshman year too (my upper classmen friends found me odd). it paid off to care though because like i said in my earlier post, i was not any of those things that might benefit me, but i managed to shape myself.</p>