How do I hold up?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
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<p>Hey comrades, here's another one of those "am I good enough" questions. I've read through many other threads but my transfer decision makes up a huge amount of my stress and I'm sincerely just trying to find some hope in a good school. </p>

<p>I attended a private religious (Islamic) boarding school for two years (8th/9th grades) where I studied Islamic ideology, law, history, belief, and the Quran in depth
Transferred to high school and did horribly. Overall GPA for high school was about 83 or so. I skipped my senior year to pursue a dual enrollment plan with my local community college where I am now, and I'm going to apply to transfer next year with my Associates.
High school ECs: Debate club, Multicultural club
Overall Average: 83ish
SAT Score: Pretty weak for an Ivy :/ I got an 1850 my first run but without studying at all (Should I retake it and study to increase my score?)</p>

<p>College stats: GPA: 3.74 (Projected to be at least a 3.9 when I apply)
ECs: Student Government, Political Science club, currently an intern for a NYS State Senator (public service internship)
Additional projected ECs at time of application: Student Government executive board, ECCEL Elanor Roosevelt Val-kill Foundation Community College leadership program (lasts for 2 years), National Model UN, independent research study at local Lyme disease lab (hopefully hands-on lab experience), and potentially an internship on a Congressional re-election campaign (if not, then the re-election campaign of the official I'm currently working under).</p>

<p>I'm a pre-medical student and intend on applying as such. I'm losing lots of sleep and getting lots of gray hairs over this. Columbia is my top choice because of the extensive undergraduate research programs they offer (SURF, etc.). I'm also highly interested in working with some specific professors in their science departments, and my ultimate goal is to get into the College of Physicians and Surgeons to specialize in neuro. What can I do to make up for my horrid high school transcript, as well as my poor SAT score to give me a better chance to compete against the 4.0s and 2400s that apply to transfer? </p>

<p>I apologize for the lengthy post, please feel free to give me as much advice, criticism, pointers, etc. It would be wholeheartedly appreciated. </p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

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<p>Successful transfer students to Columbia generally mirror those students who were accepted as Freshmen. Your HS grades and test scores really do not help you. Also, many college 3.8+ applicants will be your competition. There are many great colleges that are not as fiercely competitive as Columbia to transfer into. You s hould continue to expand your search. Also, remember that med school isn’t cheap. Look for an inexpensive school.</p>

<p>One last thing: make sure your med school pre-reqs are taken at a 4 year college and not at a community college. That will severely hurt your med school chances.</p>

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<p>@T26E4‌ Really? When I transfer I’ll have completed Gen Bio 1+2, Gen Chem 1+2, Orgo, Anatomy and Physiology all at my community college. I was unaware that it would work against me. :frowning: And is there anything I can do to fix my trainwreck of a transcript to be considered for Columbia? I have plenty of back-up colleges, of course. </p>

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<p>@akinan2011: please only take my words as hearsay about your pre med reqs during community college. Please go to the pre med forum and dbl check. Good luck</p>