Hello, ED applicant here! I did research at Columbia over last summer with a senior/esteemed professor and a PhD student. I got a really nice recommendation letter from the both of them (signed). How much weight does this hold in admissions? Is it a “golden ticket” so to speak? To give context, my ECs, grades, SATs, essays are all very good/impressive, common app essay is a bit rough though. Just doing some last-minute stressing/thinking about what-ifs haha.
Thank you in advance <3
Well . . . . not to put too much of damper on things, but let’s put this in perspective. Many senior professor’s own kids are not accepted into Columbia or Barnard. Some are, but many are not. Sometimes professors consult professionals to help mold their child’s essay and application, that’s how competitive it is–and how unsure they are that their own child will be accepted.
Columbia is extremely selective. It’s a crap shoot no matter who you are at 6-7% admissions rate.
You might just get in! That would be terrific, if that’s what you want, but it’s important to be aware that being rejected has an almost zero correlation with your worth as a person. If rejected, you will find another wonderful school, and maybe one that has more meaning for you in the end.
Best of luck with all of your choices.