<p>Sigh. I really really really want to get into Columbia, but I'm afraid my app isn't up-to-par with most of the other applicants I come across. I'm obviously African-American because I'm posting this thread, posted this thread for the African-American community, female, and number one in my class as of now at least...2160 SAT 1 (800 Crit Read 640 Math 720 Writ), 27 ACT, 4 AP Bio. I'm taking the SAT 2s in the fall. You see my problem is that I'm the youngest in my class and my familial situation is unusual. Everyone else was in their prime in their junior year because that's when they started driving and then working. I haven't been able to do a lot of things after school because my baby sister was born and I had to take of her b/c my mother works the night shift at HUP and my dad commutes to and from Manhattan. I live in NJ...the driving age is 17...so as you can imagine me staying after school for a long time for some activity is not only inconsiderate, but unrealistic. I'll finally be able to drive late in my senior year which is when I'll be able to start working and staying after school and volunteering and such. The problem is all of the wonderful things I plan to do with my newfound independence will happen after I send out my applications. Yes, I'm fairly strong academically, but when it comes to extracurriculars or community service and employment I start to hate myself when I see how much more everyone else has in those areas. What do I do?</p>
<p>Well I suggest that you do some volunteering right now. Like at your local soup kitchen, or nursing home, or anywhere near that you can easily go to. Why haven’t you joined any clubs, or teams?</p>
<p>This is exactly the same thing im doing to myself. Your SAT score is better off than mine 2070… X_X… i know how you feel… looking at results from previous years and seeing people who have more impressive stats than I do is pretty depressing. I’m from Jersey too. =P
It sucks, because I have a gut feeling I’m going to end up going to Rutgers. I don’t want to, since people that worked less than me went there. And also people who were in higher ranks and had higher SAT scores went there. My friend got a 2180 and another got a 2300 on their SAT, they were both in the top 3 of my school They were both rejected by IVY leagues and now are going to Rutgers. Rutgers isnt bad, it honestly isn’t, but I want better. (No offence to all the Rutger’s Lovers.) This is depressing.</p>
<p>yes, it is depressing. We must find a way to prove to them that we are worthy of acceptance! And I have joined clubs…student council, creative writing club, big brothers big sisters, future teachers, peer coaching, math club, and science league…but I still feel mediocre. Hopefully, they’ll judge me within the context of my community instead of comparing me to every other applicant…</p>
<p>in your essays, write about how you helped out your family! let colleges know family is important to you. try to do some volunteering in the meantime. you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Staking everything on Columbia or other Ivies, with Rutgers as a second choice doesn’t sound like a good strategy. There are plenty of excellent schools where you can get as good as or even a better education than Columbia, and they fall within that broad range of selectivity below the Ivies and above Rutgers.</p>
<p>I don’t know. The fact that you’re URM + decent SATs (perfect CR score) + low socioeconomic (I’m assuming) seems to scream acceptance.</p>