<p>So, I am applying ED to Columbia and am a little nervous. I have great transcript and pretty good Ec's. My SAT subjects are math 2-770, US hist-760, Physics-720. </p>
<p>However, my SAT isn't so great. Math 780, Reading 690, Writing 630. So in my college guide book, it says the 25-75 percentiles are such:
math: 660-760
Reading: 660-760
Writing: 660-700</p>
<p>So, this leaves me with a couple of questions. Does Columbia really care about the SAT writing section? If so, will my 630 kill my chances of admission? Also, does anyone know if my good SAT 2's could possibly offset my SAT? Finally, are the do you guys think that the people on the lower side of the percentiles who get in are amazing at something, or do you think they are farily good all around students? Actually, one more question, does anyone have any numbers on the amount of people Columbia accepts from each state, because I am from Idaho, and am kind of curious.</p>
<p>I'm sure writing is important since it's the number one thing lacking in most college students. I recently read that regardless of scoring on SAT/ACT exams, students (if accepted to college) were still required to take a writing placement test to determine their level. That tells me that colleges don't exactly trust the SAT/ACT testing. So, I'd still apply and "shine" them with your application essay and if possible an explanation for why you think you did what you did test wise and how you can improve. Most colleges application has a box for this sort of message. They do read them.</p>
<p>Colleges base their acceptance on a whole lot of things. My kid got into a great school and did just a little better than average. I'd say some of the most important things (that pushed him over the edge) were......
1. Personal interview with an alumni
2. Great essay from the heart
3. Living in a state where the college had less other kids applying....geographical advantage.</p>