<p>I would absolutely love to attend Columbia but I think I might just be wasting money on the application (primarily because of my atrocious GPA). Chances for Early Decision, if any?</p>
<p>-GPA: 3.56uw
-SAT: M 720, CR 740, W 740, Total: 2200
-PSAT: National Merit
-Taking as many AP's and honors as my school will allow me to take</p>
<p>-White male from Arizona, family makes <60k
-Prestigious college preparatory
-School does not rank, but I'm in the 'Summa Cum Laude' program- the most regarded, most competitive diploma- (Summa</a> Cum Laude Honors Programs) which is typically a good indicator of top 10%
-Prospective major is philosophy/neuroscience</p>
<p>-Founder and president of Philosophy Club
-Left-wing president of Politics Club
-Diversity/International Club board member; went with the club on a three-day 'cultural exchange' trip to our sister school in Kingston, Ontario, Canada
-"Friends of the Orphans" Club President; went on an 8-day volunteer trip to an orphanage in Mexico in March; going back for another week in July
-Over 100 hours community service</p>
<p>-2 years varsity track for school (MIGHT be able to run track for Columbia)
-Club track during the summer and off season (Track Athlete Year Round)
-Qualified for and placed 27th overall in the USATF Junior Olympics National Championship for 110m hurdles (basically nationals for club track) (regionals came before this)
-Very good recommendations
-Past employment as a lifeguard</p>
<p>If anything would create a chance for me, I would think that it would be my EC's. Thoughts?</p>
<p>All I can say is, apply. I don’t know who convinced you that your GPA is atrocious, but Summa Cum Laude sounds far from it. Make sure to put your all into your essays.</p>
<p>Get in touch with Columbia’s track coach if you haven’t already. That could become a potentially influential hook.</p>
<p>GPA is very low for Columbia.</p>
<p>I definitely think you should apply. The problem is not of kids applying to highly selective, lottery ticket schools as it is that too many do not have any realistic foundation of some choices that are definitely affordable and will certainly take them. Once you have that base covered, let 'er rip in terms of reaches. The other problem is some families and students get it in their heads that a certain school or group of schools is the only way to go. It’s a hard hit when denied. You gotta get to know and plan to go to your certain choices if you don’t want to go through that sort of thing. Too many kids do apply to safeties, but once they send of the apps, forget about them and it is a sad shock when they turn out to be the only realistic choices. Schools like Columbia don’t need the love and the psychological preparation for acceptance. You’ll get that real fast. But when the fixation is ivy, and the reality is the local commuter school, that is a big gap to emotionally fill and very painful.</p>
<p>Columbia is random, they don’t just focus on GPA they want a well-rounded student not one who is all As and academic. It’s sad that you think you won’t get in and that you shouldn’t even apply. I say go for it, you never know but telling yourself that you won’t get in won’ make your case any better. Stay positive, that’s what I always say. Put your heart and soul into your essay…</p>
<p>But yeah also to echo what cptofthehouse said definitely have back up schools and safety ones because you might get into Columbia but then find out you can’t afford it.</p>
<p>Those stats are definitely good enough for you to apply. I’d definitely consider it a reach, but it is not by any means out of the realm of possibility. It’ll depend on what they need in your specific application year and a billion other factors.</p>