Is Columbia lenient towards kids who come from atypical backgrounds?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>hey,</p>

<p>im trying to figure out which schools i should apply to and really want to get into an ivy school. My scores and gpa are low(2000sat/90gpa) but im not your average student. i come from an abusive household, my dad was arrested, parents went through a rough divorce, wouldnt see my mom( who i lived with) for weeks at atime, very poor, etc.</p>

<p>im not trying to start a sob story or even asking for sympathy, i truly feel greatful for my situation cause in the end its made me a stronger person. but i am curious if columbia or any of the ivies are a worthwhile application for me considering i do have a very weak application (although i have very strong ECs and Recs as well as a really great essay)</p>

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<p>The answer I gave you in another forum (I don’t remember which) applies at all holistically reviewing colleges.</p>

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<p>i read the silverturtle message on the other thread, it is spot on. </p>

<p>to learn more about holistic review: [What</a> Does Columbia Look For In a Candidate? | Columbia University Office of Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/applications/firstyear/overview]What”>http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/applications/firstyear/overview)</p>

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<p>thanks again silverturtle, the info was indeed very useful. that link is great, ty</p>

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<p>Are you asking us to generalize about atypical situations?</p>

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<p>more or less im looking for a generalization pertaining to atypical situations of my caliber</p>

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<p>I want to go to Columbia SO BAD!! I come from a similar background except there was no divorce and my parents are still married (which is not a good thing I must say). I really hope they consider such a background though my grades are really good.</p>

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<p>This is atypical? Seems like the typical f’ed up middle / lower-middle class family…</p>

9

<p>What a lovely bunch of heartless tools I must say…</p>

<p>Hey urbanlegend, Columbia reviews apps holistically, so of course they will take that into consideration. You’ve definitely got some great stats in spite of your background. Here’s to hoping that you will get in, but at the end of the day the acceptance rate is still around 10%. As long as you’ve got some good options lined up, then it’s great. You’ll be going somewhere great, far away from home certainly come next year! :)</p>