Is it worth it?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>Hey guys! I'm really interested in Columbia but I'm unsure if I should apply because of my low math grades. </p>

<p>I have slightly more A's and B's for freshman year of high school (I know they don't look at freshman year but it's still reflects on my GPA and rank). I have all A's and a C both semesters of tenth grade. (The C's are in math-not my subject!) For my junior year, I have mostly A's, one B in AP Bio, and the usual C in math. I'm confident that I'll be able to pull up my C to a B this semester, because the work has gotten easier, and get A's in everything else but will that be enough? </p>

<p>With my C's and freshman year grades, I have a 3.61 and I'm ranked 71/728 as of first semester junior year. I got a 1900 on my first SAT this March and will definitely be taking it over to get a 2100+. I did a World History Subject test and got a 690, and I'll be taking 3 more this May. </p>

<p>If it helps, I took 6 honors and 1 AP sophomore year; 6 APs, 2 Honors, and 4 Dual enrollment classes junior year, and will take 6 APs, 2 Honors, and 3 more Dual enrollment classes (I'll reach the limit of dual enrollment classes I'm allowed to take). </p>

<p>I'm also very active in my school and community. I'll be going on a mission trip with my church's youth group (I've been a part of the youth group for almost 7 years), will be doing an internship this summer, and will be doing a summer program for future lawyers. </p>

<p>Hate that it matters, but I am black. </p>

<p>So what do you guys think? Should I apply? Thanks so much!</p>

2

<p>babyonemoretime -</p>

<p>I’m a parent, but I thought I would answer anyway… </p>

<p>Why not apply? Columbia is beyond competitive, so it is a reach school for everyone. I don’t, and you don’t, know what types of students they will be looking for the year you apply. How you present yourself will matter a lot. With C’s on your transcript, I would get some advice from a counselor or someone in the know on how to address it in your application, but it’s not the end-of-the-world. Unless you can’t afford the application fee or it will be too emotionally devastating to be rejected, what do you have to lose?</p>

<p>Oh, and as a parent of a black applicant - that only helps a tiny, tiny bit, and I would think at Columbia not at all. They probably have their pick of top students with diverse backgrounds, so unless your story has more to it than race - (did you struggle up from poverty too? have you triumphed over adversity? are you a star something? athlete?) A lot of people told me my 800 Math SAT black female STEM focused child would have her pick of schools, and well, no. Apparently, they’ve got enough of those too! :slight_smile: (However, she did end up somewhere she loves, the best fit, and a great school - just not an ivy)</p>

<p>Good luck, work hard, apply broadly, have an open mind about colleges and know that you will find a place. And, if you don’t find your dream freshman year - look into transferring! I know a few kids who did that and found happiness their sophomore year.</p>