<p>Academics are good
Assuming you spend a lot of time at those EC they aren’t weak, they want to see applicants very involved over long periods of time in a few things.
If your essay is great you have a really good shot.<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/columbia-university/1181591-dream-possibly-reality-any-feedback-appreciated.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/columbia-university/1181591-dream-possibly-reality-any-feedback-appreciated.html</a></p>
<p>You definitely have potential to be a competitive applicant at all of these schools. You may want to spread your horizons beyond just sciences. Many schools are more holistic nowadays and actually WANT well rounded candidates. But you never know! For these schools, it may just be luck whether you get in or not. hope this helped a bit!</p>
<p>Right now you have a reasonable chance at any of these (pretty competitive) schools. I’m repeating others when I say that ECs are weak. Retake Bio E … for the really competitive schools like the ones you’re applying to, it’s kinda low. Also, your ECs/activities should have some focus to them. </p>
<p>I’m kind of seeing stereotypical Indian/Asian. Tennis, business, science and math teams are just fitting the bill. I don’t know how it is at your school, but it definitely is that way in my school. If you really do have a passion for one of these clubs, you should emphasize that somehow so they (adcoms) know you’re not just filling up your application. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>EC’s are going to need major work. You need something substantial in fields of your interest For example I viewed multiple surgeries and have performed a laparoscopic hysterectomy. I also produce digital music and market workout routines via my own websites. As Indians (I am too!), we have it tough and we need something unique. Unfortunately, I love science as do many Indians/Asians so I needed to do something eye-catching and rare (the surgery experience) that very few people in my pool will have. My suggestion is to get as much international experience (on your next trip to India maybe go volunteer in the slums or something?) and maybe gain some national level awards as someone stated earlier. Academics will only get you through the first cut. Your EC’s will get you through the rest.</p>
<p>Bump…</p>
<p>I have now played a year of varsity golf and our team won a state championship, and I am in mu alpha theta and captain of academic decathlon. GPA is looking similar except lit is difficult. I took the sat and got a 2330. 800 math 780 crit and 750 writing.</p>
<p>Also, how do you get the opportunity to do things like a basic surgery? I don’t know what kind of things I could do? I at least want to try something new</p>