Last-minute chance for a troubled ED applicant

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>Hey, guys. I'd like your honest opinion on my chances along with any advice that you, in all your collegeconfidential wisdom, have to offer. I'll chance you back by request!</p>

<p>SAT: 2370 superscore. Since Columbia requires all scores to be sent, I guess it's relevant, albeit a little painful, to post them:</p>

<p>1st testing: 800 CR 710 M 770 W--with an 8 on the essay (I know!) and an 80 MC</p>

<p>2nd testing: 740 CR 800 M 770 W--ANOTHER 8 and ANOTHER 80</p>

<p>SAT IIs: 790 US History, 750 Literature</p>

<p>GPA: 4.2-ish on a 4.33 scale. weird, I know. weighted GPA is a 4.4359, and the ceiling for weighted GPAs at my school is unclear even to the guidance counselors. wth?</p>

<p>Rank: 2/136 </p>

<p>Essays: Not bad, I guess. Nothing too eccentric, but definitely solid and thoughtful prose.</p>

<p>Teacher Recs: Two very enthusiastic teachers whose experience with Ivy-league recs I nevertheless question. But they were my best options and I don't regret my choice, really.</p>

<p>Counselor Rec: Possibly blows. She loved me, but see above.</p>

<p>Hook (if any): Recruited athlete</p>

<p>State or Country: PA</p>

<p>School Type: Public</p>

<p>Ethnicity: Caucasian </p>

<p>Gender: Male </p>

<p>Other Factors: Middle-middle-class income. </p>

<p>National merit semi-finalist</p>

<p>attended various conferences over three summers</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: </p>

<p>Varsity wrestling 9-12. Various recognitions...all-state, etc. Captain my junior and senior years.</p>

<p>Future Business Leaders of America, 9-12. Secretary in 10th, president in 11th. Won 5th at the national conference in my freshman year.</p>

<p>Founded my school's literary magazine my junior year. It's more involved than it sounds, especially when it comes to coordinating fundraisers without direct involvement of your advisor.</p>

<p>Held class office 10th and 11th grade, student council 11th and 12th. These things are subject to election, which explains the parity in years.</p>

<p>Church youth group leader 9-12</p>

<p>I didn't feed any towns in Zimbabwe, nor did I win the nobel peace prize for my book about genocide in east timor. oh, well.</p>

<p>Here's the doozy, though. I was suspended for cheating on a biology quiz my sophomore year. I was frank about it on my application and tried my best to convey my remorse and the lesson I learned from the whole ordeal--all of which was genuine. </p>

<p>So let's hear it, cc-ers. Do your worst, I'm a big boy :/</p>

2

<p>Why are you troubled? You seem very mature. I don’t like chances threads, but I would be pleased to see you as a Lion with my younger son.</p>

3

<p>Wait, you were suspended for cheating on a quiz? Really? That seems unbelievably harsh. What type of school do you go to?</p>

4

<p>I don’t think you have to worry. You’ve recovered well (judging by what you’ve posted). You’ve already applied so now all you have to do is wait. Update everyone when you find out the decision!</p>

5

<p>I’m no expert but your stats sound pretty good to me. I’d say you’ve got a very decent shot, better than many. Relax (if you can :wink: ) and good luck!</p>

6

<p>public. my punishment, which included a year-long ban on all school trips, was kind of draconian,and there were a lot of other outrageous factors in the whole debacle, but all that matters now is how it’ll affect my columbia prospects, i guess. funny, the administration SWORE they wouldn’t disclose it on my applications, but they did anyway. c’est la vie.</p>

7

<p>you’re either 100% in or 100% out. all based on that cheating thing…</p>

8

<p>I agree with saltyballs. While people do indeed make mistakes, I’d be willing to bet that every person on cc has cheated on at least once on SOMETHING in their lives (me included…), you did get caught, which does not help. Your stats are great although I think your ECs may be a little lacking. While I don’t believe this opinions stems from my resentment for people with higher scores, stats are not everything. You are accomplished in school, near perfect SAT’s and such, but you have to remember that a lot of other kids have the same. Certainly not all of the applicants, but there are plenty like you, and plenty don’t get in. I’m applying to Columbia too and I’m not saying you have worse shot than I, but keep in mind chances threads are misguided optimistic and pessimistic speculation, at best.</p>

<p>Overall though I think you stand a hefty shot (that cheating thing can go either way.)</p>