I wanted to apply ED to Columbia but my parents will not let me due to financial aid. This school is by far my first choice (I have gone on a lot of college tours) and I wanted the boost that ED gives in admissions. If I apply RD how can I show my extreme interest in the school among 30,000+ applicants vs 3,000 in the early decision pool. I’m really worried that I will not be accepted through the RD round and I need to find a way to maximize my chances.
Quick Stats:
4.00 UW GPA (4.69 W)
32 ACT ( 33 superscore)
Black female from Georgia
Strong interest in research and STEM (specifically biochemistry and genetics)
Intended Major: Biochem or neuroscience
Income: ~75,000
Misc: I’m currently planning to pursue the pre-vet track and I also have an interest in dance and music
Columbia does meet full need. However if you parents want to compare financial offers with other schools (ex. perhaps they are hoping you could get a full ride elsewhere) then it is best to not apply ED.
Did you run the NPC for Columbia, to see how much they might give? It’s an essential part of being informed.
And other than an “interest in research and STEM,” what shows it, in your record?
“how can I show my extreme interest…?” This is much more than applying ED or getting on the mailing list. You’ll have a full app and supp to complete and they’ll want to see you know the school and your match.
ED can be risky if there is a concern about cost. You really need to sit down with your parents and see if they can pay what the NPC says. If not, then how can you expect to pay for it if you get accepted? My son has hopes and dreams also but they have to be tempered with financial reality. You need to stay within your budget.
Your parents are right to not allow ED if finances are a concern. If you are truly going to be Pre-vet, you need to be very aware of undergraduate cost. Vet school is very expensive.
I know you have your heart set on Columbia. It is a great school. Unfortunately, this is life. There are lots of things I want and can’t afford. Hang in there. You have a great resume and have done very well. If Columbia happens, then great. But you will also do well in many other schools.
"Are my chances for admission greater if I apply Early Decision?
Although a larger percentage of the Early Decision applicant pool is admitted than of the Regular Decision pool, that higher acceptance rate reflects the remarkable strength of a self-selected group of applicants. A candidate to whom we otherwise would not offer admission is not going to be accepted simply because he or she applied under the Early Decision program."
Have you and your parents run the net price calculator on Columbia and other schools in order to be better informed of the financial aid implications of each school?
Yes I have gone through the NPC for multiple schools with my parents and Columbia is affordable for me. My parents just don’t want to be locked into one school when others might give me better packages and I understand this. I and not asking you guys to help me convince them otherwise I have come to terms with not doing ED. Nobody has really answered my question yet regarding how to help myself in the RD round.
@lookingforward As far as showing my interests, I actively have participated in research for the past 4 years competing in science fair and this past summer I went to a research summer program.
How about school math-sci clubs or activities?
And you show interest in the college and advance your shot by knowing your match- not “I love NYC” or “You’re a top school and I want a top school” or the architecture, etc. Because kids with true interest have explored to that level, know what the school offers them and they offer the school, and can answer a Why Us question appropriately.
My only idea is that if you haven’t interviewed yet you might want to contact admissions and see if you can schedule an alumni interview near where you live. Other than that the best way to improve your chances is through your application itself --with strong well-written essays, LORs from teachers who know you well and can explain what makes you stand out, perhaps get a supplemental recommendation from the person your did your summer research with etc.
The ED advantage is mostly a mirage. Recruited athletes and legacy (no legacy bump in RD) make up a pretty disproportionate share of ED admits. So believe the school when it says no one gets admitted ED who wouldn’t get admitted RD.
Your parents’ concern about finances is a serious consideration and they need a realistic sense of what they might have to pay. But, they shouldn’t assume that in-state public options are less expensive. But if Columbia is your clear first choice, I’d tell your parents the following:
Students are released from the ED commitment for financial reasons (either a change of circumstances or that the FA package isn’t enough). So if the package isn’t good enough, you can decline and wait for decisions from other schools.
Essentially all Questbridge applicants will have a $0 family contribution. No FC for incomes under $60k and Questbridge’s limit is $65k.
Columbia does not include loans in FA packages. Nearly all public schools will offer loans first after Pell grants.
You will likely only need to come up with the student contribution, which includes work study during the school year and summer earnings. And, Columbia has a work exemption program so students receiving financial aid can take unpaid summer internships to further reduce your student contribution.
At an info session for Columbia (and even on their website) they say that they meet 100% need based financial aid and that any family with an average income lower than the tuition does not need to pay