My chances at Columbia University

<p>Hey guys can you speculate what my chances of getting accepted to Columbia University are based on the following information. I am applying regular decision to COLUMBIA COLLEGE.
I am a junior/senior graduating in an accelerated 3 year program with the following classes.
3 years of English
3 years of Math (Math A, Math B, Pre- Calculus)
3 years of History (one year of U.S. and two years of Global)
2 years of Spanish
2 years of Science with Lab. (Liv. environment with Lab, Chemistry with Lab, and AP environmental Science with Lab)
3 years of P.E.
1 semester of Music
1 semester of Art History
Regents Scores:
Math A= 95
Math B=96
U.S. = 96
Liv. Environ. = 81
Chemistry = 89
I will graduate with a Advanced Regents Diploma and with 15 College Credits through the College Now Program offered at CUNY schools for high school students.
SAT Scores: I took it twice
First time: 1810/2400
1220/1600
Reading: 530
Math:690
Writing:590
The second time was this Nov. and I have not recieved my scores but I believe based on assumptions I will get a 1360/1600 and 2000 - 2100/2400.
SAT IIs, I will take in December and most likely I will get the following scores.
Chemistry: 700+
Math 1: 750+ (possibly a 800)
Math 2: 700+
My cumulative GPA is a 97.04 or 3.9
Extracurricular Activities/Clubs: College Now Programs, Alianza Dominica Inc., Biotechnology Class, NASA/STEP Proyecto Access Program for Pre- Engineers at Hostos Community College, Newspaper/English Club(Head of Sports/Puzzles), Guitar Club(regular student), Math Club (Tutor/President).
Community Service: Volunteer work at the Library 40+ hours over 3 months. Community Service with the 92nd Street Y(cooking with little kids and homework help with little kids) 30 hours in 16 days over 8 weeks.
Awards/Memberships:
Improvement Award in Physical Education – 2007
Alianza Dominica, Inc Outstanding Performance and Contributions Certificate – 2007
Certificate of Achievement in Alianza Dominica Inc AIDP/CAPS Program – 2007
Medal for Alianza Dominica AIDP/CAPS Program “For Your Improvement 2007”
Certificate of Excellence for Grade Improvement in High School for Medical Science – 2007
Perfect Attendance –2006 – 2007
Perfect Attendance – 2007 – 2008
Member of National Honor Society – 2007 – 2009
American Chemical Society Certificate for Participation in the 2008 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Local Competition
Member of Gauss Honors Class – 2007 – 2009
Graduating in three years with all Required High School Credits and 15 College Credits.
Skills/Talents
Bilingual, Excellent Basketball, Baseball, and Football player. Able to play piano, guitar, and recorder. Expert at using and navigating a Computer, Microsoft Windows XP Processor System, the Internet, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Picture Manager, Computer Security Systems, and installing software. Typing Speed: 68 Words per minute.
Letters: Two letters from my math and global teacher who I know wrote the best of me and should win over most college admissions officers.
Personal Essay: My personal essay is about how I wanted to become a heart surgeon but as I grew up I realized my innate skills and how I can use those skills in the field of computer engineer.
Interview: Planning on getting a interview(hopefully I will blow them away with my personality)
So guys, just assume a 2100 on the SAT and assume the SAT Subject Test scores are what I get, honestly do you think I have a shot at this school and if you guys think I am missing some things do not hesitate to tell me what those things are. If you guys know any secrets or other things that will increase my chances, please tell me. I appreciate any comments that will help me to get in this IVY LEAGUE school.</p>

<p>Dude, I hope you're not being serious.</p>

<p>"Perfect Attendance"
"Improvement Award in Physical Education"
"Expert at using and navigating a Computer, Microsoft Windows XP Processor System, the Internet, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, Picture Manager, Computer Security Systems, and installing software. Typing Speed: 68 Words per minute"</p>

<p>Get rid of the superfluous stuff. Have you looked at the application? You don't have room to list half of the things you list here. You might want to shorten up your thread here cause very few people will look through it. </p>

<p>The only thing that got my attention was that you graduated from hs in 3 years. If that is the case they might want to see the "maturity" factor (refer to Columbia vs. Denzera).</p>

<p>All that extra stuff is on my resume which Columbia will see. And yes I have seen their online app because I have started it already. I posted all of this show people what the college admissions will see.</p>

<p>definitely worth applying</p>

<p>um. ok. stop advertising pls madeas.</p>

<p>You should get rid of little stuff (i.e. perfect attendance, typing speed, etc.), Columbia specifically asks that you not attach a resume in the additional info section.</p>

<p>If that is the case, then how does Columbia break down its selections. Surely cannot be on SAT I, SAT IIs, ACT, AP, Secondary H.S. Transcripts and classes, personal essays, and letter of recommendations. If they only look at say 3 extra activities, how do they break down the students. Doesn't many people have great gpas, essays, letters, and sat scores? They have to look at what you contributed to society and all the things you have won such as awards. If not, then their selective process is on grades and letters, right??
For the people who did a bunch of volunteer work/extra activities how will you show Columbia that you have done those without being superfluous.</p>

<p>dude, they won't CARE that you had perfect attendance. there could be one guy that is 1 day off perfect attendance and just got sick one day. </p>

<p>"Expert at using and navigating a Computer, Microsoft Windows XP Processor System..."
umm, it's like you're trying to play up these very common skills. I'd say all applicants would know how to use a computer, internet, and common applications. "Typing Speed: 68 Words per minute." you're kidding me right?</p>

<p>All that stuff not only doesn't help you at all, it will hurt you because it seems like you have nothing important to put, so you try to glorify these useless things.</p>

<p>my advice? raise your SAT I score.</p>

<p>johnnytest, there is a section for ECs (with stringent character limits), they do look at ECs, they just ask that you use THEIR form and not your own.</p>

<p>I suggest that you look at the Columbia application.</p>

<p>Also, all of the trivial little awards (like attendance...and typing speed, they don't care!) just make you seem desperate...</p>

<p>Yes, please don't put down the typing speed stuff. As someone already said, Columbia specifically asks for people not to send resumes. You'll just have to differentiate yourself from the other applicants using the space provided. </p>

<p>As you probably know already, your current SAT score is a bit low for Columbia. So retake it and try and score higher.</p>

<p>thank you thebeef and fhg I did not see the NOT send resumes thing, but glad that you said it, I hope it wont hurt that i attatched it on the commonapp :X</p>

<p>^^Columbia doesn't use the common app so they shouldn't see your common app.</p>

<p>no i meant that for the colleges on the commonapp they won't look down on that fact that i attatched a resume</p>

<p>so, is anyone going to send their resume in or something else as an extra to columbia?</p>

<p>i mean, i talked to an admissions officer who said only attach something if it is something significant you havent shown on your app. as in, its a HUGE part of you that's missing.</p>

<p>so if you really feel that all that extra stuff you put down is really important to you -- by all means put it. i just dont think that stuff like "im an excellent sports player" (they'll recruit you...) or "perf. attendance" will help you stand out.</p>

<p>SAT I scores are weak (not meant to be insulting, trust me, I'm suffering a similar situation.) And most my friends (due to AIM) type at at least 90 WPM haha so it's not too impressive, not that you'd mention something like that in your profile anyway.</p>

<p>To answer someone else's question---Columbia gave me the impression they really didn't want extra stuff unless it really has some huge impact or has to due with whatever you want to pursue (I'm assuming maybe performing arts?)</p>

<p>a 97.49 is a 4.0 gpa. anywhere from 95-100 is a 4.0. A 3.9 would be a 94 and 3.8 93.</p>

<p>bump for more help</p>

<p>what more would you like to know? </p>

<p>do you belong to a minority group? that usually counts toward your favor.</p>

<p>U got madddddddddd unnecessary stuff....dont send it out yet or ur gonna get denied......i currently attend columbia u and all i did was sell myself in my essay...i had a 2000 on my sat and a 99.01 gpa</p>