MY CHANCES INTO COLUMBIA PLEASE!!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

I had always wanted to go to Columbia, and it has been my goal since my freshman year. People around me always knew how hard I have been working to achieve my goals. I really want to major in a science research field, and I live in New York City. I honestly believe that Columbia University is my best bet in NYC. Can you please look at my STATS and PLEASE tell me my chances and what I could possibly do to improve my chances in the remaining time. I am planning to apply Early Decision to increase my chances.

I am part of Forest Hills High School’s Carl Sagan Math and Science Honors Program
I currently have a 4.0 and I rank approximately 15th out of 900 students. I know this is bad but I have several Extra-Curricular activities, which can hopefully back it up.

I received a 1710 on my SAT on March. I am retaking it on June for above a 2000, which I know for sure I can get b/c I took a real SAT test last week but not with Collegeboard. If worst comes to worse, I will retake my SAT in my senior year. I am also planning to take my ACT on June, and I am studying really hard for it. I have taken my SAT II in May and will get my results in few weeks; I have taken Math II, US history, and Biology.

I am a South Asian, and the first one in the family to go to college; my family has low income. I am planning to go into the medical field in the future. I know this is stereotypical! LOL

My High School Courses
9th Grade
English 1 carl sagan- 97
Drama(over the summer)- 100
Health Honors (summer)- 97
Latin Enrichment- 94
Spanish 1- 97
Global History Carl Sagan- 100
Algebra Honors- 92
Living Envronment- 98
Biology Research- 100
** I also partipated in volleyball and Track and field for fun!

10th Grade
English 2 honors- 92
Spanish- 92
AP WORLD HISTORY- 95

Geometry Honors- 90
Advanced Algebra and Trig Honors- 95
Chemistry Honors- 90
Chemistry Lab- 93
Biology Research- 96
Beginner Strings- 98
**** I did not get the best grades in my sophomore year, because I was fighting depression. Also there was some problems within my family…

11th Grade
AP Psychology- 99
Pre-Calculus- 90
AP US History- 97
English Honors- 98
Spanish Honors- 100
Intermediate Strings- 100
Physics- 95
Biology Research- 100

I am currently taking Calculus 151 at a nearby college to increase my math skills, and I am so far doing pretty well.

REGENT SCORES
English Regents- 91
Global History Regents- 96
Algebra Regents- 94
Geometry Regents- 94
Trig Regents- 90
Living Environment Regents- 97

Chemistry Regents- 80 <-- I had a really bad fever that day. :( Should I retake it?

SYEP at Forest Hills High School
Worked as page in Forest Hills Queens Public Library
Part of The YMCA and worked on several projects. I created a presentation to show how advertisements effect underage drinking, and had to present it to a company.

Leadership
March 2012-2014: Chairman of Key Club Public Relations Committee and Key Club K-Family
September 2013-Present: President of the Animal Rights Club
March 2013-Present: Key Club Secretary
September 2014- Present: Representative of the student government

Achievements
1st place in Freshman School Science Fair
Completed Work Readiness Certification

3rd place in Queens College Science Fair in Sophomore Year
Best Librarian Helper of the Year Award
NYCSEF finalist

Mist Semi-Finalist
Distinguished Key Club Award & Perfect Key Club Secretary Paperwork Award
HIRES Internship in City University (ACCEPTED: TO BE COMPLETED BY END OF SUMMER)
Raised over $700 to donate for animal rights charities

Other
June 2013: Mentor in Basketball Buddies program at the YMCA
New Life Church volunteer for 4 years!
Adept in Violin for 4 years!
Volunteer in Bideawee and group mentor for 3 years!
Member of National Honors Society & National History Honors Society for 2 years!
Internship at Elmhurst Hospital for 3 years!
Questbridge College Scholar & Quest for Excellence- New York City Award <-- hopefully I can be accepted to QuestBridge as Finalist for Columbia University

I participated in several other programs, but I decided to focus on mainly science based actives.

2

Hopefully my Senior Course Load will be:

AP Calc BC
AP Biology
AP GOVERNMENT
AP Statistics
AP Anatomy & Health
Hospital Internship
English 4
Spanish Conversation
*** Maybe, Symphonic Orchestra if I have space

3

You may want to bump your SAT up to 2200 before you seriously consider Columbia. Maybe aim even higher, since overrepresented minorities need significantly higher grades to compete.
Additionally, you should retake the Chemistry regents if you can. Since your focus is on science research, your science grades will be of greater importance, and having a 80 on a relatively simple final won’t look too great. Your EC looks pretty good though.

Are the grades you listed weighted? It seems that way since your AP class averages are higher than your typical regent classes. If they are, your science and math grades are mediocre considering typical applicants of Columbia. Also, I wouldn’t recommend applying with ED. You’re going to be competing with highly competitive applicants if you do. Sure, it may show interest, but last time I checked, interest of applicants isn’t anything special for Columbia.
Sorry if I was a bit blunt.

4

Your class ranking is fine. Your (current) scores aren’t. And your ECs don’t stand out enough to overcome the scores. Look, take the tests again…you may well be able to make a large leap. But also cast a wide net for other schools…Columbia is a reach for everybody.

5

Thank you for giving great advice! @SouthernHope what types of ECs would you say would help me stand out? Would being voted for the President of National Honor Society be good too? What do you think I can possibly do to improve my application as much as possible? Also by “testscores” do you mean the SAT? If I were to increase my SAT alot, do you think I have a pretty good chance?

@Kelvas Thank you! I will definitely be retaking it! Do you think colleges will take into consideration of my family’s low income, and the fact that I am a first generation? I hope to write a essay explaning my circumstances. Also I will try really hard to raise my SAT and my chemistry regents. Hopefully, Columbia can see how hard I worked.

6

I would also work on raising your scores and really work on writing a distinctive compelling essay. You really need to stand out and the essay is your platform.

7

If you want to stay in NYC, also apply to the CUNY’s Honors College. It’s fabulous financially and academically.