<p>Why do you want to go to Columbia? Judging from your stats, even if you do get in, it will involve a lot of struggling the next four years. Unless those SAT scores were from a year ago and they have drastically improved this year, I think you might want to consider other options. You don't want to go to a college just for its name (although that is important); you want to go to somewhere that is right for you.</p>
<p>A week/3-4 years.... at your dad's office.... If you elaborate on that and make it really really impressive in your app essay (I don't know how), you might have a chance. Also get terrific teachers' recs.</p>
<p>No offense if this came out harsh.</p>
<p>@cerberus: I think/hope the 1430 only includes math and reading scores.</p>
<p>Based on your posted info., Fordham--a great school--is your best option. Lehigh needs females, so it may be another option. Villanova is also another great choice for you.</p>
<p>But I agree with a few of the other comments, why Columbia? Your HS efforts haven't been consistent with Columbia as a goal, and seem to indicate you would struggle big time if you managed to get in</p>
<p>how tough is it to get into the 3-2 year program that is in conjunction with Columbia engineering?</p>
<p>Also, I just loved Columbia when I went to visit, it just felt good and I'm really interested in majoring in a business/engineering mix type program, which financial engineering is perfectly. I know Lehigh has the IBE program as well which i really like.</p>
<p>OP, are you am exceedingly good cheerleader with (equivalent of d1 athlete) under your belt? If not, then... some of the other schools on your list sounded reasonable...</p>
<p>just to give you a reality check, i will give you a simple version of my stat
GPA 3.78 UW 3.98 weighted (we only weigh 0.5 for IB and AP classes, no extra points for honors) i wouldn't say that it's a terrible gpa since our grading scale is preetty crazy.
SAT1460 (CR + M)
SAT 2 Physcis 710 Math 2c 800
treasurer in 11th, vp in 12th grade of NHS
comittee in 11th, historian in 12th of German HS
3 year member of MHS
4 year track runner with 2 varisity letter and pins
National German Test medalist
and blah blah blah page goes on</p>
<p>and Columbia? high reach for me. you know why? because there are ALWAYS a person that is better than us in some way or another. Some kids do internships with college professors, some create their own businesses or charity org. while doing all this stuff, they get high GPAs and high test scores. these kind of people get in. my stats don't really stick out cuz it's mainly in school. i must say i got a way better stat than you do but i know myself that CU is a reach. for you? i say 0% chance.</p>
<p>I know many people that have sued Columbia to help their admission chances. If you intimidate the admins, your acceptance chances increase tenfold, so I think your acceptance is very likely</p>
<p>Sorry---your scores might shoot you down here. And I know alums too, but the what I hear is that unless they give Columbia a whole lot of money, their recommendations won't help unless you've studied under them in some way. Or if they're famous.</p>