Note to all the "chances" posters . . .

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
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<p>Hey everyone!</p>

<p>I was accepted into Columbia's class of 2010 regular decision, much to my surprise. I was totally shocked when I got the "big" envelope, because I knew that my "stats" were much less impressive than the vast majority of those accepted.</p>

<p>I had high test scores, but so did every other applicant, right? I took only two AP tests Junior year, and no AP classes. I am not a concert pianist or an award-winning artist or a past Olympian (yes, I found out that some of these are actually in my class). But I am living proof that the Admissions Committee really does look to see if you "take advantage of the resources available to you".</p>

<p>My test scores weren't impressive compared to the rest of the applicant pool, but are considering I attended a Title 1 school (i.e., the government had issued a warning to our school that if our low test scores did not improve, they would intervene through merit of the No Child Left Behind Act), they were high. Also, my school offered no AP classes, and I had study mostly on my own time for the two tests that I did take.</p>

<p>My application essay described how I learned about humility from an Alanis Morissette song played in English class; and when asked to list books I read for fun, I included American Psycho and Harry Potter.</p>

<p>I guess the point I'm trying to make is that the Committee seems to care much more that you do YOUR best, rather than that you are THE best. Also, at least in my case, presenting oneself honestly helps as well. Don't try to tell the Committee what you think they want to hear; if you have to put up a fa</p>

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<p>Thanks =)
I shall remain hopeful.</p>

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<p>I love it when people post encouraging stuff like this :)</p>

<p>I'm so tired of hearing that my SAT is "too low" for Columbia and a few of the other schools on my list (because a lot of people seem to be under the impression that to get into a good school you have to have, like, a 2250 or so)</p>

4

<p>just to corroborate Lupin435's point</p>

<p>I was also accepted into class of 2010 with a 1950 on my SAT-dont let any one (especially on this site) discourage you.</p>

<p>Put your all into your application-and there is hope.</p>

<p>good luck class of 2011 and beyond</p>

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<p>Thanks Lupin and Afrikaan. T_T</p>

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<p>I forgot what my SAT was, but it was hardly over 2000. (2050 or 2070) with 500s writting score and 600s verbal score. I'm not saying that 2200+ scores don't help, sure they do, but dont be obssesive and retest a 2190 just to "get in the range"
be yourself on the application and you'll do fine.</p>

7

<p>Hey guys, those are fine points, but the truth about SAT scores is that it depends what region you're applying from. Leniency is given by admissions committees to areas that traditionally don't perform well. There's a reason why Columbia's 25th/75th SAT percentiles are as high as they are, and in general, almost all of the admitted students fall within these bounds (and yeah there's obviously exceptions)</p>

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<p>Wow, thanks. This post helped a bit. :)</p>