<p>Your EC are very focused, I really like that. I think you would be a better for UPenn ED. Regardless of the competition from your school, I think you’ll stand out with your ECs and leadership. With Columbia, it is a big city so if you don’t like the city feel, I would recommend Penn. Everything seems to be in your favor, good luck. I am sure you’ll be great.</p>
<p>Also check out other schools in US besides those two. </p>
<p>Bump!!</p>
<p>Last bump before I send in my application! Any other suggestions?</p>
Update: Committed to Columbia’s Class of 2019. Thanks for the help everyone!
WOW, those ECs are incredible!!! And of course, congrats but I knew you were probably going to be admitted, I will seriously lose faith in humanity if you didn’t. We are very similiar in terms of ethnicity and citizenship ( Chinese and Canadian) Where do you live in Canada? mind being a friend and giving some advices?
@loveunicorns Thanks for the kind words! I think the key is to finding a passion, be it community service, a particular academic subject, or a specific cause. Then effectively communicating that passion in your admission essay. My advice for the essay is to showcase yourself as a genuine, unpretentious, curious, and motivated person. Please remember that a real human is reading your essay, and this is your chance to make a connection. Of course, the other parts of your application have to be decently strong too; for example, achieving a SAT score over 2200, a gpa of at least 3.75-3.8, good recommendation letters etc. In the end, I strongly believe the essay is the biggest factor in determining an “average” applicant’s (ie no legacy, rum status, athletic recruit) outcome in the college process, providing that your other stats are on par.