<p>I'm a junior this year but am considering applying to Columbia next year. My freshman and sophomore GPA's were both 3.7 UW. This year I am taking 6 AP's, most of which are extremely hard courses at my high school (also a very academically rigorous high school in general), and my first semester GPA fell to around a 3.3-3.4 UW. Based on simple calculations, I can pull my junior year GPA up to a 3.8 UW if I do extremely (but still realistically) well second semester. I am taking the SAT's in March, but have taken 6 practice tests so far and have averaged between 2250-2300, which is above the average combined SAT score for Columbia acceptees. </p>
<p>So my question is, assuming my real SAT scores fall in the ballpark of my practice scores, which are at if not above average for Columbia, and I pull my GPA up to a 3.8, which I've heard is barely average for Columbia but still an impressive upward trend considering course difficulty, how should my chances of getting in look? I also have a very impressive musical resume, making 1st chair trumpet in multiple state jazz bands, winning national festivals with my high school band, winning national composition contests, and placing as a finalist via audition for a national jazz band.</p>
<p>No one can “chance” you. Indeed, be wary of those who claim such skills of prognostication. Will you only apply to a school if guaranteed admission up-front? Since that will not happen, why not apply??? You have nothing to lose, as long as you have constructed a “smart list” of schools to which you will apply: reaches, matches, and safeties.</p>
<p>As you can probably surmise, I think “chancing” threads are ludicrous. Advice threads can be useful, “chancing” threads are a total waste of time. The only persons who can chance you are those in the admissions offices of the schools to which you apply. They will render their decisions on an appointed date. Until that date, no one should pretend to know what such decisions will be. All you can do is your best, and hope for the best in return.</p>
<p>That said, I see no reason – given your post – why you shouldn’t apply. So…apply. But, that is as far as I can ethically go in offering an opinion.</p>
<p>Good luck!!!</p>
<p>You certainly have a chance at Columbia. Make sure you have an amazing first semester of senior year. In fact, it may be prudent that you apply regular decision, since a high GPA during your first semester of senior year would help immensely. Of course, you still have a chance if you apply EA/SCEA/ED to a top school such as a Columbia, but with upward trend applicants, that first semester can make a difference. </p>
<p>It’s up to you. You have a chance, so I’d apply.</p>