Quick Question :)

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>I'm new to this forum; joined because I was quite intrigued by the level of intelligence all of you have demonstrated. With more than 4.0 GPA's I can tell you all are geeks, in the best sense of the word of course! ;)</p>

<p>Now my question is, is it POSSIBLE, remember the question is if it's possible and not if it's "extremely difficult", etc. to get into an Ivy League university, such as Columbia College, with very poor academic presentation in freshman and sophomore years of high school? Obviously, however, with extreme improvement in junior year?</p>

<p>I mean, imagine the worst grades possible in the first two years: 3.0 GPA, 1600 on PSAT's and then jumping right up to 4.0 and 2200 on SAT's in junior year...so is it possible to be considered into Columbia? </p>

<p>Unfortunately I have to admit that I am referring to myself...these grades clearly depict me as one of those "you crazy?!" for applying kind of people...but after slacking off I know how to get back in shape, I am taking a very rigorous courseload and though overwhelming, I think I can handle it.</p>

<p>As for EC's, I also didn't care for them in the first two years of high school, and I'm hoping to change that completely in the next two years.</p>

<p>Basically I'm hoping for a complete turn-around...so I'd greatly appreciate and welcome and suggestions as to what to do at this point besides study hard and especially for the SAT's. School is starting in less than a week, and my main concern, is EC's, volunteering, as well as getting a job...</p>

<p>Yes I know I'm being ridiculous but like I said, my question is, is it possible, because I know that it's easier said than done.</p>

<p>Oh, and, please reply with something besides "anything's possible." :)</p>

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<p>And sorry for making that a little longer than a "quick question." ;)</p>

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<p>Since none of us are Columbia admissions officers, and none has a crystal ball, no one can say anything other than "Anything's possible." So rather than look at "possibilities", let's look at it another way.</p>

<p>You want to go to Columbia. You can't do anything about your freshman and sophomore years; they're in the past. Let's also assume that you do have a phenomenal junior year. </p>

<p>What's the downside to applying to Columbia? You lose an application fee and some time spent doing the application. The worst that can happen is you don't get in. What's the upside? You do get in.</p>

<p>What's the upside to not applying to Columbia? You don't spend the application fee or the time, and you avoid the disappointment of not getting in. What's the downside? There's no chance that you can get in. Your chances of getting into schools you don't apply to are 0.</p>

<p>So why not apply and see what happens?</p>

<p>And let's say that someone here tells you that there is no chance for you at Columbia. Do you then intend to slack off on your junior year? Will you only work hard if someone tells you that it is possible for you to get into Columbia? If the answer is No, then what does that possibility matter?</p>

<p>Work hard, find something you like to do for an EC, and apply to Columbia. Your chances on application are better than none.</p>

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<p>Chedva, </p>

<p>Actually, the "disappointment" is a huge deal for me. And while that may be pathetic, I just wanted to know if there is any chance to begin with. Anyway, if anything really is possible, then yes, I'll just have to do the obvious work this year. As of now I don't think, at least academically, I'm Columbia material, but I know that I am more than capable of changing that.</p>

<p>By the way, in response to: "none of us are Columbia admissions officers"...who are you guys anyway? It just seems I am in the presence of intellectuals, which, unfortunately, isn't the norm (at least amongst most of the people I've spoken to.)</p>

<p>Anyway, enough of my rambling, thanks for your reply. :)</p>

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<p>Assuming you are successful with your plans for your junior year, ANY college including Columbia will take note of such a turn around. It will be important to explain to schools why the first years were so disappointing academically. If it was just because you were a slacker say so. But follow this up with why you changed and what you learned along the way. The "failures" of the first two years have probably taught you many things about yourself that could be used in an effective admissions essay. Adcoms understand that life is not always easy or fair (or motivated) and take all manner of situations under consideration when making admission decisions.</p>

<p>With your academic background it will be important to have the support of a teacher or counselor who will take up the fight with you to reach your goal. Sit down with them and talk to them about your plans. Have specifics about how and WHY you think you can achieve them. Counselors and teachers are human, they may doubt your goals if all they have ever seen of you is the unmotivated student. If you don't have anyone at school right now that fits this bill talk to them until you DO have one. (You may have to work at your grades for a few months to show that you are really serious about your change.) Your chances at any selective school, like Columbia, and even most 2nd tier schools will depend on a good recommendation and supporting information about your HS history from a school staff member. This is not to say, however, that if you don't get that support it will be THEIR fault if you are not admitted to a selective school! But, you seem to understand that your actions of the first 2 HS years are having and are going to continue to have consequences.</p>

<p>It is important to find a match school that you could be happy at if you don't get accepted at Columbia. If Columbia is still your goal, excel at your match school and work towards a transfer. </p>

<p>Good luck with your plans.</p>

<p>PS - :) As to the question "Who are we?" I'm a mom who has gone through the selective college admissions process with a D and have worked in the college and career center as a volunteer for the last 3 years at my D's old high school. So not an expert by any means, but have seen first hand a lot of the situations asked about here on CC.</p>

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<p>Thanks for your reply CopterMom, I found it very helpful. :)</p>

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<p>Don't colleges ever take into account that many ECs are exclusive and only people in grades 11-12 can do certain activities?</p>

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<p>Chances of any top college ignoring 2 bad years are slim to none. There are just too many candidates who do well all 4 years and have strong ECs throughout. You have 2 choices. You can do extremely well from here on, go to the best possible college that takes you and transfer. You can go to one of the many very good but not ivy calibre schools that will accept you and go to Columbia for grad school.</p>