<p>okay...considering the SAT I's have become this test in which strategy is integral and intelligence optional, would columbia put more emphasis on SAT II's? or does it not really matter? they wouldn't just bypass your app. altogether just becuase you have mediocre/decent SAT scores...would they? i know lots of people who do well in school but received relatively low SAT scores. and i also know a number of people who do crappy in school, but because they went to a test prep center where they learned to crack/unlock(or whatever else those places use in their pitch) the SAT's, they did well. i guess im wondering just how much emphasis is put on your standardized test scores?</p>
<p>Intelligence is not "optional" on the SAT, otherwise every spoiled rich kid with an unlimited supply of cash for private SAT tutoring would manage to get a 1500+. Test prep helps and the test can be gamed, but what the expensive test prep companies tell you is what you can find in a $25 review book. You can only improve to the extent of your intellectual potential and the effort you put into studying. And why would the SAT2's be any different as far as strategy vs. intelligence?</p>
<p>Some people who did well on the SAT but did badly in school could be the types who are naturally smart but lazy underachievers. Similarly, people who are the reverse could be people who work very hard but really aren't that smart or simply don't have an aptitude for arcane tests.</p>
<p>Columbia looks at your entire academic record. They want strong scores AND grades.</p>
<p>First posting. Columbia2002, re: your comment on strong grades, I have great test scores, but my grades didn't really become excellent until my junior year. 9th & 10th grade were good, but not superior. Very competitive school. I have always taken honors and will have 7 APs (all 5s so far). Do you think I should address my lower grades (B to A-) somewhere in application process or is the positive trend enough?</p>
<p>It depends on how you will "address" these grades. If you were sick or had a death in the family or something, explaining would be helpful. If not, the upward grade trend will be obvious. If there is really nothing you can say that will help explain away the lower grades, there's no point in calling attention to your weaknesses.</p>
<p>While 4 excellent years is ideal, you're better off with an upward trend than 4 mediocre years. I'm not saying that Columbia will ignore your underclassman grades, but they do recognize that smart and talented people aren't necessarily top students in 9th grade.</p>