<p>Yesterday, I was able to visit Columbia's campus and absolutely fell in love with the university. I already knew a bit about it and liked some things about it but actually SEEING it sealed the deal for me.</p>
<p>I want to go to Columbia. My concern: does Columbia want me there? I haven't had the opportunity of attending high-priced private schools with a serious emphasis on academics and such. I'm in an inner-city Cleveland public high school. I take honors classes and community college classes, but no APs. At the community college, I have a 4.0 average, after taking about 24 credits or so. I don't have my transcript with me so I'm not 100% sure about that. At high school, I think I have a 4.25.</p>
<p>I have horrible SAT scores. Well, depending on whom I'm compared with. The average of my school is a 900. The middle range of Columbia is 1370 -1520. My score is 1190. Good for my school, bad for Columbia. It's too late to do anything about changing them. I took my final SAT in November and the scores will be posted on the 19th, but I doubt I've raised it to Columbia-level.</p>
<p>Is it ludicrous to even think I have the slightest chance? I know some schools place more weight on standerdized test scores than others, but I'm not very sure where Columbia stands with test scores. I really do love Columbia, everything I've heard about it and everything I've seen and I could actually see myself there, which I couldn't at any other schools. Do I stand a chance?</p>
<p>Even if your score is as low as you say it is you would probably be picked if you are able to round out your application with really good ECs and recommendations, but if not I don't think you really have a chance at Columbia.</p>
<p>Aw I wish the whole process wasn't so centered on test scores. You seem like a great person for Columbia to have on campus, and I wish you best of luck and hope you'll get into the college. But it would definitely be a long shot :(</p>
<p>You can do it. Just make sure that you have great SAT II scores. These are a lot easier to prep for. So you can get a 800 if you really put your mind to it. Also. note that Columbia is not the end of the world.
I am learning that. Consider other schools too. What are some other schools you are looking at?
You seem like a really cool person.I hope we both get in so that we can talk.
Also, if you are a minority, have a great essay, and/or can get some phenomenal rec letters you really are not that far behind.</p>
<p>National Honor Society: Served as Historian for 2003-2004 school year
Student Council: Freshman Student Representative; Junior Class Secretary; Senior Class Secretary
Drama Club
Broadcasting Club: On-air Anchor
Robotics Team: Marketing Division
Peer Mediation Team
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society of the Two Year College
Church and Church Youth Group Member
Church Bowling Team</p>
<p>And I don't know exactly where this would even fit in, if it would, as an EC, but I've volunteered at a nearby hospital in their children's department, I've led a children's class for a summer program at one of the churches in my area, I help with my church's children's church every other Sunday and occasionally teach a class on Wednesday, I participated in the first student program sponsored by Business and Professional Women Foundation, I've volunteered with a food pantry over the summer, I've volunteered twice at special Rainbow Babies and Children Hospital programs, and I was a mentor for a year with Big Brothers, Big Sister.</p>
<p>I'm not a minority and I don't know how I'll do with the SAT IIs. I'm taking the December 2 test. Currently, I'm signed up for Writing, Literature, and Math I. I feel okay about the Writing and Literature tests but I'm weak in Math. I've been studying for it, however, so I hope that helps some.</p>
<p>I know it wouldn't be the end of the world and that I would learn to like wherever I end up because college is what you make of it. And I'm not ruling out every single other school for Columbia. I've visited other schools and looked at other programs and considered places a lot closer to my home, but this is just the one that I feel the best at. I don't know if that makes any sense but I just feel like I should go there. I don't really have any realistic choices, since the other schools that I would love to attend are also difficult to get into and would also take a miracle or two--Smith College, Barnard College, NYU, and Brown University.</p>
<p>Also: After I posted this thread I realized that it was on the wrong board. I apologize for that and I appreciate that you're answering my question anyway. :)</p>
<p>This is still an appropriate board for your thread, seeing as how it concerns Columbia and your chances at being accepted.</p>
<p>Although that SAT score is at the lower end of Columbia's score spectrum, you can never rule out your chances. It looks like you are very well-rounded in other areas, and still strong academically. It's going to be more of a reach, but I think the possibility of being accepted still exists...</p>
<p>Hmm.. if your SAT scores are really way below the "average SAT scores" then I'm afraid it's going to be really hard. But I think every applicant has a 'chance'.. they should do anyway.</p>
<p>From experience, this one girl from my school last year had 1200~ish and she was amazing at drama, but she got R from Columbia.
She's now at UCLA..</p>
<p>I personally don't have amazing SAT scores (1350 - 680,670), but ECs, recs, pure PASSION and sheer LOVE subsistutes for the not-so-amazing score....</p>
<p>After all folks, do numbers define who we are?????? Of course not! :) lol</p>
<p>catnamedzane, I'm sure there are anomalies.. So!!! If Columbia is what you love, there's no harm in trying... Just write an 'out of this world' awesome essay! Best of luck :)</p>
<p>A school wil often know if a score is "out of a student's range" I.E. you are smart enough to get a better score but it justwas not stressed at your school. Definatly still a reach though...</p>
<p>Reading this mesgs, getting some hopes. I have pretty high SATs. low average GPA and ECs
but I have Columbia SHP, summer internship, v. good essay and recs.
do you think i have any RD chances for Columbia?</p>
<p>See, i hate when ppl say SATs are too low so you wont get in. F U C K the SAT's! 1190 is above the national average so good! Its not excellent, but dont fret. You're pretty well-rounded and take a shot. Whats you ethnicity? See if you asian and u have a 1190, then its a long shot. If white, then too! If South asian, or middle eastern or african american or hispanic, u definitely shud be confident!</p>
<p>yeah, what do you mean south asians should be confident with an 1190? does that include people from the "indian subcontinent" as colleges like to refer to it?</p>