Sciences Po-Columbia Dual BA Program Questions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

I am applying to the Dual BA Program this fall and it is my first choice! I went to the information session and went on the tour of Columbia with a great tour guide who answered all of the questions I had at the time. However, being the person that I am, I came up with about a million questions afterwards, so I thought I would ask here! Ok, here we go:

  1. What is the average SAT I score? The admissions officer who led our session said a 700 on both sections was fine, but is that really accurate, Columbia being an Ivy and all?
  2. What is the average GPA? The admissions officer didn't mention this at all, so I'm kind of worried that what I have might not be enough. I try my hardest to challenge myself by taking only Honors or AP classes, but I don't exactly have a 4.0.
  3. For the second essay, is it better to write about an academic failure (like staying up too late to write an essay or procrastinating to the point of no return) or a personal failure (like losing a debate or not making the varsity team)? I'm struggling with this one quite a bit.

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out!

2

I’m no expert. But it looks like from the Sciences Po website that they prefer ‘fit’ of students to the curriculum over test scores/grades. It looks like you’ll need to demonstrate evidence of why you want to take on this dual degree. So if the admissions officer said that 700 and above is fine, then I would take his/her word.

GPA: sorry no idea

Essay: The exact topic of your essay is less important than the substance and style. Try to find a compelling story to tell, and make sure the punch line deals with you as a person.

3

@sgopal2 Thank you! I recently spoke with someone in the program who told me basically the same things. It’s reassuring to know that :slight_smile: By any chance, do you know if the 2018 entry thread has been made?

4

Hi, someone did start the 2018 thread :slight_smile:

5

@SW1807 oh, great! Could you please post the link here by any chance? I can’t seem to find it…

6

For the essay pick the idea that you can write the most compelling essay about. It’s OK if it’s a total failure with no happy ending as my kid wrote about. I guess they liked the ability to brag in some sections and be totally humble in others.