<p>So basically, I'm wondering: is the Columbia admissions process ALL about numbers? I'm applying ED, and while I don't have a perfect 2400 SAT, I feel like I'm a pretty good candidate. Also, my school is an extremely competitive private school (in suburban North Carolina), and there are many students who strive to get perfect grades, making me sub-#1.</p>
<p>I have strong ECs and (in my opinion) an amazing essay and an amazing "interests" section. I have legacy, I have great teacher recommendations, I have pretty good grades, being that the school I'm in is known as being one of the most difficult in the country (I really don't mean to sound aloof, honestly). </p>
<p>Do you think, by the sole existence of my not-quite-perfect numbers, I will have less of a chance than I'm expecting? I don't really feel like exposing myself to be "chanced" as, in the end, Columbia will decide.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Jonathan</p>
<p>Long story short, no.</p>
<p>Long story: depends on what you’re expecting. No one’s a shoo-in, if that’s what you mean. No one can even <em>really</em> expect to get in, unless they’re URM/Legacy/1st Generation + Major Award Winner + 2300+ SAT + Top 2-3%, etc. Just surf the boards for last years’ admitted students. I had a 2250 and 8/100 rank (and my weighted GPA actually never cracked 4.0) when they let me in. Granted, I’m African-american, and the school does put lots of emphasis on diversity.</p>
<p>Columbia is definitely not an all-numbers school. In fact, I think Columbia tends to place a good amount of emphasis on fit and having talents that extend beyond the classroom. I feel like everybody here does something awesome that’s not necessarily school. Not that Columbia would ever reject an academic superstar because he/she had never played a piece by Mozart, but I feel like a strong extracurricular background is one of the things Columbia looks for, or one of the things the admissions office imagines with help equip students to use the opportunities of the school, blah blah blah.</p>
<p>Thanks. It’s good to have some insight… </p>
<p>I just feel that looking at results from last year, a lot of great “perfect-score” kids didn’t get in… I mean I guess that’s proof right there that’s its not all about scores, but if a kid with a 2400 on the SAT can’t get in, then how can I?</p>