<p>I applied to Columbia last year, early decision, and was deferred, then rejected regular. However, I'm in the middle of taking a year off, so although I deferred a year at Amherst College, I am applying again ED to Columbia. Given my statistics I am qualified to get in- I had 2310 SAT's (800 W, 790 M, 720 V) 800 Math IIC, 770 US History, 6 5's on AP tests, over a 4.0 weighted GPA, National Merit Scholarship from 2006, and extensive extracurriculars, mostly in music and theater. I wrote a new essay this year, about my father's death and the effect it had on me, along with an "additional information" essay, about what I am doing this year (I moved from California in September and am now living alone in NYC, studying pastry arts at the French Culinary Institute).
I basically want to know how having applied once before is going to affect my chances this year. As far as I can figure, they can either think that they have no reason to accept me this year if they didn't last year, or they can decide that it shows that I am really serious about Columbia. I love the school, and can barely picture myself anywhere else- kind of a problem, given the admissions statistics. That said, I'm hoping that they will see my having taken a year off and done something interesting with it as adding the diversity to the school that my European background does not. Any input would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>What can anybody here tell you except good luck? You sound amazing, and I'm sure you will continue to be amazing whether or not you get into Columbia.</p>
<p>Did you have all of those statistics last year?... because If so... my confidence on getting into Columbia just dropped SIgnificantly.. heh..</p>
<p>You have great stats, and your rejection last year is most likely a function of the process being a crap shoot. Did you ever talk to anyone at Columbia to discuss last year, what you can do to improve yourself, etc.? That would probably be the only way to get any insight into your chances.</p>
<p>I should have mentioned, that my expected major is archaeology. I have no concept, though, of how popular of a major it is. I know only that most schools don't offer it. I discussed that in my "why Columbia" section</p>