<p>Question 1: Should i even bother applying with my incredibly sub par SAT scores?
Question 2: If i should bother applying, are my make or break factors essays and interview?
Question 3: on the admissions page it states that only your highest combined SAT score is used is that in a single sitting or of all your scores?</p>
<p>Female from CA
GPA: 3.84 weighted
SAT: 700 w, 660 r, 470 m (retake in october)
Current Rank: 5/525 (in ninth grade i was in the bottom half of my class)</p>
<p>other stuff:
Immigrated here from Estonia. I’m a Russian citizen and perminent resident here.
I’ve shown a significant upward trend in my grades since my 9th grade year. My gpa has gone from 2.67, 3.80, 4.00, 4.60 and now a 4.40 (unfortunately it dropped this passed semester due to my getting the flu the week of FINALS… that stunk!)
I have good EC’s with commitment and leadership. They’re all involved with volunteering and peer education on drug and alcohol related issues. Nothing amazing but I love what i do and plan to incorporate that into my essays</p>
<p>Barnard is a reach, but I want to know if i should even bother spending my money on this school. Thanks</p>
<p>If you can improve your scores on the retake, absolutely apply. They do take the highest score from each section, regardless of sitting. As it stands, though, it's hard to say. </p>
<p>But it's very impressive that you were able to come from a 2.67 GPA up to 5th in your class. Your essays will be a lot more important than your interview, as is always the case, but the interview will be more important for you than it is for other people. It's good that you have something you care about to write your essays on.</p>
<p>Definitely apply.<br>
1.The math score is the easiest to raise without a lot of hassle. The test covers math that you already know but in the case of algebra and geometry haven't used. The better students miss questions because of mistakes not ignorance. Take a lot of practice tests which are available in any bookstore. Keep track of your mistakes and review them. Don't let the bad grades on the practice test discourage you. Everyone I know got much worse grades on the practice tests than on the real SAT.
2. You have an interesting background. Barnard/Columbia has a strong interest in the Slavic and Baltic languages.</p>
<p>it's not really my first choice. however it is up there. The thign is, i'm worried that even if i got in my parents wouldn't let me go due to financial issues.</p>