Should I apply to CC or SEAS? I'm torn!

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>I'm pretty sure I want to do computer science or financial engineering in SEAS, but I'm concerned that my lack of science and math extracurriculars and honors would keep me out of SEAS. My ECs are very well-rounded and I'm not sure if that would give me a better shot at getting into CC instead of SEAS. If I apply to CC, I would go for an economics or comp sci major, but I'm hesitant on the comp sci BA degree instead of a BS degree. What do you think? Here are my stats:</p>

<p>GPA unweighted: 4.0
GPA weighted: 5.07
Class rank (weighted): 2/322
SAT (superscore): 770 CR, 800 Math, 800 Writing
SAT IIs: 800 Math II, 800 Spanish Reading, 790 Chemistry, 790 Biology
AP's: Chemistry 5, Spanish Language 5, Statistics 5, Calc BC 5, Biology 5</p>

<p>Senior year courseload: Postcalculus topics, AP Physics C, AP Spanish Literature, AP English Lit, Journalism</p>

<p>EC's:
- Started a piano club that teaches underprivileged children for free at a local elementary school.
- Paid piano teacher for neighborhood children
- Four years varsity volleyball, all-conference player
- Volunteered in a cystic fibrosis research lab for a few weeks
- Weekly YMCA volleyball coach for young girls
- President of Asian Club
- Played club volleyball freshman and sophomore year
- Worked in a small food store
- Peer Tutor in math
- Science Olympiad </p>

<p>Honors:
- National Merit Semifinalist
- National Spanish Exam (ranked consistently in the top 10 in North Carolina)
- National Honors Society
- National Spanish Honors Society</p>

<p>Background:
- Chinese
- Middle-class family in North Carolina
- Female</p>

<p>I have a couple more EC's but they're rather insignificant compared to the ones I listed.</p>

<p>so... HELP PLEASE! I'd like to know which school I have a better chance of getting in! I would prefer going to SEAS but in all honesty I'd just like to get into Columbia!</p>

2

<p>You have amazing numbers, no question about that. I would be more concerned about your extra currics. You are very well rounded- but I don’t see any ec’s that you really focused on or concentrated on in that area, you know what i mean?</p>

3

<p>Thanks transfer9858. I agree that my EC’s are really spread out, which is basically the reason behind this thread. I wonder if they would give me a better chance at SEAS or CC.</p>

4

<p>You can do a computer science major at CC, so I would apply there forsure. Also in SEAS most people really want to do engineering and it’s a very tough curriculum, not that CC isin’t. But I think you may have more flexibility at CC. Also just try and fit ur ec’s somehow into your perspective major. There are spread out but you still have 2 months to figure out how to write about them.</p>

5

<p>Might be worth a look. Have you looked at all at Columbia’s combined plan? [Combined</a> Plan Program | Columbia University Office of Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/engineering/combined]Combined”>http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/engineering/combined)</p>

6

<p>I think the College is in need of good STEM people, so they’ll gladly take you in (provided that the admission counselors like you). That said, it’s easier to transfer into SEAS than out of it, since engineering is not an easy discipline.</p>

7

<p>apply to the school you WANT to go to. I wouldn’t worry about your ECs in math/science. I think they’re fine.</p>

8

<p>I agree with onthebrink; consider the Combined Plan. You attend Columbia College for three years and get a B.A. Then, you attend SEAS for two years and get a B.S.</p>

9

<p>Your stats look really good. I wouldnt worry about your ECs being math and science concentrated since it really doesnt matter when your in high school. I think you have a decent shot. GOOD LUCK!</p>