Should I even apply to Columbia?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

SAT-2200
ACT-33
GPA: 3.88
Hispanic female applying to SEAS for engineering (aspirations of becoming aerospace engineer or computer scientist
Also planning on applying Early Decision

EC- Key Club (president), NHS (vice president), Student government Treasurer, varsity volleyball for 3 years, national level club volleyball team, Math Honor Society, Science Honor society, started my own STEM outreach program that I am working on making a non-profit, Model UN, Thespian, Community theater (tech), designed a prototype for an isolation unit with biomedical department at school, National Association of Rocketry

Summer-mentored by lead scientist at Philip and Patricia Frost Science Museum, STEM outreach program at summer camps, Volleyball camps and clinics, Engineering camp, National Association of Rocketry/Rocket building

Volunteer/Community Service: 300 hours of community service (volunteering at Kiwanis activities, chapman homeless project, donating/assembling backpacks with school supplies to third world countries), continued involvement in STEM programs

Awards: Just principles honor roll for most of my high school, Nominated for award to represent school and state of Florida at Medical Youth Forum (could not afford to go unfortunately), national club volleyball team won first place in silver bracket at two state competitions

Jobs: Technology mentor at a STEM class for K-8, Modeling

High school: Public Magnet school (in the Biomedical program)

Ethnicity: Hispanic

I know it is a high reach for any student applying into Columbia because of their selectivity, but what the heck. Chance me. Hehe. Also consider that I am applying EARLY DECISION

2

ALSOOOO my schedule for senior year is: (all dual enrollment)- physics w/ calc, literature, calc bc (or calc II by college title), comp sci, anthropology
AP: World history (3), Human Geo (4), Waiting on scores for apush, ap lang, ap calc ab, and ap psych (probably 4’s and 5’s)

3

You’re right: what the heck. You should apply. I don’t know that anyone here will be able to offer an accurate chance, so go for it! Good luck.

4

Columbia does not have an aerospace engineering program per se. Were you planning on majoring in mechanical engineering? There are schools that have aerospace engineering programs such as MIT, GIT, Michigan, Colorado, etc.

5

Yes MechE for undergrad. I’m attracted to their integration of liberal arts with engineering. That’s why it’s my top choice.

6

When I was at Columbia many many moons ago, it took SEAS students 5 years to earn their degrees with the requirements added on by the liberal arts side. I have no idea what the current situation is. My son is looking at engineering programs at some flagship State Universities and the non engineering course requirements do not look dramatically different than the Columbia requirements, so if that is why you want Columbia. . . The engineering course work of course is similar to be ABET accredited. However, the real experts are under the engineering major section of this forum and may be better able to chance you re engineering at Columbia. They are incredibly knowledgeable.

7

i definitely think you’re a competitive applicant; if you apply ED with strong recs and essays,you’d probably have a really good shot at getting in. good luck!

8

I would definitely apply if I were you. Also look into Princeton’a engineering program. You’re a competitive applicant but admissions at this level are almost impossible to predict. Best of luck!
If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message! I was wait listed at Columbia and committed to Princeton two weeks ago :slight_smile:

9

No.
Jk! I mean, why not apply. If you have the time/resources, go for it.