Should I even apply?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
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<p>First, let me just say that Columbia is my dream school.
I've made a couple of useless chance threads before, and I say useless because they never included Columbia. My parents told me not to waste my time applying there, and so did my guidance counsler. I took their advice and looked at NYU instead. However, NYU will leave my family in a lot of debt.</p>

<p>My question, to anyone who knows anything about admissions to Columbia, is whether I should apply. To 7% acceptance rate is so disheartening, especially when my stats are on the low side. You can find my info in some of my earlier posts if you want to see. I don't think I've mentioned that I'm first gen, though.</p>

<p>If anyone can tell me a good, solid answer, I'll be happy. Don't say "apply" if you truly don't think I can make it. I don't have a lot of time to do countless applications to colleges that I can't get into anyway. Any legitmate answer is greatly appreciated.</p>

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<p>I kind of have a similar situation (and similar stats). I was contemplating whether to apply ED or not to Columbia just becuase of the reputation and it’s in NY. (I’m from NY, so…) But now i’ve decided to ED CMC, a school that is relatively unknown, in Cali (not really my thing,) and a small liberal arts college. But i love it there. So my advice is apply, (you do have a shot, though not a decent one, if you raise your SAT and write awesome essays) if you truly truly LOVE the school. *visit and feel the vibe!</p>