<p>I slacked off in high school. I know that, and I know that I will feel the effects come admissions next year. I knew test scores would be my only chance at getting into a respectable school. I made up my mind to aim for schools within my reach (University of Michigan, Indiana and NYU), but lately I'm getting the urge to apply to schools WAY beyond my reach.</p>
<p>Since freshman year, Columbia has been my dream school. After sophomore year, however, I gave up trying for any top 20 school. </p>
<p>Anyway, I have a ~3.5 GPA taking all AP/AC classes. I studied my ass off for the ACTs and got a 35. I have above average EC's (several national level awards).</p>
<p>I don't know if its a waste of time for me trying for top schools. If I have even a shred of chance (10%) then I'll apply, but I don't want to spend a lot of time on the columbia app when I could be making my other "reachable" apps better.</p>
<p>Worth it, or no? I know everyone says "apply and see what happens," but give me your honest assessment.</p>
<p>Slacked off? A 3.5 is not what I would call a "slacker" average (BTW I would consider a C average slackerish). And you said you had some good EC's so I would reconsider your way of thinking...</p>
<p>well for columbia 3.5 is gonna make it hard. Apply of course but really don't get ur hopes up.</p>
<p>What you need to remember, is that even with PERFECT stats, Columbia is STILL a tough one to get into, by that I mean, if you were perfect in every way, you still might not get in</p>
<p>Comeon, you have seen the posts from kids who were shoeins for the to p schools and didn't make it</p>
<p>My point is, even if you hadn't "slacked off" it would still be tough</p>
<p>So look at other schools, fall in love with other places, explore, because ANYONE that can only see themeselves at one place, by applications alone, will be in for disappointment</p>
<p>So, NOW is the time to dream of Columbia, but dream of others places at the same time</p>
<p>we agree on something citygirlsmom. </p>
<p>I think there's plenty of other good schools than Columbia, so don't stress over it. 3.5 GPA is not bad at all. That's not slacking at all. Maybe you just think you slacked cause u feel like you're smarter than that. </p>
<p>All 3 of the schools you're thinking about are very good schools in their own right. Don't stress.</p>
<p>Columbia's regular decision admit rate is less than 9%.</p>
<p>yep. The exact stat is RD 7.6% for Columbia College. 9.6% for overall Columbia College including ED and RD. It's pretty tough, but if u get in it's pretty sweet and flattering.</p>