<p>So I've looked at my college options and I would really love to go to Columbia university but obviously it's an Ivy League school which are hard to get into and I'm wondering whether I even stand a chance of getting in so here are some of my credentials so far:
I went from a 3.6/3.7 GPA to a 3.7/3.8 since my freshman to my junior so far
I did wrestling and got two varsity letters two years in a row
I'm apart of the advisory panel of student opportunities that works directly with the college board on the structure of the SAT
I have a part time job and work 25-27 hours a week
Still working on my sat and act scores because I haven't taken the test so far but my goal for the sat is a over 2000 and a 32 on the act
I plan on taking on a law firm internship over the summer
I'll be taking AP Pyschology along with dual enrollment classes
And I do community service forChildren First
So I know I have to work on my GPA and get good test scores but with all that I've got so far do I even stand of chance in making it into Columbia University or should i just start looking somewhere else</p>
<p>Even if you have a chance you <em>must</em> look someone else because they admit rate is so low they can only take 10 pct of those who apply. You don’t look strong with only one AP and not a major one. I take it you are still a Jr so go get a Fiske Guide or other and start exploring colleges and identify the things you like. You are a great student and will have lots of very good opportunities if you choose wisely. Try doing some reading in the Hindsight and Lessons Learned forum, here is a recent favorite that shows you how important your ‘match’ schools are:
<a href=“My college application results and final decision - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums”>My college application results and final decision - College Search & Selection - College Confidential Forums;
<p>as somebody around here used to say, “have a life, not a college.” there’s a future for you at any number of colleges. at any of them, you must consider whether or not your family can afford them since you can borrow only $5500 your first year. can you afford columbia?</p>
<p>Hopefully you won’t be a Columbia or bust applicant. The general advice on CC is to have some mix of reaches (which Columbia would be no matter how good your record), some matches and at least one safety you can definitely get into, can definitely afford, and would be happy to attend.</p>
<p><<<<
as somebody around here used to say, “have a life, not a college.” t</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Yay! </p>
<p>Whose quote is that?</p>
<p>Keep working on your classes.
Study for the SAT.
Explore your ECs.
Look for colleges that are matches for your stats that you love.
Still apply to Columbia if you want.</p>
<p>By the end of Junior year, identify about 20 colleges you like (or more)
including
10 you like, know you can afford after running the net price calculators and talking to your parents, and think you can get into
10 you like, know you can afford after running the net price calculators and talking to your parents, and KNOW you can get into (because your stats place you well above the 75% threshold and/or they admit 50% students or more)
Once you’ve identified these, add dream schools, including Columbia.</p>
<p>Then, start culling. :)</p>
<p>Personally I think you have a great chance of getting in, but you should have fallback options too, as should everyone.</p>
<p>^^great chance? at Columbia? uh, no. </p>
<p>math literacy is a really important skill. the math says there is nothing great about the OP’s chances. nothing personal, OP.</p>
<p>I dunno, @mom2collegekids. I haven’t seen the comment in 14 months.</p>
<p>A dream is always a dream. Consider you won the lottery when you are accepted. Your chances are slim, like when lightning strikes.</p>
<p>Dude you’ll be fine wherever you go. Work as hard as you can in college and your GPA and extra curricular activities will reflect the type of student and person you are. Don’t let a denial from a university from reaching your potential. And who knows, Columbia just might accept you if you show them how interesting you are! </p>
<p>Thanks for the advice guys I already have a few backup plans when it comes to colleges but Columbia is obviously my dream school so thanks for the feedback now I know I have to start working even harder than I am now if I want to get into my dream school</p>
<p>Take a close look at the common data set for each school you are interested in. Ask a GC to help you interpret it. Acknowledge that Columbia is one of the most difficult universities in the world to gain admission to. (I know a NMF from a top private school who was just wait-listed there.) So, by all means apply, but have a rock solid backup plan.</p>