Somebody chance me for Columbia?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi, I'm still a junior in high school but I was wondering first of all, what are my chances, as of now, of getting into Columbia? I was also wondering what I could start doing to improve my chances. Do I have to take the SAT or SAT subject tests? Thank you!</p>

<p>Grades
Unweighted: 4.0
Weighted: 4.2
(On a side note, my school calculates 90-100% as a 4.0)</p>

<p>ACT (planning on retaking)
Composite: 33
English: 32
Math: 33
Science: 34
Reading: 34
Combined English and Writing: 29</p>

<p>Have not taken SAT or SAT Subject tests</p>

<p>Schedule</p>

<p>Freshman
Biology, Economics, Civics, Band, Honors Geometry, Health, English 9, Beginners computer programming, Spanish 1</p>

<p>Sophomore
AP Biology, AP US History, Honors Algebra 2, Honors American Literature, Honors Chemistry, Band, Spanish 2</p>

<p>Junior (current)
AP World History, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, Honors Physics, Honors Precalculus, Honors World Literature, Band</p>

<p>Senior (What I'm planning on taking)
AP Literature, AP Psychology, AP BC Calculus, AP Physics B, Medical Mentorship, Human Biology, Band</p>

<p>AP Scores
AP Biology - 5 (Only one to get a 5 in school)
AP US History - 4</p>

<p>What I think I'll get on future APs:
AP Language - 4
AP Psychology - 4
AP World History - 4
AP Chemistry - 5
AP Physics B - 4
AP BC Calculus - 4 or 5
AP Literature - 4</p>

<p>Extracurriculars
I've been doing gymnastics since I was 3. However, I'm not very good. My parents never let me compete and only recently have I been able to do fall-spring. I still don't practice in the summer, and I only go once a week. My school doesn't have a team, so I'm trying to start one. I'm a gymnastics coach at my gym.
I'm a librarian shelver (second job)
Volunteer at the hospital 4 hours a week
International Club (2 years)
Earth Club (3 years)
Earth Club Executive Board (2 years)
VIP Club (3 years)
Math Club (3 years)
NHS (2 years)
I play Piano, Oboe, and Flute (in that order of level)</p>

<p>Awards
Every year superior rating at the Michigan Federation (piano)</p>

<p>Side notes
My parents are divorced and I live with my mom. She's unemployed. I'm not under my father's custody at all and he makes a little over 100k a year (I'm not sure if that matters).
I plan to major in Biomedical engineering (and maybe minor in education?)
I'm PRETTY sure that I'll get some pretty good teacher and counselor recommendations
Asian, speak a little less that fluent Cantonese (Chinese dialect)</p>

2

<p>Reach. MAYBE you can be a mid-reach if it’s your ED.</p>

3

<p>Do you have suggestions for what I can do to increase my chances?</p>

4

<p>Columbia cares strongly about how passionate for education and initiative you are in your essays. So I’d suggest to make sure your essays are solid to increase your chances. Don’t come off as a conceded or braggy person. Show initiative and passion to do what you want to do.</p>

5

<p>You’re strong enough academically. But yeah, just write some good essays because colleges don’t want to see the average smart Joe.</p>

6

<p>Give us your actual GPA(out of 100 if poss).</p>

7

<p>Okay thanks for the advice so far! And unfortunately my school has switched grading systems so many times I only have my current GPA off hand. If I had to guess though, my GPA would be around 95-97%</p>

8

<p>I’ve talked with the columbia director of admissions and found out they care strongly about your aspirations and initiative, so make sure you show that off well:)</p>

9

<p>And you still have time to show leadership in your ECs. Try to organize sth big.</p>

10

<p>Okay thanks! Is a gymnastics team big enough? Or do I need something bigger?</p>

11

<p>I think gymnastics is good enough. Just focus on volunteer work I guess and reveal your initiative for whatever you want to do</p>