<p>I am in the midst of considering whether or not to take the ACT / SAT again. I had this thought that maybe I wanted to apply to Columbia as an urban studies major, but I know without a doubt that I would certainly not make it in with my current standardized testing scores.</p>
<p>The problem is, my high school GPA was embarrasing (3.1 weighted) because of a serious family problem that weighed me down psychologically (not the whole story, but a big part of it), and I only took 2 AP classes out of the 18 that were offered to me. </p>
<p>However, I currently have a 4.0 average (and moving swiftly towards another 4.0 this semester) in college (3 semesters by the time I apply) and, while my extracurricular activities are not on the national or international level, I am hella dedicated to and passionate about them (one that includes an after school program for kids whose parents are strung out on crystal meth) and it shows.</p>
<p>So, my question is, if I can write an outstanding essay (with the help of a really wonderful english professor, of course...) and get a stellar recommendation, does anyone think that it's worth me taking the SAT / ACT again in order to apply?</p>
<p>Do I even have a chance in hell at Columbia because of my underachievement in high school?</p>
<p>I think lots of folks either forget or don't realize that the SAT I is only a tool intended to measure potential success for a student's first year in college. That is what the College Board preaches over and over when it comes to justifying their SAT I testing program.</p>
<p>Since you are already having a very successful first year in college (hopefully with a full and challenging course load) this should be more important than the SAT when it comes to evaluating your ability to be academically prepared and/or successful in college.</p>
<p>I am applying to Columbia from high school, but if I was applying as a transfer student, I would try to make sure that my current college course load is equivalent to the typical first year course load at Columbia which means taking a minimum of 15 credits (or 5 courses minimum), and the courses should be or at least close to the rigor of Columbia first year courses: I'd make sure I was taking a minimum of 15 credits (or 5 courses minimum per semester) in core-type of courses. The rigor of the courses is equally important.</p>
<p>If I were you, I wouldn't bother wasting time on the SAT at this point. Instead, I'd focus on my academics and extracurriculars (and it does sound like you are very committed to a commendable cause -- great essay topic). Your courses, grades and essays will be the most important factors in transfering to any school -- not just Columbia. SATs at this point are moot and a waste of your valuable time and energy. Why give them peas and carrots when you can give them meat and potatoes?</p>