<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>You have a chance in hell (but not much more). I would stop dwelling on Columbia, and start exploring the hundreds of wonderful schools out there that would love to have you. (But apply if you must....)</p>
<p>My SAT, which I only took once, was an 1130 (630v and 500m). My ACT, both times, was a 27. I know that I could do better, but I'm not sure if the test is even worth taking or if Columbia is even worth applying to. </p>
<p>It's not that I'm dwelling on Columbia, it's just that I would like to take up urban studies in an urban environment. I am also applying to Barnard for the major in urban studies and NYU/Gallatin for a concentration in urban studies and public policy. Columbia is an option that i'm looking at, but also one that I need to be the most realistic about.</p>
<p>I guess that didn't come out right...I know that Columbia is worth applying to...what I really mean is that I don't know if I should consider it one of those "when hell freezes over" things...</p>
<p>I think you should consider it one of those "when hell freezes over" things. Has been known to happen once or twice in a milliennium. ;)</p>
<p>But will you be considered a "junior year transfer"? SATs make much less difference for such transfers, and high school GPA not at all at most schools. What's tough at some schools is just that the odds of transferring are very low to begin with.</p>
<p>I will have two years of college down, so technically (considering whether all my classes are eligible for transfer or not) I will be considered a junior transfer. </p>
<p>You're absolutely right about some schools being hard to transfer to in general. I guesss I was just wanting to know if the improvement from a 3.1 weighted GPA to a 4.0 GPA in an honors program will give me a shot. If not, there may very well be no point in me even taking the tests over because I might not get into Columbia in this lifetime...</p>
<p>It depends how good the school you are transferring from is. Also, General Studies at Columbia is a safe option although it isn't truly Columbia College.</p>
<p>Although General Studies is not Columbia College, the website says that they have access to the same classes. However, I can't find whether or not I can apply if I am a traditional student. Do you have to have any special circumstances (like having taken a year off or something) in order to be considered?</p>
<p>Oops, nevermind. General Studies is only for nontraditional students who have either taken a year off or have to attend school on a part time basis, neither of which applies to me.</p>