<p>Would anyone on this board know the typical characteristics that the admin officers are looking for? NOT the people who actually get in...I guess the "ideal Columbia student". I know that is a very hard idea to conjure up, but somebody must know something...and I don't mean things like "is able to get good grades", or "works hard on standardized tests", because all colleges want that. I mean things like..."altruistic", "devoted", "determined", "firebrand", "knows when to speak up", etc. etc.</p>
<p>yea...sure, all of those are good</p>
<p>Showing that you can keep up with class discussions by being an active participant and that you're comfortable living in and navigating New York are key, from what I know.</p>
<p>Nothing that you don't know already. It's not really rocket science, just go with your common sense.</p>
<p>Rocket science? Or rocket surgery? haha!</p>
<p>I don't think there can be TYPICAL characteristics except for the obvious ones that would really apply to a range of colleges across the board. Things already mentioned like being an active member of the academic, social community - these apply everywhere.</p>
<p>I asked my interviewer this question, and one of the characteristics I remember is "independent".</p>
<p>Yea, like colleges would look for dependent students who need mommy and daddy to do everything for them, :D</p>
<p>Well, Columbia isn't exactly known nurturing ;) Independence, from what I've gathered, just seems to be more typical of the Columbia student. Someone who can forge their own path and take it upon themselves to take advantage of the opportunities available. Many other colleges are known for their more handholding approach (something that I personally don't care for). One school I toured said that you basically have people all the time asking you if you're okay, like it or not. Some people love that...I don't.</p>