Very Anxious

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>I am an African American junior who lives in VA. I am really worried about my chances of getting into a university such as this one so I would appreciate the insight of students who have been accepted. Here are my stats:</p>

<ul>
<li>3.7 GPA</li>
<li>No SATs at the moment (will be taking them June 3rd)</li>
<li>I Co-Founded a not-for profit organization called Teens 4 Peace, which encourages adolescents in promoting human rights in the internatioanal community</li>
<li>Under Teens 4 Peace I was able to help organize a huge rally in order to stop the genocide occuring in Darfur, Sudan. It was a huge success, mostly becuase it was organized in Washington D.C.'s popular Dupont Circle</li>
<li>I am a regular Volunteer at the Amnesty International Headquarts in DC</li>
<li>I was an intern at INOVA Fairfax Hospital's Blood Bank</li>
<li>I Volunteered for Time Kaine's Campaign for Governor during the summer of 2005</li>
<li>I am a regular volunteer at my public library</li>
<li>I attended the Boston Area Darfur Activism Conference at Harvard University last Winter</li>
<li>I am taking a french literature course at George Mason University (dual-enrollment)</li>
<li>I will be teaching English at a Sudanese public school this summer when I go visit my famly there</li>
<li>I will also be shaddowing Sudan's Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs</li>
<li>I am the president of my local Sudanese Youth Group</li>
<li>I am the president of my school's French Honor Society</li>
<li>I am a member of Model United Nations</li>
<li>I am the president of my school's Young Democrats chapter</li>
</ul>

<p>My workload for this year has included
- AP Biology
- AP French Language
- AP Government
- Debate
- AP English Language & Composition
- Precalculus Honors</p>

<p>Please read my stats and candidly evaluate my chances! Thank you!</p>

<ul>
<li>Arwa</li>
</ul>

2

<p>Arwa,</p>

<p>Personally, I think what you've done so far is incredible, and that you have a decent shot at getting into Columbia. The only factors still up in the air are your SAT scores and your essay (and your rec letters). SAT scores shouldn't be a major problem, you appear to be holding your own given your course load. The essay can be difficult as all hell, no matter how good of a writer you are. Make good (or great) on those, and that would probably be what would tip the scales in your favor even more.</p>

3

<p>Without SAT I or II scores and without any context about your GPA or academic history, it is hard to say anything.</p>

<p>
[quote]
and that you have a decent shot at getting into Columbia.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>How can you possibly say that? You don't know if he's capable of getting a 2400 or a 1500.</p>

<p>
[quote]
SAT scores shouldn't be a major problem,

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Again, how do you know that?</p>

<p>
[quote]
you appear to be holding your own given your course load.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Who says? We have too little information. 3.7 means absolutely nothing. What's his class rank? Is that weighted or unweighted? Is his school a top school or a cushy school.</p>

4

<p>Numbers matter, but they also aren't necessarily everything, a fact I'm well aware of. I only stated what was my opinion, and what I thought of him as a student, I didn't mean for it to come off as an all-encompassing guarentee of admission.</p>

<p>As you may have noticed, Arwa's done A LOT of majorly involved activities, something I think Columbia (or any school for that matter) would look favorably upon. How many students can claim having done all those particular things? I'm aware of the competetion, but looking at the things he's done as of the end of his junior year, that's NOTHING to scoff at at all.</p>

<p>As to my comment on SAT scores, fine, I'll admit I don't know his potential, but they're only a minor hurdle. Scores aren't everything, a 2400 doesn't ensure admission, a 1500 doesn't flat out reject the idea of admission. People with so-called "terrible" SAT scores have still gotten into places like Princeton, Harvard, or Columbia. What do you think Columbia would be inclined to look at more, the fact that he might have gotten a 1500 on his SATs, or the fact that he took his time to teach English to Sudanese children in the summer?</p>

<p>Accomplishments are where it's at, not test scores, not class rank, not GPA. Those are only supplementary; YES THEY DO HELP, but they aren't EVERYTHING. Someone can be at the top of his or her class, he/she can have a perfect GPA, he/she could've aced the SATs, but if he/she hasn't actually done anything to back it up, I think that Columbia would rather take Arwa.</p>

<p>As to my comment on how he's handling himself in school now, 4 AP classes for a junior is NOT bad at all. Contrary to what anyone may say, it's not always easy to keep this up. And who's to say what's a top school or a cushy school? You might call a private school cushy, or you could call it hard because of the "better educational experience"; the reverse could be said for a public school. And considering how AP classes are typically higher than a 4.0, I think its safe to determine whether or not his GPA is weighted or unweighted.</p>

<p>I did what Arwa requested, I candidly evaluated his chances, using MY OWN opinion. That doesn't mean he needs to heed it, it was merely my opinion, nothing more. Rather than dissecting my post for making pretentious presumtions, make an assessment, regardless of scores, on how he could do now.</p>

<p>EDIT: And one more thing. Notice how I said: </p>

<p>"...the essay can be difficult as all hell, no matter how good of a writer you are."</p>

<p>If you're a so-called "perfect" student, and your essay sounds like it's been shot out of your tailpipe, it gets you nowhere, or safer to say, it certainly doesn't look good. If he can ace the essay, I THINK he has a decent shot of getting into Columbia.</p>

5

<p>
[quote]
Numbers matter, but they also aren't necessarily everything, a fact I'm well aware of.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Academic record (grades, class rank, SAT I, SAT II, school strength) is by far and away the most important factor in Columbia admissions. Other than the number "3.7" we know nothing about the kid.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Scores aren't everything, a 2400 doesn't ensure admission, a 1500 doesn't flat out reject the idea of admission.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>A 2400 does little to help you at Columbia, any more than say a 2100-2200. However, a 1500 will have serious problems getting into Columbia.</p>

<p>
[quote]
What do you think Columbia would be inclined to look at more, the fact that he might have gotten a 1500 on his SATs, or the fact that he took his time to teach English to Sudanese children in the summer?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The 1500 of course! It reflects a lack of ability to do the work and be successful at Columbia. Columbia doesn't care that you're Mother Teresa if you're not academically qualified.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Accomplishments are where it's at, not test scores, not class rank, not GPA.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Academic accomplishments are most important. They're a prerequisite. There are tons of applicants who with significant academic accomplishments, so extracurricular accomplishments tip the balances.</p>

<p>
[quote]
someone can be at the top of his or her class, he/she can have a perfect GPA, he/she could've aced the SATs, but if he/she hasn't actually done anything to back it up, I think that Columbia would rather take Arwa.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Columbia will likely take NEITHER the 4.0/2400 whas done nothing outside the classroom NOR Arwa with a 1500. There are enough applicants who have top academics and top extras.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I did what Arwa requested, I candidly evaluated his chances, using MY OWN opinion. That doesn't mean he needs to heed it, it was merely my opinion, nothing more. Rather than dissecting my post for making pretentious presumtions, make an assessment, regardless of scores, on how he could do now.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>And I'm candidly evaluating your assessment of his chances. I don't think your assessment is candid in any way, whatsoever -- I think it is baseless, uninformed and misleading. To tell a guy he has a good chance of getting into Columbia when you know nothing about him is blatantly ignorant.</p>

6

<p>Columbia 2002, I've seen you disagree vehemently with other posters on CC, but today I have seen a new talent. You have the ability to agree vehemently. There is only a small difference in what Talone said and what you said. Talone pointed out that without that without the confirmatory SATs, the essay and the recs Talone could not give Arwa complete assurance that Arwa has a good chance. All of these you pointed out. What I gather from the tone of your post is that you are offended by the hopeful tone of Talone's post. I don't think you would disagree with the facts that Talone mentions. What offends you is that Talone holds out hope for Arwa (while at the same time pointing out some difficult hurdles). Now you have succeeded in putting Talone in the position of needing to defend him/herself, all because of a post that you basically agree with except that Talone was too positive in tone.</p>

7

<p>I'm not sure why you are characterizing a prediction ("you have a decent shot at getting into Columbia") as merely "hopeful tone" and "positive . . . tone." I vehemently disagree with this prediction (because there's not even close to enough information to make a prediction, not because I think Arwa has no shot at Columbia), so I'm not sure how you can possibly read my post as in vehement agreement with Talone's post.</p>

8

<p>Even if we had all relevant statistics about person X (including their essays and recommendation letters), we still could not say for certain whether person X would gain admission. Even coming up with a percentage of admission would be difficult, and most likely inaccurate. People who post and ask others to evaluate their chances of admission are wasting their time and should not heed the advice of those who respond, unless they work for Columbia, read applications, and make admission decisions.</p>

9

<p>To Columbia2002:</p>

<p>Boy, are you acting just a wee bit uptight. Does showing ANY optimism whatsoever register on your "I cannot make a good assessment of your abilities at this time, given that I do not know any of your numerical statistics, so therefore I must reject any suggestions or insinuations that Arwa MAY have a CHANCE at getting into Columbia" meter? Am I not ALLOWED to show any optimism whatsoever? Am I not allowed to make an assessment, whether it be qualified or not, on Arwa's chances to get into Columbia or not, without getting it butchered by you for not accounting for the "scores"?</p>

<p>Yeah, so I made a prediction. What Arwa's asking is what every person at one time asked someone else: "What are my chances of getting in?" I am merely giving him an answer based on what I see right now. I realize that some people may not agree with my assessment...(not like I need to point that out at this time) but I don't see it unlikely that some people agree with it either. I don't see the scores, yes. Do I need to? Not necessarily. And before I get this statement quoted, torn apart, and spit back at me in that order, I guess I might as well return fire with a few of my own.</p>

<p>You said:</p>

<p>Quote:
someone can be at the top of his or her class, he/she can have a perfect GPA, he/she could've aced the SATs, but if he/she hasn't actually done anything to back it up, I think that Columbia would rather take Arwa.</p>

<p>Columbia will likely take NEITHER the 4.0/2400 whas done nothing outside the classroom NOR Arwa with a 1500. There are enough applicants who have top academics and top extras.</p>

<p>I say: Note the use of the word "would rather." Meaning...if they had to make a choice. Meaning...when I wrote that statement, I meant what I think (the taboo word of the day) would look better, and the choice I think (notice the word think, not know) they would make.</p>

<p>You said:</p>

<p>Quote:
I did what Arwa requested, I candidly evaluated his chances, using MY OWN opinion. That doesn't mean he needs to heed it, it was merely my opinion, nothing more. Rather than dissecting my post for making pretentious presumtions, make an assessment, regardless of scores, on how he could do now.</p>

<p>And I'm candidly evaluating your assessment of his chances. I don't think your assessment is candid in any way, whatsoever -- I think it is baseless, uninformed and misleading. To tell a guy he has a good chance of getting into Columbia when you know nothing about him is blatantly ignorant.</p>

<p>I say: Yeah...do what the poster is requesting and actually try to produce an answer, as opposed to "I cannot make a decision at this time." I made my assessment, you made yours. This is merely a matter of opinion. If you're not sure, tell him you're not sure, and leave it at that. An attack on a post suggesting (or the way you've implied it, guarenteeing) the mere possibility of an admission...very smooth. As to his activities, I am suggesting the idea that his activities can be deciding factor.</p>

<p>You said:</p>

<p>Quote:
I did what Arwa requested, I candidly evaluated his chances, using MY OWN opinion. That doesn't mean he needs to heed it, it was merely my opinion, nothing more. Rather than dissecting my post for making pretentious presumtions, make an assessment, regardless of scores, on how he could do now.</p>

<p>And I'm candidly evaluating your assessment of his chances. I don't think your assessment is candid in any way, whatsoever -- I think it is baseless, uninformed and misleading. To tell a guy he has a good chance of getting into Columbia when you know nothing about him is blatantly ignorant.</p>

<p>I say: Candid is defined in two ways. (definitions from dictionary.com, sorry if this isn't a "qualified" dictionary source, Columbia2002)</p>

<ol>
<li>Free from prejudice; impartial.</li>
<li>Characterized by openness and sincerity of expression; unreservedly straightforward</li>
</ol>

<p>I HONESTLY THINK he has a good shot at Columbia! I don't know Arwa personally, I think I can be a just little impartial (sarcasm is hard to project online, I apologize). As for the second definition, I sincerely think he does have a good shot at Columbia; as to what you say ("Without SAT I or II scores and without any context about your GPA or academic history, it is hard to say anything."), I (not to be disrespectful, but) could care less about what you say. I am trying to help the poster find some clarity in his situation. Telling me that my assessment of the poster is blatantly ignorant, </p>

<p>And let's look at a commonly misunderstood word, opinion:</p>

<ol>
<li> A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof.</li>
</ol>

<p>Gee, wonder what I did. And as to another definition:</p>

<ol>
<li> A judgment based on special knowledge and given by an expert</li>
</ol>

<p>Please tell me in my post where I imply that I am a so-called "expert" on the Columbia admissions process. I certainly didn't mean to suggest that I am an expert on the process at all. Seeing as how admissions officers aren't really prowling around and looking for posts such as these (otherwise they would have a really, really, REALLY long time of answering them all) I am giving him just a person to person opinion. Obviously, in your terms, not qualified, but where in the world do I say that I am qualified, or suggest that my opinion is qualified?</p>

<p>What I am saying, what I am doing now, is defending my opinion: the idea that Arwa has a shot at Columbia.</p>

<p>What you are saying, what you are doing? Attacking my opinion for suggesting anything remotely close to positive.</p>

<p>My opinion again, which will be spit back with flaming justice: </p>

<p>Test scores, GPAs...run of the mill. Everyone sees those, yes. What makes a student unique? The things he or she's done, not just academically. Yeah, academics are great, they're what you've done in the scope of a scholastic environment, for the most part. </p>

<p>What can a person do in the WORLD? What potential does a person have beyond a scholastic environment? Scholastic achievements don't tell you. They may give you a picture, but they don't tell you. The world doesn't remember that you got a 5 on the AP test, a perfect 4.0 in all four years of high school, or that you got a 2400 on your SATS. What the world DOES remember (and makes note of) are the things one has done. Arwa's activities shows that he has initiative, and that he is clearly passionate in his interests, and that he clearly has the will to follow them through. </p>

<p>Take a look at what the kid's done in just about three years. You don't get that from school alone. That took drive, ambition, and passion. Colleges aren't only looking the masters of the educational system, they're looking for people with those qualities, and more. That's not run of the mill.</p>

<p>Before you, Columbia 2002, go telling me that I can't tell someone that they have a decent shot at Columbia, because I "don't know enough", I'll cover myself with one more statement. Arwa does NOT have a GUARENTEED chance of getting into Columbia. On him still rides the essay, the rec letters, and what he does with the time he has left before his application is due (and, if he wishes to supplement, after the app is due, and before they make their decision).</p>

<hr>

<p>Arwa...I don't care if I have to say it a million times, I DO think that you have a decent shot at Columbia, no matter what anyone else says.</p>

10

<p>Thank you so much Talone.. I really appreciate your advice. I realize that absolutely no one is safe in the admissions process and I just wanted to know if there is even a prospect of me getting in or whether I shouldn't apply all together. I really appreciate your opptimism in me.. It gives me hope though at the same time I realize the possibility of not being accepted.
Columbia2002.. Don't worry.. I am very much aware of how random the application process is and at the prospect of me not being admitted.. :-)</p>

<p>P.S... I am a girl!! :-)</p>

11

<p>Arwa,
You have good grades and good citizenship ECs. Check out Xiggi's posts on how to do well on the SAT, and spend some time on your essays this summer. Leave them in a drawer for a couple of weeks and then reread them. Repeat the process. It'll make the corrections easier to see. Write from your own experience and passion and don't let too many adults make suggestions.</p>

<p>In addition as a precalc student you are three years away from Arithmetic and Algebra I. Take a bunch of practice Math SATs to see what errors you're prone to make. My daughter raised her math SAT 70 points by using this method a couple of nights before the exam. Doing well in the math SAT is not so much about how much you know but about mistake avoidance.</p>

12

<p>Hehe, sorry Arwa!! Boy is my face red...</p>