<p>I'm currently a Junior at high school and Columbia University is my top choice. I'm planning in applying through early decision to Columbia and since this is a rather important decision for me, I wanna know what my chances are.</p>
<p>Intended major: Chemistry</p>
<p>Extracurricular activities:
President - Ecology Club
Secretary - National Honor Society
Member - Chemistry Club
Member - Student Government
Member - Photography Club
Active volunteer at the local hospital</p>
<p>GPA: 4.33 </p>
<p>Class Rank: Top 10th</p>
<p>Race: White
Ethnicity: Puerto Rican</p>
<p>PSAT Score: 161</p>
<p>SAT: Have not taken it yet. Taking it next month. Based on my practice tests I would get around 1800 - 1900.</p>
<p>ACT: Have not taken it yet. Will be taking it next month. Based on practice tests, I would get a Composite of 28 - 30.</p>
<p>Your scores are on the lower side for both schools, but it doesn’t hurt to apply. Maybe instead of applying to Columbia, which is a reach, apply to a school that you have a better chance at. Columbia’s sister school, Barnard, is fantastic and you’d have a better chance even though it’s an all female school. You could also look into schools like NYU if you want the urban experience and you’d have a way better shot at it. I don’t want to discourage you, but you should apply early to a school where you have a good chance.</p>
<p>They say that SAT/ACT scores are not everything, but prestigious schools do weigh them rather heavily. Keep in mind that most people applying to Columbia and UPenn have SAT scores around 2200 and ACTs around 33-34. I’m not saying that you don’t have a chance, but raising those scores would definitely benefit you. In addition, consider community service or getting a job this summer. I’m not sure how rigorous your course-load is and how many APs you are taking, but those would also factor in. You have to find some way to make up for <em>comparatively</em> poor standardized testing somehow to truly have a chance or try to increase your scores. I definitely agree with @enigmaticmind to an extent as well, but good luck!</p>
<p>Wait till you get your test scores before deciding. If they’re close enough, DO apply. How well can you convey your intellectual curiosity through your essays? Are you passionate about any of your EC’s?</p>
<p>Those scores I got are without studying and I’m studying around 3 hours a day to raise those scores. My goal is to raise my score 2100 and if I can’t achieve it at next month’s test, I would be retaking it in October.</p>
<p>I will also be taking the following subject tests (SAT II)
Chemistry
Math Level 2</p>
<p>At high school, I am student of an specialised program: The Math and Science Program. This is a elite group of around 15 students of a class 220. Since 7th grade we are given classes that extremely challenging. Usually they are classes from a year ahead of what we are coursing, honor classes or pre- ap.
Our curriculums in high school:</p>
<p>9th grade
Geometry
Spanish
English
Intro to Physics
Physics lab
Religion (I study at a private catholic school)
Summer Course: World History</p>
<p>10th grade:
Algebra 2
Spanish
English
Chemistry Honors
Chemistry lab
Philosophy
US History
Geography</p>
<p>11th grade:
Algebra 3 (equivalent to Pre-Calculus)
Spanish
Pre- AP English
Physics Honors
Physics Lab
Biology Honors
Biology Lab
Ethics
Summer Courses: Trigonometry, Puerto Rican History</p>
<p>12th grade:
Advanced Math (a more in depth Pre-Calculus)
AP Spanish
AP English
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry Lab
Teacher’s Assistant
Summer Course: 20th Century Puerto Rican History</p>
<p>As of my essays, I’ve won awards for my essays at school. So, I’m quite good.</p>
<p>I thought I had what it takes to get to Columbia since a friend of mine got into MIT, Brown and UPenn with only an 1850 SAT and 28 ACT.</p>
<p>Thanks for answering! :)</p>
<p>I think they are more forgiving of low standardized scores from puerto rico. </p>
<p>or foreign nations that aren’t primarily english speaking. </p>
<p>Maybe your friend got in because she has awesome EC’s? Because your EC’s right now look ordinary. Both UPenn and Columbia are reaches as of now</p>
<p>Even though I would normally consider these schools high reaches for you, I think your school’s acceptance history suggests that you actually have a fair chance, so you should apply.</p>