Attending Columbia University is my ultimate goal. I would greatly appreciate it if you guys, especially current Columbia students, could chime in and give a rising senior some tips and advices.
Standardized Testng:
ACT 30 but I’m studying right now to hopefully get at least a 32… 34 would be my desire
SAT II US History 700
SAT II Math 2 690 (planning on retaking it)
GPA: 4.47 Weighted
Rank: 1 out of 467
Took numerous Honors and AP courses…
Extra Curriculars: Chairman Mayor’s Youth Commission, Mayor Human Rights Commission, NHS, Student Advisory Group On Education, Mu Alpha Theta, Model UN…
Even though I haven’t joined a lot of different clubs and organizations, I have really participated and logged many hours in terms of dedication to my extra curriculars which is mainly geared towards the city itself…
well . . . with such a low admission rate, it’s hard for anyone to get in, even with your great stats. You have a shot, but be sure to think about Why Columbia as you apply. What makes that school different from the rest?
Also, do you need financial aid? if you don’t need it too badly you may want to consider taking a little time off and applying through the school of general studies. Same degree (although the diploma is in english not latin for gen studies). Take classes just like all of the othe CU students. But admissions can be a little easier. FA may not be as good either. You can take as little as 6 mos to a year off and be admitted as a nontrad student. At least, others have done so. There are some other small differences such as for housing, but if CU is your dream school and you can afford it, this is one additional route to that end.
Remeber CU has four undergrad colleges: Col College, Barnard, General Studies and SEAS school of engineering.
IMO with an acceptance rate of approx. 6% it is impossible to chance anyone for Columbia. Many many well qualified applicants do not get in. That said an improvement in your ACT woudl be helpful as yours is now below the 25% percentile of accepted applicants. http://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/classprofile/2019