What are my chances of getting into Columbia?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

My dream university is Columbia University. Although I am optimistic, I am realistic. I know that Columbia is an ivy and has an incredibly low acceptance rate. I am going to apply regardless, but I just wanted to get an idea of what my chances are.

I want to major in Journalism, if that helps at all. I’m mixed, white and Asian. I have a 4.2 GPA, straight-A’s, and my SAT is 1520. My ACT is a 35. I have multiple extracurriculars: I write for the newspaper, I am involved in yearbook, I run track, and I play cello in Orchestra. I am talented in track, but not extraordinary. I recently placed 4th place in a race. I am in all AP and advanced classes. I’m currently a junior, and I plan on taking all AP classes senior year too. I volunteer frequently for homeless and animal shelters, and I write incredible essays.

What are my chances?

2

I also live in New York, if that matters at all.

Also, please don’t go easy on me. I want honesty. Like I said, I am optimistic but realistic. I know it is incredibly selective, and I want honest opinions.

3

What’s your unweighted GPA? I believe your course rigor is excellent and your on the right track especially with your extracurriculars.

4

You have a fair shot.

5

What’s your GPA? You look like you could be a competitive applicant. But as you know, Ivy admissions are a crapshoot regardless of your stats.

6

Agree with the above. You appear to be a qualified candidate but it is impossible to chance at a school like Columbia. With an acceptance rate at about 6% the school has to turn down many qualified applicants. You appear to be on a great path so keep it up and you should have many college options available.

7

Hi - as someone who applied to Columbia for English (they only have a journalism graduate program) I can give you some advice.

Your stats look great! Your ECs though can be better. Are you the editor-in-chief (or will be next year) of your school newspaper? Do you do a lot of creative writing? Have you won any awards in writing? If not, here’s what I suggest:

Become a reporter for your local town newspaper

Do a lot of nonfiction writing (you can send in a writing supplement when you apply)

Enter in online writing contests and submit your work to literary magazines (here’s a list of them: http://www.newpages.com/writers-resources/young-authors-guide)

Get involved in an area that you’re interested in. For example, if you like political journalism, try getting an internship at your local congressman’s office. Or if you like the environment, maybe write an investigative article on your town’s drinking water.

If you want to get into Columbia, or any top school for that matter, you need to demonstrate deep interest. Right now, it seems as if you can certainly do more if you’re interested in English/Journalism. Feel free to message me if you have any questions!