I got a 1430 on the SAT, which isn’t that great by Columbia standards, though I got 99th percentile (740) in Reading/Writing and 94th (690) on Math- I don’t intend to pursue a math-related course of study.
My SAT subject tests were in the mid-700s in Literature and Physics.
I grew up in three different countries with three familial arrangements (including two female parents at one point), so even though I’m white I have quite a diverse background (countries are, in order, the US, Czech Republic and New Zealand).
I have a 4.0 estimated GPA and won my school’s Junior and Sophomore Academic Cups.
I have three years of Model UN, two years of debating, three years of Varsity squash, two years of Varsity table tennis. Won Most Improved twice in a row in squash and MVP in table tennis. I helped found my school’s first ever skiing club, too.
I made the World Championships in the History Olympiad (to be held), the national (New Zealand) championships in Linguistics, other competitions of a similar caliber.
I was my school’s Board of Trustees Student Representative, and represented my McDonald’s store at a National Fast Food Worker’s Union Conference, I am now a recruiter for the union in my store.
I tutor non-English speaking students in my school in Physics, too, and was a freshman support leader.
I wrote four articles for the yearbook, and an essay on autism in literary characters that was accepted for citation by a world expert in her lecture series.
I also volunteered to help Indonesian short track skating athletes with the logistics in getting to the World Cup and Olympics, and one competed for the first time ever this week.
I wrote some pretty good essays and know I got very good recommendations from two of my teachers, my counselor, and my Model UN and Debating coaches.
As made evident in my application, I’d like to study something like International Relations and Economics, likely move on to law, and eventually work in either a government or something like the International Olympic Committee. In school, I’d like to pursue skiing further, maybe start a cross-country skiing club as well, and do a lot of Quiz Bowl. As well as your usual clubs etc. but I’ll just do what I think seems interesting. Those are the two things I have set in stone.
I’ve applied early to Princeton, as I’m a triple legacy there, and I figure that’s a good way to gauge my chances (if I can’t get in there, I probably won’t get into Columbia or any other Ivy school.) Columbia, though, and other places like Yale, interest me, mostly due to their city location. I’ve always considered myself a more urban kinda person. Though Princeton would be fantastic, too. End of the day I don’t need this to happen, but it would be pretty awesome.
I realize my extracurriculars are somewhat ‘lacking’ as in I’m not a national champion in anything, haven’t really done any college research ahead of time, didn’t force myself to have huge commitments during my life. I write about that in my Common App essay, about my background, and explain how I believe such a way of high school life has been an asset to me. Sounds a bit like I’m making excuses, I know, but it’s not. You’ll just have to take my word on this one.
Just outta curiosity, what do you think my chances are of making it into Columbia? (And possibly Yale, too, if it’s any different).
Thanks!
Wow! Your extra-curricular activities are very impressive!
Both Columbia and Yale are very selective. I would highly advocate for you to take the ACT or take the SAT again, as those scores are very important for acceptance. Also, as a triple legacy, it is much more likely for you to get in there, so I wouldn’t think of those schools as equivalent chances. I think you might want to apply to at least one safety school.
Hi- Unfortunately I don’t really have the funds to take the SAT again, and I doubt I’d improve extremely much. I was told that anything about 1400 is competitive enough? I’d be quite surprised if they thought of a couple of answers of a test (difference between 1430 and 1530) was more reflective than one’s extracurriculars or GPA.
Problem is there’re so many other applicants got “a couple of answers of a test” right.
The acceptance rate at Columbia was 6% last year – that means that many extremely well qualified applicants get turned down. I do think your SAT score, which is well below the 25th percentile for accepted students, will hurt your chances.
https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/classprofile/2020
I’d suggest you apply and give it a shot, but be sure to also have a balanced college application list that includes match and safety schools that appear affordable and that you would be happy to attend. There are many wonderful schools out there where you can have a great 4 year experience and get where you want to go in life.
Thanks- retaking the test is not an option for me. No money.
I have a safety school in New Zealand where I’ve already been accepted. I’m surprised such great weight is given to these scores.
While colleges do review applications on a holistic basis, academics (including GPA, course rigor, standardized tests) are typically the most heavily weighted component of the application. For the super competitive schools such as Columbia which turns down about 94% of applicants (many of whom are extremely well qualified) every little piece of the application, including standardized tests, is important. By all means give it a shot – that way you will never have to wonder “what if.”
Glad you already have a good safety school lined up.
If you don’t think you would be able to improve your SAT score, you might have difficulty getting through a school as academically rigorous as Columbia.
Also, did you check if you might be eligible for fee waivers? I don’t know if internationals are granted them but it’s worth googling I guess. Lastly, how is it that you have money for skiing but not to take the SAT exam? I guess skiing is not nearly as expensive in NZ as it is here in the US. Btw, I’m sure you’re aware that Columbia is need-aware for internationals and financial aid is not always the best.
In any event, the 1430 is going to be a negative. Hopefully, your other factors will compensate for this but honestly the best solution would be to find a way to retake the SAT exam.
Best of luck!