I am a black sophomore going on a junior year. I go to a very challenging and well known Private school currently. I hold a 3.45 Cum GPA with 3 honors so far and will have an AP and another honors next year. I am in the debate club, run track, and will be the president of the investment club next year. I have also ran a successful business where I made 5 thousand dollars in about 6 months while being self employed. I will also be interning at a Bank this year as well. What more can I do? Will my challenging HS be enough? What are my chances if I get a strong SAT and ACT score.
You might have a chance if you do really well on the sat/act, but as of now you probably should be looking into other colleges. They Ivy League schools very rarely accept students with a GPA under 3.7.
"I go to a very challenging and well known Private school " Then I will assume that your guid counselor staff is also very successful channeling its students to the best possible schools.
You should spk with them – not ask advice of random internet strangers. They’ll tell you the unvarnished truth – that’s what your parents’ hard-earned tuition money goes to provide.
Best of luck to you but look for a range of schools and don’t focus on any one (e.g. CU)
Challenging high school is not enough. A 3.4. GPA is pretty low. However, your chance is zero percent if you don’t apply.
Unfortunately SAT and ACT scores are pretty important. Personally, I think writing exceptional essays is even more important. You need to sell yourself as something–the math kid who can write, the artist, the science kid who wants to use his skill for social justice, etc. Use your essays to do that, show how your GPA doesn’t matter, or whatever. Don’t count on just going to a good high school, unless you’ve spoken with your guidance counselor and the guidance counselor is in touch with Columbia/has good reputation with Columbia.