<p>I am in my junior year at a pretty uncompetitive, unprestigious public high school. My cumulative GPA, not weighted, is 4, and I'm ranked 1st. I've taken almost the most intense course load possible at my school, with one AP sophomore year, two APs this year, and I'm planning on taking six APs senior year, and I'm moderately involved: three years of varsity football, founder of the science olympiad, science fair, academic team, volunteer work at services hospital, and NHS. This summer I'm interning at a doctor's office, which is a great opportunity considering that medicine is my planned major. I got a 2400 on the SAT reasoning (800 Reading, 800 Writing, 800 Math). My parents are Native American.</p>
<p>"great ECs" I don't know about that, I always considered my EC's weak compared to other applicants. And I had no idea how much of an advantage I gained from being Native American until I joined. Thanks for the chance. Are you applying for Columbia this year or next?</p>
<p>I have already applied ED for Columbia '13.</p>
<p>And you might not have a page-long list of ECs, but they're very diverse. Science + NHS + hospital volunteer work is pretty standard, but with all that three years of varsity football? Not so common.</p>
<p>So, as long as you keep your GPA and participation up for senior year, I agree with half-japanese -- you could get into almost anything.</p>
<p>I'm only a junior in high school right now, but I'll probably be applying ED. Also, I had a working list of schools I would be applying to, but I was recommended to revise my list in a previous thread. Can you guys help me? Money is a very large factor in where I go.</p>
<p>My list: Columbia University, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University - Columbus, Miami University - Ohio, Ohio University - Athens, Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, and University of Dayton.</p>
<p>The first person to guess what state I live in wins a cookie. :)</p>
<p>This chances thread is ridiculous! :p Native American w/ 2400, 4.0, and good ECs, is that even a question??</p>
<p>I'm surprised you're not looking at more top schools as well. With those stats I bet you could get into Harvard or Yale, and depending on your family income they might even be able to offer you better financial aid packages. My suggestion: if money is a 'very large' factor in where you go, apply RD to a bunch of top schools, then compare financial aid packages. You can even get them into a bidding war. Applicants will sometimes call up an admissions office and say "X school offered me $24,000 but I like you guys, can you match that?" and often they will say yes. My opinion is that applying ED is a waste. You basically lose the option of shopping around and gain not very much. Yes, the acceptance rate for ED is higher, but I don't think you'll really need that.</p>
<p>you live in Ohio...Do I get a cookie? Seriously, you can look at higher caliber schools if you're interested because you have a lot going for you. Also, if you apply early decision anywhere you lose the chance to get the best scholarship deals. You stand a very good chance ed or rd.</p>
<p>I don't think anyone will say anything different... basically the fact that you're Native American puts you at a huge advantage, and it'll be a lot easier for you to get into college than pratically anyone else.</p>
<p>My opinion: agree w/ everyone else. Apply RD and weigh your financial packages. As to applying to higher caliber schools, it really depends on which you you want to go to. Most likely you'll get accepted to all...</p>
<p>You might want to do EA if you want a head start. You'll have less pressure later on if you get in.</p>
<p>if u are really what u say u are, don't go for ED at columbia. as much as I love the school, you WILL get in to at least 2 of HYPS, so don't limit your choices so early.</p>
