Hi, I’m currently a sophomore majoring in Economics/Business at another Ivy League interested in transferring to Columbia in the fall. Here are my stats (I’m happy to chance you back if you’re thinking of applying as well).
HS:
went to a competitive public high school
SAT: 1520 (770M, 750 CR, 21/24 Essay)
GPA: 4.12/4.5
SAT Subjects: 750 U.S., 780 Math Level II
AP: took 7 APs (my school didn’t offer them until a few junior year) but only took 5 exams. 4 on Chem, 5s on U.S. History, French, Literature, Calc
Did a lot of extracurricular activities and won some awards (book awards, Commended Student, etc.) top 5-10% of class.
College:
GPA: 3.71
Economics major with Business minor
Have 3 leadership positions and heavy involvement in 3 clubs, all of which center around business/consulting. 2 of 3 clubs involved resume drop, 2 rounds of interviews, and had acceptance rates under 10%. I also TA a class
Interned last summer at a finance firm, got return offer.
lmk if you have any questions/suggestions on how to improve my application before I apply in the spring and please reply if you want me to chance you back!
Do you have a real reason for transferring (more than wanting to ‘trade up’)?
You know that the Economics course at Columbia is research & policy focused, yes (ie, not a proxy for a business major)? And that there is no undergrad business major (or minor)? There is a Business Concentration, which has competitive admissions (45 places) for which you apply in spring of sophomore or junior year (there are a couple of easy pre-reqs as well). You will have to also complete the Core in 3 years, which will also limit your course options.
My mom has stage four cancer and her treatment is in NYC. Being at Columbia would allow me to be close to her and closer to my family as we deal with everything.
My parents also met at Columbia Business School, so it has always been on my radar as a school I’d be interested in attending. They loved their experience and have always spoke of it fondly.
Yes, I am aware that Econ at Columbia is research/policy-focused. That is one of my favorite things about the major and something I wish I saw more of at my current school. I plan to apply to the concentration and also to join a couple of business/finance clubs like the ones I’m currently involved in so that I can pursue finance or consulting after college.