What do I need for Columbia University?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm a 9th grader in high school and I've recently had a strong interest in Columbia University.
My first marking period I had a 3.7 GPA and this marking period I have a 4.0 GPA. The 2 B's I received were in French and Biology and that was a HUGE mistake and I swear I will never screw up like that!<br>
I anticipate continuing a 4.0 GPA for the rest of the year (I hope!), and I am taking the sort-of highest classes my school offers (I doubled up on Geometry and Algebra 2 this year, I'm taking the highest science class for my grade, and I plan to take 4 years of French)
The only problem is that I'm not taking any honors classes (only juniors/seniors can take AP classes for my high school) I'm hoping that won't be a huge impact. Next year I plan to take everything honors possible, which so far, I think will be Pre-Calc, English, (there is no French honors in my school), and hopefully Biology but I'm not sure because of that B i got first marking period.
I'm doing Community Service and French club and am trying out for my golf team this spring which I REALLY hope I make (if I don't make it a LOT of things can go wrong, e/g, can't join National Honors Society when I become a junior because you need at least 3 clubs/sports per year)
I sent in some volunteer apps for my local library, I still have 2 others I have to give for my hospital and TeenLine, but I haven't had a chance because my mom can't drive in bad weather (it's been snowing alot where I live)
If I'm not accepted for Honors Biology, I'm thinking of doubling up on Chemistry and Physics next year but I don't know if that'll be a good or bad thing because my sister got an F on her Pre-Calc midterm and I'm scared it'll be WAY too hard (my Algebra 2 year teacher said Pre-Calc is the hardest math course)</p>

<p>What else should I plan on doing for the next 3 years of high school to give me a decent chance at Columbia?</p>

<p>Sorry this is SO long! Thank you :) </p>

<p>P.S: summer of 2015 I will be taking the Columbia summer program for high schoolers, do you think that will benefit me when I apply?</p>

2

<p>If Bio isn’t your strongpoint, don’t go too in depth into it. Do Chemistry or Physics or something else. It is good to keep up the ECs, but really focus on them OUTSIDE of school. Every Columbia applicant and their brother has NHS, FBLA, DECA, Student Council, etc. How many applicants restored old muscle cars? Interned at Blackwater? Voluntarily protected ships from Somali pirates? Did a ride along in a squad car? You have to be UNIQUE.</p>