<p>What's the MOST important thing Columbia looks for in its applicants? SAT scores? GPA? Essay? After school activities? Community Service? Which ONE thing is important for Columbia?</p>
<p>According to the welcome speeches, "promise." No single trait unifies all admitted students except that the admissions office believes they have strong future potential. That and the subjective feel of whether the student would find Columbia a good "fit."</p>
<p>I don't think you can really say that scores, grades, or activities is MOST important; rather, if you buy the admissions rhetoric, it's a holistic assessment of whether the applicant is first academically qualified, then involved and motivated enough outside of school to be likely to continue involvement and make Columbia a vibrant and successful place.</p>
<p>I think they really look for interesting people. I have seen a lot to say that scores, grades, and activities don't mean much at all. I think the reason the essay is very important because it is a big factor in determining how interesting a person is. In the end, you just need to be yourself and be unique because Columbia is looking for diversity.</p>