dhuynh

Greetings, I am new to this website and aspiring to apply as a transfer to Columbia University. I know my post is a bit long, my apologies. Please help, though!

I am a first generation Asian-American of whom comes from a fairly poor family. In my life experiences thus far, I have my passion and thrist for knowledge to keep me striving against my hardships and the odds that are against me.

Brief Background Story-
My grandfather was a Vietnamese surgeon for the United States during the Vietnam War. When he passed away, my mother came to American in the mid 70s and raised her ten siblings without a mother or father. Despite being handicapped with polio diease, her love for life brought life to those she loved. She sacrificed any means of a formal education to care for her brothers and sisters. From my mother's care, I was born with passion and humility. I have only one sibling, a brother six years apart from me. A two-time sufferer of brain cancer, he has taught me more than what I've been able to learn in the confines any classroom.

High school-

I went to a public high school and had difficulty my sophomore year. I was in a gifted program called "APEX", though I thought it was a joke. I have only taken honors or AP classes up to my junior year, thereafer I did dual-enrollment. My high school gpa is a bit weird, 3.3 unweighted, 4.25 weighted, I'm in the top 10-15%, which isnt all that great.


SAT/ ACT-

My SAT is what really kills me, 1050 Verbal/ Math, I took it once in my early junior year.

I am looking forward to changing those SAT scores and taking the ACT. Aiming for a 30 or above.

Dual Enrollment while in High school-

Like I mentioned before, I did dual enrollment for a year. I attained 25 credits with a 3.8 gpa.

My classes:
Freshmen Comp I: A
Freshmen Comp II: A
Econ- Macro: A
U.S. Government: A
Ethics and Critical Thinking: A
Greek/ Roman Humanities: A
Fundamentals of Speech: B
Biological Science: B

PREPARATORY PROGRAM(S) AND SEMINARS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION-

APEX Academy (9th-11th)

Advanced Placement Experience Scholars Academy: A rigorous and comprehensive curriculum to a select group of academically talented and gifted students. As a program, APEX has prepared my academics to become better adaptable to meet colleges’ demands.

Dual Enrollment (12th)

A program that allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses for credit prior to high school graduation. Dual Enrollment provides a better education, with a faster and more effective experience than a typical high school’s curriculum.

Mandarin Culture/Language Program (1+ year involvement, ongoing):
Self-paced Chinese culture and Mandarin Language studies every Saturday.

Vietnamese Culture/Language Program (3+ year involvement, ongoing): Catholic religion-based classes for advanced studies in the Vietnamese culture and language every Sunday.

Seminars (12th):

-James Bovard, bestselling libertarian author and lecturer on the war in Iraq and abuses of governmental power.
-Arun Ghandi, Gandhi’s grandson, speaking of war and humility, peace and happiness in life.
-Prince Cedza Dlamini, Nelson Mandela's grandson, speaking of passion about education and social entrepreneurship.

HONORS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS:

-DECA District 5 Winner and Florida State Qualifier
-2007 Entrepreneurial Intern of the Year Award (Luggage Express Inc.)
-Olympia High School Principal’s/ Dean’s Honor Roll (9th-12th)
-Olympia High School’s Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
-Valencia Community College President’s List (4.00 G.P.A)
-President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold Level: Over 400 hours)
-Poetry.com Editor’s Choice Award

KEY CONTRIBUTITIONS TO MY COMMUNITY:

-Local Tutoring Services (over 200 hours and 5+ year involvement, ongoing): Tutored youth ages 10-14 years old in the subjects of English, reading comprehension, science, and mathematics.

-PolyCarpe Non-profit (3+ year involvement, ongoing): Junior Board Member to non-profit organization, with aims to aid at-risk and poor youths in the community at large, counseling, tutoring, educating.

-Assistance to Occupational Therapist (over 180 hours and 4+ year involvement, ongoing): Assisted occupational therapist with disabled youth to overcome their disabilities.

-Special Olympics Class B Group Leader (2+ year involvement, ongoing): Recruited, authorized, and led volunteers to assist and care for participants, coaches, and other personnel for the Annual Special Olympics Games.

Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (4+ year involvement, ongoing): Volunteered to condition and ensure safety of marathon participations.


EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Asian Club (11th-12th): Senior-member Representative, Founding Memeber

BETA Club (10th-12th): Club fundraising Coordinator

Cooking Club (10th-11th): Group Chef Leader

DECA Club (11th-12th): Competed in Management Team Decision Making Events: Internet Marketing Division (District-Level 5). Served as the leading role in the Team, won District 5, and became a Florida State Qualifier.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (10th-11th): Organizer/ Prayer Leader

Pre-Med Club (11th-12th): Club fundraising Coordinator/ Homecoming and Prom Banner Organizer

Model United Nations (9th & 12th): Multilateral Diplomat/ Group Leader

Mu Alpha Theta (11th-12th): Senior-member Representative


WORK EXPERIENCE

Luggage Express Inc.- Sales and Marketing/ Public Relations division, Spring 2005- ongoing
Internship at Wheelock Law Firm, Winter 2007- Spring 2008
Century 21- Real Estate Representative, Summer 2008- ongoing
*Looking for another Law Firm to work at, part-time*

CAREER INTERESTS/ MAJORS-

JOB/BUSINESS RELATED- Mortgage Broker’s License- Winter 2008, Real Estate Agent’s License- Already Attained, Real Estate Broker’s License- Summer 2010, Series 7 and 63 (Stock-Broker)- Summer 2009
MISC.- Private Pilot's License- Summer 2010-11
INTENDED MAJOR- International Business/ Pre-Law
INTENDED MINOR- Philosophy
CAREER ASPIRATIONS- Law School, and Business and Politics

I realize that my scores are really bad, I'm looking to change that. I didn't do stellar in High school either. However, I do have more than just a desire to go to Columbia. I can do more than just imagine myself there, I have the strongest and deepest feelings for Columbia and what they have to offer me. Not all opportunities are equal, and for me Columbia is one I do not want to miss out on.

Currently I am a Freshmen at Rollins College, aiming to attain all A's

My courseload-

ECON 202- Economics in Historical Prespective
RCC 100-Decline and Fall
PHI 221- Formal Logic
INB 230- Finan./ Managerial Accounting
SPN 101- Elementry Spanish I (prob. taking this one at another institut.)
INT 255P- Pre-Law- Conquering the LSAT

By the end of the semester I should have around 40+ credits.

Please tell me about my chances and share with me the best manner to approach this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I sincerely thank you for your time.