<p>Hi, I’m a Junior and Columbia has been my dream school for many years. It’s location and academics is just perfect.</p>
<p>GPA: 92 unweighted
ACT: 33 Composite
SAT II: 720 Biology, 700 Math II
Extracurricular:
Volunteered at Staten Island University Hospital for more than 300 hours.
Participated in many high school plays and productions.
Varsity letter for cross country.</p>
<p>I realize my test scores aren’t the best but I’m very committed to my extracurriculars, so I hope the admissions can see that. I also plan on majoring in Chemistry and going on the pre med track.</p>
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<li>How good is Columbia’s Chemistry department? </li>
<li>Since Barnard is part of Columbia and is less selective, should I apply there for early decision instead? What are the disadvantages of doing so?</li>
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<ol>
<li><p>The chemistry department is capable of teaching you far more than you can take in. (I know that sounds self contradictory.) What I meant is that you can learn as much as you want or can.</p></li>
<li><p>You might want to look at Barnard directly to see if you really want to go there. It would be sad to spend four years wishing you were across the street. There ar some young women who do what you suggest, but they are unhappy from what I hear from my daughter. On the other hand the experience is not totally different. Check out the “core” and the “nine ways of knowing” and see if either one appeals to you more.
As an athlete you will compete on Columbia’s team. Your social life will be integrated into Columbia’s either way.</p></li>
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<p>By the way, your ECs are good. There are many theater opportunities even for people who aren’t already professionals. Columbia needs help in sports.</p>
<p>Thank you mardad. I don’t think I’m good enough for college level sports but I am excited about the theater opportunities, especially since Columbia/Barnard is in New York City. I like both the core/the nine ways of knowing equally and would rather much prefer both over Brown’s open curriculum. I enjoy reading some Shakespeare while still being on the pre-med track so that aspect of CU/BC is perfect for me.</p>