Hello! I am a current Junior in high school and was wondering what I should be trying to focus on to ensure a solid application next school year.
Intended Major: Business Management or Economics - Poli Sci
Dream School: Columbia
Race: White
Gender: Male
SAT: 1530 Practice Average
GPA: 3.8 UW | 4.2 W
Course Load: PLANNED 11 Honors & 8APs (by the end of 12th grade)
Here is a short breakdown of my profile:
am the founder of a very successful Political nonprofit
over 200k web visits per month
collective reach of over 2.5million per month
160 chapters
Podcast & Guests such as Andrew Yang, Jo Jorgensen, and Howie Hawkins
Successful sponsored academic journal
online publishing of over 40 articles per week
have 1.1mil followers on my personal libertarian political page
former campaign manager for Dr. Jo Jorgensen (libertarian presidential candidate)
am a Nationally recognized trumpeter
Lead Trumpet in All-State & NYO Bands
2100 Volunteer hours from 7Cups - mental health app meant to help teens
I further go to a well-known rigorous public school. Our average SAT score is 1440 and our AP test passing rate is 99%. What are my standings in terms of getting into Columbia or an Ivy?
Your accomplishments are pretty impressive, and, in general, 3.8 unweighted is an excellent GPA. However, for Columbia it is on the low side. In general, admissions for students with any GPA under 3.85 or even a bit higher is very challenging. However, if your high school is such that your GPA puts you in the top 10%, you are competitive. Solid As this semester and during your first semester of Senior year would make you more competitive.
In any case, even if you are not in the top 10%, even though admission would be a challenge, and Columbia would be a high reach, IMO, it is still worth your while to send in an application.
Just make sure that you have realistic matches and at least one safety (academic and financial).
Good luck.
As an aside, I would recommend that you look at Georgetown as a reach which is more in reach, especially considering your strong interests in political science (even though you are looking at business management too).
Whatever you do, highly suggest that you do not list “Business Management” as your only area of interest on the Common App. If you apply to Columbia College, you’ll see that Business Management concentration is only offered as a special concentration in conjunction with another major. Noting an interest for the combined Econ-Poli Sci program however is fine. You wouldn’t have time for all 3 though.
Your stats and grades look fine, and Columbia does have ED, which helps. But overall the acceptance rate is very low, so have a good backup plan in place.