Chance Thread for Columbia University 2018

NYLannister
Sat, 28 Sep 2013 14:27:55 +0000

Hi guys, i’m applying as an International student from Pakistan like @pkteen. First of all, I’d just like to say that all of you have tremendous apps-you guys are truly formidable and for those applying ED (and RD) I want to stay with you guys till the finish line. :)

I’m applying ED and these are my stats:

SAT 1: 2320 (800 CR 770 M 750 W 10 Essay)
Sat 2: Have yet to take-Taking Math 2 and Physics in October
Grades: In the British system, our GPA is basically our O and A-level Grades and there’s a corresponding conversion system from O & A-levels to GPA.
O-Levels: 9 A+ and 1 A out of 10 subjects (Distinction in World History)
AS-Levels: 4 A’s
School grades (Only Mid-Terms and Finals are sent): Very good but not stellar- Consistently A to A+ with one or two B’s.
Class Rank: Came first in my section for nine years Don’t have class rank anymore but based on school and O & A-levels top 5%.
Course Load: A-Level History, Physics,Math, Economics. Most rigorous available with A-level Physics and History getting the most credits. Also in an Honors Class called GPR (Global Perspectives and Research) which is only offered to the top 15 students in the grade and is only offered to 2 SCHOOLS in South Asia)
School type: Internationally recognized with national prestige. Consistently sends 10-12 to Oxbridge,Ivies competitive schools every year.

EC’s: Head Boy (Kind of like Valedictorian and Student Council President combined)
Head of the Debate Council- Captain of the School Parliamentary Debate Team
National level debater shortlisted for National team multiple times. Ranked in top 10 speakers nationally multiple times as well. Semi-finalist in U-17 Nationals Championship, Winner of regional Championship. Also organized a national level debate tournament at my school.
100+ hours volunteering at home for special children
Organized and acted in an independent student-run play which donated all proceeds to a fund for victims of a bomb blast (120 hours in that)
Interned at nationally recognized vocational training center in 10th grade
Council Member of the Economics Club (11th and 12th Grade)
Founder of Philosophy Club (12th Grade)
Council Member of History and World Affairs Club (11th and 12th Grade)

Essays: Nonexistent blank space. If ever an inanimate object has been catty and emotionally manipulative, it’s a college essay-Really need to give my all for these.
Teacher Rec’s: I expect one teacher to write me a great one seeing as she’s in charge of debates and knows how much I work for them. The other also likes me and thinks I’m one of the few students actually interested in History (so they should be good)
Counselor Rec: Should be decent, don’t really know her at all, though being Head Boy always helps.

Hooks: Primary legacy. (Parent did undergrad from SEAS)
Financial Aid: Nope.

Aims: I want an interdisciplinary degree with Econ+Phil or Developmental Economics/Public Policy. I want to create my own micro finance initiative in Pakistan and hopefully revolutionize this field in Pakistan.

Columbia has been this monolith for me and as the app and decision process has come progressively closer its made me both parts excited and terrified. I would really appreciate all of your feedback on my app such as where I can improve or what part of it I should emphasize. The applicant pool is always stellar and you guys just go on to underline that. Thanks and good luck everyone!