Chances for Columbia University (Early Decision)?

1984ad
Wed, 06 Sep 2017 03:10:48 +0000

Hi –– I will be applying to Columbia ED this year, and I’d like any opinions on my chances. Thanks!

Demographics:

-White male
-Son of refugees
-Bisexual (mentioned in some supplements)
-Low income (like 45k-ish I believe)
-Upstate NY, average/small public school

Stats:

-GPA: 4.0
-ACT: 34
-SAT Subject Tests: US History - 760, French - 680
-Class Rank: Salutatorian out of class of 330
-Will have taken 8 AP classes by graduation and lots of honors/dual as well (most rigorous in my class)

Extracurriculars (my major will be Human Rights):

-Founder, President, and Director of Refugee Resettlement Club (see: demographics)
-Intern at the New York State Division of Human Rights (200 hours, competitive position, most interns are college-level)
-Volunteer for Bernie Sanders campaign (calling, voting plans, etc)
-President of NHS (gave speech in front of Board of Edu that helped save some AP classes)
-Volunteered in sophomore year to tutor refugee children at local library
-Staff writer for online publication led by teens writing about politics
-Member of my county’s Math League
-Varsity/JV Captain of a team that placed second at my county’s Quiz Bowl playoffs

Other:

-Included that I write fiction and study languages in my free time on my app
-National Merit Semi-finalist (wont be taking the SAT for finalist status because I like my ACT score)
-Received Academic Varsity letter and various other school awards
-Main Common App essay will focus on a part of my personality and it’s pretty uncommon/sorta weird haha, and the supplements for Columbia talk about my refugee family background as my reason for applying as a Human Rights major and then I did something sorta creative for the Why Us? essay. My “list” questions included only about 8 things per list and I explained each of them in detail/what they meant to me instead of just listing like 20+ books lol.
-My LORs will come from the teacher I founded the refugee club with who can speak for my passion in my major and my English teacher who can speak for my love of literature/discussion

Any opinions or insight on admission would be really great. Columbia is absolutely my top choice, so I can’t wait to hear your guys’ advice!