<p>Personally, I believe that admissions are intense and do involve some luck. However, I feel like people on CC really demonize the process. Sure, it’s pretty hectic and stressful, but it should be enjoyable to some degree. Plus, I genuinely liked all the colleges I applied to, so I wouldn’t have been traumatized if I hadn’t gotten into Columbia.</p>
<p>Your EC’s are great as is your GPA. Like you said, your SAT scores are a little low (if you have the funds you may want to enroll in a prep class - do not do online class though). Of course it’s not impossible to get in with these scores, but it’s definitely more difficult. </p>
<p>As for awards, I don’t think it’s going to significantly drag you down. Maybe there just aren’t any awards in your area. I agree with BernieMadoff there are thousands of absolutely amazing applicants, but there are also ‘normal’ people at Columbia. Stellar scores and awards don’t necessarily make you unique. Obviously, schools aren’t just admitting the applicants with the highest scores and GPA (don’t get me wrong, these are very important), they’re also looking for people who fit the school and are going to do well. After all, if you drop out, it’ll lower their percentages.</p>
<p>Also, as SheepGetKilled said, maybe your school is trash. I don’t know. But I do know that mine certainly was (is!). My alma mater doesn’t have a trig class! The local college doesn’t even have a trig class! I advise you to really take a look at your school, and start self studying now if you don’t want to struggle in college.</p>
<p>If you don’t manage to bring up your SAT scores, I advise you to apply regular decision.
Stay optimistic, but be prepared. And stay open minded. I love Columbia, but I’m sure I could have been just as happy at the other schools I was accepted to. Make sure you pick colleges you like, not just based on rank.</p>
<p>I hope this helps, feel free to pm me.</p>
<p>P.S. Some may feel this reply seems too positive, but I found the comments on your chance board to be pretty negative, which would be fine if they also gave you some advice.</p>