Current Columbia University student, here to help

srush151
Mon, 30 Sep 2013 23:52:38 +0000

@jw2149: I know this isn’t a chances thread, but you seem to be a great resource. If you don’t mind…

What do you think my chances are?

I’m currently a junior, have an UW 4.0 thus far, about a 4.5 W. (All As so far this year as well)
I attend a highly competitive, large public school in Los Angeles

Have not yet taken the SAT or ACT, but aim to score about 2200 collectively.
Class rank not issued yet, since I’m only a junior, but I am definitely in the top 2%, if not 1%. (out of ~450)

APs:
Human Geo (Freshman Year): 4
World History (Soph.): 5
Environmental Science (Soph.): 5
(This Year): Studio Art, Biology, US History, English Lang, Calculus AB

ECs:
-Yearbook Editor this year and next year, yearbook staff member since 8th grade (my school is from 7th-12th)
-CSF (California Scholarship Federation) member since 9th grade, now a vice president, will be president senior year
-Class Officer member (10th-12th grade), have assumed leadership position as a fundraiser commissioner last year.
-750+ hours volunteering at a library for people with autism and other disabilities (my cousin suffers from autism, developmental issues, and heart defects at birth). Will continue this for years to come.
-Volunteer at a feeding the homeless dinner that takes place every Friday, for two years to date.
-Member of Feminist Club (10th grade to date, + next year)

Awards:
-AP Scholar
-Award in accomplished graphic design at my school (highly competitive)
-Presidential Award for Academic Achievement (certificate signed by Obama, but awarded several years ago; should I include this?)
-National Honors Society Member

Work Experience:
-Clerk at my local public pool for last two summers (paid position)

Columbia has been my absolute dream school for as long as I can remember. I am in love with New York City, and Columbia University. Unfortunately, no hooks. Does being a first-generation college graduate help my chances?

Am I on the right track? Do I need to increase my involvement in other extracurricular endeavors? I don’t want to get my hopes up, but Columbia is literally the only school I would be excited to attend.

Senior Year Course load:
-AP English Lit
-AP Calculus BC
-AP Psych (self-study?)
-Any recommendations?

I value your opinion, and hope to one day be your classmate?