How can I get into Stanford and Columbia?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

The most challenging schools that I want to go to are Stanford University or Columbia University.

It is not about the name for me. I appreciate the diversity of the students at each university, I love the size and location of each university, and I love the opportunities to learn from the best of the best.

I am a thinker. I love physics and philosophy. I want to discover the secrets of our universe. I am waiting to read A Brief History of Time and Our Elegant Universe. As you may know, Brian Greene is a professor at Columbia.

During Freshman year, I had an eye surgery in December. My dad was fired from his job in May. I never advocated for myself with my visual impairment, and I struggled with anxiety. I took a full honors course-load, and finished the year with a 3.1.

Sophomore year, my dad got a great job across the country, and he moved there. Meanwhile, the rest of our family moved locally over a period of 4 months. I have taken honors courses, and taken AP World Civ, and I am expecting a cumulative 3.3 this year.

My parents did not go to college, and they do not really understand the process. I have always been entirely self-motivated.

I am taking Algebra 2 this summer, because I want to take AP Physics 1 next year. I will be taking AP Language and AP US History as well.

I am the Captain of our Academic Decathlon Team, I volunteer for fun. My favorite places to Volunteer are at FOHA pet adoptions, and our Nature Center. I have a job at a local farm, and I would do it even if I didn’t get paid. I run 3 miles every other day, and I have participated in 5Ks for our local Children’s Hospital and Lighthouse for the Blind. I have a disease called Nystagmus, which affects my vision; which is why I support Lighthouse. I won first place in the Environmental Science category at our school science fair, and I attended the Regional Science Fair. I attended a week long volunteer service camp in my state, I was selected to travel to Europe with People to People Ambassador Programs, to learn about other cultures, and participate in social service projects. In Freshman Year, I was a member of DECA, and I was a member of the Student Government. I helped design our homecoming float, and I organized the publicity for our Toys for Tots Christmas toy drive. I have participated the World Wide Waldens Essay Contest and the Save the Frogs Art Contest.

What are my chances right now? Assuming my grades next year are perfect what are my chances? I am not asking ‘if’ I can. I am asking ‘how’ I can. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2

It is impossible to chance anyone without PSAT/SAT/ACT scores. Just remember that there are hundreds of AMAZING colleges in this country. Don’t get obsessed with two that are almost impossible to get into!

3

I think you need to be realistic and diverse in your college applications. Unfortunately, unless you are an olympian, have a very unusual talent, or the son/daughter of a major donor/senator/president, your grades will be the biggest factor in your application. And unfortunately, with a 3.1 and a 3.3 GPA you are likely outside the range of admitted students for both of these schools. It will clearly be a very uphill battles. Having said that, battles have been won, so there is no harm in applying, but do have an extensive list of other schools that admit students in your GPA and SAT/ACT score range. Good luck!

4

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

5

Do something that really distinguishes you from other applicants, like winning the Westinghouse Science Competition outright. That should get you in to pretty much every school you apply to.

Barring that, with your 3.3 cumulative GPA after Sophomore year, the most you could pull it up by the end of Junior year (the grades that will be used on your applications) is to about a 3.5 - 3.6, with straight 'A’s. Even that is not competitive for Stanford or Columbia.