How to make myself dazzle.

Chance Me / Match Me
1

<p>As a female nerd, when you hear about a movie involving MATH, MIT, AND JIM STURGESS, you get excited. This led me to watching 21 on TV this weekend. And well, its left me quite inspired. An interviewer asks what makes you dazzle when the main character, Ben, during an interview regarding a prestigious scholarship.
This leaves me wondering, WHAT MAKES ME DAZZLE?
Columbia’s my dream school. And well, my counselor’s been slightly useless since my school doesn’t exactly produce Ivy Candiates.
I’d love to study economics at Columbia. On my first trip to New York, I went to NYSE.
I had that moment of sheer astonishment. Since then, I’ve been really into finance and economics. My Dad helped me pick out a few stocks for him, and well now I know I can afford tuition at Columbia for my Freshman year.
As of now, I need some advice on how to make myself more competitive. </p>

<p>My freshman year GPA was an unweighted 4.0
I got rather unlucky in my english class as a sophomore and ended up with an unweighted 3.8. But I am taking WHAP, so I have a weighted 4.0.
I think each year, I’ll have at least a weighted 4.0
As a junior, I’ll only be taking AP CALC AND APCS due to the limited course catalog.
My freshman year, I participated in Varsity Golf and well due to some negative comments, I chose not to try out this year. Due to the vast time commitment involved in golf, I had really no extra curriculars beside it as a freshman.
As a sophomore, I really tried to participate in more extracurricular activites so I participated in Robotics, Speech, Debate, AMSA, and Math Club. Outside of school, I helped launch a program that helps kids with disabilities become better prepared for the future by teaching them basic social skills.
I’ll pursue all these activites in the fall too.
I walked into my sophomore PSAT, literally unprepared, (i didn’t know there was a reading writing and math section) and scored a 190. I think if I prepare, I can really bring it up.</p>

<p>NOW…COLUMBIA?
How do you guys think they’ll see this? Any tips on helping me become a more DAZZLING applicant?
Now, how would Columbia see this?</p>

2

<p>You have to remember that there is no ‘magic formula’ that one can use and get into a school like Columbia. The harsh reality is that admissions is a crapshoot for a vast majority of applicants. However, there are several ways you can improve your chances. </p>

<p>Before you dazzle, it is important not to ignore your numbers. Yes, they are meant to be understood in context of the app as a whole, but they do have a certain level of importance nonetheless. Study well and aim for a 2300+ on the SAT and a 34+ on the ACT. Take three or four subject tests as per your knowledge, and try to score 750+. Be sure to maintain you GPA, study for your AP exams, and keep an eye on your rank. This all goes without saying, but it should be kept in mind.</p>

<p>Then, you can focus on the ‘dazzling’ aspects of the application. First, you have to demonstrate to Columbia that you have some sort of passion. It’s a myth that colleges are looking for a ‘well-rounded’ applicant. While these types of applicants do get in, more often than not the ‘well-lopsided’ applicants are accepted. You have to demonstrate your interest in finance (and it looks like math as well) by finding opportunities for your skills to show, like competitions or internships. Do NOT just take clubs to pad your resume. Instead, join a few clubs you really like and try to get some leadership positions.</p>

<p>Ultimately, it’s going to come down to your application. The most distinguishing factor will be the essays you write. Remember to convey your passion. Start early and edit often. Get second and third opinions. However, don’t let others completely change your writing. It has to be uniquely ‘you.’ People should be able to read the essay and know that you wrote it.</p>

<p>Other than that, enjoy your sophomore year. It goes by fast, and don’t spend all your time looking into the future.</p>