HS Junior applying to college in NYC this year

I got a 5 on AP Calc BC, and I’m taking Multivar Calc and Linear Algebra this year. I’m also taking AP Physics 1 and AP Microecon. Last year my grades were pretty good, I’d say mostly 90s, this year my grades are not bad, but not amazing (80s to 90s, I don’t know how to see my GPA). I also go to Juilliard Pre-College. I’m not on track to graduate through my school this year, but I can get an GED if required.

I want to go to Columbia the most, I’m into more theoretical (as opposed to engineering etc) math, performing art, and philosophy, and Columbia seems to have most of that. What are my chances?

I’m also looking at NYU, Fordham, and CUNY colleges, but there’s so many I don’t get it.

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I forgot to include this in the post but my SAT score is 1550. 800 math 750 eng

Why wouldn’t you stay and finish vs getting a GED ?

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My hs doesn’t offer any more math courses and it seems kind of pointless to apply to Stanford OHS for example, for more advanced classes. Also I’m getting tired of overachieving etc.

I would make an appointment with an admission adviser at Columbia to find out if that’s wise. Personally I don’t like it but I’m not you. It’s a big decision. Discuss with your folks, your school, and a Columbia admission officer before making decisions.

Have you met all their hs academic requirements - I put below? Can you secure the right LORs.

If that’s your dream school, talk to them - ask them.

I can’t chance you - you provided a test score, not a gpa. But Columbia is a low single digit admission for four year students. So likely less for you - 0-2% maybe. But talk to them. They may tell you to stay put.

Here’s info from their website if you haven’t seen. Good luck.

Do you have this ?

  • Four years of English literature and composition
  • Four years of mathematics—unless you have already completed what is available at your school
  • Three to four years of history and/or social studies
  • Three to four years of laboratory science
  • Three to four years of one world language (ancient or modern) taken during high school

Students who plan to become scientists, engineers, physicians or dentists should be as solidly grounded in mathematics and the sciences as their high school schedules and curricula have permitted. The study of mathematics, at least through pre-calculus, is strongly advised wherever possible.

Here is other info you may not have seen:

Early admission is occasionally granted to students of special promise who are completing the junior year of secondary/high school and who meet the following requirements:

  • an outstanding academic record
  • the physical, intellectual and emotional maturity to handle the rigorous program at Columbia
  • the graduation requirements of their secondary/high schools.

Applicants for early admission should follow the normal instructions for applying, but should indicate they are applying for early admission under the “Additional Information” section of the Common Application or Coalition Application.

Prior to enrollment, students admitted to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering must submit documentation of completion of their secondary/high school requirements, which includes the final transcript with date of graduation. If applicable, International Baccalaureate, GCE Advanced Level or nationally recognized high school graduation examination results must also be provided. Transcripts should be sent directly from the secondary/high school. Alternatively, a GED or TASC credential with a passing score may be submitted.

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Is dual enrollment an option? Or taking an extra elective senior year instead of math? Dropping out of high school and getting a GED because you’ve reached the highest level of math doesn’t seem like a good idea to me personally. What does your guidance counselor say? Have other students had this issue? How did they resolve it?

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OP-- foreign language? Literature? History?

You don’t need to double down on math if the alternative is not graduating from HS and just “leaving early”. I doubt you’ve exhausted every single subject at your HS…

Right…do you have four years each of English, Social Studies, and up to level 3 or 4 of a foreign language? It sounds like you have the math and sciences…but what about the others.

A strong student getting a GED doesn’t really make sense to me. I’d find a way to either fulfill the graduation requirements early (it’s probably too late to do that to graduate this spring), or look at some of the elective courses your school offers…and take those your fourth year.

Back in the Stone Age, I could have graduated from high school after three years. All I needed to do was double up English my junior year. BUT I was very very active in my high school choir and stayed in HS that fourth year…two choir periods, English, a law course/economics, PE (that was every day), some social studies, and a period as an office aid assigned to the choir director. It was a GREAT year!

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