Low GPA, Mediocre SATs?

Colleges & Universities Columbia University
1

<p>I’m just wondering how my chances are for Columbia. I’m also applying to Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth and Amherst. I know my chances aren’t great, so don’t hold back. I’m not looking for advice on whether or not to apply (I’m going to apply anyway), I’m just trying to get a feel for what I should expect.</p>

<p>-GPA: About 92/100 *My school doesn’t offer any AP, IB or other accerated courses.
-Rank: School doesn’t rank, but I’m definitely in the top 10% (probably closer to top 5% - my year is competitive for the top spots, but then after the top 3-4 students there’s not much competition)
-SATI: 2170 (710CR, 800M, 660W)
-SATIIs: 750 BioM; 790 MathII; expecting 770-800 French w/listening (writing next month)</p>

<p>ECs:
*Co-President 11, Founding Member Environmental/Human Rights Club
*Assisting Editor 11/12, Science Columnist, Albatross (School Newspaper)
*Member of Odyssey of the Mind Team 11/12; won Provincials last year</p>

<p>Summer Programs:
*Deep River Science Academy, 6-weeks at Nuclear Research facility - doing research under professional scientists - with partner, we studied spotnaneously forming liposomes from bicelles (has applications in cancer treatment, cosmetics, etc) - earned 2 co-op credits for school
*MedQUEST, one-week med. camp - placement at a sleep clinic, occupational therapy</p>

<p>Other Programs:
*Three-month cultural exchange to France</p>

<p>Awards/Distinctions (very few):
*Deep River and District Community Foundation Award - highest average at the DR Science Academy (I received 99%)
*Academic “Gold” 9/10/11- average above 85% (so lame lol)
*Certificate of Distinction in a couple Math Contests</p>

<p>Curricular Distinctions:
*Taking a first-year biology course from the University of Western Ontario through their WISE credit (I’m considered a part-time student)
*Self-studied AP bio last year and received a 5
*Will earn French Immersion Diploma (10 credits in French language instruction)
*In the Enrichment Program for Intellectual Giftedness</p>

<p>Essay:
*About how my exchange to France helped me overcome my bitterness after my grandparents died (they were my closest friends - I’m an only child and I didn’t have many friends when I was younger)</p>

<p>Any advice? Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>bumppp please :)</p>

3

<p>i would say your chances are okay, but they aren’t fabulous.
but i think your essay topic is quite nice - write a killer essay and you are in for columbia.</p>

4

<p>Even though I made a post quite similar to this just a few minutes ago, to me it seems like you don’t have much to worry about. I have a similar GPA, although I definitely couldn’t say I’m in the top 5%, as my class is a very serious one of only 100 students. I don’t even know where I place.</p>

<p>But yeah, your essay sounds really cool. Just get some teachers to take a look at it and see what they think.</p>

5

<p>about Odyssey, so far schools seem very interested in it as an EC with my daughter. Not that many kids do it, it is something very creative, involves team work and a huge time commitment. how many years have you done it.</p>