<p>Hi everybody, I’m going into my senior year this upcoming school year and Columbia is my dream school. However, my SAT score is pretty bad (720 WR, 700 CR, 620 M (yikes) = 2040). My subject test scores are pretty bad, too (670 lit 680 French). My ACT is okay (31 composite, 26 English (yikes again…) 8 essay, 28 math, 33 science, 33 reading) but I’m planning on retaking it in September. Their 50% SAT range is 700/700/700 - 780/790/790, and their ACT 50% is 32/35. </p>
<p>In the event that my ACT increases to 32 or 33, would it be better to send ACT only? Or should I definitely retake both the SAT and SAT II next fall to stand a chance? I’m not sure if it’s important, but I go to a pretty decent public school which sends a few kids to ivies each year, and my GPA is a 4.0 with one of the most rigorous course loads of all the kids in my class. </p>
<p>If it matters, I want to major in political science, which is not very closely connected to math or either of my subject tests (obviously). </p>
<p>Also, would I be considered diverse if I’m Eastern European? I was born in Serbia and lived there until I was 3, and then I moved to the US. I’ve lived here so long that, other than the vastly different cultures, I’m basically completely American, but I guess I’m technically 1st generation/an immigrant. I know it probably wouldn’t be a tipping factor or anything, but could it work to my advantage? </p>
<p>Sorry for all the questions (this is my first post), and thanks guys!!</p>
<p>Ok well first the SAT score needs to be bumped up at AT LEAST a 2200. Also retake the SAT Subject tests and aim for 740+. If you can get a 33 on the ACT, then it would be wise
to send just that. If you want to study political science, schools like Columbia University really look at your extracurricular activities and see whether or not you show a passion for your interest. So do a ton of activities related to Political Science. I was interested in International Relations and Breast Cancer, so I did a lot of activities on that. You can take a look at my chance thread below if you want to so that you can get kind of an idea of what I did. I also did a lot to help others, and colleges like to see people who have a good helping attitude (note, I did charity because I actually wanted to not because it’s looks
good for colleges so don’t do it if you don’t want to). So basically build some ECs that show your passion for Political Science. </p>
<p>In regards to your diversity question, it shouldn’t help a lot since you came here when you were three. I can here when I was 10 from Central Europe, and I don’t think it would help too much. But then again, you can write in your essay about how you plan to add diversity to the campus by bringing in Serbian culture to the student body. Being a first generation immigrant helps a bit, but not so much since you basically lived here your entire life. What would really help you is if you were a first generation college student. </p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1518316-chance-me-top-universities-2.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1518316-chance-me-top-universities-2.html</a></p>
<p>Oh and one more thing, I think you’ll get more chances if you post this on the What Are My Chances? section. Good luck! I think you have a shot if you can build your extracurricular activities around political science and if you can raise your SAT/SAT II/and ACT scores!</p>
<p>I’ll post in that thread as well, thank you so much!!! :)</p>
<p>No problem! And if you have any more questions you can ask me! :)</p>