<h2>I'm a junior and a have a few very basic questions about the college process.</h2>
<h2>I was flipping through the Columbia App that I accidentally picked up (thinking it was a ad) and noticed that there isn't much room for creativity. Name, grades, SATs, list of clubs, reqs - especially in the process where "grades aren't everything", this whole systematic process seems very poor for the evolved student. Somebody who came twice or three to a club (or any other activity) could list it just as much as somebody who is dedicated. Is this all to the app? Is the only "give it all you got" section is the general essay? Or is there some kind of supplement, such as a resume, that gives a better perspective (and shows the potential) of the applicant to the Admission counselor?</h2>
<h2>This question is geared up to the crazy folks out there who (almost) schooled the SAT. While I seem to do very well in the math portion (hoping for an 800), my verbal portion is lacking. My guess is that I have gotten a lower 600s on my PSAT, while I'm aiming for a lower to mid 700s on the section. Since, vocab isn't as big of an issue on the new sat (only like 15-20 questions have vocab words) I need to improve my critical reading. Do you have any suggestions on how to do that?</h2>
<p>The difference between prestiges colleges seems to me right now are their names and their location. While, I do tend to enjoy the urban, mid-size, competitive environment more, I want to be open-minded toward the whole process. Assuming, I have the "stuff" to have a decent, but not necessarily "you are in", chance to get into some of their nation's elites, how do I go differentiating between college A and college B (going beyond than the rumors I have heard about these places)? Do I need to look into department research, academic opportunities, talking with the professors in the field I want to major in (which is economics)? How do I find out about these <em>interesting</em> differences?</p>