Columbia is definitely a top choice for me, and I'm worried about how competitive the admissions process is. What can I do to better position myself for acceptance? Would love any insights!
Hi! It's great to hear that Columbia is your top choice. To boost your chances, you should focus on developing a strong application. A few ways to achieve this include maintaining a high GPA, taking challenging courses, achieving high test scores (if you opt to submit them, as Columbia is test-optional this year), and building a strong extracurricular profile.
Having a standout extracurricular profile is essential to showcase your passions and dedication to the field you're interested in. Try to engage in leadership positions or pursue unique opportunities that demonstrate your expertise in your area of interest.
Additionally, your essays will be crucial in revealing your personality and what matters to you. So, make sure to reflect on your experiences, and communicate what makes you a perfect fit for the Columbia community. Columbia tends to have some quirky short answers like asking about your favorite books/movies, in additional to more traditional essays, but the most important thing is to be authentic and honest in your responses.
Lastly, remember to apply Early Decision if you're sure Columbia is the school for you, as applying ED often provides an acceptance rate boost. Best of luck with your application!
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