Can I get into Columbia (or colleges like it)?

I'm a junior in high school who is looking at colleges like Columbia, Brown, Wesleyan, and Berkeley. I am #3 in my class, but I think after this semester I will be #1. I've gotten one B, but all other grades are As. I have a 1920 SAT, but I am taking it again in June; I have a 32 ACT score. This year I took AP lit, us history, and environmental. Next year, I wanted to take AP bio, econ, calc, art history, and language, and honors french 4 and journalism. However, I can't take bio because AP bio and journalism are the same period and french isn't being offered anymore (the teacher retired). I am going to be next years opinion page editor for journalism (I really wanted to be editor in chief, but I wasn't given it because I wasn't an editor this year (because I wasn't officially in the class last year(but I wrote for the paper) last year because of another scheduling mishap)). I'm taking intro to psychology over the summer at the community college.

Can I get into Columbia (or colleges like it)?
Check this out:





I've only taken AP History (Junior) and Ap Lit this year. I didn't pass the history test, and I don't think I passed the Lit one.





3.8 GPA





Didn't take calculus with the rest of the smart kids this year. I'm not taking ANY math this year.





I'm taking total bone head classes this year, like Child Development and Foods and Nutrition.





I only have a 1660 SAT score.





Didn't take ACT





Absolutley NO community service.





NO college credit courses taken (like at a community college)








the only things I really had going for me was Editor of the school paper and yearbook (we're poor as HELL and can only afford to fund one class for both)





and I've been in four school plays, and this year I'm Theater Club President.











I'm going to Berkeley in the fall as a freshman :D my dream school, my number one choice.





What it really takes (for Berkeley, anyway) is totally standing out with your personal statement. Your personal statement is KEY. You can have all the gpa, sat and any other acronyms high school thrusts on you, but personal statement is EVERYTHING.

















P.S and berkeley gave me a freshmen scholarship and the Alumni Leadership scholarship. I think partly because I'm from a poorer area, and partly cause I'm a sarcastic *****. Berkeley likes sarcasim. And apparently, bitches.
Reply:I think that you have a chance, but make sure to get those SAT scores up! You have a good schedule, though you are right about the lack of science. Have some solid community service and extra curricular activities to put on your application, write some stellar essays, have great recommendations, and you have a fair shot at being admitted. Colleges also take into consideration your income, ethnicity, and legacy.
Reply:To know you must apply!! Good Colleges like Columbia want a student who is involved in community work besides having Good Grades or Exam Scores. Perform volunteer work to boost your ability to CARE and serve others in need. And Columbia may also gives you a scholarship!!


ASK! the worse thing is a no!!
Reply:You definitely have a chance--however, you SAT score is way below what it should be if you want to go to those schools, so get it up...or don't submit it (I think that's an option at Brown.) Only taking 1 AP will hurt you as well. See if you can fit in more. Take AP Bio over Journalism if you have to.

fresh flower