Milton Said:

What are my chances of getting into Columbia University?

We Answered:

You have a really good chance of making it...

Key points to watch out....

-try to group your extra curricular activities with what you are trying to pursue... That also means that stuff like Hip-pop, you don't really need... Tennis and Math are good things...

-Talk about what you did during your gap year and how it has made you better...


Overall you have a great chance... You don't need any improvement... Although your SAT is low, I do have a friend who made it into Wharton with only a 2040

Jean Said:

Which foreign language would help my career in politics and economics most?

We Answered:

Since you already know spanish and english the perfect combo is french spanish and english (speak those languages my self and proud of it lol) france england the us and spain and other spanish speaking countries are very influent in econ so i beleive that that is the ULTIMATE combo for this generation :D

Enrique Said:

High school freshman hoping to get into Columbia University?

We Answered:

What's your passion? I can't figure it out by what you've written. Speak to the college counselor to ask them how you can brand yourself to make you desirable to Columbia. Last year, one of my son's 8th grade teachers / high school advisor (private school) was a recent Columbia grad. Like you, she also attended an all girls high school. Her passion is dance, and beyond her great grades and test scores, it was dance that got her admitted.

About 85% of the applicants to the Ivies are qualified to attend, but only 7 - 10% are admitted. So you need to stand out. Speak to the counselor to find out what you need to do.

Maybe they start college counseling in 10th at your school, like they do at my son's private school. If that's the case, start by defining your passion and seeing how you can work toward it. Are you a tennis player? A fencer? If you're very good, see what the situation is for tennis and fencing at Columbia. My son's friend fences and he was thinking of dropping it, but my dh (who does admissions interview for local applicants to his Ivy alma mater) told him to keep it up. He's very good and my dh said it would be a good hook, something to help make him stand out.

Also, getting a top score on the PSAT will guarantee you are noticed by the schools you choose to be notified. You don't take the official PSAT until 11th grade, but you can start studying now, in a nice easy way, a little at a time, so you are prepared. If you score in the top 5% (I think) you will be National Merit recognized, if you score in the top 1% (I think, not exactly sure), you will be a National Merit Finalist. If your school has a high percentage of National Merit recognized seniors, you want to be sure to score well and be in that group. (My son's school has an unusual number, about 50% are recognized, half of those Finalists, so he better do well!)

Good luck!

Vickie Said:

Ok, which degree will serve me better in this economy?

We Answered:

I would consider the growing Asian market to be the one with the most need. The demand for educated individuals in that part of the world will far exceed the supply! No question that the Asian market is where it's at! Good luck to you!