What do I have to do to get into Columbia University or Cornell?

Answer 1

Columbia is an urban university in the heart of the city. They have a very demanding core curriculum. Cornell is a rural university in a remote small town. Their curriculum is demanding but not rigid.

What are you trying to get from your college experience? Maybe you should decide what KIND of college you want to attend and then make decisions based on that.... if you like the idea of a more self-contained school you could look at Duke, Dartmouth, Middlebury or other rural schools. Or if you are focused on being in a city, then Harvard, Brown and Penn are more logical alternatives to Columbia - actually its best match would probably be U of Chicago.

Decide what you want first, then choose the schools.

Obviously, no one is getting into any of these schools without excellent academic credentials. And, you need to have a hook - something that is special and different about you. The two kids I know who got into Columbia this year had each won a major national award - one in languages and one in science. And one kid I know who got turned down at Columbia had a Silver medal from National Science Olympiad and had terrific other credentials besides. It's clear that they are taking only the best of the best.

Good luck, but think first about what you really are aiming at.

Answer 2

Apply

They only have so many openings and only take the cream of the crop. So impress them. Make the worry Harvard is going to grab you up.

Answer 3

well, obviously good grades.... great SAT scores, you know good scores,good scores, god scores.... but a lot of people out there have really good scores... you have to do ALOT of extracurricular activities... maybe even get involved with something at that specific college, like a summer course or something!

Answer 4

Have you taken the SATs? Those are VERY important