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Successful application to
Columbia University

A.K.

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Planned Major

Economics

Admission

Early Decision

Application Year

2020

2 Honors & Awards

10 Extracurriculars

Academics

  • SAT Subjects:

    • Math Level 2 (770)
    • Physics (800)
  • AP Subject Tests:

    • Calculus AB (4)

Honors & Awards

  • Finalist, World Conference on Business & Management Junior Academic Competition

    International
  • Deans' List for Students Who Excel in All Subjects

    School

Extracurriculars

  • Rowing (Crew), Team Captain, School Varsity Crew

    Athletics: JV/Varsity
    21 hr/wk

    Individual Lightweight 2k School Record; varsity “C” Chenille Award for leadership as a junior; Nash Award for most improved

  • Rowing (Crew), National Rowing Youth U17 Regional team

    Athletics: Club
    40 hr/wk

    Received two bronze medals in the mens eight and quad during national challenge; named most valuable rower for regional team.

  • Squad Team Staff, National Paralympic Rowing Team

    Community Service (Volunteer)
    8 hr/wk

    Translated for team staff throughout trip to Austria for World Championship '19; served as training partner; assorted physical tasks as needed

Essay

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

A toxic smell rushed through my nose as I groaned in pain. I rubbed my eyes to wake myself up and as soon as they opened, all I could see was white smoke seeping through the hotel room. My teammates frantically searched around to find the source of the smoke while I panicked due to the piercing sound of the fire alarm and unbreathable air.

Since we didn’t know the origin of the smoke, we thought there was a huge fire in the hallway outside of our room. Thus, we did not dare open the door and we kept our windows locked. We were trapped. As the smoke filled the room, it irritated my nose and throat, making it unbearable to breathe.

Our boat was spending the night togethe...

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    Columbia University

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    Nora I.

    Columbia University, New York University

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Crimson strategists

Academics

  • SAT Subjects:

    • Math Level 2 (770)
    • Physics (800)
  • AP Subject Tests:

    • Calculus AB (4)

Honors & Awards

  • Finalist, World Conference on Business & Management Junior Academic Competition

    International
  • Deans' List for Students Who Excel in All Subjects

    School

Meet Some of Our Expert Crimson Strategists

Our network of over 200 leading admission experts work tirelessly to support students getting into their dream schools.

Leadership
  • Sana R.

    Sana R.

    Columbia University

  • Nora I.

    Nora I.

    Columbia University, New York University

Want to go to Columbia?

Talk with one of our academic experts today and see how Crimson can help you!

Crimson strategists

Extracurriculars

  • Rowing (Crew), Team Captain, School Varsity Crew

    Athletics: JV/Varsity
    21 hr/wk

    Individual Lightweight 2k School Record; varsity “C” Chenille Award for leadership as a junior; Nash Award for most improved

  • Rowing (Crew), National Rowing Youth U17 Regional team

    Athletics: Club
    40 hr/wk

    Received two bronze medals in the mens eight and quad during national challenge; named most valuable rower for regional team.

  • Squad Team Staff, National Paralympic Rowing Team

    Community Service (Volunteer)
    8 hr/wk

    Translated for team staff throughout trip to Austria for World Championship '19; served as training partner; assorted physical tasks as needed

Essay

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

A toxic smell rushed through my nose as I groaned in pain. I rubbed my eyes to wake myself up and as soon as they opened, all I could see was white smoke seeping through the hotel room. My teammates frantically searched around to find the source of the smoke while I panicked due to the piercing sound of the fire alarm and unbreathable air.

Since we didn’t know the origin of the smoke, we thought there was a huge fire in the hallway outside of our room. Thus, we did not dare open the door and we kept our windows locked. We were trapped. As the smoke filled the room, it irritated my nose and throat, making it unbearable to breathe.

Our boat was spending the night togethe...