Hello,
I am thinking about applying to Columbia Early Decision, but have two questions before doing so. If I don't apply ED, I will apply in December/January.
1st, the weakest part of my application is my extra-curricular experience, as I don't have a great deal of ECs post-college. To improve my profile, I recently took up a potentially high impact EC. If I were to apply during most schools' Round 2 (and apply to Columbia at the same time), it would be a 9-10 month EC. If I were to apply ED at Columbia, it would be closer to 6-7 months, which I fear is too short-term and may even hurt my application. Quality and impact aside, would only 6-7 months of participation invalidate this EC, or should I feel comfortable applying ED (assuming the rest of my application is strong)?
2nd, I would think that by applying ED to Columbia, they would be satisfied that I am genuinely interested in them as my top program. Nevertheless, I'm wondering how much value there would be in doing more to show interest, like attending a formal campus visit or speaking with professors/ad coms.
Thank-you for your insight,
J.![]()
I am thinking about applying to Columbia Early Decision, but have two questions before doing so. If I don't apply ED, I will apply in December/January.
1st, the weakest part of my application is my extra-curricular experience, as I don't have a great deal of ECs post-college. To improve my profile, I recently took up a potentially high impact EC. If I were to apply during most schools' Round 2 (and apply to Columbia at the same time), it would be a 9-10 month EC. If I were to apply ED at Columbia, it would be closer to 6-7 months, which I fear is too short-term and may even hurt my application. Quality and impact aside, would only 6-7 months of participation invalidate this EC, or should I feel comfortable applying ED (assuming the rest of my application is strong)?
2nd, I would think that by applying ED to Columbia, they would be satisfied that I am genuinely interested in them as my top program. Nevertheless, I'm wondering how much value there would be in doing more to show interest, like attending a formal campus visit or speaking with professors/ad coms.
Thank-you for your insight,
J.