I am also interested in Columbia University and did some research on the university. I also know a few alumni and current students attending there. So I know a little bit about the university and can answer your question about Columbia. I’m sorry to say that I won’t be much help with all your Cali schools.

To start off, it sounds like you are involved with quite a few different things there.
As for school work, you look like you are challenging yourself with AP classes and it looks like you are performing well in those classes as well. From what I looked up, Columbia puts a big emphasis on your GPA and your coursework because they work with a core curriculum.

One thing I suggest though is your SAT score. I know that their average SAT score for admitted students is quite high. The first two things all colleges look at are your GPA and your SAT scores. To match up with your current GPA, I would suggest that you get your SAT score above 2200. That would definitely give you a higher chance in admission to wherever you may apply. Also, make sure to take some SAT II tests to show your interests and show them your areas of expertise.

Another thing I might suggest is, when you write your essay, make sure to have a very specific focus and theme. And request booklets and such from colleges and really know the colleges and incorporate your research into the essay and it should help you a lot.

Columbia has its own online application and if you have seen some of the questions they ask, they really want to get to know you as a person and they are into the whole ‘holistic’ view of students.

And just to add, I’m not sure if you can classify Columbia as a ‘realistic’ school. I understand that you have a high GPA and are taking quite a number of AP courses, but Columbia is still an ivy league school and therefore the admission rate is quite low. When you write your essay and do interviews, make sure to sound confident, but not over-confident and proud. And your ethnicity might help your chances because Columbia loves diversity.

And for future ‘chance’ questions, I suggest you visit college confidential. They have a lot more information about admission chances and such.

Good luck with your college application process.

I AM IN A SIMILAR SITUATION BECAUSE I APPLIED TO STANFORD AND USC AND I CAN’T DECIDE WHICH ONE. STANFORD PROVIDES MORE OPPORTUNITIES, BUT USC IS JUST A LOT OF FUN. I’M THINKING OF GOING WITH STANFORD BECAUSE USC IS A BIG PARTY SCHOOL AND I MIGHT NOT FOCUS.