Okay, so today I’m gonna ramble about my journey with getting into Columbia as a psych major. It was a wild ride, lemme tell ya.
It all started… well, back in high school. I wasn’t some child prodigy or anything. Just a regular kid who kinda liked figuring out why people do the weird stuff they do. I was always that friend everyone came to with their drama, and I weirdly enjoyed listening and trying to help. So, psychology seemed like a decent fit.
First things first: grades. Gotta get those good grades, right? I busted my butt in all my classes, especially the science ones. AP Bio was a killer, but hey, it paid off. Aim for the A’s, people. No shortcuts here.
Then came the standardized tests. SATs, ugh. I prepped like crazy. Practice tests, review books, the whole shebang. I even joined a study group. Honestly, the study group helped more with staying sane than actually learning anything new. Misery loves company, I guess.
Okay, so grades and scores were decent. Now what? Time for the fun part: extracurriculars. I knew I needed to show Columbia I was serious about psych, not just some bookworm. So, I volunteered at a local mental health clinic. Stuffing envelopes wasn’t glamorous, but I got to see how things worked and talk to some of the staff. Plus, it looked good on the application.
- Volunteering: Mental health clinic (key for showing interest!)
- Psych Club: Started one at my school (leadership experience, baby!)
- Research: Assisted a professor with a small study (got my hands dirty with actual research)
Starting a psych club at my school was another big one. It was a pain in the butt to organize, but it showed initiative and leadership. We did some cool stuff, like inviting guest speakers and organizing mental health awareness events. Good times.
The application process itself? A nightmare. Essays, essays, and more essays. I spent weeks agonizing over every word. What should I write about? How can I sound smart but not pretentious? I asked my English teacher for help, and she was a lifesaver. Get someone to proofread your essays, people! Fresh eyes are crucial.
The Columbia application was especially brutal. They really want to know who you are as a person, not just your accomplishments. I spent a lot of time thinking about my values and what I wanted to achieve. I tried to be as honest and authentic as possible in my essays. Whether that worked or not, who knows, but it felt right.
The waiting game was the worst. I checked my email every five minutes. Drove myself completely insane. Finally, the acceptance letter arrived. I literally screamed. My neighbors probably thought I was being murdered.
So, there you have it. My rambling, slightly chaotic account of getting into Columbia as a psych major. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Hard work, a little bit of luck, and a whole lot of caffeine. You can do it too!
Key Takeaways:
- Good grades are non-negotiable.
- Standardized tests matter, so prep like crazy.
- Extracurriculars that show genuine interest are essential.
- Essays should be authentic and well-written.
- Don’t give up!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a nap. This reminiscing is exhausting.
