getting into Columbia University

So what I'm about to ask sounds absolutely insane so please no one call me stupid or anything like that. I know myself that this is probably very unlikely but I just want to hear some advice from others.

So I did my GCSE's in 2023 and unfortunately my results came out like this
Maths - 3
English lang - 3
English lit - 4
Combined Sciences - 2-3
History - 2
Business - 2
French - 4
RE - 4

not great as you can see. So I went to college to do this course that includes Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. I passed Maths with a 4 and English language with a 5 and then unfortunately again I got all 3s for the sciences. Before anyone says anything, I would always panic really badly during exams even if I did revise which is why I struggle in my exams. During this time I grew really fond of Astronomy and found it really interesting. After passing I went to sixth form to study Film studies, Art and Psychology. However near the end of Year 12 I really didn't like the A levels I chose and wished that I worked more towards a career in Astronomy. My teachers said I wont be able to which I understood. I'm now in Year 13. Just finished applying for UCAS for some course I know I won't do. Realistically I don't see myself going to uni next year and also in the uk in general. I have always wanted to study abroad especially in NYC. With my situation, My dream is to study Astronomy in NYC. Now I did some research on unis there and most of them don't have any courses for it except Columbia and NYU. When I looked more into Columbia I honestly fell in love.

I have been mapping a plan in my head and it sounds extremely hard and unlikely but I am so ready to work so hard towards it no matter what and I'd love for someone to maybe just give me some advice in a nice way please. For 2027 btw.

Firstly my GCSE's are clearly terrible like super bad for Columbia. I was thinking about resitting Maths and English GCSE again anyways before this whole idea came to my head but then the rest. I definitely need Maths, Physics and other Sciences too. I know it will cost me a lot to resit all those for next year May/June along with the 3 a levels I'm doing right now so I'm not sure what to do for those.

For A levels I know lots of people who have done their A levels in one year instead of two but I know it will be extremely hard as well.

Now once again I know how stupid this all sounds so please no one be harsh. I don't want anyone to sugar coat anything either and would be really happy with the honest truth.

Reply 1

Kuriknowsbest98

Hey! Your plan isn’t stupid it’s ambitious, but doable with focus. Columbia and US unis care more about recent grades, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurriculars than early GCSEs. Resit Maths/English if you can, strengthen your sciences, and show real passion for astronomy through clubs, projects, or online courses. It’ll take hard work, but with careful planning, 2027 could be realistic.

Reply 2

Whatswhat

what are your predicted grades for A level? Do you have contextual factors that impacted on your GCSE scores as you don't appear to have the sort of academic profile that fits with going to university? Columbia is an Ivy league university and astronomy students are normally very strong in maths and physics (and need science A levels at a high grade) so its an unrealistic dream really if you are honest with yourself.

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