Hello,

Well, I’m Cindy not Alex – no problem, just be sure not to call NYU Chicago in your application!

From the information you provided it seems you would be qualified for most of the programs you mention. You’d be more competitive at some than others, with Columbia probably the toughest and maybe at the outer boundary. I’d consider the others reasonable reaches – if you apply to all of them with stellar applications, I believe you would have a reasonable chance of acceptance at 1-2. That said, if you can identify one slightly less competitive program that would meet your needs, it would give a cushion.

You didn’t mention your goals, and goals are a central factor around which you’d build your application. Therefore, I can’t determine what that sweet spot might be, as it would almost invariably relate to your goals directly or indirectly.

Also, I want to reiterate the point above about stellar application. I believe you’d only have a reasonable shot if your essays really do the job and are compelling. The facts of your background alone won’t carry you (among the competitive and engaging candidate pool), and your numbers are not high enough to pique the adcoms’ interest (the 710 may even be a bit low for Columbia). You will have to pull everything together into a coherent, vivid story/portrait that makes you stand out to have a good shot at schools of this caliber. It’s doable, but it will take work and there’s no room for error.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com