Nika Bezhuashvili - From European School to Columbia University

I am grateful for all the 9 acceptances as these are top universities that offer high-quality education. After some deliberation, I’ve decided to go to Columbia University.

Choosing to study economics was relatively easy – I think the school curriculum/AP subjects as well as the summer programs at Stanford (ID Tech Camp) and Harvard (where I studied Macroeconomics and Real-World Economics with Harvard professors) helped me make up my mind.

AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics were a good introduction; then I also took AP Psychology, which sparked my interest in behavioral economics.

Having also taken Human Geography, World History, Comparative Government and Politics, AP Seminar, and US History, I feel prepared for Columbia’s Core Curriculum and its academic rigor.

As for math-heavy modules, I’ve passed AP Calculus AB, and now I’m taking AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, and AP Computer Science. I feel ready to face the academic challenges of Ivy League education.

My experience in extracurricular activities (TEDx speech, summer programs, school clubs) will help me engage in student life on the university campus. I could also ask my brother – a sophomore at Columbia – for insights into navigating student organizations there.

Just a quick note on exams and testing: even though most universities have become test-optional and the language requirement could be waived because I study in English, I took the SAT (1520) and IELTS (8.0), on top of the 12 AP classes.

I would like to thank my teachers, my counselor, and the school community for all their support throughout these years!