NoNO

you are right... they get about 180 applicants. If columbia is your first choice, its worth holding out for it until as long as you can until get accepted/rejected.

It is probably done by division... the two people I spoke two are in the ocean physics division. They are great people... but not the most tactful as with most scientists. #just rechecked the email... she says its done by division. Anyway if you don't get early admission don't fret... columbia takes a lot of students as they have loads of money. If you do get in... I can't think of a better place to be.

I just got an update from someone i know in the department( I did an internship there) saying that its at least a month away.

Undergrad Institution: Liberal Arts, two well known Earth Scientists Major(s):Physics Minor(s):Comp Sci/Math GPA in Major:3.45 Overall GPA:3.12 Position in Class: Above average, but not top Type of Student: Domestic GRE Scores (revised/old version): Q:162 V:160 W:5.5 P:N?A Research Experience: Earth/Planetary Science Research here at school for 3 years, 1 Summer REU at institute I am applying, 2 AGU poster sessions (first author), I have 2 papers i'm working on as well. Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Summer Research Grant from school. Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Ran school observatory open house... mostly was just a researcher Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help: I contacted all the people I wanted to work with and they all responded positively. Special Bonus Points: I am applying to work with my summer intern advisor. Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Applying to Where: Columbia - DEES - Physical Oceanography Brown - Geosciences - Mantel Flow/Seismology Northwestern - DEES - Mantel Flow/Seismology SUIC - Geology - Mantel Flow/Seismology SUNY Buffalo - Geosciences - Physical Volcanology BU - Earth Sciences - Geomorphology/Antarctic Research I'm hoping I get into somewhere, my GPA is low.