It looks as though you have been out of HS for 5 years, have almost 2 years of CC completed, and your goal is to get your 4 year degree. You are interested in some combo of journalism (mostly) and politics (secondary). You cover basketball for a sports outlet, which might be paid or an EC but does not pay so well that you can pay for college on the proceeds, so you need an inexpensive (probably in-state NJ) option or a lot of financial aid (in practice, a ‘meets need’ school).
If all of that is mostly right, then I suggest that you take most of the academically challenging universities you have mentioned in your various posts off your list.
Admissions departments want to be sure that admitted students can be successful. A cool thing like being a stringer for a sports blog will not compensate for a student who has struggled with basic classes
re: Columbia- I think you haven’t done your homework on what it means to go to Columbia. First of all, they do not have an undergraduate journalism option. Second, they do have a very tough common core required for graduation.
As a guess, “Chemistry & Society” is a survey class for people who don’t want to take science but have to fulfill a science requirement- what used to be known as a ‘rocks for jocks’ type class. At Columbia you would be required to take at least 2 (possibly 3) more science classes. And, Intro French got the better of you- but at Columbia you would have to learn French (or other language) to intermediate standard. Even if you got an offer (and I would bet my house that you wouldn’t) I can’t see any way for you to finish in 2 years. So, I’d drop that one like a hot potato.
Instead, focus on finding the 4-year that will take the highest number of your existing credits, and from which you can graduate fastest. That is probably a NJ option. In the meantime, work on leveraging your current press pass to get to know the other sports/news organizations at the events you cover. Build your reel & portfolio. Look for opportunities to cover other events, and to get your coverage more places. For inspiration, look at the credentials of the “Associate Producers” on CBS 2020 Election coverage team: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-news-announces-2020-presidential-campaign-digital-journalists/. Basically, a degree (not fancy) + some interning that turns into short term jobs that turned into something. Knock out your degree while working your best asset- your experience and contacts- thoughtfully (start by asking for advice not a job).