I also though it was very unfair because we applied with the idea that it was need-blind. I emailed them about it because if that was the case then I wanted to change my Financial Aid application. But they responded saying that there was no changing unless I specifically petitioned for it which could also be a hassle.
I received an email that said the following:
"Thank you for your application to the Columbia Combined Plan Class of 2024. As you may know, guaranteed admission is not available to students who began college in Fall 2019 and later. Therefore, the Combined Plan is changing its policy for international students to align with how we review international first-year and transfer applicants who apply for financial aid.
The Combined Plan will now review applications from international students on a need-aware basis if they are applying for financial aid. This means that the admissions committee considers how much financial aid a student requires when evaluating their application. All financial aid at Columbia is need-based, and there are no merit scholarships awarded for academics, athletics or other talents."
Yeah the need-aware situation is sadly true, very nervous about how it impacts us!
Me too ngl. Do you guys have the grades that would have once assured admission?
I had all the minimum requirements but thatâs the thing - we are the first class that having minimum doesnât âguaranteeâ us the admission.
I know. Terrifying. Makes you wonder how they will review everyone. I guess this new reviewing process could also benefit people who donât necessarily have perfect grades but that have excelled in other areas.
Do yâall think that this year there will be more or less applicants than usual?
yeah, grades certainly arenât everything. Just from the sheet AMOUNT of discussion on this yearâs forum, I donât think many have applied. Might be a good thingâŠ
When do you think weâre hearing back??
this week, according to the past
Yep. I canât sleep because of it.
what major did you apply
Civil Engineering. Wbu?
same
I hope so. But I know from my school 8 people are applying, most of them to mechanical engineering.
my school are only 4. I am the only one applied civil
I wish us the best. I honestly donât know what I would do if I donât get in. The other 3-2 schools that my school is affiliated with donât offer civil.
In my school 2 for civil.
yeah, i do not have any plan if I do not get in
I guess we wonât have to wait for much longerâŠ