Appropriate time to apply as a transfer?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia School of General Studies
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<p>I am a 25yr old white male going into my 3rd semester at community college. I have a 3.9 GPA over 30 credits and some pretty good E.C.'s I have a really good essay/life story, and I recently received an email from Columbia urging me to apply, so I looked into it and discovered Columbia GS. As a "non-traditional" student, I think this is a really great fit, as I've always thought I could be pushed to my intellectual threshold and thrive in an Ivy League setting. I want to go to law school so it seems the "foot in the door" to Columbia Law would be a great perk of going to GS. Plan on majoring in Philosophy/History in undergrad. Right now I am just taking a Gen. Studies A.A degree track in my CC. I've been hearing some scare stories about people incurring massive debt, and it is shaking my infatuation with CU lately. I am still very much considering enrolling, but would it be better to apply when I've gotten my degree, or should I just go ahead and apply now and do it as soon as possible. I will have some really great highlights in my admission portfolio (Many impressive e.c's--started my own 501c3 soup kitchen for homeless in downtrodden community, Phi Theta Kappa, Many Honors classes, decent letters of rec, and I know my essay will be phenomenal and touching to the adcoms)</p>

<p>Basically, wondering when is the best time to apply to maximize my potential for financial aid/also what's best when considering lowering student loan debts. Also, would it be a more efficient patch to just stay in-state in Maryland and go to UMD CP where I could probably get a transfer excellence scholarship(a full ride-or close) to UMCP as opposed to CU GS where it is a larger unknown as far as financial aid and costs?
If I went to UMCP and got a great GPA and a very high LSAT (GPA-3.7-3.9 LSAT-169-173), would I be just as likely to get into Columbia Law as if I went to CU GS for undergrad? (or , on the flip side, would I be more likely to get in for that matter?)
Basically, how do I find out all the pros/cons without having to experience them myself.
Since this is a huge decision with such a tremendous life impact I really don't want to get it wrong and regret it later, so I am very anxious about all this--but also over the moon excited at the possibilities....
Thanks Any info appreciated.</p>

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<p>I don’t think being a Columbia undergrad necessarily gives you an edge in the CLS application process. I wouldn’t look to that for an edge. Plan on crushing the LSAT, getting a great GPA, etc. You’ll be a competitive applicant.</p>

<p>In terms of applying and timing things for financial aid’s sake? There’s no good or bad time of year or anything like that. Rather, I’d plan on hunting for scholarships starting well in advance of your start date. Also, think about other ways to control expenses - think about where you might live, work, etc., and keep costs low.</p>

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<p>GS has rolling admissions, so there is no better or worse time of year, really. If you are worried about money, CU accepts up to 60 transfer credits, so it would be in your best interest to acquire as many credits before transferring as possible, but also consider that many of your community college credits will not transfer over. Being an alum does give you an edge for getting into Columbia Law, as long as your gpa, personal statement and LSAT scores are all in line.</p>

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<p>I am looking to go attend college for my first time. I graduated high school in 1997, and have never attended any courses for college credits. I have had a pretty successful professional life, working in upper management in manufacturing and in high volume restaurants here in Manhattan.
I plan on first starting off at the Borough of Manhattan Community College this Spring to get my feet wet in higher education, and attend through summer full time all the while. I then intend on transferring into the best school I can be accepted at, saying this, will me going to a college then directly applying to CUGS disqualify me? Or does is the one year break already “served” by me taking 16 years off after high school?
Thanks for your time!</p>

<p>MM</p>