Can I apply to GS with: Bachelors Degree (Low GPA), 2 Associates, 2 Non-Degree Program Semesters:

Here’s my story: I was initially a Business Management major at Adelphi University, at the time my parents wanted me to get an MBA so they forced me to take courses to getting one, they paid full tuition and wouldn’t allow me to switch majors. I didn’t intern or have any experience at the time. I couldn’t even get a research assistant position. On top of that my parents didn’t understand what I wanted to do and they gave me a hard time, my grades suffered as a result came out to a 2.7, I also failed and retook a class, and I have a few D’s on my transcript, the F is even noted but the second grade was a B-. Initially I wanted to be a journalist, my parents don’t understand that it was my passion to be a writer but they would not let me switch so I graduated from the program and I have the degree but with my gpa, grad school was next to impossible. After college, I decided to pursue my dreams on my own. So I got two jobs (being a waitress and an apple store genius) to pay for Community College, I went to Bergen County Community College in New Jersey, where I majored in Journalism and French, I was really motivated there because I actually enjoyed my coursework. I got my first summer internship from FOX News as a Summer College Associate and another internship at a local paper. I graduated with an Associates in Journalism and French with Honors and a 3.93 GPA. I was also a member of Alpha Mu Gamma, a foreign language honors society. I then began to shift my gears and interests to political journalism. After that I took some courses at the American University in Paris, on a non-degree basis, I took courses in Global Communications I took around 11 credits, had all A’s and worked for an American blog based in Paris. After that I moved to California where I went to Irvine Valley Community College I majored in History and Philosophy, I was actively involved in student government and clubs. I also graduated with honors there having a 3.97 GPA. I am thinking about taking another non degree semester at Simmons College before applying to Columbia GS.

Here are some of the things I could put down on my resume but not all of the things I’ve done in this time frame

Some Resume Experience:
Real Estate Intern
Real Estate sales in California

Fox News Associate
Star Ledger - Contributor / Photographer
Freelance News Photographer
FUSAC Social Media Intern
NBC Universal Assistant
Do.Something.org Volunteer
French Tutor
Apple Store Tech Genius

Clubs:
FROM BCC:
History Club - Treasurer
The Torch Publication - Columnist
Student Activities Board
Education Club
Model UN

FRM IVC:
French Club
Film Club
Computer Club
Student Government

Honors:
The JKW School of Honors Award for Excellence in Leadership
Honors program at Irvine Valley College
Academy Nicholl Fellowship Finalist
Magna Cum Laude: BCC
Magna Cum Laude: IVC

As of now I am 27 years old seeking to apply to Columbia GS, Im seeking a to double major in History and Political Science perhaps with a concentration in Francophone Studies

Can my experience and hard work overcome the embarrassing GPA of the first bachelors? Comments? Suggestions? Feedback? Thank You

The issue is that all community college classed are lower level. You need to attend a 4-year university and get a degree in political science or journalism.
Since you’re 27, a good possibility for you would be to move to Missouri now. Mizzou has the best undergraduate journalism program in the country and they’re lenient with instate tuition. Apply as a transfer student for Fall 2017, continue one of your double majors (perhaps political science and French with journalism classes, or perhaps journalism + either one), due to your cc GPA’s you’llget in, take advanced classes, shine, and Fall 2018 apply to Columbia (graduating with a new BA and a high GPA in 2019).

Hi @mellonhed,

You should absolutely apply to GS. The fact that you took classes in community college and excelled shows that you have grown since your first attempt at college. You will have a chance to explain in your application essay how you have changed since then, and why you believe you will excel at Columbia GS. Many GS students transfer from community college, so attending a four-year university is not necessary for admission.

If you have additional questions, I would encourage you to contact the Office of Admissions at gs-admit@columbia.edu or (212) 854-2772.

-Christina