<p>this is my first post on this board and will most likely not be my last. I've been frequenting these boards over the past couple of weeks and I love the spread of advice and information passed here...it's really wonderful. </p>
<p>Anyway, I wanted some advice on my current situation right now. I'm attending a community college at the moment in NYC. I previously was at a four-year CUNY but I had academic probation and I had to leave. I guess it's also important to note that I did absolutely abysmal in high school. Now I'm 22 years old and I've wised up quite a bit. I also went to a doctor and got diagnosed and I am taking medication which has been helping me do a lot better academically. I recently saw a poster in my school for transfer students who wanted to attend Columbia (GS). Does my past academic records mean that this is out of the cards for me? Please answer, I'd love any advice about my dilemma. Also I'd like to add that I'm not even really sure what I want to study at the moment, I just realize that in this day and age going to a prestigious college might get my foot even further in the door (especially if I'm not doing STEM).</p>
<p>Absolutely not! In fact, if you tailor your essays as to how that experience benefitted you and how you’ve changed, I think Columbia admissions would enjoy reading that. There are plenty of people in your situation. As long as you show an upward trend, you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>That’s really great to hear. I’ve been looking around and it seems that if I were to transfer after only a year at a CC they would take my hs transcript into further consideration. I guess I’m just really worried because I’m now realizing how my terrible academic past is going to bite my in the rear.</p>
<p>Hmm, in all honesty, there’s a lot of uncertainty with your profile – your academic record, as you say, it’s exactly top-quality, you’re unsure of what you want to study at 22, and you have a medical condition (which can go against you, as much as I wish it didn’t). I would figure some things out like what you want to study and what you have going for yourself, and apply to Columbia in addition to many other schools that perhaps aren’t so selective.</p>
<p>Also, if you’re aiming for Columbia because the prestige gives you “a leg up,” I’d think again – prestige helps, but barely – what matters more is what you do with your education and what else you have going for you.</p>