<p>Non-traditional community college student. 3 years removed from graduating hs 06. I did nothing for 3 years- HEAVY depression/obesity. Rarely ever left my room. I completely shut myself from the rest of the world. At one point I didn't go outside for a stretch of 5 months- Crazy but true. Majority of my time was spent home on the internet, watching tv, overthinking my past mistakes, wasted potential etc, etc.. Anyway I ended up gettin my ish together. This past new year I decided I didn't want to live like this anymore. Since then, i've dropped 185 pounds in 6 months and have developed a new lease on life. I don't have the most spectacular story ever. Just a hard worker. Do you guys think I should lie about what I've done the past 3 years or just stick to the truth? I'm afraid Columbia GS won't look to kindly on me not doing anything for 3 years. Should I write about my weightloss/depression and how much it has impacted me or does it seem too bland/mundane/cliche?</p>
<p>Anyway here are some stats( the good and the bad!)
2.8 hs gpa 1440/2400 SAT (Should I retake the SAT?)</p>
<p>14 credits this past summer achieved 4.0 GPA. I'll be taking 18 credits in the fall- 6 credits winter -18 credits in the spring- 56 credits overall. I'm VERY confident in my abilty to keep my 4.0. I'll probably have 38 credits completed by the time I apply. </p>
<p>I''ve been invited to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I'll take full advantage of being apart of the honor society. I'm shooting to become President/Vice-pesident of my cc's chapter. I plan on joining the pyschology club(my future major) and tutoring underpriveleged students(peer mentoring club). I also plan on joining my local cc's theatre group/stage crew.. </p>
<p>first off, good luck with your application and school year. </p>
<p>In terms of your past history, I would definitely not lie. It will not work out and would not give the committee a lot to work with. Frankly, you could get in a lot of trouble and it’s hard to be that good of liar. Go into it honestly, explain your situation and focus on how you overcame the adversity. Your high school record is obviously going to be a problem, meaning it certainly will not help you gain admission and may potentially hurt your chances. However, I do not think it would obliterate them by any means. You should focus on retaking the SAT and/or ACT, as I am pretty sure it will be really difficult for them to overlook that score. You should aim for at the very least 1800. I would recommend getting in a math class (pre-calc) before taking the exam. It’s really hard to retake that test and do well without knowledge of algebra and geometry. Reading is easier to “wing”. It’s good you are maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Columbia will be happy to see your turn around. That being said, given your high school record I would encourage you to wait to apply till you have completed at least 50 credits. They want to see that a 4.0 is the norm rather than a fluke, and 56 credits consecutively should show that. </p>
<p>That’s all the advice I have for now. I hope that helps. Also, being a URM will help. Columbia is really committed to diversity. Oh, and I’m a GS student so that’s where this is coming from. Good luck!</p>
<p>hello everyone,
im sure this question has been asked many times before, but after reading this post i need some perspective from people who are/were in the same boat as me…
i graduated hs with a 3.5+ gpa and an 1190 sat score (only took them once). i attended a state university for 2 years but due to an illness and family issues, did HORRIBLY. the college was not a right fit for me, an hour away, and i was academically dismissed. i spent the next few months under the care of a doctor and later volunteering abroad. i came back to the US for a fresh start, so to say. i began working as a loan officer at a company that specializes in helping low-income families get back on track. also, my best friend and i started an online magazine that showcases local talent in our community. i spend a lot of my time volunteering with cancer organizations and participated in the 5k avon walk/run. i took classes this past summer and did well. i went to an info session for GS a few weeks ago, absolutely fell in LOVE with the campus. the directors and staff are sooo friendly! so, my question to current GSers is…do you think i can get in? any input would be great.
-also, should i take the GSAE even though my SAT scores havent expired?
-im ready to thrive in an ivy environment and cannot wait to get back in school. (obviously, ill go into extensive detail about this in my essay)
-i made an appoint with kay, assoc. director of admissions just to get a feel about the process.
-any other tips/info would be great!</p>
<p>Non-traditional student. 23 yr old Navy vet that is currently serving on active duty in the Army. Had a year of relax and “me” time in-between services. Here are some of my stats:</p>
<p>I graduated homeschool at 16 with a 3.3 GPA.</p>
<p>Civil Air Patrol (Air Force Auxiliary) Mitchell award</p>
<p>Have 6 years of military service (deployments to Africa and Iraq).</p>
<p>No traditonal college coursework, but I have 52 credits attained through military courses </p>
<p>Those courses range from Seamanship to Theory of Jet Propulsion </p>
<p>No SAT/ACT (I want to take the GSAE)</p>
<p>I’m trying to get whatever information I can on the GSAE. All I have found so far is that it is easy; which doesn’t help me out as far as what is on it. Even if it is elementary, any tips on what curriculum to use for studying would be helpful. All help is appreciated!</p>