Chances of transferring? (Fall 2015)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia School of General Studies
1

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>I am currently a freshman in my first semester at a top liberal arts college in the US. While I am really enjoying my classes, I am finding that my current college might not be the best place for me at this moment in time. I was a pre-professional ballet dancer in high school, and thought that I would be okay giving up that dream in favor of starting my college education this fall. After battling some related recent depression and anxiety, I have decided to pursue this goal again. Next year I will be in a ballet trainee program at a well-known dance academy in New York City, dancing around 8 hours a day. The program is 2-4 years long, however, and I would really love to continue to work towards a college degree while I am simultaneously pursuing this goal. While I would love to dance professionally, my other goal is to pursue a career in arts administration. If a dance career is not possible, I would like to use my undergraduate degree to apply to graduate programs in the arts management area. I feel that Columbia's School of General Studies, with its flexibility, is the ideal school to allow me to pursue both of these options. I graduated from a nationally ranked, rigorous high school with a 3.88 GPA (top quarter of my class) and 2160 SAT (W-800, R- 710, M- 620). I am doing well at my current college, and will probably have a first semester GPA of around 3.85. I am in a leadership position in my college's student-run ballet company, a member of the Italian Club, and take significant hours of dance classes at a local studio alongside a full academic course load. I am an extremely passionate student and believe I express myself best through writing (and dance, of course). I have a strong essay from my high school application process, which I will update to reflect my additional experience since then. Do I have a chance at Columbia GS? Thank you so much for your time!</p>

<p>Sabrina</p>

2

<p>*edit my math score is actually 650!</p>

3

<p>There are a lot of ex-dancers at GS, but I know few to no active dancers. Your academics sound like you’re a decent shot for GS on that front, but the bigger questions are:</p>

<ul>
<li>Will you be able to dedicate the time and energy to even one class a semester?</li>
<li>Is it worthwhile to try to do both? If you’re interested in pursuing professional dance, DO IT! Half heartedly doing it suggests that you won’t excel, and therefore makes me wonder why you’re investing so much. So I suggest you choose something to focus on, and focus on that. </li>
</ul>

<p>GS will be there later, if you decide you want to come to academia after a few years away. </p>

4

<p>@sabrinaballerina,</p>

<p>I would suggest making an appointment with an admissions counselor at GS, who can discuss the admissions process with you, especially as it relates to your unique circumstances. They will also be able to answer any questions that you may have about test scores, GPAs, etc. Please contact the admissions office at (212) 854-2772 to schedule an appointment. For your convenience, these appointments may be conducted in person, over the phone, or via Skype.</p>

<p>Christina
GS Tour Guide</p>