<p>I am currently a sophomore seeking to transfer to Columbia.
However, my GPA stands at 3.47. I realize this is not the ideal GPA to have when applying to schools, much less as a transfer, and to a place like Columbia but I wanted to give it a shot anyway since I have strong ECs. </p>
<p>But on Columbia's transfer website, it says that it "encouraged" transfer applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Should I bother trying?</p>
<p>Anyone can apply. What they are saying is that they don’t have a strict gpa cutoff, but that relatively few applicants with a gpa below 3.5 are accepted.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t apply with a <3.5 unless you have a significant hook. 93% of transfers get rejected at Columbia, and without at least competitive stats it’s not worth trying.</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, what do you mean by “strong ECs”? If they really are impressive - as in, you have a book published or started your own business or something - that could constitute a significant hook.</p>
<p>The minimum really starts around 3.7, but there are a few exceptions here and there. People who write amazing essays, have truly outstanding activities, and very high SAT scores can get in with less than a 3.7.</p>
<p>Indeed, people with 3.7s are getting rejected at far lower ranked schools. So, I think Columbia is being very fair in setting their minimum standard.</p>
<p>Where are you getting the 3.7 thing, justanothertrans? I’ve looked over older threads and it seemed like all of the accepted applicants had a 3.8 or better…</p>