<p>I'm 20 years old and I'm interested in the GS program at Columbia. I don't have much of an academic record since i dropped out of high school in '04 to go traveling for 2 years. I'll be starting my first semester of community college in the winter and I have a few questions for all you GS students/alumni/future students. Having had very little applicable work experience, what should I be trying to accomplish during my time at com. college? Also, how long do you think it would take for someone such as myself to enter the gs program having started from scratch?</p>
<p>We're in similar situations I wish you luck. My advice would be an academic year of Math, Science, Writing, Language and something you like besides nutrition and gym b/c they may not transfer. Get as close to a 4.0 as possible. You have to look like you're prepared to move on and that you're not just farting around if you take classes that can transfer. Join 4 activities and take leadership positions in one or two (some groups have a minimum of showing up 4 times a semester in order for the info to go on your record). If you're not working now then start soon since it's never too late to show you can handle many things at once since the rigor of CC alone really isn't much compared to Columbia. In your essay write as much as you can about the traveling and how it's matured you. Also play up how independent minded you are for taking the path less traveled in the 1st place. Read some books in your intended major and say you self educated yourself while not in school. I think one year of CC will be quite enough to show you're ready for Columbia.</p>
<p>Again, good luck!</p>
<p>Are there any specific class requirements?</p>
<p>There are no specific classes or number of classes they prefer.</p>
<p>But the max credits to transfer are 12 towards major and 60 total.</p>