<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I've been doing quite a bit of research lately and had a question concerning the one year break mentioned required for GS. I know the average age at GS is 29, but is the school only consumed of returning academics, or are there 18 year old students mixed in as well? My main concern is whether I would have to wait a year after high school to apply, or if there are exceptions. </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>GS is only available to students who meet at least one of the following requirements:</p>
<p>1) A one year or longer break in their education
2) Participating in one of several dual degree programs (including JTS, Science-Po, City University of Hong Kong)
3) Have a compelling reason to attend part time</p>
<p>Compelling is generally defined as something like a professional or athletic obligation. For example there was a CC student who was offered a position in a major theatre show, but it required him to go part time. He transferred from CC to GS.</p>
<p>Note if you’re planning on going part time so you can work to pay for school, you’re probably better off in CC than GS, since CC has MUCH more generous financial aid than GS.</p>
<p>Thank you for the quick response! My reason for attending is that during high school, my partner and I started a business which has been gaining some weight recently. It’s been requiring much of my efforts and hours a day even during high school. I always strive to be academically excellent and don’t want to reduce to CC because of my business however(though I’m aware they are great institutions that help many people). </p>
<p>To be clear, I’m not going to work to pay for basic needs; the business has already proved to be much more lucrative. I’m looking for a top education to supplement my business skills, and NYC isn’t a bad place to make connections either. </p>
<p>Could you see a student like me at GS?</p>
<p>There are definitely students with successful businesses at Columbia. But as you know both are incredibly demanding, so often students can only take one or two classes a semester, or they have to seriously reduce their time commitment to the business. </p>
<p>I suggest you contact admissions and talk to someone there.</p>
<p>I am currently studying for the GSAE by going over the reading/writting portion of the SAT… would anybody happen to know if the GSAE is graded like the SAT where points are deducted for choosing the wrong answer?</p>
<p>They grade it exactly like the SAT.</p>