I’m separating in August after six years, and I’ve just applied to Columbia GS for Fall 2017. I’m curious if I have a chance at getting in, despite people telling me I’m competitive I refuse to believe it for some reason. It feels as if people are saying it out of sympathy. I’m particularly concerned about my SAT score.
In high school, I graduated ranked 346 out of 557 with a 2.33 GPA. While enlisted, completed 16 credits with 4.0 GPA, achieved dean’s list one semester. SAT score was 1210 for the new SAT. My recommendations were quite strong, and my essay has been called good but once again, I interpreted it as a sympathy good for my trivial efforts.
So do I have a chance with this kind of academic record?
You have a military background. Some might find this statement false or controversial, but in my opinion you’re almost guaranteed admission for that reason. I’ve never seen a case anywhere on these forums in which someone from the military was denied. The school was founded to facilitate the transition for veterans into Columbia, and today there remains a massive veterans community at the school. Your SAT score could be higher, and it would help if you had taken some more credits to prove you can handle the courseload (it’s a lot of work), but I would expect to see an acceptance email in the future if I were you.
Again, just my take. I could be wrong, so don’t take this as gospel.
I was just accepted on Wednesday. I had mediocre high school grades and failed out of college 4 years ago. I enlisted in the marines, got my life together, and got straight As for 12 credits over the last year at a local college. My ACT was a 30, had good letters of rec. and “wrote my ass off” in the essay. @nickdrake sorry to disagree with you but I actually personally know a marine who applied to gs and was rejected. He didn’t have recent classes in his transcripts so I’m pretty sure that was probably the reason.
But, I do agree with the military being a huge shoe in for people in admissions. I think any veteran with strong grades and a good essay has a pretty good chance of being accepted. Good luck to you @Afcrawford try not to worry about it too much. I think you have a VERY strong chance.
@nygs7792@nickdrake Well that makes me feel a little more confident. Thanks for the replies, I guess it’s just up to waiting for now. If I understand correctly admission decisions come out on a rolling basis from now until May 1? Congratulations though @nygs7792 , that’s awesome.
Have any of you guys taken the GSAE? I just have already submitted my application for ED and will see decision results by May 1st. I would like to know how the new GSAE is compared to the old “remedial” test that was given back in 2008. I have to fly to New York from Japan in order to take this test…pretty nervous right now.
Stats
Highschool GPA 2.7
College GPA 3.8
Been in the Air Force for the last 5 and a half years, and I have also completed 25 college credits while being in.
No SAT or ACT score ( I have not taken the test in 8 years) so I must take the GSAE.
Strong recommendations from one of my professors and from my squadron chief.
Hi,
I am applying to Columbia GS now by the June 1st deadline and wondering what my chances are. I am 20 years old and have taken 3 years off after high school. Ive been in a wheelchair for 12 years and replaced both hips and knees and been recovering getting back to walking and I’m now ready to start college. I’m worried my SAT score is not strong enough and wonder if I can get some feedback. I also wonder if the admission office has a holistic view on applicants, I know my SAT scores aren’t the best but I have a lot of motivation and passion to go to college and study. I was accepted to Pepperdine but I really want to be on the east coast and Columbia is my #1 choice. I will be so appreciative of any advice. Thanks!
Stats
-Highschool GPA: 3.96
-SAT: 1100
-Competed for several science clubs for my school
-Had my own small business in High School
Vassar has a veterans posse, FYI. You may also want to look at that option.
Vassar is a top school, like Columbia, and the FA is much, much better. One issue with CGS is that their FA is pretty spotty. You may get a good package, but it’s not guaranteed.
Vassar takes its FA seriously. It’s need based aid, not merit based, but they try to make sure that you can get through school without massive loans, just enough to keep your skin in the game.
I’ve applied for the May 1st early action decision as well. My High School GPA was a 2.8, and my college GPA is 3.81 with around 80 units in mostly GE and Pre-Med classes. I have done 6 years in the Air Force (3 years active duty, 3 years reserves, and two deployments - Afghanistan and Africa) and I’m getting out May 2017. I’m crossing my fingers as Columbia is my only choice. Good luck to you all!!!
Gah, i’ve been logging in every day checking for anything. I called the admissions office today because I was checking to make sure my application was still considered for Early Action - May 1st Decision - because my GSAE had gotten to them a little later, and the person on the phone told me my application was currently in review. It definitely spiked my nerves for a little while after. We’re getting close ladies and gentlemen.
@oldladystudent nah I wouldn’t go as far to say that’s a bad sign. The majority of people on these forums found out May 1st, some even found out May 2nd.
Thanks, I’m just tearing at my skin about this. Also, let’s say I wasn’t home when the fedex package arrived, would they call me. I only ask because I found a fedex doortag yesterday. I’m getting my hopes up, I know. But is the package small enough to fit in a regular mailbox? Does it require a signature?
Hi all, did you receive the email after submitting your applications? I just got one saying “once your application has been processed you will receive an email with your Columbia University Identification number” after I submitted my online application on Feb 28th but I have never heard back from the admission any more. Is that normal?
The reference number is different from the id number they send you after you send in your application. The reference number on top of your application is just a long number whereas the id number starts with CO and some numbers after. You should probably call them if you never received that email