Columbia GS students

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
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<p>I'm a GS hopeful, and even though I have been discouraged by the admission committee to apply because I don't seem to be exactly a good "fit" to the GS, I'm still planning on applying. I'm not going to lose anything by trying, right?</p>

<p>I do have a question though.
Other than the factor that the GS students are, on average, older than the students in the other undergrad colleges at Columbia, what ARE they like? I understand that most of the students that are offered admission into the GS program are more mature, in terms of having a longer life and work experience. Other than that, what makes them more non-traditional?</p>

<p>Listen to my story, and can people comment on how I don't fit into the non-traditional student category (other than the factor that my break from high school was only about a year)?</p>

<p>I graduated from high school. Went to a business school in Australia (one of the best in the country according to the rankings). I thought I had brain tumour- gave me time to reflect on my life and question myself whether this was the right pathway for me, etc etc..) And then realizing that it really wasn't, I took a year off- travel, work (teaching English, volunteering to give free piano lessons to poor people, work at fashion retail). The year was really a time to reflect on my life and really figure out what I wanted to do. In this time, I had a chance to read and do all these things that I've always wanted to do (compose songs, etc). And then, I figured out that what I really want to do is ..get into the world of journalism (print or broadcast, etc) and become a reporter. Now, I'm at a different uni, studying Liberal Arts. I'm in my first year.</p>

<p>As you can see, I'm not really a "traditional" student, but what the admissions committee thought was, that I'm not really a "non-traditional" student either. A traditional student would be someone who finished high school, go into college. I've been at 2 different colleges and Columbia GS would be my 3rd one and I've had the year break. So you can see where I'm coming from when I say I don't quite see myself as a traditional student. This is a bit stressful for me because I'm not accepted here or there! They told me that I'd really need a solid reason to why I see myself as a non-trad. student. </p>

<p>Can I get some feedback from people about how I might be able to emphasize on why I consider myself to be "non-traditional"? & what not.</p>

<p>Thanks!
N</p>

2

<p>Well when I called and asked if they deemed me as “non-traditional”. They told me, yes. My situation is that I took a year break after high school before going to community college, worked with an escrow company during the break year, and I’m currently doing part-time management at a gorcery store while being a full-time student. I have yet to apply to Columbia GS but I will be applying for Fall 10’ (currently going on 20 and will be 21 years old if I get in). So I don’t see why they would say that you’re not a “non-traditional” student. But I guess it could possibly be the fact that you went to college right after high school.</p>

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<p>ihatemonash: From what I understand, there really isn’t a single “way” GS students are. Your credentials are “non-traditional” in how you’ve described them, but I think they have an idea in their minds that more distance between high school and the present is a factor in the non-traditional status. You could still apply - if you’re grades are good, your other scores are good, you might cause them to think about what admitting you would mean for them… and as far as what you have to lose, there’s the application fee, hehe. I guess, though, just don’t be surprised if they don’t accept you. If they say “don’t bother applying,” and you do just for the heck of it, I mean… ya know… the result is pretty clearly not in your favor, unfortunate as that is. </p>

<p>It’s not exactly easy to get into GS, though on the surface it may seem so because of the statistically higher possibility. Consider, though, that so few people apply because so few people meet the qualifications to even bother sending an application in.</p>

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<p>yeh
thanks guys !
i’m going to keep realistic and measure up the possibilities. they didn’t exactly say not to apply, but they seemed to be implying that they will have some concerns.
but i guess, that’s all because they don’t know my whole story as well. I’m just going to have to try it and let you guys know how I go! :)</p>

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<p>Well, if they say they have concerns, dispel them with your application and essays. Show them why you’re a perfect fit, establish your credentials, and woo them with your sharp wit. Also, apply some other places just incase.</p>