<p>I've been getting a heap of e-mails every week from this school. There's no official record stating I'm a drop-out in my former country, so I'm guessing one of my amazing professors saw this (it's a school for "non-traditional" and returning students) and gave them my address.</p>
<p>It seems terribly expensive, and doesn't meet 100% of need for international students and admits it's low on funds in that area (I'm international, and my family can't afford a sunday waffle). But, beyond that, is it a good education for the price? Will employers and grad schools consider it as the equivalent of the Columbia University undergrad program despite the high acceptance rate? I still have time to apply and would probably get in, but I'm just not sure if it's worth the high application fee (I want my waffle goddamnit).</p>
<p>Anyone know any tidbit about this program? Please, please share!</p>
<p>From what I understand, the courses are the same as those at Columbia College. (I.e. you'll take courses with students in Columbia College.)
Grad schools will most likely consider the transcript equal to Columbia College, (i.e. same courses,) however, most people? I don't not know... There are a lot of academic snobs/purists out there who might look down upon a GS degree. Such people are ignorant and thus somewhat ridiculous--regardless, they exist.
Also, from what I just read on GS' website: unlike many non-traditional bachelor's programs at other top unis, (e.g. Penn, Hopkins, Harvard, BC,) Columbia's tuition is the same as the "day-school: tuition.
By comparison, Columbia GS is not the best deal; (insane fact: Harvard's undergrad tuition is $575/course)--but hey! Columbia's one of the greatest universities in the world! And it's located in one of the greatest cities in the world.
It might be worth it.
Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks JuJu. I'm not terribly concerned about the prestige-factor, but I wonder if I'd be worse off after the program ends in comparison to going to a decently selective LAC. It's an awful lot of money for me, and I need to know for sure it's worth it and not just a quick-and-dirty way for Columbia to squeeze some extra cash out of its name.</p>
<p>I DO think that it's an easy way for Columbia to squeeze cash out of non-traditional students (theoretically, the cost for them should be lower--a la Harvard, Penn, etc;) however, it also seems like a great way for students without the test scores/extra curriculars to get into Columbia College to get the most out of Columbia's considerable resources.</p>
<p>Well, I do have the test scores, recs, GPA etc., just didn't pass the required classes to officially graduate in my home country (which doesn't show on the transcript, and the grades I do have from back then are pretty solid -- the first college that replied and accepted me apparently didn't notice, so I'm crossing my fingers for the others). I'd feel like I was trading a possible place at a "regular" colllege in for a more uncertain alternative, you know?</p>
<p>Admissions this year have been extremely competitive though, so who knows. I'd feel safer knowing the alternatives if things don't work out. And I agree -- Columbia is a great place, I bet the classes would be way challenging and fun in their own right!</p>
<p>Posts #8 "gleans" incorrectly... General Studies is a division of Columbia University for non-traditional students, (i.e. those over 21, or with jobs, with children, etc.) To write that it's not a "real school" is insulting (to those who attend--and probably to most non-traditional students,) and foolish.</p>
<p>Columbia University would disagree with your comments--as would most people with the capacity to think and understand. (Furthermore: Harvard, Penn, UChicago, Johns Hopkins, WashU, etc. also disagree.)</p>
<p>FYI: Columbia GS students receive Columbia U. bachelor's degrees.</p>
<p>I believe that JuJu is mistaken. Columbia GS students get an good education. However, job placement and grad. school placement is all about preception not reality. Columbia college is considered a top 10 college, GS is not. Barnard is an excellent school, students can take Columbia College courses, and it grants a Columbia Univ. degree.However, it is not considered at the same level as Columbia College.</p>
<p>Dear Old Person,
Please explain to me how I'm mistaken after reading the following.</p>
<p>Columbia GS degree listen on a resume:
John Doe
Columbia University, B.A. in History 2010</p>
<p>Columbia Coll. degree listed on a resume:
John Doe
Columbia University, B.A. in History 2010</p>
<p>GS students take THE EXACT SAME courses as Columbia College students, (i.e. they are in the same courses at the same times with the same profs--not different sections. They get to know the SAME CLASSMATES.) So in this case, "perception," as you put it--on paper--is identical.</p>
<p>P.S. I worked in a law admissions office for a few months. All of the aforementioned is known to admissions counselors.</p>
<p>No kidding? That's great news. How come it's not that well-known of an alternative, though? And would I technically even be considered a "non-traditional" student? </p>
<p>I remember checking Columbia out (love the location, love their program for my major, the course work would be challenging and exciting) but not applying because they didn't accept transfer students or give aid to internationals, whichever it was. If there's no difference between the degrees it would just seem too good to be true. I guess I'm just thrown off by the way they've been so active in pursuing a community college student and their high acceptance rate - which I personally fully support (being very critical of grades, the educational institution and the idea only those who adapt well to this system are intelligent). Our world IS driven by these elitist perceptions, though, and finding a program that can circumvent that would be so amazing.</p>
<p>Anyone here have any experience with the program?</p>
<p>My college counselor at boarding school recommended Columbia GS to students planning to take a "gap year" after high school. (Also, he recommended Penn GS, and a few other non-traditional uni/night programs--Gtown, Hopkins, Harvard, etc.)</p>
<p>Why isn't Columbia GS a well-known alternative? Firstly, Columbia GS' age/life experience requirement prevents many from applying. Secondly, Columbia GS does not provide financial aid or merit scholarships to students, so only those who can afford tuition (or are willing to take out mega-loans) can attend. Thirdly, Columbia GS does not provide housing, campus activities, etc. (I.e. GS is certainly not the 'traditional American college experience.') Also, "perception"--as exemplified above. Coluimbia's GS (and similar programs at top-notch unis,) strike many as 'back door entrywyas,' and thus somewhat shady. As with most things people perceive as 'too good to be true,' people knock them as "not real," or inferior. Obviously, this isn't true... But so much the better for those who elect to pursue such programs--right? Easier admittance.</p>
<p>Here's a personal story: I went to Northwestern as an undergrad. During my final quarter, NU integrated the calendars of Weinberg Coll of A&S (traditional undergrad) and Continuing Studies, (non-traditional.) Immediately, the courses became more diverse, especiallly in terms of age. At the time, I was paying over $2500 for the course, while non-traditional students were paying $1100! What a bargain for them! (I believe that someone wrote an article in the Daily Northwestern on it.) And my experience with them could not have been better--their comments and real-life stories brightened classes like you wouldn't believe.</p>
<p>If I'd taken a gap year or two--and had it all to do over again--I'd definitely consider a non-traditional program.</p>
<p>OldPerson, sorry, you're simply and absolutely wrong. While there are somewhat different graduation requirements for GS students, the course load is essentially the same. It's a full-fledged diploma from Columbia University. By your logic I'd guess you would say that a degree from Barnard or the School of Nursing isn't a real Columbia degree either?</p>
<p>I can tell you that there are a lot of people running around with "B.A. Columbia University, 1995" on their resumes, and employers are wrongly assuming that they are prodcuts of a very elite school with sky high admissions requirements.</p>
<p>Willow55: if they graduated from Columbia GS, they have a right to put it on their resumes. Same "elite school," with the same courses, profs, and students.</p>