<p>I am a current community college student, 30 years old, and the father of two. I first started college in 2003, but dropped out due to the birth of my son. Of course, being a dumb kid, when I dropped out, I didn't do it the right way, so I was failed out of all of my courses.</p>
<p>I started back to school in the summer of this year, and I have excelled. Ten classes, ten A's. My GPA, even with the failed courses from my past, will be a 3.2 by the time fall term wraps up in 5 weeks. I fully plan on retaking the courses I dropped out of to replace the grade, allowing me to complete a two year college program in 9 months with a 4.0 GPA and an A.A in Liberal Arts.</p>
<p>I was also awarded a fellowship by my current college for fall and spring terms, working in the alumni and grant writing departments. I've spent some time on campus doing work study (library and IT), and I am a part of the student leadership counsel. In my spare time, I am a published writer (mainly short stories in anthologies, but a novel is in the works) and I play the viola. I'm also a first generation college student.</p>
<p>Despite all this, I'm nervous as hell about applying to GS. Don't get me wrong, I feel like, academically, I can compete with any applicant they have. I just worry that what happened ten years ago will hurt my chances, as my transcript will reflect a 3.2 instead of a 4.0 when I apply. I feel that my essay will be strong, as writing is what I do, and that I will do well on the SAT when I take it in January.</p>
<p>What do you guys think? What should I focus on to make my application attractive?</p>
<p>I’m by no means an expert, just a fellow fall 15 applicant. However, I’ve spoken to an admissions counselor in person on two occasions. They both stressed the importance of the essay and letters of recommendation. I would put your anxiety of past grades out of your mind. We are in a similar situation in that respect. They will be weighing their decision on your current performance, your past only illustrating the positive change in your willingness and initiative. </p>
<p>In terms of the essay, they want to know what “informal” education you were getting while your peers were doing the traditional thing, college at 18, internship or grad school at 22. What were you learning the last ten years that you couldn’t be taught in school or SAT prep courses? Also it is critical to express what you intend to do with your major, with a degree from Columbia, and perhaps how you can apply it to whatever your personal and professional goals have been the last decade. I wouldn’t dwell on explaining your past academics In the essay too much, only a quick explanation. Focus on your professional/family experience and and why you are right for GS. </p>
<p>Based on what you’ve said, you seem like a strong candidate. We have some big similarities and big differences. If I were you I’d take as many honors courses as you can (they love seeing a heavy course load). Also, I’d do some quick volunteering or community service, just enough to warrant listing “currently volunteering at xxxxx food bank every weekend” on your application. If you aren’t already. Let’s keep in touch! It’s an exciting time. </p>
<p>The admissions process at GS is holistic, and takes into account not only your GPA, but your essay, test scores, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities, among other things. Each of all of the things you mentioned above is an important part of your story, and your GPA is only one piece. You also mentioned that you have received straight As in all of your recent classes, and that will definitely not be overlooked by the admissions team, as it shows you are now doing well in your studies. </p>
<p>A lot of weight is indeed put on the admissions essay, and this is the place to explain why you dropped out, and to give context to the failing grades you received. You should also tell them what you’ve been doing in the meantime. The admissions team wants to know your whole story: where you’ve come from, how you’ve grown, and where you are today. Tell them why you are a good fit for GS today.</p>
<p>Good luck with your application! Let me know if you have any further questions.</p>
<p>Thank you for the response. It’s nice to hear from someone on the ground, so to speak.</p>
<p>I’m excited! I called last week, and someone in your office told me the Early decision app would be released the second week of December. I know what I’ll spend my winter break doing!</p>
<p>As an aside, would it be wise to include my literary resume in my application?</p>
<p>I’m by no means an expert, as I’m not a member of the admissions team, but my sense is that info would be better expressed in your essay. Perhaps mentioning that you’ve been published, citing one or two of the anthologies your work has been featured in, and explaining what you’re working on now, weaving this info into the larger picture of the person and student you are today.</p>
<p>I was in a similar position. When I applied to GS four years ago - I have since graduated from Columbia - I had a 2.9 cumulative GPA. I had 12 W’s and 5 F’s from 10 years prior. Yes, you read that correctly, 12 W’s and 5 F’s. I was kicked out of school, worked for 8 years, and enrolled into my local community college (SMC) and maintained a 4.0 while taking 52 units. I transferred to Columbia - I got in pretty quickly after I sent in my app and I did not even have to interview. My upward grade trend and my essay pretty much explained everything. I am now at Notre Dame Law School on a full-ride scholarship.</p>
<p>If I got in, you stand a great chance. Schools - as evident from my brief academic history - like people who “turn things around.”</p>
<p>Okay, so I’ve turned in my essay, requested my transcripts, etc. Now the wait begins. Plus, I take the SAT on the 24th. I wish there was a GS Admissions test in my area. That one is sans math. Anyway, my GPA took a slight hit, as I scored a B in French, so my GPA since returning is a 3.94 now.</p>
<p>Fingers crossed. I’ll keep you guys updated.</p>
<p>Hey Guys! Any of you care to post your stats? I’m starting to freak out. </p>
<p>My story is a little bit different. I graduated in 2011 and I’m now 21 years old. I’m originally from the Dominican Republic moved to the US about a year and half ago. Since then I’ve really tried to assimilate to the American culture and make something of myself. I was working +60hr a week to be able to support myself and help my family back in my country. Fortunately my mother’s economic situation has improved greatly and I will be able to work less as she will be helping me out so I can finally pursue my Bachelor’s Degree. </p>
<p>Stats
High School GPA: 3.8
SAT:2250
I’ve volunteer at the American Cancer Association and tutored immigrant kids in my neighborhood, I dance ballet and Contemporary, play soccer, play the piano(Self taught), speak Italian (Self taught just like English) and I just finished an investment baking training. </p>
<p>Any advice or thoughts about my situation would be greatly appreciated! Thank you and Happy Holidays !</p>
Well, I’m excited! I have completed all of my application requirements by taking the SAT Saturday. Now, I wait for the scores to be published on February 12th, and GS will have everything. I also spoke to lee in admissions, and Columbia accepted a lot of supporting material to my application! I’ll keep you guys in the loop.
Whats up guys! I’m in the same boat as you all, applying EA for GS. Good luck! Here are my stats:
-Break of 2 years in my educational history. I attended vocational school and worked as an electrician
-High School GPA: ~3.0 (graduated in 2012)
-SAT: 1500 (only took it once)
-College GPA: 4.0 (28 credits completed and currently taking 16) State University of NY
-EC’s: Founder and President of Financial Management Club; Public Relations Manager of Politics, economics and Law Club (PEL); Sophomore Rep. for Student Gov’t; member of Financial Management Association International
-Volunteer work: Habitat for Humanity (6 hours/week)
-Part time job: restaurant 16 hours/week
-Internship: Accounting intern in the non profit sector
-Awards/Honors: Admitted into my institution’s Honors College program, School of Business Dean’s List, Certificate for Academic Excellence
I speak 3 languages… English, Greek (fluent), Spanish (fluent)
If accepted to GS, my intended major is Financial Economics. I look to become an investment banker
**Give me your thoughts on my credentials and I’ll do same for you!
Hello everyone! I’m new to CC and thought I’d add my stats:
-I took 2 years off after high school due to some personal issues I was going through
-High School GPA: 3.35 (going through a hard time was what really dragged my grade down though, and I tried to explain that in the autobiographical essay)
-CC GPA: 4.0 (38 credits completed, I took the max 18 credits last semester, receiving all A’s, and got permission from the dean to take 19 this semester)
-SAT/ACT: I didn’t take either. I just took the GSAE at the campus last week though.
-EC: Phi Theta Kappa member, member of a volunteer club on campus, Women’s Leadership Development program (I also have a mentor from this)
-Volunteer: at foodbank and with the volunteer club on campus
-Awards: I’ve been on the President’s Honor Roll (min. 3.5 after taking 20 credits) for several semesters now.
My EC’s are weak but I’m hoping my grades/GPA/essay will help me get accepted though. The main reason I don’t have a lot of EC’s is because I spend the majority of my free time studying so I either don’t have time or it doesn’t fit into my schedule. What do y’all think my chances are?
Hey everyone! I recently joined this website seeing that most of the people here are just as “worried” about admissions as I am. I, as well, applied for Columbia GS Early Action for the Fall 2015 admission. Here’s my stats as well–since it is currently trending, after all–and please don’t hesitate to let me know what you think!
6 years off to serve in the military (very outstanding military career, if I do say so myself :blush: )
Volunteer: San Diego Humane Society, San Diego Zoo, and Labrador Retrievers & More
Awards: Dean's list
Fun facts: I speak 4 languages fluently; English, Tagalog, Japanese, Bisayan; and was born in a different country where English wasn't my first language. I've also traveled around the world (where I received most of my "non-traditional" education from) and went on 2 grueling deployments while serving in the military
If accepted to GS, I’m hoping to major in Biology so that I may be able to apply my degree, as well as my 6+ years experience in the military and Pilates industry, to go to PT school.
Hi everyone. I’m also an EA GS applicant, dying waiting for an answer. Was wondering if anyone else is seeing delays in Columbia’s processing of materials on the admissions tracking page? It lists my transcript and fee waiver as provisional/pending when I sent both in weeks ago. When I send emails to the gs-admit@columbia.edu address about anything, they pretty much always go ignored. Just wondering if I should let it be or call someone. Also do GS candidates get called for interviews at all?
Hi sosodeformed,
My name is Orit, and I am a current student and tour guide for the School of General Studies. With this being a very busy time in the admissions cycle, we wanted to let you know that you can always call the Office of Admissions at 212-854-2772 and speak to an Admissions Manager to check on the status of transcripts and other documentation that you have sent in. Thank you, and I hope this helps!
!</p>