I applied as a transfer student to CC, however, I have also received emails regarding General Studies. I am not confident that I will be admitted to Columbia College, based on my unusual/atypical background, and the fact that I have taken a semester off of college. I am considering applying to GS, since I have until June 1st to submit, and it seems like a viable option for students who have had hardships or non conventional lives that prevent them from going the typical Ivy League route. However, I am pretty low income. My EFC is around 2-3 thousand dollars. While I do have some savings, and a great internship lined up, I would need serious aid to even consider attending GS. I have heard that GS students do not really receive good financial aid packages. Can any GS students, alumni, or applicants provide any proof for this claim? How are low-income or non trad students expected to afford Columbia’s tuition? Are there any additional scholarships that would be easy to apply for?
The fin aid for GS is garbage. Poor people aren’t expected to pay for GS without taking private loans. The program is a cash cow for the school. The reason acceptance rates are 30-40% is bc they’re making everyone pay full rate. Stick to CC if you need aid, but then be aware that their acceptance rates are singles digits for a reason.
GS gives little financial aid whereas CC meets full need (as they define it). Do the NPC for each school. You’ll see the difference.
@thestandard You are right! This is one of the many reasons I have decided not to apply. The other being the title, “general studies”. It doesn’t sound accurate for how hard people work.