How was the transition from CC to Columbia? How much financial aid did you get? Any outside scholarships? Any tips for those who are going this route?
Are you accepted or applying?
I will be applying next year since I graduate from CC on May 2018
I’m a veteran so my answer will differ from what you might have expected. They offered me absolutely ZERO institutional financial aid. Their reasoning is that the GI bill and the yellow ribbon should cover it, combined about 40k… but it doesn’t if you plan to take more than 12 units. That’s where they expect us to use our housing allowance to cover it, which in their defense, it does, but I wish we wouldn’t have to use that money. For context, my housing allowance is about 4200 a month and my campus housing is about 1300 a month. For other transfer students, you’re most likely applying to GS which has very limited funding for financial aid. Even if I wasn’t a veteran they told me their fin aid would only cover about 80-90% which is still pretty reasonable. Transition has been pretty crappy. They don’t communicate with you as much as other schools concerning anything and you have to research and figure everything out on your own, e.g. financial aid, registration, counseling; iIt really helps to ask someone who has done it.
I came to Columbia last year after completing 2 yrs at CC. The transition was somewhat challenging, only bc I was coming from California, but aside from school you’re also getting used to getting around in a new city. Do your research and make an appointment with you advisor as soon as you can. Figuring out the classes you need to take for your major isn’t too difficult if u take the time to read the major requirements on the site. Most majors specifically list the required classes.
I will say that when it comes to what counts for the Core classes it is a bit confusing so again, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR ADVISOR! They will sit down with you and even give you a “checklist” of classes that need to be completed. As far as financial aid goes, I had about half of my tuition covered and took out personal loans to cover the rest/ living expenses for my first year. Currently, I am entering my final year here and GS has been surprisingly generous with assistance. They do have funds to help students w/ financial need (specifically, independent students who are not vets w/ a GI bill, and who have taken out loans to attend in prior years). The reason most do not benefit from this is because they are either receiving money from parents or other family members or have other means of paying for school (i.e. GI bill etc.). Make an appt. w/ the financial aid office and discuss all of the options.
I agree that you will not have your hand held through this process and communication can be a little lackluster, but asking others and doing as much research as you can will make things a lot easier. As far as registration goes, sign up for classes even if they are full. Most people sign up for the max amt of classes possible and then drop after the first week or so. You can even try getting in to a class by just showing up during the first couple of class meetings.