Hi everyone, I know this is somewhat of a weird situation (or at least I think it is), but currently I’m wrapping up my senior year at the University of Houston with a dual Bachelors of Science in Liberal Studies and Geology. In addition to my Geology graduate school prospects I have considered applying to Columbia in lue of their science journalism program for an M.S., but I’m somewhat curious about my chances. Currently I have a 2.8gpa, but this is something I think has a decent asterisk by it due to my courses being what I think most would consider difficult (Calculus 1-3, Calculus based physics 1 and 2, etc.), Overall I feel I would be a somewhat competitive applicant due to my degrees seeming relevant on both fronts, I have a decent experience with writing and critical thinking from my liberal studies classes, as well as an actual degree within a science which I think would go a decent way in terms of applying to participate in the science journalism program.
I know that Columbia is considered to be “minority friendly”, but I dont want to bank on a black card to get me in the door. I’m mostly curious if despite my lackluster gpa I can stand a chance due to the nature of the courses I took to get it in the first place. Internship wise I’ve worked with a local geostructural consulting firm for a summer back home, and have been an award recipient for the U.S. Forestry Service fall conference scholarship which allowed me to go to Utah to attend the National Rangelands Management Conference. I know that in general this seems like somewhat of a reach, but I figured I have two relevant degrees coming in soon, I (believe) I can write and think well, and if anything my classes have prepared me to show that I can do well and flourish at Columbia if accepted into their program. In a realistic sense though would it even be worth it to consider applying? I plan on of course calling faculty and trying to speak to relevant people within the department and program when my application date nears (I’m currently set to walk next fall due to research commitments at my university), and hopefully see if the time old saying “conversation rules the nation” could hold true within my favor. In any case though would anyone mind sharing what they think?