G.S admissions!

Applying to College
1

<p>I am an international graduate applying for a second degree at the Columbia school of general studies. The area I am applying to is totally different to my first degree. Due to medical reasons I had to take some time out of my first degree, which kinda messed up with gpa and records, not horrendously so, still manage to graduate with around a 3.0 despite it all. For the past couple of years I have been tirelessly studying independently and setting up a business, I am 25 and plan on enrolling in 2013. My high school records are good, a/b student in high school, high high school exit exam points. I am planning on sitting the s.a.ts as well as 2 subject exams, and from the trial sittings I've done should score in the 2300 range and at least in the 700 range for my subject tests. </p>

<p>Do you think my university gpa will screw up my chances? My life-story essay will reflect everything that happened and the reason for my drop in academics, and I know all standardized test scores will be good, i'm just worried that it wont be good enough for GS. Think it's a good enough record to apply with financial aid need? I'm worried about screwing my chances by applying for financial aid as admissions is not need blind for internationals like me. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Given the competitive nature of the program, you start off behind with 1) less than stellar prior performance, 2) international requiring FinAid. While no one can give you anything but a good guess, you should realize your chances are less than the already low average admit rate.</p>

3

<p>The thing was hoping for was their understanding for non traditional life paths, I have very valid reasons for my drop in academic performance and recently taken tests that show my ability, it would be awful if an illness 2 years ago screwed my chances. thanks for your response.</p>