<p>I proposed to the folks at CC that there be a specific forum for General Studies questions, and something they have now granted. I recognize certainly the problem endemic with creating a separate forum - and all the connotations that it may entail. But after following many of the conversations on this board, it is difficult as a poster particularly when offering advice that is most applicable for a 17 year old in high school to be cognizant of the fact that such advice could be mistaken as being true in all cases and for all students. Similarly, there are many posters that enter into a conversation about CC/SEAS admissions when their interest is GS. I think it is in many ways a disservice to students when they are getting information that is contradictory. Setting aside the question of whether or not the intellectual experience is the same (something that brings out some of the most annoying and arrogant posters out there), I think everyone can agree that both schools have different admissions processes and particularly those questions should to some degree be triaged in a way to avoid confusion.</p>
<p>To the many folks that regularly post in the Columbia forum on GS issues (hellojan, J M, ziv2k and others) they are truly helpful in explaining and providing their experiences with GS. I hope they continue to post on the main columbia board, and use this new subforum to post their stories, and offer support to students considering GS. With my little understanding of their process that I've picked up, I will continue to help out and steer individuals that have GS specific questions to consider using this subforum.</p>
<p>Ultimately, there are questions and issues that go beyond admissions, and those need not be separated in the same manner. What it means to be a student at Columbia is something that everyone who attends the university can speak to, and offer their advice.</p>
<p>I hope that more GS students continue to find this board useful in answering their questions and that the new subforum to be a welcomed way in which a student can clearly articulate a question they have without encountering misinformation.</p>