<p>Hello, I'm a 24 y/o male of Russian Jewish descent. I'm putting together my application (early decision) to transfer to GS for SPRING 12 and have attended their orientations as well as gathered as much information as possible. I'd like to know my chances for those who have gone through the similar process..</p>
<p>I'm attending CUNY community college with 4.0 gpa as a Bio Major having already accumulated 20 credits (sophmore?). My credits include Bio, English 101 & 201, Precalculus, Philosophy, Political Science, and I'm currently enrolled in summer session for Art, Music, and health.</p>
<p>Side note - I have my LOR's and I'm volunteering at a hospital for pre-med experience which will also grant me an additional LOR. I work full time, that is, 40+ hours a week. I am also polishing my statement essays for grammar & flow.</p>
<p>1) I REALLY have my heart set on GS, what are my realistic chances of acceptance? IE: 1/2, 1/4, 1/10?</p>
<p>2) Will my extracurricular voluntary work and letter of recommendation, and / or ability to work full time, serve me any kind of benefit or advantage in my application?</p>
<p>Thanks much !</p>
<p>A 4.0 is a great start. What are your test scores? My impression is that you are a definite candidate.</p>
<p>They do care about non-academic aspects. Compelling volunteer work, etc are great. Just remember that most of the people you’re competing against have had successful careers too. Letters of recommendation are important. I would suggest at least one be academic. The other could be a boss, or someone like that. Just make sure they’re people who can speak about you, and they’re not personal recommendations (like, your rabbi or something) but academic/professional.</p>
<p>I think the main question is your essay. There are many discussions about the essay here, but here’s a bit of advice they gave me when I was applying. 1) Make sure you address any questions they might have. 2) be sure to address why Columbia, and why GS in particular. Polish the essay quite a bit, make sure it flows. Have some people who don’t know you as well (cousins? in laws?) read it over and critique it.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I appreciate your response. My test scores are not so great if i remember correctly… I think around 1800 combined for SATs. I slacked tremedously in high school. I’m hoping my gpa could compensate for that fact and my LOR’s (2 from professors, 1 from Hospital). Thanks, i’ll keep my fingers crossed lol.</p>