is admission as hard as everyone says it is. If my GPA and test scores are up to par will i be accepted? I am scheduled to take the GSAE on June 5th and would like to know if it is hard and If I do horribly will it affect my chances of getting in with at 3.23 GPA and 1.16 high school GPA?
@Kemram401 - I took the test the same day as you did! You probably fared better than I did. A big fear of mine is that I am a horrendous test taker without disability services. I never finish anything on time, and if I do, I usually answer too hastily. I probably should have requested testing accommodations, but I was not sure if it was possible. Oh, well. I did the best that I could do, and hopefully my best was good enough. I also wonder how much the test will count against me if I did not do well.
One of the positive things that you did, Kemram401, was completely turn around your GPA from a 1.16 to a 3.23. My high school GPA was also pretty low. When I went to college before I went into the military, my GPA was an utter embarrassment. The admissions committee will probably want to learn more about your life’s experiences. For instance, did you face any hardships? How did you turn your GPA around? Do you have any extracurriculars? What are your goals? What can you bring to Columbia? While academics are important, so is a person’s character.
Good luck, and think optimistically, or as my grandmother used to tell me, “Think happy thoughts!”
When did you turn in your application?
@Brijul have you tracked your application yet? Also do you know when you are suppose to hear back from them? When I spoke to the school yesterday I was told that I would be given a decision in two to four weeks.
@Brijul Also have you been working with anyone on the application to this school (i.e. academic adviser, college program adviser?)
@Brijul Also do you live in New York?
@Brijul What was your High School GPA?
@Kemram401 I turned in my application on or about the 26th of May. I was debating whether or not to take a few more classes at my community college, but I decided that I wanted to pursue my dreams of attending Columbia instead. The course selection that Columbia has to offer far exceeds what my present community college has to offer.
Yes, I do track my application. Luckily, my transcripts and my recommendations were received and processed. I was getting worried about my transcripts and one of my recommendations, but now I can relax about that. Unfortunately, I will probably remain nervous for the next 2-4 weeks while I am waiting for my acceptance package or rejection letter. Yikes! Regardless of whether I am accepted or not, I respect whatever decision the admissions committee makes.
No, I haven’t really worked on my application with anybody. I have done it completely on my own. The reason why is that in December, I gave birth to my son. I know that in the future I will have to dedicate a good portion of my life to further my education. I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my son before I am consumed with studying, homework, and extracurricular activities.
No, I don’t live in New York. I live in Maryland. I will be eager to move. My husband is originally from Westchester County, New York. If accepted, I will more than likely buy a home in the outskirts of the city, maybe Putnam or Dutchess County, where the taxes are slightly lower. I think that although the longer commute might have benefits because I will be able to study and write on the train.
That’s a very good question about my high school GPA. I honestly don’t know. I do know that it was far from stellar! I am embarrassed to admit that I brought home report cards with some F’s, D’s, and C’s. I had a few A’s and B’s, but not many. I think my best year was in the last semester of my senior year. I graduated from high school over 18 years ago, and all that I have in my possession from high school is my diploma. I never thought to ask the guidance office what my GPA was when I requested that my transcripts be sent to Columbia GS. When I attended college right after high school, I started out doing so-so, but after I decided to be stupid an major in alcohol, boys, and oversleeping, my GPA plummeted. After that horrendous college experience, I joined the Army. I knew that I needed to do something drastic, and I really wanted to teach myself a thing or two about being a responsible person.
Congratulations on your new son. I turned in the first part of my application on May 31st and the second portion on the tenth of June so you might hear back before me.
Thank you!
I think we’ll hear back very close to the same time. One of my references was turned in close to the tenth of June. (I can’t remember the exact date.) For now, we’ll just have to sit back and wait… Four weeks seems like a long time, but it will be here before we know it.
I just spoke with admissions and I was told that we should have an answer within two weeks.
Kenram, how did you fare? I thought the GSAE was simple if you’re decent with English composition.
@JacobC90 If I get accepted you will be the first person to let you know.