<p>Hi Everyone,</p>
<p>I have been following the threads for a while. I just finished my application for Spring/2014. Ive been a bit behind, but I just recently found out about the program at GS. I received a letter from them informing me about the School of general Studies and that I should attend their Admissions Presentation.
I live in California but I am originally from Brazil. I was never a good student growing up. I had a lot of family problems at home and we've faced many difficult times. I moved here from Brazil with my family about eight years ago trying to pursue a more financial stable life. I have worked really hard over the years in the restaurant industry to support my family and I. I have been in school now for about a 1 1/2 at Santa Monica College. My GPA is 3.87. I don't have any extracurricular activity nor I am a part of honors program. I work two jobs while going to school so I don't have much time to spare.
I took the TOEFL about 3 weeks ago. I did not have any time to prepare because I wanted to complete my application for the Spring so I scored 100. I know 100 is the score the Columbia requires but I wished I had scored higher.
I think my Essay was pretty great and I am hopping that will be enough for me to be accepted.
Can anyone give me some feedback, please???</p>
<p>Hi, Gabilena.</p>
<p>I am not originally from Brazil, and am originally from California – but otherwise your post sounds a lot like me several months ago. I mean, right down to applying after receiving a letter to attend an admission presentation at SMC. Anyway, I was accepted and assuming your essay is on point, it seems like you have a good chance as well.</p>
<p>I mean, your GPA is a little better than mine. I was in PTK, but I don’t know if that gave me much of an edge. I think I did well on the GSAE (in lieu of the SAT/ACT), but have no idea how that compares to the TOEFL. </p>
<p>Your basic story and success at SMC give me hope for you. I wish you luck and hope to see you on campus next year.</p>
<p>Hi pointillicist!!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your reply. Hearing your story gives me hope that I may be accepted. I never wanted anything so bad and I think this would be an opportunity of a lifetime. I’ve talked to the Admissions officer over the phone and he said I am a strong candidate. I’m hoping that an answer will come soon. My essay turned out great. I had some help editing and proof reading it. I only submitted one tho. There was an option for a second essay but I thought mine was already complete and anything else would be unnecessary.
Thank you so much for your kind words and I truly hope to see you next year.</p>