<p>I have a few questions prior applying to GS. I was hoping someone could help me.</p>
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<li><p>Do I need to take the Critical Thinking English class prior to transferring? Or can I take it at COlumbia once I transfer or over the summer? (I was waitlisted for the course this Spring semester and did not get in. If needed, I can take it at another cc but the classes don't start until April 6th, and registration starts after the ED deadline).</p></li>
<li><p>Do I need to take the GSAE prior to applying, or do I have to wait until I take it? (The next date in my area is April 6th)</p></li>
<li><p>Can my second letter of recommendation be from where I volunteer? I do not know a 2nd professor or counselor well enough to ask them, and I feel weird asking one of my current professors. I have been volunteering with the institute for about a year, and they know me pretty well by now.</p></li>
<li><p>I was diagnosed with a learning disability my sophomore year, and it affected my grades prior to that. I have learned to manage it, and did a complete 180 in regards to my GPA. Would (should) that be included in the Autobiographical or the Optional essay?</p></li>
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<ol>
<li><p>I’m not sure what you’re referring to. GS wants some test scores. To apply I think they want TOEFL, and once admitted, before classes begin they want an ALP placement test. I don’t think there’s any class, unless you have a marginal ALP score. If so, you’ll take that at Columbia. More info is here: <a href=“http://gs.columbia.edu/international-applicants#ect[/url]”>http://gs.columbia.edu/international-applicants#ect</a></p></li>
<li><p>GSAE, take it April 6th, and BEGIN the application earlier. Part 1 is just basic information so they can create a file for you and know you’re interested. All the essays and stuff are in part 2, which you can submit much later. From the website, “When to Take the Exam: Applicants may sit for the GSAE any time after submitting Part I of their application for admission.” [Admissions</a> Exams | General Studies](<a href=“http://gs.columbia.edu/admissions-exams]Admissions”>http://gs.columbia.edu/admissions-exams)</p></li>
<li><p>Absolutely! GS wants to get to know you, particularly within the classroom. Get the best letters of recommendation possible. I sent in 3 letters, one academic and 2 from work. I applied with only a couple college courses completed, mostly online, so I explained the situation, and asked the only professor who had seen some of my writing for a letter of recommendation. It certainly wasn’t great, because we’d never met in person, but it spoke to my academic abilities to some extent. I also included my immediate supervisor for several years, and the founder/CEO of the company (my boss’ boss, but I’d worked with him a fair amount).</p></li>
<li><p>You should definitely include it. Regarding the essay, I got two pieces of advice from GS that really help. First, explain why GS (and really explain it, not just “I <3 NY and columbia is ivy!”). Second, don’t leave them with any questions. Questions are concerns and hesitations. Explain up front what happened, what you did to fix it, and why it won’t be a liability at GS. Don’t worry, we have porn stars, people who were homeless and addicted to drugs for years, people who didn’t graduate from high school, people who’ve failed multiple colleges, everything. The reason GS is great is that they understand that you’re not defined by that experience, and it doesn’t mean you won’t excel at Columbia.</p></li>
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<p>Thanks Campaigner! You give GREAT advice. Sorry I did not respond sooner I was busy with mid-terms.</p>
<p>And for 1 i was referring to the overall English requirement for universities…Usually at college you are required to take 2 courses of English to graduate (and get a Bachelor’s degree). At my cc (and IGETC) it is called Composition English & Critical Thinking. I have only taken one out of the 2, but I e-mailed the rep. that came to my campus, and she said I could take the missing English class at Columbia.</p>
<p>Thank you Campaigner, valuable information here!</p>
<p>Just a question, how did you send the third letter of recommendation? was it send directly from you employer in a sealed envelope and to whom, do the admission officers need to be informed about this beforehand?</p>
<p>You should NOT bother taking a general writing/composition class if you’re transferring into GS. GS requires EVERYONE to take University Writing no matter what classes you’ve taken before. That’s even including both a former writing teacher and a published author I know. So taking a similar class elsewhere won’t help.</p>
<p>You also must take two literature classes, which can be transferred just fine. This is detailed under The Core on the GS website, including all the other requirements. (GS has looser requirements than Columbia College, but it’s still reasonably intensive and includes 4 semester of a foreign language or exemption by exam). [Writing</a> | General Studies](<a href=“http://gs.columbia.edu/the-core-writing]Writing”>http://gs.columbia.edu/the-core-writing)</p>
<p>Regarding the letter, yes, I believe I had the third person send it as a letter to the office of admissions: 408 Lewisohn Hall, MC 4101, 2970 Broadway, New York, NY 10027. I didn’t specifically tell them before hand, I just had the third person send it.</p>