How does Columbia confirm that you qualify for GS?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia School of General Studies
1

<p>"In order to be eligible for the School of General Studies, applicants typically must:</p>

<ol>
<li>have had a break of more than a full year in their education after high school</li>
</ol>

<p>-or</p>

<ol>
<li>have a compelling reason, personal or professional, to attend part time."</li>
</ol>

<hr>

<p>Are background checks or online snooping done for the first option? Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Official transcripts are required in order to apply. There they can see how long you’ve been out of high school, hence your graduation year.</p>

3

<p>I went to a four-year college right out of high school, left after a year, and started community college classes the year after that. When I completed the Common App, I left all information about the four-year school out. Would the admissions team still do some sleuthing?</p>

<p>The other day I received an email from the admissions team saying that I appeared to fit the GS program better than CC. They asked if I wanted my application forwarded, but since I said yes there’s been this slight paranoia in the back of my head.</p>

4

<p>You could always write them and give them that information. I too went straight to a 4 year after high school but then dropped out after a semester. 20 years later, I was accepted to GS with some community college under my belt and that lone semester. The whole premise is that they understand that life can get in the way of people finishing college. As long as you fit the rest of the criteria then you must be qualified :)</p>

5

<p>If you received financial aid at the four-year school, the school will use the National Student Clearinghouse before admitting you/giving more aid.</p>

6

<p>Purple is right. They’ll be putting together your financial aid package and they’ll cross reference everything. </p>

<p>My advice: be honest with all things admissions.</p>

7

<p>Yeah I really want know cause I’m confused about the selection process. I want to apply but I’m scared of the acceptance rate among other things. What do they really look for if you don’t have amazing test scores or a high GPA?</p>