<p>I am looking to go back to school in the Spring of 2013 and was hoping you guys would be able to give me an idea of my chances for GS. I am 25 years old, current active duty Marine and have two combat tours under my belt. I originally attended FSU when I graduated high school but my father and mother both passed away during my second year, causing me to go home and take care of my brother. In the year I was there, my grades were all over the place, ranging from A to F. It was a reflection of my unwillingness to commit to school at that time and spending time going back and forth from school to home to help out. Since then, I saw my brother off to college and joine the USMC. While in, I attended the Defense Language Institute and was the third Marine to pass this particular course of study and the only one to pass from my class. I graduated there with a 3.2 average and went straight to my first tour in Afghanistan. Since then I have studied at the George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies and continued to develop courses for those in my job field. I have participated in fundraisers for both the Wounded Warrior Project and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. During my time on active duty, I realize I now have a passion for learning that didnt exist 6 years ago. Am I the appropriate candidate for GS? Should I go to CC and take some courses first? I had an interview with the GS Dean through the Leadership Scholar Program and although I thought it went well, there is no telling until after I apply! Thanks in advance for the help!</p>
<p>You should apply! First of all, you have such an amazing story of resiliency and success. I have a feeling that the level of academics involved with the language institute and the security studies are far more advanced than what you would experience at a local community college. Highlight your volunteer experiences in your essay and tell a great story about how you made it to the top of your class with the language institute. Best wishes!</p>
<p>You should certainly apply, however since you never achieved anything higher than 3.5 in college it would be more of a practical matter to not accept you. </p>
<p>Columbia University isn’t like any of the schools you have attended. The work here can get really brutal depending on which major you pick. When you start to take more advanced classes, get ready to pull all nighters on an assignment or study for exams that averages a 50%. </p>
<p>I certainly wouldn’t discourage you from applying, but it’s unlikely they will accept you unless you can demonstrate that you’re able to survive here. On a side note, as a vet, you can go to their office and get a voucher to waive the application fee so you really have nothing to lose for applying.</p>