<p>I was very excited when I heard about Columbias GS program. Ive been a Nuclear Electronics Technician (2nd Class) in the Navy for 4 ½ years, currently attached to USS Enterprise on her moonlight cruise. Ive got about 1 ½ years left on my contract.</p>
<p>The GS program seems to be tailored very well for military vets, but I have some questions which I cant seem to fully answer through the website:</p>
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<li><pre><code> How much does being a vet weigh in the admissions process, and what other criteria does admissions usually look for when deciding to accept former military? Basically, Im interested in the standard of what is expected from previous military prospects, so I can start working on that now. For example, does holding an LPO position matter? Should I use the Navys Tuition Assistance to start taking classes while Im still in the service?
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<li><pre><code> Will the fact that I come from the Navy Nuclear program and have gone through the Navy Nuclear Training Pipeline have an impact in getting accepted?
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<li><pre><code> I am interested in contacting someone who went through the Naval Nuclear Training Pipeline who currently is a student at GS so I can ask more specific questions. How would I go about that?
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<p>If you could please let me know who to contact in order to get these questions answered, if you are unable to answer them, I would greatly appreciate it.</p>
<p>You need to look at the representatives visiting schedule and go to a meeting, they will answer all of that and it will look good when you apply.</p>
<p>I was an ET (surface, Nuke was too laterally restrictive for me), for six years. I just got out this September and was accepted for Spring 2013. I’m deferring to Fall '13 for personal reasons, but I’m getting off topic, so let me begin answering your questions.</p>
<p>First of all, as you should be aware, GS is specifically for non-traditional students with the average age hovering right around 27 (I’m 24 and it looks like you just turned 24 if I read your U/N right). That said, they have a pretty solid veteran community on campus. The new president (or dean, I can’t remember) was quoted saying something along the lines of wanting more veterans. (I can’t find the source, but I believe it is on the gs.columbia website). Additionally, they have a pretty substantial military history ranging. Integrate it. Part of the application requires your SAT scores and high school transcripts, as well as any college credits taken, if applicable. I had a 2.61 high school GPA and my SAT scores were 1830. However, my college GPA is over a 3.9 and I had outstanding recommendation letters from my Commanding Officer and Departmental/Divisional LCPO. The admissions essay asks for 1500-2000 words. Many people go over. Mine was 1377, but I did not have any fluff. I was very direct about my experience in the Navy, why I performed poorly in high school, how it is different, why I want to go to Columbia and why it’s the right fit for me. </p>
<p>Basically, you need to take all of your accolades from your naval experience and let Columbia know why your position as LPO, a position typically held by one paygrade higher (say something like that - It let’s them know people trust you with more responsibility), will allow you succeed and excel in an Ivy League environment.</p>
<p>If your high school grades were poor and your SATs are mediocre (like mine), then college classes can only help (assuming you perform well). It shows growth and improvement. That is not to say that they will transfer, but it shows that you’re interested in advancing your education.</p>
<p>In my opinion, my admissions essay and letters of recommendation are what got me in. Take it for what you will.</p>