<p>Hey everyone,</p>
<p>I'm sure this is probably too much in advance, but looking at the other transfer threads opening up, I couldn't resist making this one. So, we can document our "travels" together over the next year or so to Columbia here. I am looking forward to applying to Columbia University as a transfer student to be a part of its Class of 2014. </p>
<p>I hope we can all grow together and eventually meet each other as Columbia students.</p>
<p>Early bird gets the worm I guess…</p>
<ul>
<li>Fall 2011 applicant</li>
</ul>
<p>So am I. GOOD LUCK!!!</p>
<p>2012 fall applicant. Going to be a long shot, but worth a try. Anyone go to their admission information campus tour?</p>
<p>2011 Fall Applicant -
I’m also wondering if the transfer information session is worth going to. Does attending affect my application? (I’ve visited campus recently, but if there’s some benefit to flying over, I’d love to visit again anyway.)</p>
<p>some of you are already planning on applying to transfer to columbia for fall 2012? this is way to far in advance in my opinion…</p>
<p>Yeah, get the F out. CLOSE.
And concentrate on the 2011s.
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/transfer-students/1027065-columbia-university-transfer-fall-2011-a-2.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/transfer-students/1027065-columbia-university-transfer-fall-2011-a-2.html</a></p>
<p>Hah nice I’m considering Columbia myself for 2012 along with Rice, and Austin.</p>
<p>But yeah this thread is a little early!</p>
<p>Hey guys, it’s very nice to meet you all and I am glad to see that I am not the only eager one here.</p>
<p>I already saw the 2011 thread but it appeared to be lacking in activity so I decided to make this one. I will agree that it is early, but this may not necessarily be a bad thing. </p>
<p>As for the Transfer Information session, I do not know whether or not it will be worth it but I am definitely planning to go with the hopes of having a talk with any Transfer Admissions Counselor about related issues.</p>
<p>Anyway, what do you guys think about continuing this thread? Should we “disband and reunite” in the Fall Semester? My primary reason for creating this thread was so that we could foster this community to, I guess, “grow” from discussing information and sharing anything we might have to say with regards to admissions and also help cumulate and consolidate any specifics of transferring to Columbia. It would be of great help to any future aspiring transfer and also to people who still have yet to decide whether or not to apply. </p>
<p>Looking forward to everyone’s feedback :)</p>
<p>@AvisMath</p>
<p>I disagree with everyone else. Definitely keep this thread open. Planning is the most crucial factor in the transfer process. What is wrong with having a goal? I graduated in 2010. Although I have great HS grades, scores, etc I do not think one semester’s worth of grades will make a sufficient impact on my application. </p>
<p>When I knew I wanted to transfer I made a list of schools. My original list probably had about 12-15 schools and I managed to cut that down to 5. CC is one of them. </p>
<p>Now comes the hardest part and no it’s not getting the grades, ECs, etc but rather research. Why do I want to go to Columbia? If you can answer this question you are golden. </p>
<p>So leave the thread open. This one receives more traffic than the 2011 one anyways. If someone doesn’t like it then don’t post. Simple as that.</p>
<p>As far as the Info and Campus tours, I went to one this fall. It was a little awkward because the counselor did not mention anything about transfer applications. In the group of 100 everyone was either Jrs or Srs in HS. I just tried to blend in. She did stay at the end though and took personal questions so next time I go, I plan on doing that.</p>
<p>there’s two info sessions specifically for transfers.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Agreed completely. Columbia University, perhaps more than others, has a deep sense of “fit” and finding out what traits it looks for in their transfer students is going to be very important for all of us. And the toughest part after that is actually articulating it into our essay(s). I would also say that this will be tougher for most than actually achieving the necessary scores, GPA, extracurriculars, etc. </p>
<p>I have never been good at writing essays so I will have to start in the summer. As for the college GPA, I think it should be under control but it’s too late to do anything about my dismal high school one. I also never really participated in many extracurriculars but I have completely changed that now. I don’t know if I have the stats, or the ability to represent myself very accurately in a college application, but I know that this experience will help me mature.</p>
<p>I never applied to Columbia University when I graduated high school, also in 2010 MitchAPalooza :), but since then I have felt that I should try now, more or less to just find out if I am capable enough to get in.</p>
<p>
Thanks. I never knew that. The dates are Jan 14 and Feb 14 more anyone interested. </p>
<p>[Information</a> Session for Transfer Students | Columbia University Office of Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/events/transfer_info.php]Information”>http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/events/transfer_info.php)</p>
<p>@avis
That’s why starting now really helps out.</p>
<p>Hey what do they look for in transfers?
I recently got accept into Johns Hopkins class of 2015.
Columbia was 2nd choice be/c i loved its “philosophy”.
What it be hard to go from JHU to Columbia if I appen to not like JHU?</p>
<p>Hello howdypal,</p>
<p>First of all, congratulations for being admitted to JHU! It’s a great place to be for undergrad and I hope you enjoy it. As for your question, there are many quantitative requiurements, but other than that Columbia University looks for the same qualities in its prospective transfer students that any other univ might.</p>
<p>From Columbia’s website:</p>
<p>"To apply for transfer admission, you must submit the following:</p>
<ol>
<li>The Common Application</li>
<li>Columbia Supplement to The Common Application</li>
<li>The $80 application fee</li>
<li>An official high school transcript (from all schools attended)</li>
<li>An official college transcript (from all schools attended)</li>
<li>SAT or ACT scores (and TOEFL /IELTS scores if necessary; please refer English Language Proficiency Requirements for further details)</li>
<li>Two letters of recommendation (College Instructor Evaluation) from a college professor</li>
<li>A Statement of Good Standing (College Official’s Report) from the current institution"</li>
</ol>
<p>On the more abstract side of the transfer admissions spectrum, many believe that Columbia University has a strong sense of “fit” that it looks for in prospective transfer students. Therefore, the essays submitted are very important, and might well be the difference between an acceptance or a rejection.</p>
<p>Thanks AvisMath!
This is helpful info.
Im going to give JHU a try…if I dont like it then I’m going to do transfer applications.</p>
<p>You’re welcome, just ask if you need any other information.</p>
<p>As for transferring, do not be overly eager. JHU is a great place and hopefully you can find your own unique niche there. If one is thinking about transferring all the time, it soils one’s experience at one’s home institution. Try to conduct yourself as if you were not thinking about transferring; take in all of the experiences you get there and utilize its opportunities. Do the best you can with what you get. If, however, you are still unsatisfied with the collegiate academics or your growth is stagnant, then transferring is a viable option.</p>
<p>I just don’t want you to think too much about transferring, you already have one of the best institutions to attend. Immerse yourself in it and try to enjoy it. THEN see if you want to transfer or not. </p>
<p>I sincerely hope you enjoy your time at JHU and are able to make a smooth transition from high school to college. Keep us updated :)</p>
<p>I attended the Transfer Information Session today at Columbia University.</p>
<p>It began at 1:30 p.m., with checking in and seating into the Building or International Relations. Once it was 2:00 p.m., the information session officially began. There were a couple of transfer students that had been accepted to Columbia University seated and they shared their experiences in terms of admissions process, the transition as a transfer student, and how they were able to make the most of what they were offered.</p>
<p>Of all the advice that was given to us, the most important I thought is listed below:
<p>2) The Core is very important to Columbia, do not transfer in thinking that you will be able to bypass it somehow. Because of this, most of Columbia’s accepted transfers are sophomores yet this is not to say that any junior transfers should be discouraged from applying; you will only know whether or not Columbia will admit you if you apply. High School records are still relevant and will be considered. One other important piece of advice, for those transferring in as Juniors, was to have an addendum to your “Why Columbia” essay that described how you would tackle taking the Core requirements in your next few years to graduate. This, I guess, is so that the Transfer Admissions Committee realizes that you are well aware of your responsibility to complete the Core and that it is necessary for you to graduate from Columbia. </p>
<p>3) Think beyond just getting in, plan for the future IF you get in. Research clubs, organizations, and research opportunities you want to be associated with, get involved in, and take an active role in once you have been admitted because no one will come to you and begin offering you internships out of the blue. It is up to you whether or not you make the most of all that Columbia offers and that will only be possible if you immerse yourself as soon as possible to “catch-up” to everyone who has had a 1-2 year head start on you there. </p>
<p>4) Really convey your passion in your “Why Columbia” essay, it can easily be the deciding factor for admission. This doesn’t mean that you should go on the internet for a few minutes before writing it to get specific details or names, it means you should have knowledge of what you are looking for and what you want that you can’t find at your current institution but will be sure to get at Columbia. It is easy for the Transfer Admissions Committee to see who has done their legwork, in terms of research for what they want, and who has made up BS. On the other hand, it is also easy for them to see who is laying it on too thick and just filling up their essay with superficial statistics and names. Be prudent in your use of reasons and words. </p>
<p>I will post more later, once I have the chance and time.
Good Day!</p>
<p>I attended the transfer session, too.
Honestly, everything they told us is readily available online, with two exceptions. One of the two things is something you should know for any school and the other you have no control over.
<p>Edit: Actually, I take that one back.
There was one more thing.</p>
<p>The director for transfer admissions said specifically that your decision for freshman year admissions has NO bearing on your transfer admission.</p>
<p>@avismath</p>
<p>Thanks a lot; that’s some really helpful information. I’m applying for Fall 2012 also but am a little worried about my EC’s. I’m joining my debate team and am already part of my student activities board, but I have no leadership positions. I’m also planning on becoming a Greenpeace volunteer and starting a community campaign for recycling. Do you think this would be adequate enough or am I severly lacking in EC’s. I graduated high school in Nigeria and we didn’t have any EC’s or anything like that(really, you could get kidnapped if you stepped outside for anything)</p>