Please chance me for Columbia General Studies?? Thank you.

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

Hi, I’m a 21 year old male attending a Texas CC. Intended Major is Philosophy with English minor, with the ultimate goal of attending a top-twenty law school.

BACKGROUND:

If you feel it would be helpful, please feel free to read my story on my profile page. Briefly put, I was homeless periodically since age 12 until 18. From about 18-20, I worked in the oilfield while dealing with my dad’s medical issues. At 20, just before my 21st birthday, I finally broke into the world of the academics by earning my GED (Honors).

ACT: 32

(Math brought me down, got nearly 36 in the other sections. I have taken math in CC so I can score higher in the math section. I will retake it, and trust me, I will get a 34-36)

GPA: 4.0

LOR: 4

One letter by my HS counselor who knew me back when I slept in a van. Naturally, it is an emotionally charged letter with his full backing. Also, forgot to add, three outstanding letters from my professors.

EC’s and awards:

Honors College member

Honors College Scholarship winner

Stayton Scholarship for Writing winner (published author in poetry and non-fiction)

Peer tutor for English/Composition and Rhetoric

Coauthor for my professor’s PhD dissertation,

***(Part of my professor’s dissertation deals with critiquing the English abilities of immigrants. Therefore, I am not a research collaborator, as I understand it, but a legitimate coauthor. This seems most obvious in that I have produced the entirety of chapter four of his book, which he proceeds to comment on in chapter 5, and which will soon be published at University of Houston-Downtown.)

Phi Theta Kappa member

Editor-in-chief of newspaper that spans the college system that I attend, (8 campuses in a major city)

Thanks for reading all of this.

2

So I am applying myself for fall 2017, but I have been lurking these forums for quite a while. I feel like I have a pretty good idea on who usually gets admitted to GS at this point. Your story sounds like a very compelling one, and your stats are pretty impressive.
As for your ACT score, I wouldn’t stress too much on raising the math score. From what I have read, it seems like they’re mostly concerned with your writing and reading scores. Not trying to discourage you from getting your score up though!
I would say as long as you write a very compelling essay explaining your difficult time in high school, get great letters of recommendations from your teachers, and keep your GPA at or very close to a 4.0, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. You definitely sound like you would be a very competitive candidate.
You should also call the office of admissions and speak to a counselor. That’s what I did a few months ago and he really helped me put together as strong of an application as I could. Definitely feel more confident with my application after all his help. Hope that information helped and good luck!

3

Thanks for writing all of that. I plan to do as you’ve suggested.

Good luck man, and maybe we’ll see each other at Columbia.

4

I am currently in Manila, Philippines and would like to take your advice on speaking to one of their counselors. Do you have any advice on how I can make the most out of my call and consultation? Thank you!!

5

hoping to see you someday!

6

Just explain to them your situation, why you’re interested in the school, and what questions you have for them. Be open and honest and show a genuine interest in the school. They’re very friendly over there and will be very responsive to your interest in the program