@ClaraOswald908 To add on to @AllisonNelson 's response, there are actually 5 core classes at scipo: law, econ, history, sociology, and political sciences. You also do political theory, maths, and a bunch of electives and languages, plus some other classes that I don’t know too well yet as I’m only a 1A. I had the same fear as you when applying because I wanted to make sure I knew that I really liked what I was gonna major in before actually getting the degree. In my opinion, if you get accepted to some top US uni (assuming you’re not applying to the UK) and like it as much as this program, then go. It’s all up to you and you should go where you think you’ll be happiest and/or which college or program will fit your needs best
@vossari Thank you! I think then that for now I’ll just hold off on being too anxious about it until April when all the results come in, no reason to worry about which to choose when I am not totally sure where I got in yet
Hello guys, I am an applicant from India. I have some questions regarding the program and hope that someone could address them.
I was forced by my relatives to take up science courses in 11th and 12th against my wishes. Although I love sciences and am good at it, social sciences appeal to me more and I wanted to take that up as my main subjects. I had social science as a subject until my 10th grade and was the class topper in it for 6 consecutive years. But since I have no social science courses in 11th and 12th grade, will it reflect negatively on my app?
Also, how do I convey this story of mine since the essay prompts don’t allow me to do that?
Lastly, what are the prospects for someone who wants to major in filmmaking at Columbia for their final 2 years? Because I am interested in combining social sciences and filmmaking to make some social films and documentaries that can help certain sections of the society by helping raise their voices.
Thanks in advance for the help!
@ClaraOswald908 It sounds like you are really hoping to keep your options open, which I totally understand because that was my case as well. What I discovered at Sciences Po was how little I wanted to do literature and science anymore, and how much I am interested in social sciences! My reasoning before going was that, in an American liberal arts school, I would probably double major in a social science and something else - and so with this program, the social science would be taken care of by Sciences Po, and the something else (social science or not) by Columbia.
Also, since we have so many subjects at Sciences Po, I find that you have what is basically general ed here before going to Columbia.
Hope this helps!
Hi @an424harv!
I’m a current 1A in the Dual BA Program @ Le Havre and also the only Indian in the program this year!
While I did take the Humanities stream in my 11th+12th grade, I’m pretty sure that a lack of social science courses will not reflect negatively on your app. There are a couple of 2A’s (+alums) here who plan to do maths/biomedical/etc in Columbia as well, so it all depends on how you present it in your app. For example, through your essays you could either explain how you would like to go back to the social sciences or how you want to get a foundation in the social sciences before undertaking a pure science major in Columbia, hence showing your interests in both fields. Also to reassure you a bit, Sciences Po does admit a lot of students who did not have a hardcore social sciences background.
Regarding Film making, there is a ‘Film and Media Studies’ major at Columbia GS which you can take up, however you should clarify beforehand with the admission team how your studies at Sciences Po (in terms of transfer credits/classes, etc) can complement a possible film making major at Columbia. (though I’m pretty sure there shouldn’t be an issue )
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask x
Hi all, I’m still on the fence about applying, I have strong ec’s and GPA and write very well, but both my standardized test scores (ACT/ SAT) are pretty low. Does anyone know how much they emphasize and utilize test scores in their admissions decisions? Thanks!
@simchajean First off, if you are really interested in a program, never let concerns about test scores be a reason NOT to apply. You never know; don’t opt out of applying just because you think you won’t get in, because I didn’t really expect to get in but surprised myself when I did.
To answer your question, I would say this program moreso than any typical college program does not scrutinize test scores and grades too much. This program cares a lot more about who you are as a person and whether or not you would be a good fit for such an international program. That being said, you DO need to be well-rounded (ie good grades and test scores) to get your foot in the door, but once you get invited for an interview, I think they stop caring about numbers.
But like I said, this program cares a lot more about how well a student would fit this program than her test scores. So don’t let that be an excuse not to apply!
URGENT: :-/ Is it true that we are not required to submit the “2017-2018 International Student Financial Aid Supplement” until 2 January? Is it sure that the application will be reviewed without this supplement? Thank you in advance!
@DualBAapplicant The financial aid supplement IS due with the application; the application is incomplete without it. That being said, the application is due January 2, so that’s the day when you would need to submit the financial aid supplement along with the rest of the application.
@AllisonNelson Okay, thanks a lot! I thought it would be due 15 February… Anyway, submitting this form is going to be the very last step of my application thanks again
quick question! what kind of photo did you guys upload with your application? would an informal-ish one be ok? i uploaded a photo of me with my artwork at my first gallery showing but it’s not really formal like a passport photo…
@gongju I chose my senior yearbook portrait. I think it’s okay if it’s informal, so long as you’re presentable.
alright! thanks for the advice @AllisonNelson
Just curious but how long is everyone’s essays? Mine are a bit long but I really like how comprehensive they are…so I think I’ll probably leave them as is.
@gongju Mine are a bit long as well, but I can’t change anything anymore since my application is already submitted haha Is it normal that I don’t receive any confirmation email?
@DualBAapplicant I checked my email history, and I didn’t get my confirmation email until January 8, so you’re good! Just wait a bit
Hey guys, so I’m applying to both Sciences Po Berkeley and Columbia, and I submitted the Berkeley application way back in November. I got an email immediately after saying that I successfully submitted my application, and that they would send me a confirmation email when they will start to process it. But it’s been a month since then, and I haven’t received any emails from them. Should I be at all concerned? I know interviews are conducted between January and February, so I’m just feeling a bit restless…
@ginjoe I can’t be sure, but I would suggest you call or email them after the holidays just to confirm.
It’s possible that the admissions office is a bit disorganized, since the Berkeley program is so new (it’s currently in its first year). But if you did get a confirmation for the application submission, then I think you don’t need to worry.
@ginjoe I’ve received the same email as you at that time and haven’t heard anything from them either, so I think it’s rather normal… However, does the “here”-link in your email work? Mine doesn’t, I can’t log in on the page I’m forwarded to :-/
What did you guys write about in your “Optional Statement” for the Financial Aid application? I was thinking just a brief overview of awards and such…but other than that I’m not quite sure what else to add? Thanks for the help in advance ~ Sorry for all the questions haha