Term GPA 3.9, Cumulative 3.7 okay for GS?

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

<p>Hi All,</p>

<p>I currently have a 3.7 over 52 credits from a community college. My term GPA was 3.9. Would this make me a good candidate? </p>

<p>I am also on the Deans list, part of PTK, was selected to be part of a noted fellowship program and also participate in activities at my college.</p>

<p>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.</p>

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<p>You’ve got a decent shot, but you’re obviously not a shoe in. If you’re interested, definitely apply.</p>

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<p>Thanks Campaigner! Any advice would be gladly appreciated.</p>

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<p>The essay matters, a lot. Focus a lot of time on polishing it. Get some folks to review it, both those who know you well and hopefully those who don’t know you so well. Try to write a compelling (but still true) story about your life. Why are you going back to school, and why do you want to do it at Columbia?</p>

<p>In the essay be sure to talk about:

  1. Why GS? Don’t just talk about how it’s elite, or how it’s in NY. Do your research, and talk about the specifics of the program and your feelings on them. GS is a rather unique place, and they want to be sure that you know how you fit into it.
  2. Address any and all questions they may have. Things like: Why’d you get a C in that one class? Why did you drop out of HS? Why did you decide to join the Navy? It’s better to address the blackmarks head on and discuss how you’ve overcome/dealt with them than try to pretend they won’t notice. They will notice, and they won’t appreciate you seeming like you’re trying to hide something.</p>

<p>To give you context, my essay was so personal I didn’t feel comfortable showing it to coworkers, including some I’d worked closely with for 6 years and who wrote me letters of recommendation. </p>

<p>Beyond that, get As, get great letters of recommendations, do your best at everything. ;)</p>