<p>I ended my first semester at cornell with a 3.0 gpa, but this is highly because of a really really big crisis that went on at home, that I could definitely convey in my essay. For a number of reasons, along with the fact I really need to be closer to home to be with family after this, I really want to transfer to Columbia. However, on the website it expresses that a minimum gpa of 3.5 is needed to even be considered. Do they hold true to that or can that be overlooked if everything else is strong? I had good grades in high school, etc. Another possibility is me taking a gap year to bring up my gpa while doing some volunteer work. Which risk do I take? apply now with a higher chance of rejection or take a gap year, after bringing my grades up this semester and risk not getting in, thus wasting a year of my life? I am really unhappy here.</p>
<p>I don’t think the 3.5 gpa min is there for no reason, I’m sorry. On top of their sub 5% accept rate already? I think you should remove the Columbia option off your plate.</p>
<p>It might be “negotiable” if you were close. 3.0 is not close unfortunately. You should probably boost that GPA before you think of applying.</p>