What are my chances at Columbia?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi Everyone,</p>

<pre><code> I would really appreciate it if I could get some educated opinions as to my chances of transferring from a community college (I know this is a problem) into Columbia undergrad to complete a Poli Sci degree. I will do my best to give a brief yet adequately detailed write up, however, I will inevitably include some unnecessary information so I apologize in advance for the long read. Just in case it matters I would like to add that I intend to get my JD, preferably at a T14 school.

  First things first, I currently have a 4.0 GPA at my local community college and 61 credits from a varied course of study. It may be worth mentioning that this includes 4 re-takes from my first semester/dual credit classes. Rather than take “blow off” classes like art appreciation for my electives, I chose to take more challenging courses for my electives. My electives include British and American Lit, Intro to Soci, Sociological Issues, Geo I and II, Intro to the American Legal System, Tort Law, and Legal Research (my CC has a very good paralegal program so I thought I would take these to get my feet wet even though I intend to get my JD). I understand that the community college thing will work against me, but due to several issues that would fall under the “current place in life” umbrella; I really had no other choice. In case it matters, my HS GPA was an unweighted 3.8 at a private HS that put the “A” threshold at 94 and the “B” threshold at an 86 (ridiculous, I know). I also did not take any standardized tests before entering CC as my HS guidance counselor had me under the belief that they were unnecessary if I was starting out in community.

  On to a couple of things that will hopefully proof to be advantages. Last summer, although I am not a law student, I managed to snag what I can only describe as a ghost position at a large law firm. I garnered this opportunity by going virtually door to door at firms in Dallas until I found one that would give me a chance (I hope this speaks to my determination). I obviously was unable to do any real legal work, but I did get a nice cursory view of the legal profession as well as a letter of rec endorsed by the three names that own the firm. This fall semester, I am interning in the office of a Texas state Senator who has also personally written me a letter of rec. So I hope it’s safe to say that my ec’s and letters of rec are not bad.

  While I understand that Columbia is extremely selective, I hope that I can be given a chance to demonstrate my abilities there. However, I understand that my chances are lower than they could be. I am more than open to any recommendations anybody may have as to another school I can attend that will give me an advantage when applying to some of the more selective law schools.

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<p>Thanks to all who have taken the time to read this overly verbose post.</p>

2

<p>Columbia is difficult to get into (duh…), but you should give it a shot if you really want to go there.
As for your personal chances, I’m not familiar with community college transfer rates/ acceptances and such… but I’m sure others on the forum have more knowledge about that.</p>

3

<p>Bump (I’ll add this since it has to be at least 10 characters)</p>

4

<p>Do you still need to have either SAT or ACT scores? If those scores are high that could offset the community college negative. Your non-academic info sounds very solid, but Columbia also looks strongly at academic strength of schedule (did you take highest level classes available at your high school and community college and how did you score on those?). Columbia also looks at the combination of GPA and SAT, so if you don’t have an SAT score, I don’t know how they would assess you to a standard to compare you to other students, but again I don’t know the requirements for a transfer. Would you have gotten into Columbia as a high school student? Also, why wouldn’t you first try to get into a strong undergrad school now, then apply to Columbia or another top 14 for law school?</p>

5

<p>

Actually, it can sometimes be easier to transfer into a top school from a community college or state school than from a better school.
Try to move this to the Transfers board, where people would likely have better advice.</p>

6

<p>It is an uphill climb, but give it a try. the Office of Admissions will not be familiar with the term “ghost position” so try to come up with another way to escribe your job at the law firm (administrative clerk, intern, e.g.)</p>

7

<p>@glido Perhaps the OP could use the term “shadowing”? I know that’s what a lot of people use on college apps when describing similar work in the fields of medicine and business.</p>