<p>I don't think your prior experience matters that much if you can show you have changed your ways. If you have no college experience (I dropped out after two bad years 10 years ago) i would strongly recommend going to community college and proving your ability. I think that had a big part of my acceptance. Ontop of that I think building your case as to "why Columbia" and truly believing in yourself are also important. If you are applying for Fall 2010 i would suggest enrolling in Community College and banging out some A grades and developing a relationship with a teacher who can write a solid rec letter for you.</p>
<p>Anyway, everyone's story is different. But determination is ultimately what you need to get you what you want in life.</p>
<p>Check my blog for more details on my path to Havard Business School (my ultimate goal)</p>
<p>Harvard</a> or Bust - its a work in progress, but may have some info to help you..</p>
<p>Ben, I looked over your site and its nice to know that someone who was accepted into Columbia GS went to Santa Monica College. I actually began taking classes three weeks ago at Santa Monica (Economics 2, Business Law, and English). I actually was interested in applying for fall 2009, which is where I am having an issue. The grades I receive for this semester will not be submitted to Columbia because of the admissions cut of date.</p>
<p>I am confident in my ability to do well in columbia, but am trying to gauge what most accepted applicants have achieved academically prior to being accepted.</p>
<p>The admissions department knows SMC by name. It's got a good reputation. Some advice. Look on the GS website and see if there are any information sessions to attend. Call the school and start a dialogue with admissions. Remember, determination is the key.</p>
<p>And isnt the deadline for GS June 1? You can get your transcripts to them after that date I think... call and find out. They are very helpful.</p>
<p>Good luck...</p>
<p>(btw, just checked their site, they will be at Pasadena city college March 11)</p>
<p>Saw that on Columbias website regarding Pasadena CC, and It's already in my blackberry. For anyone thats been accepted and has been attending Columbia GS, hows the social aspect of the school? I would think you meet some incredible people over there, and being in NY must be awesome. But I would also not be surprised if you get a significant amount of slack from CC students as well. Anyone have any first hand experience?</p>
<p>My first semester grades were available after the deadline, but they waited for them and I was accepted. Call the school and explain your situation.</p>
<p>Thanks so much. I seriously apologize for asking so many questions, I am just really trying to get a feel for what accepted students turned in within their applications. For those of you admitted, who did you have write letters of recommendation? I am also confused, because the lady in the admissions office said three letters of recommendation, where as the application asks for two.</p>
<p>My other concern is that first semester of last year, I signed up to take a class, and then dropped the class because of work. The class was never actually dropped, and I have an F on my transcript. Do you think explaining this might help out?</p>
<p>Prior to being admitted or submitting an application, did anyone speak in person with a counselor who was visiting a near by community college, or your community college?</p>
<p>I drove to Pasadena Community College and spoke with the counselor (university day), and she made the General Studies program seem very different than what I have been hearing elsewhere. She basically made it seem as though the program is not made for students who have bad high school gpas or sat scores, and is just for people who have taken time off school. Was this the impression you got when speaking with a counselor?</p>
<p>^
If you took a year off, can explain in your essay why you're not the same person you were in high school, and continue to get good grades for 2 or 3 additional semesters, you should have a shot.</p>
<p>Did you do anything substantial during your time off? While I haven't met ALL of the GS students from my class, many have done some interesting things. For example, during orientation I (having experience in the finance industry) sat between a Marine combat photographer and a professional baseball player. I do think that GS looks for interesting qualities/experiences as a means to offset poor HS performance.</p>
<p>Yeah. was given a week after HS graduation to get out of the house. From there worked 50-80 hours a week. Eventually began working with my father, who owns a large construction company in los angeles. have since ran his marketing campaign. Billboards throughout Los Angeles, new website. Clients include producers, business managers, actors and actresses. Also played piano throughout my life, could have became a concert pianist but got into trouble during HS. Definitely not an average screw up. I am just banking on GS, and UPENNs ability to gauge intelligence and look past prior academic performance.</p>
<p>I am in the military now, hoping to attend Columbia after I get out. Does anyone know someone in particular in the administration that would be the best person to contact with military transition related questions? Ive seen on the website that there is a generic email address I could send it to, but was hoping a veteran could recommend someone in particular that helped them out.</p>
<p>I have been debating on the format I am going to write my autobiographical essay.</p>
<p>I could go the normal route, and just write an autobiography. Or I could do the, "Show Vs Tell" route, which basically means I write it almost like a story.</p>
<p>Those of you who have been accepted, which route would you say you chose?</p>
<p>Hi All,
I’ve been accepted Early Decision to GS and I’m in NY right now visiting the campus. All I can say is the often repeated “If it fits you, it really is the best program”. This if, definitely consists of financial ability to pay. Its a struggle for me right now but I’m lucky enough to have the support of my parents. On a sidenote: The campus is magnificent. :)</p>
<p>Hey everyone,
I have a question for those of you who have been accepted to GS. How long after you submitted your Scholarship Application and Planned Enrollment Form did you hear about your financial aid awards? I was accepted to GS a couple weeks ago and submitted the planned enrollment form not long after, but I still haven’t heard about my federal aid or the GS Scholarship award.</p>