columbiajourn

Hi, i really need your advice. I want to get in Columbia Grad School for Journalism and earn an M.S. degree as an international student. Here are some things about me (so you can predict my chances better):

I'm a graduate from the University of the Philippines (which is basically the best univ in out country), BUT though being a UP graduate here in the Philippines = prestige, im not sure it would do my application any good, since educational systems vary from country to country. I majored in broadcasting, did not graduate with high honors, but i managed to get a GWA (general weighted average) of 1.8 (1 being the highest and 5 being the lowest in our system) and i was a dean's lister for many semesters (not sure if you have that in the US too but here it's recognition for high grades for each semester).

i got a job a year before i graduated, my boss from my internship hired me, and since i only had my thesis left at that time, i took the job as managing editor and writer for a publication, mainly i write and edit feature articles for the publication (so i finished my thesis while working). i've been working for about a year now, i think im doing pretty well, the job really made me better in what i do (since the job entails more practice for me skill-wise)

i'm a member of an honor society and i was also publications committee head for a university organization for a year during my B.S.
I
m also young, turning 20 this year. skipped a few grades way way back. im not sure if my age would work to my advantage (since relatively, i've done pretty well for myself at 20), or if this would be weaken my application (they may think im too young and unready for grad school).

i think i can get good recommendation letters from my professors and bosses. I really believe i can deliver very good sample articles for my application and write a kickass personal essay too. talent-wise, i think i can deliver, but i dont think my credentials would impress the committee.

for me, i think i have weak chances since application is very competitive, specially for schools like columbia. what do you think? is it worth a try?

Thank you and i would really appreciate your help!