Columbia College vs. School of General Studies - Page 11

lboy · 06-23-2006, 09:27 PM

HEY,
Open to advice from any student out there....

I've been in the U.S. for a few years and am not completely up to date with the college game.
I've just been admitted into Columbia's GS as a third year transfer. I'm trying to decide between that option, UPENN's GS, and the regular College at Georgetown. My major is psychology and my goal is to pursue a PhD after completing my undergrad ed.

I'm 25 yrs old and completely financially independant. Going from what I've read here and on GS's fin aid page, I am not expecting a scholarship of anything over $5,000/year. Georgetown has already offered me $30,000.

The question is: Is the level of education and associated prestige at Columbia's GS significantly better than other options and worth taking out major loans for that I otherwise am able to avoid??

Big decision. Thanks for any input.

redlinekid2 · 06-23-2006, 10:33 PM

Columbia is worth every penny. Congratulations on getting into the GS program. I hope to get admitted in the Spring Semester.

James93921 · 06-24-2006, 01:13 AM

"Going from what I've read here and on GS's fin aid page, I am not expecting a scholarship of anything over $5,000/year. Georgetown has already offered me $30,000."

GS did not include your financial aid award in your admissions packet? But if the money is the main decision making factor for you, then I would suggest go to Georgetown. But if money was not a major factor, go to Columbia.

mommusic · 06-24-2006, 07:40 AM

$30,000? Take it!

TehRahk · 06-28-2006, 02:41 AM

After reading this thread I think I have a good chance of getting accepted into this program.

What do you think my chances are of transferring to another school such as NYU or Georgetown.

I really want to study International Business, but Columbia doesn't offer it. I'm thinking this could be a big help.

TehRahk · 06-28-2006, 01:59 PM

" i think what means by dual major program is

columbia university offers
dual degree programs for GS students and other grad school with their graduate school of business..

and not columbia college

that program basicly.. when you finished up to 90 credits of your undergrad credits.. if you get accepted to graduate school of business (dual degree program, GMAT is not require if you do this with GS dual degree program, a columbia advisor confirmed it)
you would then be able to start your classes on graduate school of business for a year when you are still a senior in GS
then you would be able to be officially be a business school student.. after your 124 credits
and when you completed the 154 credit (complete your MBA courses) then you would awarded with your BA and MBA at the same time.. (you wont receive your BA even when you completed the 124 units and requirement) if you are in the dual degree program...

only available for GS because generally, GS students have working experience.. and working experience is require for MBA students

"

Could you provide a link to this program?

yellowhair · 06-28-2006, 06:48 PM

So

Columbia College is at the same level as GS ?

How about Harvard College ?
Is Harvard College is at the same level as Harvard Extension School ?

TehRahk · 06-28-2006, 09:41 PM

Harvard extension, from what I picked up from this thread. Is just what it sounds like... an extension. You get a different degree. With the GS school you take the same classes and get the same degree. There is a difference in the appearance of your diploma however.

I have a question about the dual masters program with the MBA from the Columbia Business School. Will this carry the same amount of weight as a person that went the process the regular way? Are the appearance of degrees different?

I'm interested in getting an MBA in International Business. I want to know if it's the same.

dot_parker · 06-30-2006, 11:03 AM

I got my acceptance package yesterday after getting a phone call on Tuesday! To say that I'm thrilled about my admission is an understatement!

Burb Parent · 06-30-2006, 11:40 AM

I did the joint degree program BA/MBA GS/GBS. While there is a difference between CC & GS, there is no difference once you are in the Graduate School of Business.

JustinCEO · 07-03-2006, 11:51 AM

i've been trying to go to GS for several years now. currently live in tampa, florida. been going to Hillsborough Cmty Col since fall of 2004.
First time I got offered 8k in scholarship aid
Second time, where i had to reapply for scholarship aid cuz i deferred admission, the same
Third time (new application) i was definitely transferring and applied to 10 schools total. Columbia offered me 10k (pfft!) so i settled on Gtown.
Then Columbia GS offers me Program for Academic Leadership and Service, a super-rare and hard to get FULL TUITION AND FEES scholarship.
I am finally going back home to NY this fall ^_^

redlinekid2 · 07-03-2006, 03:19 PM

Congrats on getting this scholarship. When I filled out my scholarship application, I made it known that I was the only person in my family to go to college, and a first generation minority who has dedicated his time with community services through Habitant for Humanity. I also mentioned that without this scholarship, it would be very hard to attend Columbia GS, even with loans.

goldcoast · 07-04-2006, 01:57 AM

Dear, khorsani

I am proud of you that you were admitted to gs a year ago. I

have a question for you. My gpa is 3.7 from loyola but I went to depaul

and a 3.1. I have more hours from loyola. I wonder does gs average the

gpa's? I believe the weight on my application should be the school where

I did the more hours and have a higher gpa.

tolbi52 · 07-07-2006, 01:18 AM

Hello, I have just found out about the GS program and am very excited. I have always dreamed of getting an Ivy Lague education, but could never afford it. As a person who has lived with military their entire life, I respect your desire to go back to school and pursue that education at such a difficult institution. If you could give me any tips or information on how to get admitted to GS i would greatly appreciate it. Again, this is a dream of mine and I am finally in a place that I have a shot of getting in, so any tips or info. will help. Thanks for your time.

a_huynh · 10-04-2006, 06:45 AM

Hi all,

I am applying to both Columbia's SGS and Upenn's CGS for the Spring 2007 semester and wanted to know if current/admitted students could help give me some guidance/info on admissions.

I am a community college transfer that has taken time off to support my family and care for a mentally ill brother, fitting the non-traditional student profile. As my grades are not stellar, I want to shine w/ my personal statement as much as possible.

I've completed my essay but wanted to know if the admitted folks could give input on how they answered: "'identify and describe specific elements of the program that meet my needs as a nontraditional student" and "why GS is the place for you". What do you think its most important to focus on here?

I've implicitly answered why GS is for me by telling my story/who I am to show that I fit the non-traditional applicant that the school is looking for and have identified briefly some features of the program (i.e. flexibility, support catered towards the needs of non-traditional students, liberal arts focus). However, I feel like this is just repeating their marketing marterial. Is this along the lines of what you guys included? Is this how to answer "why GS" ?

Also, can you share your thoughts/experiences during the application process in general? What do you think made your essay successful? What do you think the school is looking for in an ideal candidate? How do you like GS's education?

Any admission tips for would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for your time.

Cheers,

Andrew