Hello,
I am a student who is a refugee and with a legal study permit. I was at college before where I was assaulted and then transferred to a community college in nyc. I am planning on applying to Columbia as a transfer applicant. I do not want to write a whole sob story about being a refugee who got assaulted but it is true that I come incredible hardship, for which my grades aren’t great, I have alot of Bs but some As too. I am struggling alot with the Columbia transfer essay and Columbia specific questions :
for the transfer essay should I focus on why I left my first college as well and what can I say for why I want to leave the CC I am currently in ? I mean I am running out of upper level CS classes to take and I need a bachelors degree lol
Besides that for the Columbia specific questions:
- hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer)
again don’t want to ride on the fact that I am a refugee or got assaulted and hence developed unique experiences but how can I word things here ?
- In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. It is important to us, therefore, to understand an applicant’s ability to navigate through adversity. Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities, skills or insights you have developed as a result. (150 words or fewer)
the main thing in college first time really was the assault, but again how do I shift the focus ?
- Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (150 words or fewer)
should o focus on research opps? diversity ?
I just don’t want to be a cliche applicant who plays the victim card. Please help.
