<p>I was wondering whether or not my low GPA would be a factor in waitlist admission. Since I was waitlisted, does that mean that Columbia regards my academic profile to be high enough to ignore? Will I be on the same playing field as other waitlist applicants, or will I have a disadvantage compared to them because of my low GPA? From what I’ve heard, Columbia chooses waitlist applicants to fill holes left by people who rejected their offer previously. Although I’m hopeful that someone with similar interests to me will drop out, I’m afraid that my low gpa will prevent me from getting the spot, and that Columbia waitlisted me as a “polite rejection” and won’t actually consider me. Thoughts?</p>
<p>" I’m afraid that my low gpa will prevent me from getting the spot, and that Columbia waitlisted me as a “polite rejection” and won’t actually consider me"</p>
<p>No one can really know. As such, it’s best to move on and if that miraculous telephone call comes, then look at your new options. Unless you have plans to 1) burlarize the Columbia offices to peek at your file or 2) hack into their system to peek at your file, wondering the unknowable will get you nowhere.</p>
<p>That and a dollar will get you a sweet tea at McDonald’s this summer.</p>
<p>mostly it depends on RD application only…don’t you think so?</p>
<p>I do remember reading that they “revist” the files. My counselor sent my third quarter grades, so I’m assuming they were added to the files in addition to my letter of continued interest.</p>
<p>@sclaag, being waitlisted as a “polite rejection” is usually reserved for legacy students or kids that come from feeder prep schools. If you are neither of those, I wouldn’t worry too much about your gpa. The admissions committee obviously found something in your application that made them overlook your low gpa and, as such, may very well do it again.</p>