Transferring to Columbia?

Question

Is it possible for me to transfer to Columbia University: School of General Studies? (Just know that General Studies accepts 47% of their applications). I'm a junior in High School who received an SAT score of 2150, and I volunteer at my community's hospital. But my MAJOR problem is that I have a low GPA because of lots of family issues that affected me( not going to say what). So my real question is if it's better to transfer from a 4-year to another 4-year (like Columbia, which I'm confident that I can wow them, but with my GPA not included), or should I go to community college to bring my GPA up there and then transfer (2-year to 4-year) after one year so they can look at my SAT score?

And another thing to consider, the website of the School of General Studies says that they don't have a GPA cut-off point.

Answer 1

Ivy league schools accept very few transfer students. Princeton doesn't accept any. Harvard accepted about 75 last year -- double their usual number. Yale accepted about 20. I will bet you that few -- if any -- transferred from a community college.

Graduate school at an Ivy League college is a possibility for you -- but it will be very difficult to get into one as an undergraduate.

What you should be htinking about is getting into the best school possible. There are very good universities that will love your SAT scores and be willing to forgive your GPA. You have to address why you have a low GPA in your cover letter.

You should also know that General Studies programs are usually for older students who are returning to school from the work force -- so that may not be your best route.