Continue Your Story | Columbia University School of General Studies

Ajay's Story

Ajay grew up in a traditional Indian-American family in Seattle, Washington, and later attended boarding school in New England. Upon graduating from high school, he followed the typical path to university in NYC where he studied for three semesters until he was presented with an opportunity at a start-up incubator. A true entrepreneur at heart, Ajay couldn’t turn it down, and left school for Silicon Valley where he built, released, and sold the app FamilyLeaf. After this experience and with a heightened passion for technology, he began looking for somewhere he could feel comfortable learning, now that he no longer fit into the typical student mold. This brought Ajay to study computer science at the School of General Studies.

Completed three university semesters in NYC before leaving
Interned at Zillow and built apps with friends in his free time
Launched and sold his start-up company in Silicon Valley
Joined a number of NYC consulting firms upon graduation

Did You Know?

Percentage of Asian American, African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American students in the Class of 2018
Percentage of Asian American, African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American students in the Class of 2018
250,000+ alumni network allows students to connect with volunteer, internship, and post-graduation job opportunities
250,000+ alumni network allows students to connect with volunteer, internship, and post-graduation job opportunities
37 U.S. states are represented by the Class of 2019
37 U.S. states are represented by the Class of 2019
Economist, statistician, immigrant, and 1971 Nobel Memorial Prize Winner, Simon Smith Kuznets, received his B.S. in 1923
Economist, statistician, immigrant, and 1971 Nobel Memorial Prize Winner, Simon Smith Kuznets, received his B.S. in 1923

Learn More About Our Students

GS student Michelle
Michelle

Performer

GS student Lori profile
Lori
Lori

Community College Transfer

GS alumna Sam profile
Sam
Sam

Marine Corps Veteran

Upcoming Events

We hold information sessions about attending GS throughout the year, both on- and off-campus. Let us know you’re coming to see us by registering for one of the following events.

Wednesday, May 01, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Wednesday, May 08, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Friday, May 17, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, May 29, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Low Library at Columbia University

Application Deadlines

There are many important dates to remember. Sign up to request more information and we’ll also send you timely reminders.

Fall Admission
Application Open: December 1
Priority Early Action Deadline: January 15
Early Action Deadline: March 1
Regular Decision Deadline: May 15

Spring Admission
Application Open: August 1
Priority Early Action Deadline: September 1
Early Action Deadline: October 1
Regular Decision Deadline: November 1

Admissions Decisions
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis (typically six to eight weeks after receiving a complete application).

Students walking on campus.
We have tailored our support services to meet the specific needs of non-traditional students. From veteran resources and academic advising, to career guidance and support for international students, you’ll find a wide variety of key support services at Columbia GS.
Students talking on campus
Columbia University campus
GS Student Life encourages students to become involved in programs and activities that enhance their educational experience and personal growth. A wide range of student organizations include the General Studies Student Council, sports teams, our military veterans group, MilVets, and more.

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