Continue Your Story | Columbia University School of General Studies

Kennedy's Story

Kennedy discovered a passion for ballet at age four and spent her childhood performing onstage and entering competitions. When she was a teenager, she moved from her hometown in Michigan to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer. She also enrolled in the Professional Children’s School so she could continue her high school education. Academics were just as important to Kennedy as ballet, and she had always wanted to go to college, but she didn’t think it would be possible once she started dancing full time after high school. When she heard about the options available at the Columbia School of General Studies (GS) for part-time attendance, Kennedy knew she had found a way to make both of her dreams come true.

Moved to Manhattan from the Midwest and enrolled in the Professional Children's School
Trained with the School of American Ballet at 14
Joined the New York City Ballet in 2022
Enrolled part time at Columbia GS in Fall 2023

Did You Know?

In 2007, GS students founded the Columbia Ballet Collaborative
In 2007, GS students founded the Columbia Ballet Collaborative
In 2007, GS students founded the Columbia Ballet Collaborative
27% of GS students enrolled in school part-time as of Fall 2024
27% of GS students enrolled in school part-time as of Fall 2024
27% of GS students enrolled in school part-time as of Fall 2024
GS has many artists among its student alumni, including Ossie Davis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
GS has many artists among its student alumni, including Ossie Davis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
GS has many artists among its student alumni, including Ossie Davis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt
GS students range in age from 17 - 87 years old, with 27 being the average age
GS students range in age from 17 - 87 years old, with 27 being the average age
GS students range in age from 17 - 87 years old, with 27 being the average age

Learn More About Our Students

GS alumnus Ajay profile
Ajay
Ajay

Entrepreneur

GS student Lori profile
Lori
Lori

Community College Transfer

GS alum and veteran Matt profile
Matt
Matt

U.S. Military Veteran

Sam First-Generation College Grad
Sam

First-Generation College Grad

Sam Veteran
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.

Friday, June 12, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, June 24, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Friday, July 10, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday, July 17, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, July 29, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Wednesday, August 12, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Wednesday, August 26, 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: June 1

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 around 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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