Continue Your Story | Columbia University School of General Studies

Samantha's Story

After graduating from Brooklyn Tech High School and enrolling in a private college on the west coast, financial hardships made Samantha rethink her plans. She came back to New York and attended Borough of Manhattan Community College while working multiple jobs to pay off her student debt. After earning her associate's degree, Samantha welcomed a daughter and began researching ways to achieve her dream of attending an Ivy League college. She found the Columbia School of General Studies (GS) and knew it was the perfect fit. Today, as a Columbia graduate, she's showing her daughter that "a dream deferred is not one you need to throw away."

Born and raised in NYC
First-generation college student
Transferred from BMCC
Majored in African American Studies at Columbia GS

Did You Know?

As of Fall 2024, 20% of GS students transferred from a community college in New York
As of Fall 2024, 20% of GS students transferred from a community college in New York
As of Fall 2024, 20% of GS students transferred from a community college in New York
Nearly 150 currently enrolled GS students are parents as of the Fall 2024 semester
Nearly 150 currently enrolled GS students are parents
Nearly 150 currently enrolled GS students are parents as of the Fall 2024 semester
About 70% of students receive some form of need-based financial aid and/or merit scholarship
About 70% of students receive some form of need-based financial aid and/or merit scholarship
About 70% of students receive some form of need-based financial aid and/or merit scholarship
34% of the Fall 2024 incoming class are first-generation students
34% of the Fall 2024 incoming class are first-generation students
34% of the Fall 2024 incoming class are first-generation students

Learn More About Our Students

GS student Michelle
Michelle

Performer

GS student Ajay
Ajay

Entrepreneur

GS alum and veteran Matt profile
Matt
Matt

U.S. Military Veteran

Lori student profile
Lori
Lori

Community College Transfer

Sam Veteran
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.

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: 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 the Columbia 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.

Request More Information

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