Columbia University Focuses On Non-Traditional Transfers
Adrian Correa
Issue date: 12/1/09 Section: News
Columbia University's Dean of Admissions Matthew Rothstein visited Wright College in November and presented opportunities for exemplary students considering transferring to Columbia. The meeting took place in the President's conference room, Room A102, and focused on options for veterans and non-traditional students who momentarily delayed their education. Rothstein mentioned, "If things are going well in Wright College for [students] academically, there are opportunities out there for [everyone]. More and more colleges like University of Columbia have been interested in transfer students and non-traditional students."
Wright Advisor Susan Calabrese coordinated the meeting along with Associate Dean of Student Services Maria Llopiz. Calabrese mentioned the reason for the meeting,"I think it helps to establish a partnership with Columbia University. We work together with our students to help them at Wright College but also to transfer and to continue to pursue their education at the best of the universities." Rothstein discussed prospects for non-customary students, such as the Institutional Scholarship for the School of General Studies, awarded at Columbia on the basis of academic merit. Rothstein spoke about talented students who only apply to one school or don't apply to any selective universities in fear of getting rejected. He advised, "One thing to take away from me being here, is to take some chances in the transfer processes. Don't let anything prevent you from applying, because in the end if you don't apply, you will never know if you got accepted."
The conference covered every detail that a student might question, from financial aid to the selection process. He added that community college students as well as non-traditional students bring new ideas and topics to Columbia and other universities. "We are looking for students who could add to that discussion with a different background. So whatever is unique about you, be sure to highlight it," he said.
Wright student Luis Gined expressed his interest in Columbia University. "I actually have been to New York and visited their campus. I learned about the requirements, how my GPA is graded, and how I need to be more challenged," he said. Students with a high grade point average are usually invited to these meetings, with only seven in attendance at the last session.
Calabrese added the purpose of these seminars, "It is like planting a seed. It just doesn't grow overnight, right? It takes time, if they [Columbia University] come year after year, eventually students will come to know of the opportunities. Students think they don't have a chance to go to a school like Columbia, but that is not true. They do have a chance."
Wright Advisor Susan Calabrese coordinated the meeting along with Associate Dean of Student Services Maria Llopiz. Calabrese mentioned the reason for the meeting,"I think it helps to establish a partnership with Columbia University. We work together with our students to help them at Wright College but also to transfer and to continue to pursue their education at the best of the universities." Rothstein discussed prospects for non-customary students, such as the Institutional Scholarship for the School of General Studies, awarded at Columbia on the basis of academic merit. Rothstein spoke about talented students who only apply to one school or don't apply to any selective universities in fear of getting rejected. He advised, "One thing to take away from me being here, is to take some chances in the transfer processes. Don't let anything prevent you from applying, because in the end if you don't apply, you will never know if you got accepted."
The conference covered every detail that a student might question, from financial aid to the selection process. He added that community college students as well as non-traditional students bring new ideas and topics to Columbia and other universities. "We are looking for students who could add to that discussion with a different background. So whatever is unique about you, be sure to highlight it," he said.
Wright student Luis Gined expressed his interest in Columbia University. "I actually have been to New York and visited their campus. I learned about the requirements, how my GPA is graded, and how I need to be more challenged," he said. Students with a high grade point average are usually invited to these meetings, with only seven in attendance at the last session.
Calabrese added the purpose of these seminars, "It is like planting a seed. It just doesn't grow overnight, right? It takes time, if they [Columbia University] come year after year, eventually students will come to know of the opportunities. Students think they don't have a chance to go to a school like Columbia, but that is not true. They do have a chance."
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