LostInTranslation

Wouldn't it make more sense for you to call Columbia directly and ask them that question instead of posting it in this forum? :roll:

As I have said in my previous post, it is a BIT TOUGH to get in to a PhD program with a GPA below 3.5. I did not say it is impossible, but it is tough. And the truth of the matter is, while most schools claim to look at everything (or at least theoretically) not all of them really do. Some would give your application an automatic reject if your grades don't meet their adcom's minimum standards (regardless of whether the schools openly admit this or not). This is particularly true for schools that have very low acceptance rates. Think about this: Do you really think it would be easy for applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA to compete for a spot at a program which receives hundreds of applications and only accepts between 2 to 3 students per year? And for those schools which are more forgiving about less impressive grades, they look for other things in your application that would compensate for them such as very high GREs, grade trends, conferences, publications, recommendation letters from established people in the applicant's field, strong personal statements that give concrete explanations for the less impressive GPAs, etc. Again, I did not say it is impossible. But it really is A BIT TOUGH!

Why are you hesitating? Have they not discussed funding with you?

Were you guys talking about an MA program or a PhD program? I think that in general it is a bit tough to get in to a PhD program with a GPA below 3.5. Most MA programs would not fund you unless you are a stellar applicant. Quite frankly, you should be very thankful that you got in. There are many students with very high GPAs who get rejected.