Chance me: Columbia MS journalism application

[elena b.]

Hello,

 

I am new to this forum and I was wondering if anyone could estimate my chances of getting into the MS program at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. I am applying to the general MS program.

 

I am a senior at the University of Delaware where I have a double major in English, International Relations and a minor in Journalism. I have a cumulative GPA of 3.38 (I know it's a little low).

I am Italian but I grew up in France. I came to the US after I graduate from high school so about 3 years ago. 

 

 

Here are my qualifications:

 

I am fluent in 4 languages: English, Italian, French and Spanish.

 

I translated and published 2 books from Italian to French (I own the copyrights to my work).

I had 6 internships so far:

- one at Rizzoli International Publications (International publishing house) in New York City

- one at the Tisch Cancer Institute (Mount Sinai Hospital) in New York City

- one at Il Corriere della Sera (Italian newspaper) in MIlan, Italy

- one at Euronews (European news organization) in Lyon, France

- one at the Newark Post (local paper in Del.) in Newark, DE

- one at WHYY (working in the radio news program NewsWorks Tonight) in Philadelphia

 

So far I have worked in written news (print and online), television news, and radio broadcast. I reported on a variety of topics from local news such as gay marriage in Delaware to international news such as the rape of Egyptian women during the protests in Tahrir Square this summer. 

 

I know how to make and edit video as well as audio (audio interviews for instance). I am knowledgable in Windows (XP, Vista), Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Photoshop, HTML, Storify, Adobe Premier, etc...

 

I have been  a reporter at my school's newspaper for 3 years and an editor and copy editor for a year. 

 

I tutor Italian and French through my school and to privates.

 

I also write for a blog but I don't know if that is very relevant.

 

What chances do you guys think I have in being accepted into Columbia Journalism MS Program?

 

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate.

 

Best,

 

EB

[katethekitcat]

I think that is an estimate best left to the journalism program at Columbia. If it's a program you think you'd be happy at, apply, and let the admissions committee make the decision. It's hard to know what one factor can tip the scale.

[LorraineR.]

Hello!

 

It sounds like you have a good shot. From what I’ve read so far they’re very open to international students and you have some really great experiences and skills to boot. In my interview, the counselor said a vital component was really being able to alliterate your goals in your essays and showing promise in your narrative skills.

 

We shall see. From what I’ve read on different blogs it also sounds like they largely base acceptance on creating a truly diverse class each year, putting another variable in the question!

 

I'm also applying to the MS program. I am from the DC area but go to a small liberal arts college in Boston. I am female and half Hispanic and half white. I come from a weird angle because I was pre-med for 3.5 hrs of college but switched to art history with the goal of following my interests in art and fashion journalism. This meant taking a fifth year to fulfill my art history major and get in work experience. I have a 3.0 GPA because of the pre-med course load and having to overload my schedule to catch up with everything.

 

-While pre-med I helped publish photo editorials in Vogue Italia and Papercut magazine (smaller independent magazine)

-I have a personal style blog recognized by Teen Vogue

-I’m an arts and entertainment editor at my school’s student newspaper

-Through my student newspaper, I’m collaborating with the Boston Ballet where I’m currently highlighting rising dancers in their company and performances throughout their season

- I interned at the Guild of Boston Artists (a small classical/impressionist gallery)

- I have an internship for this coming summer at Artforum Magazine

-Also, I’m in the process of submitting a literary article to the undergraduate art history symposium at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. I would like to get this published, if possible.

 

I know basic photo editing from my work on photo shoots and am knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, and most blogging platforms.

 

I have no clue how I’ll do! Has anyone taken the writing test yet?

 

Best,

Lorraine

[India_13]

Hello

 

I am a Columbia aspirant from India for MS 2014. I am eagerly awaiting a decision its been almost 3 months since i submitted my application, they even extended the application date to Jan 31. Has anyone received an update of any form from the university? 

[LorraineR.]

I've heard we will hear back on Friday, March 14! 11 days! 

[BazookaBlitz]

@LorraineR I hope you are right. It's already 14th!

[India_13]

How many here eagerly waiting to hear back from CSJ and refreshing emails at every opportunity?

[G246G]

Just a quick question, does CSJ require 15 or 16 years of previous formal education? I know the general rule in US is that for graduate studies, one needs 16 years of education but there are certain exceptions to that rule too. I couldn't find this over the website or in the brochure. Please do let me know