Adult College of Continuing/Professional Studies

Fox21 · 10-20-2009, 08:58 PM

Hi everyone!

Does anyone know information regarding the difference between traditional programs vs. non-traditional programs such as the "adult colleges of continuing and professional studies."

Examples:
Columbia - School of General Studies
Yale - Eli Whitney
Penn - LPS

I was wondering if I could transfer into the regular college instead of the adult program even though I'm a non-traditional student. Or are adult students ONLY accepted into non-traditional programs such as those at Columbia, Yale, Penn?

Also, do non-traditional students graduate with the rest of the student body, or have a separate ceremony?

sundoll · 10-20-2009, 09:43 PM

I'm not familiar with those specific examples, but typically the non-traditional programs have more limited course offerings because they try to cater to working adults. A local LAC in my city has a similar program, and students who are accepted into are allowed to major in anything the traditional university has and can take courses during the day, it's just designed to be more flexible. I'm not sure if the examples you cited would have the same thing, but it seems likely there would be at least some crossover, but not necessarily the freedom to move back and forth - each school is going to have different requirements in this area, so it is best to contact them directly for more information.

Also, when you apply to that non-traditional program, you're typically not going up against other students that are younger and likely more competitive in terms of admissions standards - it's a completely different applicant pool.

Laurenney · 10-21-2009, 10:53 AM

I know harvard extension doesn't allow you to become a harvard undergrad. You can take a limited number of harvard classes.
Wellesleys Davis program integrates you into the undergrad class- you earn a normal wellesley degree. I think yales program is the same but I'm
not sure.
Each program is different and it would be best to contact each place to find out.

hellojan · 10-22-2009, 07:18 PM

Columbia - GS is one of four undergraduate schools at CU. If you have taken a year off from formal education at any point - even from, for example, ages 17 to 18 - it's your only option. Same core as Columbia College, same rigor, etc. Option to attend part or full time.

Penn - You can apply to LPS or regular admission to Penn. LPS advantages? Flexible scheduling, advising tailored towards adults, cheaper tuition, option to attend part or full-time. Downside? Often courses for LPS students are taught by adjuncts.

Yale - You can apply to either Eli or the college. Eli program admits, maybe, two students a year. Elis have their own student council, specialized advising, etc.

vpappas83 · 10-23-2009, 04:20 PM

Ok... Fox I am seriously interested in Eli Whitney so here's the thing... Last year 120 applicants and I am told 9 were admitted, at any given time there are approximately 20 EWSP students at Yale. It's an excellent program and there is no difference between a EW and a trad student except EW does not offer housing.

Harvard will let you take reg courses if your GPA is high enough you can apply for special student standing and take reg courses as well as evening courses, their courses are affordable and you can choos to take them with Harvard Instructors which is required for over 50 credit hours of study. THe wide range of classes available is astounding. Graduation is with all of Harvard University though each of the 13 colleges awards their diplomas individually.

Brown has a great program too... researching it now.

Columbia~ looked at it not a fan of the financial aide policy.

Northwestern just found out they have a comparable program... not sure of the details worth looking into though...

Fox21 · 10-26-2009, 06:38 PM

Wow, thank all of you for your feedback and replies!

I'm wondering why, if the adult colleges are supposedly 'the same' as the traditional colleges, does Penn's LPS state that its the ONLY college in the IVY to offer an adult college which earns you the same traditional degree as the rest of the colleges.

Quote from Penn: Programs for Working Professionals
"Undergraduate Degree Programs: Penn is the only school in the Ivy League that offers adult continuing education students a regular undergraduate degree."

vpappas83, I thought Harvard was closed to transfer students. Like Laurenney said, 'Harvard extension doesn't let you transfer as an undergrad.' I would love to apply to Harvard and get into HBS - in the future that is!

vpappas83 · 10-27-2009, 10:28 AM

it's my understanding that EWSP is the same Yale College degree that trad graduates get...

HES will accept transfers but you still have to take their 3 mandatory classes first... if you are admitted they will evaluate your transcript and allow transferable credit... As a matter of fact if you search the site... I believe they can arrange to look at your transcript and pre-evaluate if you are interested...

hellojan · 11-09-2009, 11:22 PM

HES is an extension school. It takes anyone, literally.

vpappas83 · 11-14-2009, 12:30 PM

Actually Hellojan... you are wrong

It has open enrollment... but there is a rigorous application process for degree seeking status that can only be submitted after completing 3 courses with Harvard instructors with above a B+ average....

Also, there's a required number of courses that must be taken with Harvard instructors, and if you are a transfer it means all your courses have to be Harvard instructors... it offers research positions to degree seeking students with above a 3.5, and special student standing where you can take 2 courses a semester through harvard college the only difference is hes classes are taught at night, and hc classes are during the day....

THere's also a PTK scholarship available, and I doubt Phi Theta Kappa would be involved with them if they were so lenient...

I think you should research before saying things... I have thoroughly researched HES as well as other Non-Trad programs, and have read all the controversy surrounding HES... perhaps before forming an opinion that could offend people you should check your facts.

hellojan · 11-15-2009, 12:44 AM

Okay, so you can apply for a degree-granting program. However, it is still an extension school. The design of this school, and schools like it, is to provide the greater community access to the university's academic resources.

So, anyone, during any semester, can simply enroll in any course. There's no controversy here - at least, not that I could discover. It's simply a resource for the Cambridge/Boston community. It's a cool model - one of the best schools for the greatest amount of people.

I wish you only the best!