<p>I recently learned about the Columbia school of general studies and got some basic info on it but i need to know some more. I am a senior in high school and suffered from depression and bad family problems in my earlier years of high school really skewing my grades and such. It says that the school accepts non-traditional students. So even though I didn't actually miss any school from it, would I qualify to apply there? Am I non-traditional?</p>
<p>You’re not non-traditional.</p>
<p>Well, let’s not speak so soon. Columbia’s definition also includes those who have a compelling reason to attend part-time. Without more information, we can’t assume that this isn’t the case for you.</p>
<p>Just be careful, attending part-time will mean that you’ll have to secure your own housing - as, in New York, you’re not going to be offered a dorm room or University Apartment Housing unless you’re taking at least 12 credits a semester.</p>
<p>Wait I am a bit confused. If I apply here do I have to be attending part time?</p>
<p>No, most GS attend full time. hellojan must’ve misunderstood you. You should just call GS admissions and find out from them whether you’re eligible or not.</p>
<p>Apollo13, I believe what hellojan is telling you is that The School of General Studies accepts 2 kinds of students (this information can be verified at the GS website):</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Students with a break of more than 1 year in education, post-high school. This is the bulk of GS and essentially the student for whom the school is designed. Apollo13, you do not appear to meet this main criteria. But as hellojan mentions, there is a second “type” of student who can apply to GS.</p></li>
<li><p>If #1 doesn’t apply, GS will look at the “traditional” student who has an extremely compelling reason to attend part-time. And based on my discussions with GS administration, the reason needs to be seriously compelling. They made it sound, to me, as though this happens very infrequently. Note that all admitted GS students can attend part-time without providing “compelling” or exceptional reasons. This criteria that I mention is specifically for students who are otherwise “traditional,” such as yourself. Because, as a traditional student, you have no other reason to apply to GS other than the possibility of part-time study. If you are looking to study full-time and have not had a break in education, you should be applying directly to Columbia College. GS is not your back door.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you Musaeum for clear that up it was very helpful</p>