<p>Or are we only allowed to apply through the School of GS?</p>
<p>Define non-traditional. A year off to visit Burma or a 2-digit SAT score?</p>
<p>It’s a good question. At first glance, it appears applying to CC is discouraged if you are defining a “non-traditional” by a break in their education:</p>
<p>“Potential applicants to Columbia College who have taken a break of more than a year in their education (with the exception of those who must complete national military service) should consider instead Columbia’s School of General Studies;”
[Frequently</a> Asked Questions (for Transfer Students) | Columbia University Office of Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/applications/transfer_faq.php#22]Frequently”>http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/admissions/applications/transfer_faq.php#22)</p>
<p>However, the statement doesn’t necessarily prohibit a non-traditional from applying. It seems to be more of a recommendation than a rule. I’m sure due to the different admission criteria. It’s probably hard to evaluate a non-traditional in a pile of traditional students effectively. Apples and Oranges. </p>
<p>I’d suggest you make some contact with the school to find out for your particular situation. If you are talking about a short break, you may compare better with traditional students. Who knows?</p>
<p>I graduated hs in '07 and plan on resuming my studies in Spring of '10 at my local cc. If everything goes as planned I’ll be applying to four year schools for fall '12. Would two and a half years out of school be considered a “short break”?</p>
<p>Columbia College and SEAS only consider freshmen applications for those who have taken no more than one year off from their schooling after high school. Beyond that, they refer people to GS. I assume the same would be true for transfer applications although I have no specific knowledge on that exact point.</p>
<p>Orson, at this point you’re considered ineligible to apply to CC. Go ahead and call the admissions offices of both CC and GS to get confirmation.</p>