LPS courses at Penn

<p>So I had a question about Penn courses?</p>

<p>I tried registering for a night class -601 version at Penn, and it says that it is for the LPS students only. I now realized there are a ton of LPS classes and I have heard that they are easier version of the courses. It seems like LPS courses are offered in the night, while the regular courses are are offered in the afternoon.</p>

<p>What is the process of getting into LPS courses? Do you really need a permit from the department, or can you just ask the Instructor on the first day of classes to be allowed into the course? If you need a permit, how hard it it to get it? Do they usually award permits to undergrads if you ask for it, or is it lengthy process in which the person needs to explain special circumstances?</p>

<p>Hi SpicyShushi </p>

<p>You can get into the 601 classes with a note, it’s pretty simple. LPS classes are not “easier versions” if that is what you expect. They are the same and require the same as other classes a UPenn. LPS students take day classes as well with full-tenured professors and traditional undergraduates. While in those classes they are just as traditional students held to the same expectations. I’ve taken classes with many.
They seem to get a bad reputation (unsure why), but after getting to know them and learning of the LPS program, it is no different then us. Except they come with experiences from the armed services or they are working professionals.
On top of that they earn the exact same diploma as everyone who graduates. No different. I seriously doubt if UPenn would give the same degree to anyone who takes easier classes. Penn also isn’t letting just “anyone” in to take courses with its tenured faculty. </p>

<p>But, just go to advisor or the person teaching the course, works every time for me. </p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>

<p>It’s good you’ve gotten that experience KarenTon. But you should also know that the LPS entrance minimums are much different than Penn undergrad admissions. For instance, to qualify (although it doesn’t mean auto accept), an applicant to LPS needs to have a 3.0 GPA. The overall selectivity is much less.</p>

<p>Penn LPS is similar to Harvard Extension or Columbia School of General Studies. Savvy hiring managers know the difference – because there likely can be one.</p>

<p>SpicySushi,</p>

<p>It most likely depends on the course/department in which you are trying to take the LPS course. I agree with most of what KarenTon20 described - most professors will just let you in if you ask for permission. That said, while most professors will let you into their LPS courses, sometimes the course will be locked for a period of time in order to allow LPS students to sign up (they have first priority). If a lot of people sign up for the class, you may not be able to get in - my friend tried to take a microbiology class through LPS and she tried for several weeks to get into the course. I think this is an extreme situation, but I would contact the professor and ask them how to get into the course asap to start the process.</p>

<p>That’s interesting. During my last year, I was able to sign up for two LPS classes without a note or anything. It might also have been because I was a senior though.</p>

<p>T26E4, </p>

<p>Yes similar by way of “returning students” to Ivy League schools. There are variables that makes UPenn stand out and more coveted. For instance, Columbia GS DO NOT GIVE THE SAME DIPLOMA AS TRADITIONAL UNDERGRADS. You also can not take the same courses as traditional undergrads. Not that this makes to much of a difference, but all Ivy diplomas are in latin. Not the Columbia GS. Harvard EX is the same way. All classes at night, some online, Harvard Extension DO NOT OFFER housing, or the same degree. </p>

<p>UPENN LPS, Same EXACT degree as traditional undergrads, same Professors (if wanted), day courses or evening, housing offered, can join ALL traditional undergrad clubs, and require the same standards as traditional undergrads.
There is one barrier, LPS can not participate on the varsity sports teams because of NCAA rules. (bummer I guess) </p>

<p>With Penn LPS is that you have a wide range of academic disciplines to choose from and access to Penn’s many resources such as libraries, research centers, career services, housing (on and off campus), tutoring services, and fitness centers. Columbia GS and Harvard EXT are not as accessible to its non-traditional students. It’s very limited. </p>

<p>But having known an LPS student, and being friends with others, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve even attended one of the LPSSA meetings, pretty cool and informative. They are pretty young, early to mid twenties!</p>

<p>Savvy hiring managers, your correct - they do know the differences…</p>

<p>I wish I would of known about these schools earlier in my career. I would have attended and been in a better position than I am in now.</p>

<p>Hello! Can you tell me me how difficult it is to be in penn lps and still be able to work. Working is the only way I can afford an education and I can lose that. Probably working in the day and schooling at night? And what the lowest/ minimum Cu’s I can take During a semester? I heard 2. Does that equate to 2 different days of 3 hour lectures? your reply will be helpful. Thanks.</p>