I originally applied as a physics transfer student to UPenn’s CAS, but I have been given the option of applying to Penns School of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) and I am not sure about what I should do.
I did some research and I know that I would be allowed to take regular CAS classes as an LPS student, but I am afraid I may not get the same opportunities as an LPS student than I would as a regular CAS student. I am also scared that CAS admissions must have thought I would be a better fit for LPS or they would not have suggested it, so I may be rejected from CAS if I don’t take their offer to apply to LPS instead :/.
I am 25 years old, do you guys think that my age would hurt my chances of getting into CAS?
What would you guys do in my situation?
depends on your stats and where you’re coming from. CAS admits under 10% as transfers…I’m guessing LPS is 30-50% but nobody really knows. Definitely a different pool you’re competing with as an LPS applicant.
I’m in the same boat…same age, got in via LPS, but also applied to a bunch of traditional programs. Only time anyone will see a distinction is on your transcript for a 1st job. The degree is the same as the CAS degree…my problems arise as I’m hoping to attend medical school…without grad school aspirations I think its a great program…not sure how grad schools view it.
Imagine 1st employer you can convey that it’s identical to CAS aside from the required writing seminars and as a non-trad you were told to apply via the LPS route. Emphasize that the division lies w/in SAS & was created to mirror CAS but allow those that need to work the opportunity to do so…otherwise same program…it’s the grad school angle that bothers me and I haven’t found and definitive answers
I keep on making up my mind about what I want.
One minute I think LPS is a great idea, the next I think it is definitely not what I want.
I have a similar dilemma with the grad school situation. I plan on going to grad school after getting my bachelor’s but I am not sure about how LPS will look on my transcript. 
It seems to be great program, but there is a reason there is a distinction, otherwise it would just be CAS.
That and a few financial aid problems are keeping me from fully committing to LPS. From what I have gathered, you don’t get as much financial aid as an LPS student. They also don’t include living expenses nor health insurance when calculating your financial aid package and that can really affect your annual school related expenses.
I’m afraid it would be much of a gamble to opt for LPS. Would the financial stress be worth it if there is a possibility that at the end my degree is not valued as much as a regular CAS degree would be by potential grad schools?
But then again, it might be my only chance of getting into UPenn.
Ugh, decisions, decisions.
don’t view finances as a problem…as long as you take 4 CU’s everything is covered, including living expenses, by FA. It’s purely the grad school perception issue I have a concern with…otherwise the program seems great
Am currently going through the XCAT transfer course approval process and it is much easier than was being portrayed to be in other threads. Haven’t had anything rejected as yet.
Financial Aid will be the deciding factor for me at the end, regardless of the school.
I really wish I had read your last reply before jumping the gun.
I was bummed about what I had read regarding LPS’s FA and that pretty much sealed the deal for me. I emailed them back and told them that after having considered my options I wanted CAS to review my application.
I just have to wait and see now.
I know we are both also playing the waiting game for Cornell, I have seen you on Cornell’s transfer thread. Your stats are perfect and I honestly don’t see why they would not take you. Only a few more weeks. I swear they have felt like the longest ever.
Best of luck, yolocholo.