<p>Does anyone have any experience being a "visiting student" or "special student" at any school? My school is involved in exchange programs to other schools, for a semester or a year... but all the schools that my school exchanges with are equally abysmal as my school if not worse, and I'd really like to spend a semester or a year at a better school.</p>
<p>So I've been thinking about applying as a "visiting student" to other schools, paying out of pocket and just going for the full experience.</p>
<p>Is it difficult to be accepted as a visiting student at schools? Are there some schools that simply have an "n-o spells no" policy for visiting students? Schools that I should avoid?</p>
<p>Any advice whatsoever would be appreciated. I do have reasons for wanting to be a "visiting student," and I would have a plan of action and goals and reasons etc. Just wanted some advice.</p>
<p>Not sure if this belongs here. But visiting student and transfer student are at least somewhat related...</p>
<p>I was a visiting student at Columbia University this summer and it was not difficult to gain admission. I came from a community college and was able to be there this summer. I don't know if during the year visiting student status is more selective, but my guess is it's not. I don't know if your interested in Columbia, but I would look into it. My experience there was really incredible and would definitely recommend the school to anyone. You take the same courses as all other CU students and the community is very welcoming if you prove yourself. Also, I read on another post of yours that you have an interest in philosophy. Columbia's philosophy department is really amazing. I think you would enjoy it. Anyways, thats my rant on how Columbia is the best place in the universe (haha) but seriously I would consider it!</p>
<p>In terms of transferring. You can't really matriculate into another college from being a visiting student. You would have to apply with other transfer applicants. That being said, being a transfer applicant to a school you have proven to do well in would definitely tip the balance in your favor.</p>
<p>Sorry if I gave the wrong impression - I'm fully aware a student can't somehow magically slide into "transfer status" after "visiting." When I said the two are related, I just meant that's why I thought I should post this question here.</p>
<p>I'm asking specifically about being a visiting student, IE taking courses at another school and receiving a transcript from the school, but not pursuing degree studies there (as a transfer).</p>
<p>rcl - it's interesting you mention Columbia; that's one of the schools I've considered. I have also considered Cornell and a variety of smaller liberal arts colleges. Philosophy is definitely something my school doesn't offer that I'd love a taste of at another school; I would also want to take biology and/or chemistry courses that my school doesn't offer as a way of increasing the diversity and strength of my undergraduate education.</p>
<p>I guess in short I'm saying - tell me more!</p>
<p>Columbia offers what you are looking for. Look at their school of continuing education. This is where visiting student status is offered. I HIGHLY recommend it. If I don't get in to CU GS as a transfer I will probably do visiting student status. The only thing I would consider is that getting good grades there is no walk in the park. I don't mean to imply that you are not a hard worker. Just that you will be up against a lot of competition, but I think the experience is so worth it, provided you keep your GPA high. Another consideration is housing and expenses. Columbia is very expensive, about 1,146 per credit. I am not sure how financial aid works for visiting student. My guess would be limited to almost none. Also, New York is very expensive. You would need to find an apartment. Depending on where you are comfortable living prices will range. If you do indeed come to Columbia or NYC let me know and I can give you pricing info/ neighborhood lowdown. Any more questions?</p>