How to Apply — Step by Step#

Each of these four programs has a different application process. Let me walk you through all of them so you know exactly what to do.

Harvard Extension School — ALB#

There Is No Traditional Application to Start#

This is what makes Harvard different. You do not apply first. You register for courses first.

Step 1: Create an Account#

Go to the Harvard Extension School website and create a student account. This is free.

Step 2: Register for Your First Pre-Admission Course#

Pick one of the designated pre-admission courses and register. I recommend starting with EXPO 25 — Academic Writing and Critical Reading, since it is required anyway.

Each pre-admission course costs $1,080 (50% discount from the regular $2,160).

Step 3: Complete 3 Pre-Admission Courses#

Over the next few terms, complete all 3 courses:

• EXPO 25 (required)
• Two additional courses in different subject areas

You must earn a B or higher in all three. Take this seriously. About 68% of students who start this process do not make it through.

Step 4: Submit the Degree Application#

After passing your 3 courses, submit the formal degree application through Harvard Extension's portal. You will need:

• Your course transcripts (Harvard Extension already has these)
• Official high school transcript or GED
• Any college transcripts for transfer credit evaluation
• $100 application fee

If you met the grade requirements, admission is essentially guaranteed.

Step 5: Continue Your Studies#

Once admitted, you are an official Harvard Extension degree candidate. Continue taking courses toward your degree requirements. You now have access to financial aid (if eligible) and full Harvard resources.

Timeline#

There are no fixed deadlines. You can start courses any semester (fall, spring, or summer). Most students complete the ALB in 3-6 years depending on their pace and transfer credits.

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Columbia University General Studies#

This Is a Traditional Application#

Unlike Harvard Extension, Columbia GS has a real admissions process with deadlines and holistic review.

Step 1: Check the Deadlines#

Columbia GS has multiple application deadlines throughout the year. Key dates to know:

• Early Action — check Columbia GS website for current early action deadlines
• Regular Decision — multiple rounds, with a final closing date around May 15 for fall enrollment
• Decisions are released on a rolling basis after each deadline

Step 2: Create Your Application#

Go to Columbia GS Admissions and start your application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Materials#

You will need:

1. Personal statement — 1,500 to 2,000 words explaining your educational history, what you did during your break from school, and why you want to attend Columbia now. This is the most important part of your application.

2. Official transcripts — from all secondary schools and any colleges you attended

3. Standardized test scores (optional) — SAT, ACT, or you can take the GS Online Admissions Exam ($50) instead. If your scores are strong (SAT 1400+, ACT 30+), submit them. If not, skip them.

4. English proficiency scores (non-native speakers) — TOEFL (100+ iBT), IELTS (7.0+), or Duolingo (120+)

5. Letters of recommendation — not required but can strengthen your application. Academic or professional references are both accepted.

6. Application fee — $80 (fee waivers available for financial hardship)

Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid Simultaneously#

If you need financial aid, submit these with your application:

• CSS Profile (required for all aid applicants)
• GS Scholarship Application (Columbia GS's own form)
• Income documentation

Critical for international students: Apply for financial aid NOW. If you are admitted without requesting aid, you cannot get it later.

Step 5: Wait for Your Decision#

Decisions come on a rolling basis. If admitted, you will receive your financial aid offer along with your acceptance.

Tips for a Strong GS Application#

• The personal statement matters most. GS wants to understand your story — why you left school, what you did, and why you are ready to come back. Be specific and genuine.
• Address the break directly. Whether it was one year or ten years, explain what you did and what you learned.
• Show intellectual curiosity. GS wants students who are excited about learning, not just getting a credential.
• If you have college experience, your GPA matters. A strong college GPA (3.5+) significantly strengthens your application.

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UPenn LPS — BAAS#

Path 1: Standard Admission#

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials#

You will need:

• Official transcripts from all schools attended (minimum 3.0 GPA from most recent coursework)
• WES credential evaluation for international transcripts — go to wes.org and request a course-by-course evaluation
• Personal statement
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (non-native English speakers)
• Application fee — $25-$50

Step 2: Submit Your Application#

Apply at Penn LPS Online. Admissions is rolling — you can apply anytime for fall, spring, or summer enrollment.

Step 3: Wait for Your Decision#

Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Because this is rolling admissions, you could hear back within a few weeks.

Path 2: Gateway Program ("Prove Your Way In")#

If your academic record does not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement, or if you want to test the waters first:

Step 1: Register for Gateway Courses#

Enroll in the designated Gateway courses through Penn LPS Online. You will complete 4 courses.

Step 2: Earn the Required Grades#

You need a minimum 2.7 GPA across the 4 courses with no grade below C.

Step 3: Automatic Admission#

Once you meet the requirements, you are admitted to the BAAS program.

Remember: Gateway courses are NOT eligible for financial aid. You pay $2,882 per course unit out of pocket. Budget approximately $11,500 for the Gateway phase.

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Cornell BPS — Bachelor of Professional Studies#

Not Available Yet — Applications Open January 2027#

Cornell's BPS is brand new. The application process is not finalized, but here is what we know:

What You Will Need#

Based on announced requirements:

• 45-60 transferable college credits from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts (international students will likely need a WES credential evaluation)
• A recommended 3.0 GPA (lower GPAs considered with strong professional experience)
• Must be at least 4 years past high school graduation
• No SAT or ACT mentioned
• Application details will be on the Cornell SCE website

Timeline#

What to Do Right Now#

If you are interested in Cornell BPS:

1. Start accumulating transfer credits if you do not have 45-60 yet — take courses at a local university, community college, or online
2. Get your credentials evaluated by WES if your transcripts are from outside the US
3. Bookmark the Cornell SCE BPS page and check for updates
4. Contact Cornell SCE directly — email them to ask about international student eligibility and financial aid

You can also start at Harvard Extension or UPenn LPS now and consider transferring to Cornell when the BPS opens.

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Applying to Multiple Programs#

I recommend applying to at least two of these four programs if you are serious about getting a prestige degree. Here is my recommended approach:

If you need an F-1 visa to live in America:#

Columbia GS is your only option among these four. Apply there and have a backup plan if the financial aid is not enough.

If you are studying from your home country:#

Apply to Harvard Extension and UPenn LPS simultaneously. Start with Harvard's pre-admission courses (the commitment is just 3 courses at $1,080 each) while also applying to Penn. See which feels right. Add Cornell BPS to your list when applications open in 2027.

If cost is your biggest concern:#

Start with Harvard Extension. It is the cheapest option, and you can test it with a single $1,080 course before committing to anything.

If the degree name matters most to you:#

Columbia GS gives you the same B.A. as Columbia College. If having a "real" degree from a top school matters for your career goals, GS is the strongest credential.

If you can wait until 2027:#

Cornell BPS is worth waiting for if you already have college credits and the Organizations, Markets, and Society major interests you. Use the time to build your GPA and accumulate transfer credits.

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Key Deadlines Summary#

The lack of fixed deadlines is one of the advantages of most of these programs. You do not have to wait for a specific window. Start when you are ready.