Visiting Students

The College of Arts and Sciences is happy to extend the use of its facilities to individuals who would like to study at Cornell on a short-term basis. The Special Student Program allows students to study full-time for one or two semesters. They might be visiting from other institutions or college graduates in need of further coursework before graduate school. Recent Special Students have included a junior from a small liberal arts college who wished to take advantage of our English department's extensive offerings; a college graduate with a degree in the humanities who needed to take additional coursework to prepare for admission to medical school; a former serviceman attracted to Cornell's strong program in international relations.

Special Students may enroll in any course for which they have adequate preparation and the instructor's approval. As they are not in a degree program, they have no distribution, foreign language, or major requirements to fulfill and need not participate in the University's physical education program. The only limitation to their enrollment in the College is that their term in residence does not exceed two semesters. Candidates for Special Student status should recognize that the program is not intended for potential transfers to full-time undergraduate degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell.

Applying For Admission

Applicants must fill out the necessary application forms and be sure that all the documentation is sent. High school and college transcripts, recommendations, and essays are required (SAT's are optional). In reviewing applications, the Selection Committee seeks to admit students who will both benefit from and contribute to the life of the University. Applicants who have an excellent academic and personal achievement record, well-defined goals, and a desire to become involved in the Cornell community stand the best chance of being accepted. Applications for spring term admission must be filed by November 10; for fall term, by March 15. As we have a two-part application process, please allow sufficient time to receive, complete, and submit each part.

Financial Aid

Special Students are responsible for all costs which full-time students must meet. Because of limited institutional resources and the University's commitment to its own degree candidates, it cannot offer Special Students any financial aid.

Housing And Dining

Special Students may apply for the University's residential and dining programs. Because the availability of on-campus housing fluctuates from year to year, accepted Special Students should be prepared to obtain off-campus accommodations.

For further information regarding Special Student status, please contact:

James Finlay, Assistant Dean
Academic Advising and Admissions

172 Goldwin Smith Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-4833