Bachelor of Fine Arts
Undergraduate Admissions
General Information
Students must be admitted to a CGS degree or non-degree program before they can register for or attend classes. We make a special effort to help students who are working adults to make a successful transition to academic life at Penn.CGS operates on a "rolling" admissions schedule. Once an application file is complete, the Admissions Committee reviews the application and informs the applicant of the decision, usually within ten days. Students may matriculate at CGS during the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms.
Eligibility
You must be a high school graduate and have a 3.0 (B) grade point average in their previous academic high school or college work. Although a 3.0 is usually sufficient to warrant serious consideration, it does not guarantee admission. Students with prior course work in the liberal arts will generally be viewed more favorably.
If you have not graduated from secondary school you may also apply if you have taken a high school equivalency examination or GED (General Educational Development) test. A total score of 300 is needed to be considered for admission. For information about the GED, you should contact your local board of education or community college.
The Admissions Committee examines with care the academic background of each applicant, taking into consideration previous institutions attended, courses completed, and cumulative grade point average. When a student has been out of school for a long time, the committee may place less emphasis on prior academic achievement and more upon other criteria.
Though traditionally oriented to the adult student, CGS recognizes that recent high school graduates under the age of 21 may also want to pursue university studies on a part-time basis (i.e. no more than two courses per semester). These students should consider carefully the differences between part-time study and a full-time, residential college experience. CGS encourages interested students of all ages to meet with a CGS advisor to discuss their plans. Call 215.898.7326 for an appointment.
Provisional Admission
Depending on your previous academic record, the Admissions Committee may accept you on a provisional basis. This will allow you the opportunity to strengthen or refresh your academic record by taking undergraduate courses in CGS. In close consultation with an academic advisor, you may enroll in four courses, covering various disciplines. One of these will usually be a writing course. You may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on individual need. Re-evaluation for full admission will take place after the four courses are completed; a cumulative Penn grade point average of at least 2.7 (B-) is required. These courses will count towards the degree. Students admitted provisionally to the B.A. program are also eligible for financial aid.
For More Information
If you would like more information on the College of General Studies Undergraduate Programs please contact an academic advisor in the CGS office by calling 215.898.7326 for an appointment. Telephone appointments can be made if travel to the campus is a problem. Evening appointments are also available. "Walk-in" advising is available on Monday through Thursday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.