How to Apply
Students may apply for undergraduate admission as either freshmen or transfers. Freshmen are admitted for fall only; transfers may apply for spring or fall admission. Applications may be downloaded in PDF format or filled out online.
Admissions Criteria
Among the most important criteria for admission to the urban and regional studies program are intellectual potential and commitment — a combination of ability, achievement, motivation, diligence, and use of educational and social opportunities. Nonacademic qualifications are important as well. The department encourages applicants with outstanding personal qualities, initiative, and leadership ability. Above all, the department seeks students with a high level of enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.
Diversity Statement
As part of its progressive mission the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP) is committed to the highest level of academic rigor, scholarly inquiry, and professional practice advanced by a culture of inclusion.
Diversity is a goal, necessity, and opportunity that CRP hopes to nourish through its course offerings, community, and professional relationships. Our curriculum encourages a learning environment which draws upon the distinctive viewpoints and backgrounds of students, faculty, related researchers, and other members of the CRP community to create safe and welcoming spaces, in and outside of the classroom, for its members.
The department recognizes diversity to be centrally involved with questions of power and privilege, and it welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, particularly under-represented ones, to join our community, and more importantly to redress historical inequity. We recognize that engaging multiple perspectives in scholarly debate is essential to the ongoing struggle to foster well-rounded professionals and academics on their path to creating more just, beautiful, sustainable, and humanizing environments. For this reason we believe that we are strengthened by diversity in all its forms.
Secondary School and Standardized Test Requirements
- Sixteen units of secondary-school subjects must be completed, including 4 of English, 3 of mathematics, 3 of one foreign language, and 3 of science.
- The SAT Reasoning Test or ACT (with writing) is required. The TOEFL is required of all international applicants whose first language is not English.
Transfer Applicants
Prospective transfer students should have taken at least 6 credits in English. In addition, students should have taken basic college-level courses distributed across the natural and social sciences, humanities, and mathematics. Applicants whose previous course work closely parallels the
general education requirements of the urban and regional studies curriculum will have relative ease in transferring. In addition, students with other academic backgrounds, such as engineering, architecture, fine arts, management, and agriculture are eligible to apply.
Interviews
Although an interview is not required, both first-year and transfer applicants are urged to visit the campus, meet with a faculty member in the program, and sit in on a class if possible. If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your interest in the program, you may call the director of the URS program at (607) 255-4613 or
contact AAP Undergraduate Admissions.
William Staffeld / AAP
