Continuing ed classes at Columbia but applying to NYU: how should I address in SOP?

[elindy]

I've been taking courses through Columbia University's School of Continuing Ed as a way of strengthening my applications to Sociology PhD programs since I don't have a background in the field. This last semester I was able to get permission to take a PhD level class and the professor wrote me a recommendation, but in case I don't get into Columbia I'm also applying to NYU (and CUNY but I've already submitted) as backups. My question is how to address having taken classes at a different institution than the one I'm applying to? Should I just not even mention it in my SOP and they'll just see from my transcript that I've been at Columbia? I mean I'd sort of like to explain that I took the initiative to enroll in classes in preparation, and did well, but I'm not sure how to make it seem like NYU is a "better" fit than Columbia, because Columbia is admittedly my first choice. I feel like they'll see right through me but I want to give myself the best chance possible to go to NYU if Columbia rejects me. Not sure how to approach this. Any suggestions would be great. 

[Legal Sociologist]

I honestly doubt they'd care. It's just additional coursework. 

[lyrehc]

If you're just taking a single course elsewhere I wouldn't even mention it. You can have the transcript submitted elsewhere if you're admitted.

[Applemiu]

My question is how to address having taken classes at a different institution than the one I'm applying to? 

 

Don't worry, nobody cares about that stuff. They are all pros. You can take classes wherever you want and apply wherever you want. Just don't say that a program is your first choice if it is not true.