Entering Freshmen Admission
Historically, Arcadia University has emphasized the importance of individual students and their individual talents and strengths. The University's admissions program reflects this same commitment. Students are selected on the basis of educational preparation, intellectual promise and potential.
During the admissions process, Enrollment Management counselors carefully review each candidate's credentials. Particular emphasis is placed on candidates' academic records, including the types of programs followed and the grades and class rank earned. The application essay, standardized test scores, transcripts, and counselor and teacher recommendations are required. Character references, participation in school and community activities, work experience and any other supporting credentials presented by the student are considered in the evaluation. The result is a highly individualized approach to the selection of students.
For students who graduated from high school five or more years ago, attention is given to academic records and life experience, including work and military service.
Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible in the academic year. Applicants are notified of the admission decision on a rolling basis, usually within several weeks from the date of completion of their application.
Secondary School Preparation
Generally, freshmen offered admission to Arcadia University have completed an academic or college preparatory program in a secondary school. The Office of Enrollment Management assesses each applicant's records individually and considers past achievement as well as ability and promise when making admissions decisions.
Recognizing the value of a well-rounded and balanced education, the following distribution of secondary school units is recommended:
| English |
4 |
| History and Social Studies |
4 |
| Mathematics |
3 (including Algebra II and Geometry) |
| Modern Language |
2 (in one language) |
| Laboratory Science |
3 |
| Additional units in modern language, mathematics and laboratory science are desirable as electives. |
A strong background in the sciences and mathematics is recommended for students interested in Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Medical and other pre-health professions programs or the combined Engineering program.
Candidates whose high school programs have not followed the recommended pattern, but whose total credentials show evidence of potential for success at Arcadia University, are invited to apply with the assurance that their records will be given full and careful consideration.
Personal Meetings
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the University to meet with an Enrollment Management counselor for a one-on-one meeting and to take a student-guided campus tour. Although it is not required, the one-on-one meeting is a great opportunity to discuss college plans and to learn firsthand about the special qualities and characteristics of the campus. Students may schedule an appointment at any point during the admissions process, either before or after applying for admission. The visit is most meaningful on weekdays when classes are in session. For those who are unable to visit the campus on weekdays, appointments may be scheduled on select Saturday mornings from September through May. Parents are welcome to accompany the student on the visit and will be invited into the meeting to have their specific questions and concerns addressed.
Students who graduated from high school five or more years ago are encouraged to meet with a member of the Enrollment Management staff. The one-on-one meeting is a forum to discuss educational and career goals and to review how the Enrollment Management staff might assist the student in making a smooth transition to college.
Required Credentials for Entering Freshmen
Application Forms
Application forms can be obtained from the Arcadia University Office of Enrollment Management. Applications also can be downloaded from the Arcadia University Web site at www.arcadia.edu/ugapplication where students have the option of applying electronically. Candidates should follow the instructions provided and submit the application with a non-refundable fee of $30 (the application fee is waived for applications submitted online or at an on campus event). Checks are to be made payable to Arcadia University.
Arcadia University is also a member of the Common Application group. Students can obtain copies of the Common Application form from their high school guidance counselors, transfer counselors or by contacting the Arcadia University Office of Enrollment Management toll-free at 1-877-ARCADIA (1-877-272-2342) or 215-572-2910, or by e-mailing admiss@arcadia.edu. Arcadia University also accepts electronically transmitted Common Applications, which can be downloaded from the Common Application Web site at www.commonapp.org.
Applicants who are in high school at the time they apply are required to submit evaluations from a guidance counselor and a teacher of an academic subject. Evaluation forms for this purpose are attached to the application form, although letters of recommendation also are acceptable and welcome.
While there is no deadline, applications should be submitted as early as possible. Applicants who want to be considered for financial aid should submit their applications by March 1. (See Financial Aid and Scholarships, page REM).
Transcripts
Freshman candidates are required to submit an official high school transcript. The transcript must be sent directly to the Arcadia University Office of Enrollment Management by the high school attended and should bear the appropriate signatures and seals to be considered official. The high school record also should include a list of courses and grades in progress at the time the application is filed.
Some secondary schools prefer that their students submit college applications through their guidance offices. In these cases, the application, high school transcript and recommendations are sent to Arcadia University as a package. Either procedure is acceptable; however, it is the responsibility of the prospective student to ensure that the secondary school record or a certificate of General Educational Diploma (GED) is sent to the Office of Enrollment Management.
If a preliminary examination of credentials reveals the need for further information, prospective students will be notified.
Students who graduated from high school five or more years ago need only submit an official high school transcript (from the latest school attended) or GED test results. Generally, official transcripts should be received prior to the beginning of the student's first semester. However, if transcripts have not been received by that time, students may still enroll on a part-time, non-matriculated basis.
Test Scores
Freshman applicants must submit results of the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) of the College Board (www.collegeboard.org) or the American College Testing (ACT) Assessment Program (www.act.org).
Results included on the high school transcript will be accepted, but applicants are encouraged to code their test registration forms with the Arcadia University code, which is 2039 for SAT and 3524 for ACT. Scores are then sent directly to Arcadia University.
For students who graduated from high school five or more years ago, SAT or ACT scores generally are not required. However, in some cases, these scores may be requested if it is felt they would be useful for advising purposes.
Portfolio Review
All students applying to Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree programs at Arcadia or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Scientific Illustration, Studio Art or Art Therapy must submit a portfolio of work before acceptance into the program is granted. The portfolio review deadline for freshmen seeking fall admission is June.
Portfolio review guidelines will be sent to appropriate candidates when their applications are received. These guidelines also may be requested from the Office of Enrollment Management.
Audition
All students applying for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Acting are required to audition for the program. Specific information will be sent to the appropriate candidates when their applications are received or may be requested from the Office of Enrollment Management.
Supplementary Materials
The Office of Enrollment Management is interested in knowing as much as possible about applicants as individuals with their own special capacities, interests and desires. Therefore, in addition to the required credentials, applicants are encouraged to submit whatever materials they believe will assist the admissions staff in assessing their talents and potential. Examples of such materials include visual arts, creative writing, research projects in the sciences or other subjects, programs and reviews in any of the performing arts in which students have participated, and evidence of achievement, leadership or community service.
Acceptance and Deposit
Although students who are offered admission have until May 1 to notify the University of their decision to attend (in accordance with the University Board Candidates' Reply Date), they are encouraged to submit a deposit as soon as their decision has been made. Earlier deposits will have an advantage in the choice of housing opportunities. Historically, all students who submit deposits by May 1 have received housing. For Fall 2010/Spring 2011, resident students are required to submit a deposit of $400; commuter students, $200. For Spring 2010, resident students are required to submit a deposit of $300; commuter students $150. This deposit is credited against the charges for the following semester, but it is not refundable should the student not enter the University on the date for which he or she is accepted.
For students who are enrolled in a high school program at the time of their acceptance, it is understood that they will maintain the same level of academic achievement through the remainder of their high school senior year. If a student's work falls below a satisfactory level, the acceptance may be rescinded.
Alternate Admissions Plans
Early Admission
Well-qualified, highly motivated students who have demonstrated personal and social maturity may enter the University at the end of their junior year rather than completing graduation requirements in high school. A personal interview is required, as is the written approval of parents, plus that of a guidance counselor or principal along with the credentials required of all freshman applicants.
Deferred Admission
Arcadia University will consider student requests to defer enrollment for up to one year on a case-by-case basis. Students who have been admitted and want to request a deferral should mail or email their request to the Vice President for Enrollment Management. The request for deferral should include:
- Future term in which you would wish to enroll (can be no later than 1 year after original term of admission.)
- Explicit reason(s) for deferring, including detailed and specific plans for the interim period.
- Student should identify how the 'gap' year will improve their suitability for college, and/or better prepare them for their academic career, and/or what they plan on accomplishing during the year before college.
Mail to:
Vice President of Enrollment Management
Office of Enrollment Management
Arcadia University
450 South Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
Or, email to:
admiss@arcadia.edu (you can email an attachment or include it in the body of the email.
Entrance at Mid-Year
Students may be admitted for the spring semester. Applicants are urged to consult with an Enrollment Management counselor as to the feasibility of entrance at mid-year in light of the curriculum they have chosen.
Gateway to Success/ACT 101
Students identified by the Office of Enrollment Management as having potential to succeed at Arcadia University, despite some modest elements in their credentials, may be offered admission via Gateway to Success or via the ACT 101 support program.
Students accepted under the ACT 101 support program are required to comply with one or several conditions during their first or later years of study at the University. Conditions may include some of the following components: completion of a learning strategies course, a slight reduction in the freshman year course load, attendance at tutoring or counseling sessions, peer mentoring and/or peer tutoring, or other modifications. The program director will work with students to determine the individualized programs best-suited to ensure their success.
Students accepted via Gateway to Success may be required to take a slightly reduced course load during their freshman year. Academic support services are available through the University's Learning Resource Network.
Choice of Major
Freshmen may enter Arcadia University with or without a field of specialization in mind. In most cases, it is not necessary to make a choice at the time of admission. Indication of interest in a particular field at the freshman level is considered subject to change, and formal declaration of a major is usually made in the sophomore year. However, some pre-professional programs, such as Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, and International Peace and Conflict Resolution, and some majors such as Education, Scientific Illustration and Fine Arts, have specific requirements or call for particular attention to the courses taken from the start of the freshman year. Students considering these programs are urged to check the appropriate catalog pages for further information concerning requirements and to meet with their advisers as early as possible to plan their schedules.
Advanced Placement
Students who have earned scores of three or higher on Advanced Placement examinations of the College Board will be awarded credit toward the bachelor's degree for courses comparable to those offered at Arcadia University. Those interested in learning more about Advanced Placement courses or examinations should obtain information from their high school guidance office or by contacting the College Board by phone at 609-771-7300 or online at www.collegeboard.org.
Another means by which incoming students can earn advanced credit is through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Excelsior College Examinations (formerly known as ACT PEP and Regents Examinations). (See page 46.) Inquiries about advanced placement and credit should be addressed to the Arcadia University Registrar at 215-572-2100.
International Baccalaureate
Arcadia University reviews and evaluates International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level courses on an individual basis. Normally, University course credit is granted for scores of 5 or higher in courses that are applicable to the degree program. Full IB diploma holders also are evaluated on an individual basis. No credit is given for subsidiary-level courses.
Honors Program
Incoming freshmen and transfer students are evaluated for possible acceptance into the Honors Program based upon the strength of their admissions application. To be considered for the program, freshman applicants must have at least a 1870 SAT score and graduate in the top 10 percent of their class. Transfers must have a transfer GPA of at least 3.25 from an accredited institution.
Learn more about the Honors Program at www.arcadia.edu/honors.
