Applying as a Freshman
Berea College accepts academically capable students who are driven toward success, are not afraid to work hard to achieve their goals, and wish to make a difference in the world. In recent years, admitted applicants have ranked in the top 20 percent of their high-school graduating class, have a high-school cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, and have scored between 20 and 30 on the ACT or 1410 and 1980 on the SAT I. While academic factors are most important, the Admissions Decision Team also considers each applicant’s motivation, leadership potential, special talents, and community service.
The final deadline for complete domestic applications for admission is April 30; however, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible in the fall of their senior year in high school. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but well qualified applicants may be accepted for fall admission as early as November. Though an early application alone will not insure admission to the College, some advantage may be realized by those who apply before October 31 because the selection process becomes more competitive after that date. The final deadline for international applications is January 15.
To be considered for admission to Berea College as a first-year student, an applicant must participate in a personal interview with an admissions counselor and submit the following materials:
- A completed "Application for Admission and Scholarship" form.
- A completed "Financial Resource Questionnaire" (Freshman Fall Term applicants only, if applying prior to Feb. 1).
- The Guidance Counselor Evaluation Form (to be completed by the high-school guidance counselor; GED holders and home-school applicants need not submit this form).
- Official high-school transcript (GED holders should submit official GED scores in lieu of high-school transcripts; home-schooled students should submit the Home-School Supplement Form if no transcript is available).
- Official ACT or SAT I scores.
- A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Two Evaluation & Endorsement Forms, each from a former teacher, principal, or other school administrator (unless applicant has not recently been enrolled, in which case, evaluation and endorsement forms from professionals in non-educational fields and/or other community leaders will be accepted).