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.
The admissions process conducts a holistic review of each applicant. Many factors are considered in the selection of an applicant, including a properly completed application, personal interview, official academic records, test scores and financial eligibility. In addition to these components, we value recommendations/endorsements, extracurricular and co-curricular activities (e.g. music ensembles, athletics, theatre), community service, character and personal qualities.
Berea College operates as rolling admissions; however interested students are strongly encouraged to apply early and meet priority deadlines: October 31 (Priority #1), February 28 (Priority #2), and April 30 (Final Deadline). 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.
The College maintains an open admissions policy for all applicants and considers students regardless of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
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" (only if applying prior to Jan. 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, available after Jan. 1). All applicants are required to submit a 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).