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 3.45 or higher, and have scored between 20 and 30 on the ACT or SAT equivalent.
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 deadlines: October 31 (Priority Deadline) and March 31 (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 November 30.
The College maintains an admissions policy where all applicants are considered regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, political affiliation, disabling condition, or service in the uniformed services.
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.
- 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).