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 3.50 or higher, and have scored between 20 and 30 on the ACT or 1030 and 1360 on the SAT I. Please note the College’s Fall 2023 application process is test score optional. All applications will be given the same consideration, regardless of test scores being submitted or not. With the exception of test-optional applicants, all applicants must meet the faculty-established minimum criteria for admissions to the College which is an ACT composite score of 19 (or SAT of 980) and rank in the top three-fifths of their high school class. 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, official academic records, test scores (if not test-optional) and financial eligibility. In addition to these components, we value recommendations/endorsements, Admissions Counselor conversations, extracurricular and co-curricular activities (e.g. music ensembles, athletics, theatre), community service, character and personal qualities, social maturity and demonstrated interest in the College.
Berea College operates as rolling admissions; however interested students are strongly encouraged to apply early and meet deadlines: November 15 (Early Action I Deadline), January 31 (Early Action II Deadline) and March 31 (Regular Decision Deadline). Well qualified applicants may be accepted for fall admission as early as December. Though an early application alone will not ensure admission to the College, some advantage may be realized by those who complete an application by the Early Action I Deadline (November 15). International students can submit an application by October 15 for Early Action or January 15 for Regular Decision.
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 submit the following materials:
- A completed Application for Admission and Scholarship form.
- School 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 (if applicant is not test score optional).
- A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- One Teacher Recommendation Form -- must be from a core subject (e.g. English, Math, Science, Foreign Language, Social Studies) teacher. If the applicant has not recently been enrolled, a recommendation form from professionals in non-education fields and/or other community leaders will be accepted.