Arcadia University Admissions Requirements

Arcadia University, located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong focus on global learning, academic excellence, and community engagement. The university’s admissions process is designed to assess applicants holistically, considering academic records, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

General Application Requirements

To apply for undergraduate admission at Arcadia University, students must complete the following steps and submit the necessary materials:

• Completed Application Form: Applicants can apply using the Arcadia University Application or the Common Application.
• Official High School Transcript: An official high school transcript, including grades from all completed coursework, is required. Transcripts should provide a detailed record of academic performance.
• Letters of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation is required, typically from a teacher or school counselor who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities and character.
• Personal Essay: Applicants must submit a personal essay or statement, usually between 250-650 words, which provides insight into their experiences, goals, or reasons for applying to Arcadia.
• Standardized Test Scores (Optional): Arcadia University is test-optional, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for most applicants. Students who feel their test scores enhance their application may submit them, but those who choose not to will not be penalized.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $30 is required, although fee waivers are available for students with financial need.

Academic Requirements

Arcadia University evaluates applicants based on academic achievement in high school and considers the following criteria:

• GPA: While no strict minimum GPA is required, the majority of admitted students have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Coursework: Applicants should demonstrate a solid academic foundation through their high school coursework. The university recommends the following:
  • 4 years of English
  • 3-4 years of Math
  • 3 years of Science (including at least one laboratory science)
  • 2-3 years of Social Studies
  • 2 years of a foreign language (recommended but not required)

Additional Materials for Specialized Programs

Certain programs at Arcadia University may have additional requirements or materials, such as:

• Art and Design Programs: Applicants to programs like Graphic Design or Fine Arts may be required to submit a portfolio showcasing their work.
• Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Programs: Students interested in health-related fields should emphasize a strong background in science and math courses, as well as extracurricular activities related to healthcare.

Application Deadlines

Arcadia University offers several application deadlines to accommodate different applicant needs:

• Early Decision: November 1 (binding decision)
• Early Action: November 1 (non-binding decision)
• Regular Decision: Rolling admissions, but applicants are encouraged to submit by February 1 for priority consideration.

Transfer Student Admissions Requirements

Arcadia University welcomes transfer students from accredited institutions and offers a streamlined admissions process for those seeking to continue their education.

General Application Requirements for Transfer Students

To apply as a transfer student, the following materials are required:

• Completed Transfer Application: Students can apply using the Arcadia Transfer Application or the Common Application.
• College Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities are required. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, although certain programs may have higher requirements.
• High School Transcript: Transfer students with fewer than 30 college credits must also submit their high school transcript.
• Letters of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from a college instructor or academic advisor is strongly recommended.
• Personal Essay: Transfer students must submit a personal statement explaining their reasons for transferring and how Arcadia aligns with their academic and career goals.

Transfer Credit Policies

Arcadia University has a generous transfer credit policy, allowing students to transfer a significant number of credits from other accredited institutions:

• Maximum Transfer Credits: Students may transfer up to 75 credits from a two-year or four-year institution.
• Grade Requirements: Only courses in which a grade of “C” or higher was earned are eligible for transfer.

Application Deadlines for Transfer Students

• Fall Admission: Priority deadline of June 1
• Spring Admission: Priority deadline of November 1

Graduate Admissions Requirements

Arcadia University offers a variety of graduate programs, each with specific admission criteria. The general requirements for most graduate programs are outlined below, but applicants should check their specific program for any additional requirements.

General Application Requirements for Graduate Programs

Applicants to Arcadia University’s graduate programs must submit the following materials:

• Completed Graduate Application: Students can apply through the Arcadia University Graduate Application portal.
• Official Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are required, including undergraduate and any previous graduate work.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require at least two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
• Personal Statement: A written statement outlining the applicant’s academic and professional goals, as well as their reasons for pursuing graduate study at Arcadia.
• Resume/CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing relevant academic, professional, and extracurricular experience.
• Standardized Test Scores: Some graduate programs may require GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test scores. However, many programs have waived this requirement or made it optional.

Program-Specific Requirements

Each graduate program may have additional or specific requirements. Below are examples of program-specific expectations:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT):
  • Applicants must have completed prerequisite courses in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences.
  • A minimum of 100 hours of observation or experience in a physical therapy setting is recommended.
• Master of Public Health (MPH):
  • Applicants should have a background in health-related coursework or professional experience in public health.
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing:
  • Applicants must submit a writing sample (e.g., fiction, nonfiction, or poetry) that demonstrates their creative abilities.

Graduate Application Deadlines

Graduate application deadlines vary by program, but common deadlines include:

• Fall Admission: Applications should be submitted by April 1.
• Spring Admission: Applications should be submitted by November 1.

International Student Admissions Requirements

Arcadia University is committed to fostering a global learning environment and welcomes international students from around the world. International applicants must meet the same general requirements as domestic students, with a few additional criteria.

General Application Requirements for International Students

International applicants must submit the following materials:

• Completed Application: International students can apply using the Arcadia University Application or the Common Application.
• Official Transcripts: International students must provide transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service and translated into English, if necessary.
• Proof of English Proficiency: International students whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores. Minimum score requirements are:
  • TOEFL: 79 iBT
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 105
• Letters of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation is required, typically from a teacher or academic advisor.
• Personal Essay: International applicants must submit a personal essay that reflects their experiences, goals, and reasons for choosing Arcadia University.
• Application Fee: The application fee is $30, and fee waivers are available for students with financial need.

Visa and Financial Documentation

Once accepted, international students must submit additional documents to receive the I-20 form, which is required to obtain an F-1 student visa:

• Proof of Financial Support: International students must provide documentation showing they have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least one academic year.
• Passport Copy: A copy of the passport’s information page is required.

International Student Application Deadlines

• Fall Admission: Applications should be submitted by May 1 to ensure sufficient time for visa processing.
• Spring Admission: Applications should be submitted by November 1.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Arcadia University is dedicated to making higher education accessible and affordable. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including need-based aid, merit scholarships, and work-study opportunities.

Types of Financial Aid Available

• Need-Based Financial Aid: To apply for need-based aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Arcadia’s FAFSA code is 003235.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: Arcadia offers several merit-based scholarships for incoming students, awarded based on academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. Some examples include:
  • The Distinguished Scholarship: A competitive scholarship awarded to students with outstanding academic records and extracurricular achievements.
  • Global Scholar Awards: Scholarships for students who demonstrate a commitment to global engagement and cross-cultural learning.
• Work-Study Programs: Federal work-study opportunities are available for eligible students to earn money toward educational expenses through part-time employment.

Veterans and Military Students

Arcadia University proudly supports veterans and military-affiliated students by offering educational benefits and dedicated resources.

Veterans Education Benefits

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: Arcadia accepts GI Bill benefits to help cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for veterans and their dependents.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: As a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Arcadia helps cover additional costs not covered by the GI Bill.

Additional Support for Military Students

Arcadia offers dedicated resources for veterans and active-duty military members, including a Veterans Affairs Office that provides guidance on admissions, benefits, and academic planning.

Admissions Contact Information

For more information or assistance with the admissions process, you can contact the Arcadia University Admissions Office:

Arcadia University Admissions Office
450 S. Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
Phone: (877) 272-2342
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.arcadia.edu