On-line Application Instructions

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All Applicants:

Please make sure you read these instructions prior to starting your application.

International Applicants: At this time you cannot use this on-line application to apply. Please follow the international student application instructions.

Instructions for Freshmen

• Apply now using this electronic on-line application. Make sure you complete the application in its entirety before submitting it to us for a decision. Our site will allow you to complete the application at your own pace. So, if you can't complete it in one shot, all the information you entered will be there waiting for you when you log back on!

• Once you submit the application, ask your counselor to submit by mail:

  1. An official copy of your High School transcript, which should include your class rank (if available), all grades earned through grade 11, and a list of your senior courses.

  2. SAT or ACT results. Test results can be submitted directly from the College Board testing service or imprinted on an official High School transcript. CEEB/ACT code: 2650. We use the SAT Critical Reading and Math scores in the review process; the writing score is used for placement purposes.

  3. Up to 3 letters of recommendation. (Strongly encouraged)

  4. Mid-term grades from your senior year when available.

• Submit the $35 application fee through our on-line payment option. (Payments can be made via credit card or on-line check.) Your application will not be received in the Office of Admission if payment is not submitted.

• Home-schooled students should contact the Office of Admission for information concerning submission of appropriate documentation.

• Students who have received a high school diploma based on results of the GED (Test of General Educational Development) must ensure that a official copy of the Results Certificate from the state of issue is submitted directly to the Office of Admission. Click here to find your state's GED contact.

Instructions for Transfers

• Students who have been enrolled in any postsecondary institution(s) after graduating high school are considered transfer students, regardless of the number of credits attempted or earned. First semester freshmen at other institutions are not encouraged to apply; we prefer that you have completed at least 24 transferable semester credits prior to enrollment at ESU.

• Apply now using this electronic on-line application. Make sure you complete the application in its entirety before submitting it to us for a decision. Our site will allow you to complete the application at your own pace. So, if you can't complete it in one shot, all the information you entered will be there waiting for you when you log back on!

• Contact all current and previous colleges and universities you have attended to have an official transcript sent directly to the Office of Admission. Your application cannot be reviewed until we have received an official transcript from each college/university.

• Submit, by mail, an official copy of your final high school transcript or GED. Students who have received a high school diploma based on results of the GED (Test of General Educational Development) must ensure that an official copy of the Results Certificate from the state of issue is submitted directly to the Office of Admission. Click here to find your state's GED contact.

Instructions for all other applicants

• Re-admit, non-degree, and international applicants should not use this application. Call the Office of Admission at (877) 230-5547 or e-mail: undergrads@esu.edu to request the correct application and instructions OR, to print your own application form, visit our Print Center.

• For Re-admit student information, click here.

• For Non-degree student information, click here.

• For International student information, click here.

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Application Deadlines

Spring 2009 freshmen & transfer deadline is November 15, 2009. Applications (or application materials such as transcripts and/or SAT scores) postmarked after this date will not be considered.

Fall 2009 freshmen deadline is April 1, 2009. A complete application consists of the application form, $35 application fee, SAT/ACT scores and official high school transcript.

Fall 2009 transfer deadline is May 1, 2009. A complete application consists of the application form, $35 application fee, official high school, and official college transcripts. Early applications are encouraged.

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The Selection Process: Freshmen

Honors Admission:

The Honors Program provides opportunities for motivated students to fulfill their potential by encouraging them to take part in academic and cultural explorations beyond the typical limits of the classroom. Privileges include special seminar style honors classes for part of their general education requirements, a multidisciplinary Honors Seminar in their junior year, priority registration, an Honors Thesis or Project in the major during their senior year, a variety of service projects, field experiences, conferences, and other experiential learning opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. Honors students can select the Honors floor in Laurel Residence Hall, which provides, among other advantages, a quiet study environment, expanded computing facilities, and special evening gathering and workshop opportunities. Freshmen who rank in the top 15% of their graduating class and score 1150 (based on critical reading and math) or higher on the SAT (25 or higher on the ACT) will be offered the opportunity to participate in the Honors Program. Others may be considered by the program director upon review of their credentials. For further information, visit www.esu.edu/honors.

Traditional Admission:

Academic achievement is the primary factor considered in the selection process. While not specifically required for consideration, it is expected that successful applicants will have 4 years of English, algebra I and II, geometry, a senior year college-prep math course, 3 years of science (with at least 2 lab science courses), 3 years of social studies, and 2 years of a foreign language. We also look for a good match between what each applicant can contribute to the university and how the university can meet each applicant's expectations. We refer to that process as a "whole-person assessment." Tell us about your contributions to your school and community, your activities and achievements, your aspirations, and anything else that would help us evaluate your potential for success at ESU. Standardized test results -- the SAT or ACT -- are used as a common yardstick to help us in the selection process. The average score for students offered admission to last year's class was approximately 1000, math and critical reading scores combined. For more information on the freshman application process visit the freshmen homepage.

Notification Process:

Although applications are reviewed as they are received, and many applicants are notified on a "rolling" basis beginning on or about October 1. Applicants should not expect notification for a minimum of six weeks provided that all required documents have been received. Applications received after February 13, 2009 will be reviewed and acted upon within four weeks.

The Selection Process: Transfers

Honors Admission:

Transfer applicants who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher after completion of 24 or more semester credits are considered for admission to the ESU Honors Program. Those with fewer than 24 credits earned will be considered on the basis of their college and secondary school record and SAT/ACT scores. For further information, visit http://www.esu.edu/honors.

Traditional Admission:

Transfer applicants should have completed at least 24 transferable credits prior to enrollment at ESU, and must have a minimum 2.0 re-calculated quality point average to be considered for admission to the University. Exceptions are outlined on the "Admission to Special Programs" section. Applicants with fewer than 24 transferable credits may be considered on a space-available basis; the high school record and SAT/ACT scores will be reviewed in those cases. For more information on the Transfer admission process visit the Transfer homepage.

Academic Passport:

Transfer students who have earned an A.A. or A.S. degree from one of the public PA community colleges may transfer to ESU under the terms of the Academic Passport and are guaranteed admission to the University. Certain programs have higher QPA and/or other requirements that must be met by all applicants, including Academic Passport holders. Visit the Academic Passport homepage for more information.

Notification Process:

Transfer applicants are notified within three weeks of completed application, but no sooner than October 5, 2008 for Spring 2009 admission and no sooner than February 1, 2009 for Fall 2009 admission.

Admission to special programs

(Please read these carefully to see if you meet the requirements.)

• Computer Science

  • Freshmen:

    Four years of college preparatory mathematics required; department prefers at least 550 on SAT Math.

  • Transfers:

    Applicants must have at least a 2.5 QPA and 24 semester credits including a course in college algebra and trigonometry (or higher level) for admission consideration. Maximum of 15 semester credit hours in computer science is transferable, including no more than 3 credits in upper division courses.

• Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management

  • Freshmen:

    Fall freshmen enrollment is limited to 65 students. Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a personal statement with the application for admission.

  • Transfers:

    A minimum QPA of 2.5 after completion of 24 semester credits is preferred. Applicants with averages between 2.3 and 2.49 should contact the department to schedule an interview.

• Nursing

  (Admission to this program is highly competitive and space is limited.)

  • Freshmen:

    Students admitted to the university may not be eligible for nursing due to space limitations. Academic criteria include a 3.5 GPA and at least 1000 on the SAT (Math and Verbal) or 22 composite score on the ACT.

  • Transfers:

    Transfer students will be considered for admission to the nursing program on a space available basis. The student must provide evidence of a minimum cumulative point average of 3.0. Nursing applicants can expect a decision in December for spring admission and in May for fall admission.

    • Registered Nurses

      (Must apply as transfer student)

      • Minimum cumulative point average of 2.75
      • Graduation from an NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) Program; Current PA License.

    • Licensed Practical Nurses

      (Must apply as transfer student)

      • Minimum cumulative point average of 2.75
      • Current PA license
      • Eligibility for advanced placement for Licensed Practical Nurses is reviewed using the following criteria:
        • Nurses graduating less than 3 years from the time they apply are eligible for advanced placement.
        • Nurses who graduated 3 or more years prior to application must have 1000 hours of nursing practice within the last 12 months.
        • Completion of the NLN Mobility Profile I and II standardized tests with a passing score on all tests prior to admission.

• Recreation and Leisure Services Management

  • Transfers:

    The department requires that transfer applicants have a minimum QPA of 2.25 if transferring 62 credits or more.

• Rehabilitative Services

  • Transfers:

    A minimum QPA of 2.5 is required for admission consideration.

• Speech Language Pathology

  • Transfers:

    A minimum QPA of 3.0 is required for admission consideration.

• Teacher Education Programs

  • Transfers:

    A minimum QPA of 2.8 is currently required for admission consideration for programs in Secondary Education, Health Education, Special Education, and Physical Education. Early Childhood, Elementary Educations and Dual Early Childhood/Elementary Education certification programs have a minimum 3.0 QPA entry requirement. Admission requirements may change based on ongoing changes in the program. There are numerous program changes pending for students who will graduate after December 31, 2012 due to changes in PA certification requirements.

Academic Development Opportunities

ESU offers an academic development program to assist students from Pennsylvania who are educationally and financially disadvantaged and whose families meet federal financial guidelines. Students are provided access to ESU and additional educational support to maximize their future potential. If you feel you qualify, or would like to be considered for this program, check item 8 on the application. A FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be submitted in order for ESU to determine a student's eligibility. See www.esu.edu/enrollment for more details on how to file a FAFSA.

A Member of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education

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