Frequently Asked Questions: Admissions

Admissions

How do I apply to Calvin?

Calvin welcomes applications for admission from qualified high school seniors and transfer students. Submit your completed application, along with essay questions, an academic recommendation, high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores.

Students are encouraged to complete the application process prior to February 1 to ensure maximum scholarship consideration. Applications are welcome after this date on a space-available basis.

Apply by December 1 and Calvin will waive your $35 application fee! (January 1 for Canadian and international students).

 What are Calvin's minimum requirements for admission?

For first-year applicants:

• 2.5 GPA (on 4.0 scale) or 65-73% in a Canadian grading system
• 20 ACT or 940 SAT (470 Math and 470 Critical Reading)
• High school course requirements

For transfer applicants:

• GPA of 2.0 if transferring from a 4-year institution; 2.5 if transferring from a 2-year institution
• ACT or SAT scores: see below
• 3 years of college prep math, beginning with Algebra 1
• High school diploma or equivalent degree (GED)

Applicants with lower grades or scores are encouraged to apply and may be admitted on condition if there is other evidence of academic promise.

Does Calvin offer “early decision”?

Because Calvin accepts applications on a rolling basis, we do not offer early decision. Beginning mid-October, applicants are notified of their admission status within approximately three weeks of completing their application file. Admitted first-year students must then notify Calvin of their decision to attend by May 1. Canadian and transfer students must notify Calvin by June 1.

What are Calvin's application deadlines?

Completed applications are considered on a rolling basis until the deadlines below. For maximum scholarship consideration, apply by February 1.

	Fall Sem	Jan Interim	Spring Sem
First Year	Aug. 15	N/A	Jan. 15
Transfer	Aug. 15	N/A	Jan. 15
Canadian	Aug. 15	N/A	Jan. 15
International	April 1	N/A	Dec. 15*
Non-Degree	Students applying for readmission or non-degree seeking students are admitted on a space-available basis until the first day of classes.
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*We do not accept international applications mid-year unless you are an international student in the U.S. who is transferring to Calvin.

 What are Calvin's SAT and ACT test requirements?

College Entrance Exam Minimum Scores 

ACT (#1968)				SAT (#1095)
Engl	Math	Reading	Composite	Reading	Math
19	20	16	20	470	470
The writing sections of the ACT and SAT are not required.

Applicants with lower scores are encouraged to apply and may be admitted on condition if there is other evidence of academic promise. 

What credit does Calvin offer for AP classes?

The credit you earn at Calvin for AP and other non-traditional credit courses (IB, OAC, etc.) depends on the test taken and the score earned. To find out what scores are needed and what classes they apply to, see the Registrar's charts for Advanced Placement and other non-traditional credits.

How can I visit campus?

High school students and their parents are encouraged to visit Calvin through the Fridays at Calvin program. You can attend chapel, tour campus, meet with professors, and spend the night in the dorms – register for Fridays here.

If Fridays doesn't work for you, we welcome visits on any day. Visits may be arranged by calling 800-688-0122.

Who is my admissions counselor?

You can identify your admissions counselor based on where you live. You are welcome to contact your admissions counselor at any time—they would love to talk with you!