admissions and student profile

admissions

AND STUDENT PROFILE

What is SHU looking for in a student? Sacred Heart University utilizes a holistic admission process considering a variety of factors. In addition to academic performance in high school, as evidenced by GPA; college-level, honors and AP courses; and recommendations, the Admissions Committee considers co-curricular activities such as athletics; club and organization participation; volunteerism; and involvement in the arts as well as the personal qualities and interests that will allow the student to make a unique addition to the community. As part of the application process, a visit to campus is strongly encouraged so that the student and the University can determine if SHU is the right fit.

What are the application deadlines? Does SHU have Early Action or Early Decision? December 1 ...........Early Decision Deadline

December 15 ........Early Action Deadline

December 15 ........Regular Decision Priority Deadline for College of Nursing

February 15 ...........Regular Decision Priority Deadline for College of Health Professions, Welch College of Business, Farrington College of Education and College of Arts & Sciences

Early Decision is for students who have determined, after visiting and interviewing, that Sacred Heart is their definite first choice. While Early Decision is a binding contract which commits students to enrolling at the University upon admission, SHU does not hold students to the contract if the family determines that enrollment is not financially feasible. Early Action is a flexible option which allows students to learn of their admission decision earlier than regular applicants without a commitment to enroll.

Does SHU use the Common Application? Freshmen may submit the Common Application, available at www.commonapp.org. Transfer students may utilize the Common Application or the SHU Transfer Application available online at www.sacredheart.edu/transferapply.

How much is the application fee? Can this be waived in any circumstance? The fee for applying to SHU is $50. Students who meet the requirements set forth by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) may submit a NACAC Request for Application Fee Waiver Form available at www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/feewaiver. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

Are standardized test scores required? With the exception of home-schooled students, applicants to Sacred Heart University are not required to submit standardized test scores. Scores will be considered only if applicants elect to submit them. If you are unsure whether to submit scores, please discuss your options with your Admissions Counselor. SHU’s test-optional policy may be found at www.sacredheart.edu/testoptional

Is an interview required as part of the application process? Interviews are required for those students who are applying Early Decision and are strongly encouraged for all students applying to the University. Students who have already visited campus or who are located in other parts of the country may also contact their Admissions Counselor regarding opportunities that may exist to interview locally at high schools and other

locations or over the telephone. Students who are not located in the Northeast are also encouraged to ask their Counselor about telephone or video interview options.

Is there an Honors program? How are students admitted? The Thomas More Honors Program at Sacred Heart University seeks bright, eager and dedicated students who are ready to capitalize on the unique resources and opportunities offered to them through the Program, including the Honors Living-Learning Community (LLC) for residential freshmen. Students may enter the Honors Program either as an incoming freshman or as a rising sophomore currently at Sacred Heart or transferring to Sacred Heart. Admission as an incoming freshman is by invitation after a review of all applicants’ academic records. For details on the application process and requirements please visit www.sacredheart.edu/academics/honorsprogram.

Does SHU accept AP, IB or college level credits? Credit will be given for scores of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination. Receipt by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions of an Advanced Placement score report, directly from the College Board, will be considered an application for Advanced Placement and college credit.

Sacred Heart University considers the International Baccalaureate outstanding for its integrated curriculum and rigor. A student awarded the International Baccalaureate Diploma will have his or her individual diploma examinations recorded as transfer credit based on Sacred Heart University equivalencies. If a student does not attain the International Baccalaureate Diploma but presents individual Higher Level examinations with scores of 4, 5, 6, or 7, he or she will receive credits per examination (depending on the Sacred Heart University course equivalency) and up to a total of 30 credits. These individual credits may be applied to general education/core, a major, or an elective. No credit will be awarded for Subsidiary examinations. A student who has been granted credit in a particular area may not enroll for courses that will repeat his or her work in the subject. Students should have their International Baccalaureate Diploma or International Higher Level examination scores sent to the Office of the Registrar.

To receive college credit for courses taken at a college during high school, please have an official transcript forwarded to the Office of Admissions. Although most courses taken at other accredited institutions will be accepted with a grade of B or higher, credit transfer evaluations are done on a courseby-course basis.

Where do SHU students come from geographically? While the top states include New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts, the 2018 freshman class at SHU represents 26 states and 6 countries around the world.