2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Undergraduate Admission Process and Deadlines Cedarville University follows a rolling admissions process. An application is reviewed as soon as the application and all supplemental items are received. However, if an applicant’s credentials do not meet rolling admission standards, the file may be held for full committee review. This process occurs monthly and involves a thorough review of the applicant’s academic credentials as well as a variety of personal factors. Applicants who are held for full committee review will be contacted by their admission counselor. Application files may also be held for additional information if deemed necessary. Applicants are officially notified by letter within two weeks after the admissions committee acts upon the completed file. Applicants may also monitor their application status online. While there is no specific application deadline under this model, applicants are encouraged to apply early for the term desired due to other deadlines (e.g., financial aid, housing, etc.). International applicants do have a final application deadline of May 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. Students who have been offered admission for a particular semester may request to defer their enrollment to a subsequent semester by notifying Admissions in writing at least one month before the semester begins. Reservation Deposit A reservation deposit must be submitted by new and readmitted students to indicate their intention to enroll. This money is credited to the student’s account and used to cover tuition expenses. A student must submit a reservation deposit to register for courses. The reservation deposit is fully refundable if the request for refund is received before the reservation deposit deadline. All refund requests must be made in writing by the student. No refunds are available after the deposit deadline. Reservation deposit deadlines are as follows: Term Deadline Fall Semester May 1 Spring Semester Nov. 1 Summer Session May 1 Students admitted after the reservation deposit deadlines must submit their reservation deposits within two weeks of notification of admission. See cedarville.edu/paydeposit for reservation deposit details. Note: The Dual Enrollment program has no reservation deposit requirement. However, you must observe the admission decision/ registration deadlines found at cedarville.edu/accepted. New Student Orientation All new degree-seeking students are required to attend the orientation program for their term of enrollment (fall or spring). Undergraduate Admission Policies High School Preparation Although Cedarville doesn’t prescribe actual secondary school course requirements, we strongly recommend that you follow a college preparatory curriculum that includes the following: • 4 units of English (grammar, composition, and literature) • 3–4 units of mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Precalculus) • 3 units of natural science (physical science, biology, and chemistry) • 3 units of social studies (history and government) • 3 units of a single foreign language If you plan to study pharmacy, engineering, science, mathematics, or nursing, take as many courses in mathematics and science as possible in your secondary school curriculum. It is common for applicants to present transcripts containing honors, advanced placement, and international baccalaureate courses. When choosing electives in your secondary education, select those that develop your interests and skills in the field you’re considering for a major. Grade Point Average Calculation Unweighted high school cumulative grade point averages are considered, along with SAT and ACT scores, for evaluation of admission to the University as well as in the awarding of academic scholarships and need-based grants. Please visit the University’s Financial Aid website for the most current policy on the use of GPA and ACT/SAT for determining financial aid. Any cumulative grade point average indicated as “weighted” is recalculated using the high school’s grading scale. All cumulative GPAs reported in numeric averages are converted to letter grades using the school’s grading scale. Grade point averages are recalculated based on an unweighted 4.0 scale. All grades earned for high school credit are considered. Homeschooled Students Transcript Policy Homeschooled students fit right in at Cedarville University, partly because Cedarville provides the same values-centered education. Cedarville’s homeschool graduates pursue majors in numerous fields such as engineering, broadcasting, Bible, music, political science, education, biology, history, communications, nursing, criminal justice, multimedia technology, and professional writing and information design, and nearly half hold a 3.5 GPA or better. Many homeschooled students take on leadership roles at CU. Several student-leaders, dramatic performers, and resident assistants come from a homeschooled background. Beginning with ninth grade, your transcript should include the following information: • Course title (i.e., Algebra I, English 10, etc.) • Grade earned — when providing grade information, be sure to provide a scale that shows the relationship between percentages and earned letter grades, even if you’re only reporting percentages. • Credit earned — the standard measure for awarding credit is the Carnegie Unit, which awards one (1) credit for completion of a full year course that meets daily. A sample transcript is available for your reference upon request from your admission counselor. Because curricula vary from one homeschooling program to another, it’s important for you to provide an explanation of your course of study and your educator’s teaching methods. • Who is ultimately responsible for setting up curriculum and selecting materials? • What type of curriculum and materials did your educator(s) use? • Who was responsible for providing instruction? Did you have tutors in some areas and not in others, etc.? • Who recorded your grades and how? • What type of independent, standardized testing was used to measure your progress against a larger population? (Include copies of this information with your transcript.) We’d also appreciate any additional information that would shed light on your academic experience. Standardized test scores should be reported directly from the ACT or SAT. High School Graduation Date Policy In general, the high school graduation indicated on the high school transcript at the time of admission to either the College Now program or as a first-time freshman may not be changed. Page 13 2015–16 Undergraduate Academic Catalog Admissions New Student Orientation