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Agnes Scott College Admissions Requirements

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Agnes Scott College, located in Decatur, Georgia, is a private liberal arts college for women that emphasizes leadership development, global awareness, and academic excellence. With a mission to foster intellectual curiosity and personal growth, Agnes Scott offers a dynamic learning environment. The admissions process at Agnes Scott College is holistic, focusing on the applicant’s academic performance, personal background, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the college community.

General Admissions Criteria

Agnes Scott College uses a comprehensive and individualized approach in its admissions process. The goal is to enroll students who are not only academically prepared but who also demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to personal growth and community involvement.

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Applicants to Agnes Scott College must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. The admissions committee encourages students to challenge themselves with a rigorous high school curriculum.

  • Recommended High School Curriculum: Agnes Scott College suggests that students complete the following courses during high school to ensure they are prepared for college-level work:
    • 4 years of English
    • 3–4 years of mathematics (including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry)
    • 3–4 years of science (with at least two laboratory sciences)
    • 3–4 years of social studies
    • 2 years of a foreign language (strongly recommended)

GPA Requirements

Agnes Scott does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement, but competitive applicants typically have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Academic performance in core subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies is emphasized during the admissions review.

  • Class Rank Consideration: If class rank is available, Agnes Scott takes it into account during the evaluation process. Students who rank in the top 25% of their class are generally considered strong candidates for admission.

Standardized Test Scores

Agnes Scott College has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. However, students may choose to submit scores if they believe these will strengthen their application.

  • Preferred Scores (for students who choose to submit them):
    • SAT: A combined score of 1100 or higher (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math)
    • ACT: A composite score of 24 or higher
  • Test-Optional Applicants: Students who do not submit standardized test scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process. However, these applicants are encouraged to submit additional materials such as:
    • A personal essay
    • Letters of recommendation
    • A detailed resume of extracurricular activities and leadership roles

Personal Essay

All applicants to Agnes Scott College are required to submit a personal essay. The essay allows students to showcase their writing skills and provide the admissions committee with insight into their personality, values, and motivations. Common essay topics include:

  • A personal challenge or achievement that has shaped the applicant’s identity
  • An exploration of academic interests or a passion that drives the applicant
  • Why the applicant believes Agnes Scott College is the right fit for them

The personal essay is particularly important for test-optional applicants, as it provides additional context for the admissions committee to assess the student’s readiness and potential for success at Agnes Scott.

Letters of Recommendation

Agnes Scott College requires two letters of recommendation. These letters should come from:

  • One academic source: Such as a high school teacher who can speak to the student’s academic abilities and intellectual curiosity
  • One counselor or community leader: Who can address the applicant’s personal character, leadership potential, and involvement in school or community activities

Letters of recommendation help the admissions team understand the applicant’s academic strengths, work ethic, and ability to contribute to the Agnes Scott community.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities play an important role in Agnes Scott’s admissions process, as the college values students who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a commitment to serving their community. Students are encouraged to provide details about their participation in:

  • School clubs or organizations
  • Leadership roles in student government or community initiatives
  • Volunteer work or service projects
  • Athletic teams or creative pursuits (art, music, theater, etc.)
  • Employment or internships

The admissions committee looks for students who are actively engaged in their school and community, as these experiences help to develop the leadership and communication skills valued at Agnes Scott.

Additional Requirements for Transfer Students

Agnes Scott College welcomes transfer students who have completed coursework at other accredited institutions. Transfer applicants are reviewed primarily based on their college-level academic performance, though other factors such as personal achievements and community involvement are also considered.

Minimum GPA for Transfer Applicants

Transfer applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in their college coursework. However, students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are generally considered strong candidates for admission.

College Transcripts

All transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from each college or university they have attended. Transcripts must reflect the courses completed and grades earned.

  • High School Transcripts: Transfer applicants with fewer than 30 completed college credits must also submit their high school transcripts as part of the application process.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Agnes Scott College accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions. Only courses with a grade of C- or higher will be considered for transfer. The number of credits that can be applied toward a degree at Agnes Scott depends on the specific major and program of study.

Standardized Test Scores

Transfer applicants are not required to submit standardized test scores unless they have fewer than 30 college credits and choose to include their SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.

International Student Admissions Requirements

Agnes Scott College welcomes international students and is committed to fostering a diverse campus community. International applicants must meet specific requirements to demonstrate their academic readiness and English language proficiency.

English Language Proficiency

International students from non-English-speaking countries are required to demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting scores from one of the following standardized tests:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test (iBT).
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum score of 6.5 overall.
  • Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 105.

Students who have attended an English-language high school or completed significant coursework in English may not need to provide these test scores. However, this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Academic Transcripts

International applicants must submit official academic transcripts from their secondary school or post-secondary institutions. Transcripts that are not in English must be accompanied by an official translation and evaluation by a recognized credential evaluation service, such as World Education Services (WES).

Visa and Financial Requirements

International students must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of attending Agnes Scott College. The following documentation is required:

  • Proof of Financial Support: International students must submit bank statements or other financial documentation to show they can afford tuition, fees, and living expenses.
  • Student Visa (F-1): Upon admission, international students will receive an I-20 form, which is necessary to apply for the F-1 student visa.

Program-Specific Admissions Requirements

While the general admissions requirements apply to all students, some academic programs at Agnes Scott College may have additional criteria. Applicants to these programs must submit supplemental materials, participate in interviews, or meet specific academic benchmarks.

Summit Program

Agnes Scott’s Summit Program is a signature academic initiative designed to provide students with global learning experiences and leadership development opportunities. All students participate in Summit, which includes:

  • Global Learning: Students will engage in international travel or global study opportunities as part of their academic experience.
  • Leadership Development: Students take leadership courses and workshops designed to build critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

The Summit Program does not require a separate application, but students are encouraged to highlight any previous leadership or global learning experiences in their personal essay or resume.

Pre-Health Program

Students interested in pursuing careers in health-related fields, such as medicine, dentistry, or public health, are encouraged to participate in Agnes Scott’s Pre-Health Program. This program provides specialized advising and support for students preparing for medical or professional school. Admission to the Pre-Health Program does not require additional application materials, but students should demonstrate strong academic performance in science and math courses during high school or college.

Application Deadlines

Agnes Scott College has several application deadlines depending on the applicant’s intended start date. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to receive priority consideration for scholarships and financial aid.

Freshman Applicants

  • Early Action: Applications are due by November 15. Early Action applicants will receive an admissions decision by mid-December.
  • Regular Decision: Applications must be submitted by March 15. Regular decision applicants will be notified of their admissions status by early April.

Transfer Applicants

  • Fall Semester: Applications for the fall semester must be submitted by July 1.
  • Spring Semester: Applications for the spring semester must be submitted by November 1.

International Applicants

International students should apply by the following deadlines to ensure they have enough time to secure a student visa:

  • Fall Semester: Applications are due by June 1.
  • Spring Semester: Applications are due by October 1.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Agnes Scott College is committed to making education affordable for all students. The college offers a range of merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and work-study opportunities to help students cover the cost of attendance.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Agnes Scott College offers generous merit scholarships based on academic performance, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and do not require a separate application. Some of the available scholarships include:

  • Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to students with exceptional academic achievement and leadership skills.
  • Deans’ Scholarship: Awarded to students with strong academic records and extracurricular involvement.
  • Talent Scholarships: Available to students who demonstrate exceptional talent in areas such as music, theater, or the arts.

Need-Based Financial Aid

In addition to merit-based scholarships, Agnes Scott offers need-based financial aid to students who demonstrate financial need. To be considered for need-based aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The college’s financial aid office works with each student to develop a financial aid package that may include:

  • Grants
  • Loans
  • Work-study opportunities

International Student Scholarships

International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships at Agnes Scott. These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. International students should complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) to be considered for additional financial aid options.

Contact Information for Admissions

For any questions regarding the admissions process, application requirements, or financial aid, prospective students are encouraged to contact the Agnes Scott College admissions office.

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