Albion College Admissions Requirements

Albion College is a private liberal arts college located in Albion, Michigan. The college offers a comprehensive academic program, emphasizing critical thinking, creative exploration, and personal growth. Albion College’s admissions process is designed to be holistic, taking into account academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal characteristics to select a well-rounded student body. This guide details the admissions requirements for first-year students, transfer students, international students, and graduate applicants. It also provides information on application deadlines, necessary documents, and contact information for Albion College’s admissions office.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

First-Year Students (Freshman)

First-year students are typically those who are applying directly from high school and have not attended any post-secondary institutions. Albion College evaluates each applicant holistically, meaning they look at more than just grades and test scores.

Academic Coursework:

Albion College expects students to have completed a rigorous high school curriculum that prepares them for the demands of college-level work. Recommended courses include:

• English: 4 years
• Mathematics: 3 to 4 years, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
• Science: 3 years, with at least two courses in laboratory sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
• Social Studies: 3 years, including U.S. History and Government
• Foreign Language: 2 years, although additional years are encouraged for stronger academic preparation
• Electives: Courses in the arts, technology, and additional academic disciplines to further enrich high school learning

GPA Requirement:

• Minimum GPA: Albion College recommends a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, they consider applicants holistically, so students with lower GPAs may still be admitted if they demonstrate significant potential in other areas.

Standardized Test Requirements:

Albion College is test-optional, meaning students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, students who believe their test scores accurately reflect their academic abilities are welcome to submit them as part of the application.

• Test-Optional Policy: Students can choose whether to include standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) in their application.
  • SAT: Typically, competitive students score 1050 or higher (composite score of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing plus Math).
  • ACT: Competitive students often have a composite score of 21 or higher.

Additional Documentation:

• Official High School Transcripts: Albion requires official transcripts to be sent directly from the student’s high school.
• Personal Essay: Albion encourages students to submit an essay or personal statement that reflects their character, values, and goals. This essay is an important part of the holistic review process.
• Letters of Recommendation: While not mandatory, Albion recommends submitting up to two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other adults who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities and personal character.

Transfer Students

Students who have completed coursework at another accredited institution and wish to transfer to Albion College must meet the following requirements.

GPA Requirement:

• Minimum Transfer GPA: Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 from all previously attended institutions. Certain programs may have higher GPA requirements.

Required Documents:

• Official Transcripts: Students must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions they have attended. If the student has fewer than 24 college credit hours, Albion also requires the submission of high school transcripts.
• Course Descriptions: Albion may request course descriptions or syllabi to assess the eligibility of transfer credits.

Transfer Credit Policy:

• Albion College accepts transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities. Courses with a grade of C or higher are generally transferable, though the college may not accept more than 64 credits from two-year colleges.
• Transfer students must complete at least 50% of their major coursework at Albion to graduate.

International Students

Albion College welcomes students from around the world and provides a supportive environment for international applicants.

Academic Requirements:

• Transcripts: International students must submit official high school transcripts or secondary school records. These records must be translated into English if necessary and may need to be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service, such as World Education Services (WES).
• GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 or the equivalent is generally required, though Albion evaluates international applicants holistically.

English Language Proficiency:

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following standardized tests:

• TOEFL: A minimum score of 79 (Internet-based) is required.
• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5 is required.
• Duolingo English Test: Albion College accepts a minimum score of 105.

Additional Documentation:

• Passport Copy: A copy of the applicant’s passport is required.
• Financial Documentation: International applicants must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses for one academic year. This can be done through bank statements or sponsorship letters.
• Personal Essay: Similar to domestic applicants, international students are required to submit a personal statement or essay as part of their application.

Visa Information:

• After admission, international students will receive a Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 student visa. It is important to ensure that all visa requirements are met and maintained throughout the duration of study in the U.S.

Application Process and Deadlines

Albion College offers several options for submitting applications, including through their own application portal and the Common Application.

Step 1: Choose an Application Type

Students can apply through:

• Albion College Application (available on the Albion website)
• Common Application (used by many colleges and universities)

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

The following documents are required to complete the application:

• Completed Application Form: Available online through the Albion website or the Common Application.
• Official Transcripts: High school or college transcripts must be sent directly from the institution.
• Test Scores: Submit ACT or SAT scores if you wish to include them in your application. These are optional for most students.
• Personal Essay: An essay is required for all applicants, whether first-year, transfer, or international.
• Letters of Recommendation: While not mandatory, they are encouraged.

Step 3: Application Fee

• Albion College does not charge an application fee, ensuring that all students have access to apply without financial barriers.

Step 4: Interview (Optional)

Although not required, prospective students are encouraged to schedule an interview with an Albion College admissions counselor. This provides an opportunity to discuss their application, goals, and learn more about the college in a personalized setting.

Application Deadlines

Albion College operates on both Early Action and Regular Decision admissions cycles.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1
  • This is a non-binding admissions option for students who wish to receive an earlier decision from the college. Early action applicants typically receive a response by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1
  • Students applying under the regular decision plan typically receive a response by mid-March.
• Rolling Admissions: After the regular decision deadline, Albion College offers rolling admissions, meaning applications will be reviewed as they are received until the class is full.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Albion College is committed to making its education affordable and offers a variety of financial aid options, including need-based aid, merit-based scholarships, and grants.

Types of Financial Aid:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: These are awarded based on academic achievements, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and other factors. Albion offers several scholarship opportunities for incoming students.
• Need-Based Aid: Students with financial need can apply for need-based grants and scholarships. Albion uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal aid, including Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans.
• Work-Study Programs: Albion College participates in the Federal Work-Study program, allowing students to earn money by working part-time on campus to help offset education costs.
• Albion College Endowed Scholarships: These are scholarships funded by donors and may have specific eligibility criteria such as a focus on particular academic disciplines or extracurricular activities.

How to Apply for Financial Aid:

1. Complete the FAFSA: Submit the FAFSA form using Albion’s school code (002235) to apply for federal financial aid.
2. Scholarship Application: Incoming students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. No additional scholarship application is necessary unless otherwise specified.
3. CSS Profile: International students may be required to submit the CSS Profile for consideration of need-based institutional aid.

Special Programs and Considerations

Albion College Honors Program:

The Honors Program at Albion is designed for academically motivated students who seek a more challenging and enriching educational experience. Admission to the Honors Program is competitive and requires:

• A high school GPA of 3.7 or higher
• Strong standardized test scores (if applicable)
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to academic excellence
• A separate application that includes an essay and letters of recommendation.

Dual Enrollment and AP Credit:

Albion College allows students to earn college credit through Advanced Placement (AP) exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, or dual enrollment programs. Specific credits awarded depend on the scores received and the course taken.

Campus Visits and Virtual Tours

Albion College encourages prospective students and their families to visit the campus to experience the vibrant community firsthand. Campus tours, open houses, and virtual tour options are available throughout the year. Students can schedule a visit or virtual session through the Albion admissions website.

Contact Information

For any questions or further assistance with the admissions process, applicants can contact the Albion College Admissions Office:

Albion College Admissions Office
Mailing Address:
Albion College
611 E. Porter Street
Albion, MI 49224

Phone Number:
(800) 858-6770 or (517) 629-0321

Email:
[email protected]

Website:
www.albion.edu

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM