FRESHMAN ADMISSION GUIDELINES

Current high school students may be considered for admission on the basis of six or more semesters of high school work. However, by the time of enrollment the student must have graduated from an approved secondary school with a minimum of sixteen high school units, including 14 of an academic nature. Ordinarily this would be a minimum of four units in English, three in mathematics, three in laboratory science (two of which must be lab science), two in social sciences and four additional units in college preparatory subjects. 

Recent high school graduates from an approved secondary school can be considered for admission on the basis of eight semesters of high school work including 14 units of an academic nature as noted above.

Applicants for admission should have a strong grade point average, rank in at least the upper half of their class, and hopefully demonstrate involvement in extracurricular, community or work activities. Applicants must submit a high school counselor recommendation and acceptable scores on the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR FRESHMAN ADMISSION

1.       Complete the application for admission*.

         Apply online or download an application

2.       Submit the application fee ** .

3.       Submit an official transcript of high school grades covering at

         least six  semesters (see section  titled Official Transcripts and Documents).

4.       Submit official scores from either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the

         American College Test (ACT).

5.       Have the high school counselor complete and return the recommendation

         form included  in the application for admission.

6.       Applicants to the School of Music must complete an audition before an

        Admission decision can be made. Please contact the School of Music or

        call (773)325-7444.

7.         Applicants to The Theatre School must complete an audition or portfolio

         review and submit three letters of recommendation before an admission decision

         can be made. In some instances additional letters of recommendation and a

         personal interview may be required. Please contact The Theatre School or

         call (773)325-7999 for more information.

* Students who hold an F-1 or J-1 Visa or have been educated outside of the United States and have international educational credentials must complete the International Student Application. Applicants must meet academic requirements and demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 550, or 213 on the computer based test. Applicants   requesting I-20 forms (for F-1 student visa) must demonstrate adequate financial support for   the first year of study. A letter of admission and I-20 form will be issued only after a student has been accepted to the University. Students with international credentials are encouraged to apply as far in advance as possible. Deadlines for applicants with international credentials are two months prior to the desired entry term. Consult the International Student Office for the application and more information.  

** Applicants who apply on-line are charged an application fee of $25.00.  All applications received via mail are charged $40.00.  The Office of Admission encourages all applicants to apply online.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS AND DOCUMENTS

All applicants for freshman admission are required to submit official transcripts and documents from all secondary institutions attended as well as any college work attempted or completed.  In addition, enrolling freshmen are required to submit final high school transcripts upon graduation.  If grades on transcripts submitted to DePaul after admission or enrollment show a substantial drop, the University may rescind admission.

DePaul University considers official documents as those mailed directly from your high school to the Office of Admission.  All transcripts and documents must be originals (faxed or unofficial documents cannot be accepted). Transcripts or documents with a designation, “Issued to Student,” will be considered official only if they are received in a sealed envelope from that school. All documents submitted to DePaul for admission purposes become property of the University.  They will not be released to students or forwarded to other educational institutions.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Students applying for freshman admission are encouraged to apply for the autumn quarter.  Students interested in starting during the winter (apply by November 1^st) or spring (apply by February 1^st) quarters, will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact the Office of Admission for additional information at (312) 362-8300.

EARLY ACTION PROGRAM

DePau l’s Early Action Program (EAP) is designed for high school seniors who have application materials submitted no later than November 15.  To receive strongest consideration for academic merit scholarships, apply by this date.  Scholarships may be awarded after this date on a funds-available basis.  If you are admitted under this program you will receive acceptance by January 1 and priority consideration for advising and registration.  (TheatreSchool and Music applicants are not eligible to participate in EAP.)

PRIORITY/REGULAR APPLICATION

The recommended application date is February 1.  After this date, applications are considered on a space-available basis until August 15.  If you submit your application materials by February 1 and file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by early February, you will have an admission decision and, if admitted to DePaul, a financial aid proposal by the National Candidates’ Reply Date of May 1.

SCHOOL OF MUSIC

All application materials must be received by January 15.  An entrance audition will be scheduled prior to rendering an admission decision.  Notification of admission decision will be made by April 1.

THE THEATRESCHOOL

All application materials must be received by January 15 and sent directly to The Theatre School at 2135 N. Kenmore Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60614.  An entrance audition will be scheduled prior to rendering an admission decision.  Notification of admission decision will be made in late March.

HOME SCHOOL APPLICANTS

For students who have been home schooled through high school we recommend submitting a listing of the textbooks used, especially the academic areas of math and science in addition to an official transcript showing courses taken and grades earned.

EARLY GRADUATION

Students who complete the equivalent of a high school degree early, may be considered for admission and attend as full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates. Ordinarily this would be a minimum of four units in English, three in mathematics, three in science (two of which must be lab science), two in social sciences and four additional units in college preparatory subjects. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the Office of Admission at (312) 362-8300 to speak with an admission counselor.

COOPERATIVE HIGH SCHOOL-COLLEGE PROGRAM

Current high school students may enroll at the University as part-time students taking courses for college credit in addition to their normal high school work. A recommendation indicating course areas in which the student is proficient is required from the high school principal or guidance counselor. Courses may be taken during summer terms or the regular academic year. Students will be required to take necessary placement exams and meet all course prerequisites.  Students should complete the online Non-Degree application. Students are encouraged to consult the Office of Admission at (312)362-8300 (in Illinois) or (800)4-DePaul (outside of Illinois) to discuss their intentions with an admission counselor prior to applying.

ADVANCED STANDING

Applicants who have earned college credit in any of the following Advanced-Standing programs will be awarded credit according to University policies: 

1.    DePaul University Cooperative High School-College Program.

2.    CollegeBoard Advanced Placement Exams (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Consult  Student Recordsfor more information.See the heading Limitations on Amount of Transfer Credit and Credit By

       Examination Accepted for more information.  

3.     College Course Work in High School. Students successfully completing college-level course work while

        In high school are awarded credit for all transferable courses upon receipt of an official college transcript.

CAMPUS TOURS AND VISITS FOR PROSPECTIVE FRESHMAN STUDENTS

Tours and admission information sessions for prospective students and their families are strongly recommended and are offered at DePaul’s Loop and Lincoln Park campuses. Call the Lincoln Park Admission Office at (773)325-7500 to arrange an information session and/or a tour.  Out-of-state residents call toll-free (800)4 DePaul (ext 57500).