Furman welcomes applications from students who seek to enroll as freshmen after graduating from high school or who transfer from regionally accredited colleges and universities. The Admission Committee also accepts applications for special admission, including non-degree and transient students.
Admission is selective, based primarily on previous academic performance and proven leadership and committed involvement in activities outside of the classroom. Neither academic record nor ability is in itself sufficient qualification for admission of any candidate. The university reserves the right to decline admission to any student who in the judgment of the Admission Committee may not benefit from Furman’s educational program or whose presence or conduct may be detrimental to the program.
Freshman Admission
Freshman applications are available through the Admission website at www.furman.edu/admission. Furman requires the use of the Common Application. Typically, candidates for admission must have graduated from a regionally accredited high school prior to enrollment at Furman. The Admission Committee uses the following criteria in its decisions:
High school record
An official transcript is required. A strong college preparatory course of study is essential. At minimum, it must include four years of English, Algebra I and II, geometry, three years of social studies, at least three years of natural sciences, and at least two years of the same foreign language. Typically, successful candidates complete four or more advanced or honors-level academic credits each year. Quality of courses and grades are the two most important factors in admission.
Essay
At least one essay is required of all students. Specific topics and word limits are listed on the admission application and website.
Extracurricular activities
All prospective students should provide information about their activities outside of the classroom, emphasizing their leadership, service, commitment to the community and civic engagement. The Admission Committee seeks students who demonstrate passion and commitment to these activities.
Optional standardized test scores
The Admission Committee believes that a student’s potential for success cannot be determined solely by standardized test scores. Rather, the Committee is interested in getting to know the whole student-one who pursues leadership and passionate engagement with the world. Therefore, submitting official test scores is optional. If the student does decide to submit test scores and submits multiple test results, the Admission Committee will select the scores that offer the student the greatest advantage in the admission review process.
Optional Furman Admission Network (FAN) interview
Applicants may elect to participate in an informal FAN interview with a Furman alumnus or parent volunteer. The applicant is matched with an interviewer in the student’s area whenever possible, and the interview takes place preferably in person. Other formats include phone or Skype interviews. Though a FAN interview is an optional part of the application process, the Admission Committee strongly urges every applicant to participate, as the interview allows the Committee to learn details about the student that may not be expressed in the formal application.
Early Decision Plan for Admission
Candidates who are confident that they will attend Furman if admitted should apply Early Decision. Furman’s Early Decision plan is binding, meaning that applicants must agree to withdraw all other applications and commit to enrolling at Furman if offered admission. Deadline to submit the application is November 1, and admission decisions are announced December 1. Admitted students learn of any financial aid award around December 15. If the student applies for the Lay, Duke, Hollingsworth, Townes, or departmental scholarships, he or she will receive notification in early April. Therefore, if the student’s college decision is dependent upon financial assistance from these scholarships, applying Early Decision is not recommended.
To reserve a class space for the fall, admitted students must submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit and a signed statement of intent no later than January 5. These candidates are required to immediately withdraw applications submitted to all other institutions at this time. Early Decision candidates whose applications are deferred receive consideration in the Regular Decision Plan. The candidate is required to have the high school submit an updated transcript of grades for the first semester of the senior year.
Early Action Plan for Admission
First-year candidates who wish to know of their admission decisions earlier than Regular Decision may elect to apply Early Action, which is nonbinding. Deadline to submit the application is November 15, and admission decisions are announced February 1. Admitted students learn of any financial aid around March 1. If the student applies for the Lay, Duke, Hollingsworth, Townes, or departmental scholarships, he or she will receive notification in early April.
To reserve a class space for the fall, admitted students must submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit and a signed statement of intent no later than May 1.
Regular Decision Plan for Admission
Students applying Regular Decision must submit their applications no later than January 15. Admission decisions are announced April 1. Admitted students learn of any financial aid award in early April. If the student applies for the Lay, Duke, Hollingsworth, Townes, or departmental scholarships, he or she will receive notification in early April.
To reserve a class space for the fall, admitted students must submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit and a signed statement of intent no later than May 1.
Special Freshman Admission
Students admitted to Furman as freshmen typically enroll after graduating from a regionally accredited high school following four years of study. Occasionally, admission is offered to qualified candidates whose educational backgrounds are different from those of most students. These candidates include: early admission candidates (who wish to enroll after three years of high school without graduating), early high school graduates (who have fewer than four years of high school or are younger than most freshmen), and home-schooled students. Candidates under any of these special categories are judged on an individual basis by the Admission Committee.
Early admission candidates or early high school graduates should be students of unusual academic promise and personal maturity. Candidates must have a minimum un-weighted high school grade point average of a 3.50. An interview with a member of the Admission staff is also required. Home-schooled students should submit all the materials described in the Freshman Admission section, as well as an outline of topics or curriculum covered in the secondary school experience. The student is required to interview with the Admission home-school coordinator.
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Other Exams
Students may receive credit for Advanced Placement (AP) courses by submitting scores from the accompanying exams directly to Furman. Typically, credit for one course at Furman is awarded for each exam in which a student scores four or higher (three or higher for Mathematics BC). For International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, credit for one course at Furman is typically awarded for each examination with a score of six or higher. Course credit may also be awarded for students completing the Advanced Level General Certificate of Education (A-level) exams based on specific subjects and scores. Other national subject-based exams may be considered upon individual request. Consult the Registrar’s website at www.furman.edu/registrar for more specific information about course credit exam equivalencies.
Transfer Students
Students may transfer to Furman from other regionally accredited colleges. The Admission Committee uses the following criteria in its decisions:
College courses and grades earned
This is the most important factor for transfer applicants. An official transcript must be received by the application deadline.
College official’s report
A college official’s report, found on the Common Application website, must be received by the application deadline.
High school record
Transfer candidates are required to submit an official high school record. Courses and grades from high school are considered for transfers with less than one year of college at the time of application.
Transfer applications are considered for both semesters. Application review for fall semester begins January 15. First offers of admission are delivered April 1. Applications for fall semester are considered until all available spaces are filled. (All spaces are typically filled by mid-spring.) Accepted students who wish to enroll must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $500 by May 1 or by the deadline in their acceptance letters if later.
Transfer students may apply for spring semester by completing the application for admission by November 1, and they will be notified of a decision no later than December 1. Accepted students who wish to enroll must submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $500 by Jan. 5 or by the deadline in their acceptance letters if later.
After approval for admission, the Registrar will correspond with the student concerning courses for which credit will be transferred, minimum number of credits required for graduation, and general education requirements that remain to be completed. The department chair in which the student plans to major determines the specific courses required in the major program.
Credit for courses successfully completed at other regionally accredited colleges or universities transfer to Furman provided a satisfactory grade (C- or better in a traditionally graded course) was earned and the courses are equivalent to courses offered at Furman or would otherwise fit into the liberal arts curriculum at the university.
International Students
Furman invites international freshman and transfer students to apply for admission. Deadlines for international students are the same as for other new students, freshmen and transfers. The documents necessary for application and criteria for selection of qualified applicants beyond those for prospective domestic students include:
Proof Of English Proficiency
Scores from TOEFL or IELTS should be sent to Furman by the testing agency.
Certificate of Finance
Limited financial assistance is available for international students. All applicants must submit a Certificate of Finance, which demonstrates the amount of funding a student is able to provide toward his or her educational expenses. This form is necessary to process the I-20 form for the F-1 student visa.
Health Insurance for the F-1 Student Visa
All F-1 visa holders and any accompanying dependents are expected to maintain active health insurance coverage that meets or exceeds federal regulations. The Office of Study Away and International Education will purchase appropriate insurance for all students holding a F-1 visa without documentation of sufficient coverage. Students will be invoiced directly by the university for the associated premiums.
Non-Degree Students
A non-degree student has already earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and is not seeking a degree from Furman. Each applicant for admission is required to submit a non-degree seeking application and a transcript detailing all previous post-secondary educational experiences, including date of graduation. Admission is based on the quality of college work and available space. Non-degree students must re-apply for each term in which they wish to enroll. Financial aid is not available to non-degree students.
Transient Students
A transient student is seeking a degree at another accredited institution and seeks to earn credit at Furman. Each applicant for admission is required to submit a non-degree seeking application, a transcript detailing all previous post-secondary educational experiences, and a statement from the other institution reflecting that the student is in good standing. Admission is based on the quality of college work and available space. Financial aid is not available to transient students.
Re-admission
Following an absence from Furman of one or more regular terms, a student who desires to reenter must apply for re-admission. The Associate Academic Dean reviews the application. If approved, the student must meet the requirements for graduation and the minimum academic standards effective at the time of re-admission.
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