Furman welcomes applications from students who seek to enroll as first year studnets after graduating from high school or who transfer from regionally accredited colleges and universities. The Admissions Committee also accepts applications for special admission, including non-degree students who wish to enroll in a course transiently and apply course credit towards a degree at another institution.
Admission is selective and based primarily on previous academic performance and committed involvement in activities outside of the classroom. Our holistic approach to admissions allows us to gain insight about who students are both academically and personally. We encourage prospective students to be personally engaged with Furman by communicating with their Admissions Counselor or visiting campus to connect with students and faculty.
First Year Student Admissions
First year student applications are available through the Admissions website at www.furman.edu/admission. Furman requires the use of the Common Application and Coalition Application for admission consideration. Typically, candidates for admission must have graduated from a regionally accredited high school prior to enrollment at Furman. The Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on the following criteria:
High School Transcript
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. Rigor of curriculum and grades are the two most important criteria considered in making admissions decisions.
Extracurricular Activities
All prospective students should provide information about their co-curricular activities outside of the classroom, emphasizing their leadership, service, commitment to the community and civic engagement. The Admissions Committee seeks students who demonstrate passion and commitment to these activities.
Optional standardized test scores
The Admissions Committee believes that a student’s potential for success cannot be determined solely by standardized test scores. Therefore, submitting official test scores is optional. If the student does decide to submit test scores and submits multiple test results, the Admissions Committee will select the scores that offer the student the greatest advantage in the admission review process.
Home-Schooled Students
In addition to the admissions criteria listed above, home-schooled students are required to interview with the Home School Student Coordinator, in order to better understand the curriculum and opportunities available.
Early Decision I Plan for Admissions
Candidates who are confident 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. The application deadline is November 15 and students are notified of admission decisions by December 1. Admitted students are notified of any financial aid/scholarships for which they are eligible around December 15. Students who are invited to interview for the Duke Scholarship will be notified in early March. 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 II Plan for Admissions
Students who prefer an early application option as a strong preference for admission, may elect to apply under Early Decision II, which is also binding, meaning that applicants follow the guidelines outlined in Early Decision I. This application plan is most appropriate for students who prefer to include fall senior year grades and/or test scores they wish to be included, while expressing early interest. The application deadline is January 15 and students are notified of admission decisions by February 1. Admitted students are notified of any financial aid/scholarship for which they are eligible by February 15. These candidates are required to immediately withdraw applications submitted to all other institutions at this time.
Early Action Plan for Admissions
Students who wish to know of their admission decisions earlier than Regular Decision may elect to apply Early Action, which is nonbinding. The application deadline is December 1 and students are notified of admission decisions by January 15. Admitted students learn of any financial aid/scholarships for which they are eligible in early February. Students who are invited to interview for the Duke Scholarship will be notified in early March.
Regular Decision Plan for Admissions
Students applying Regular Decision must submit their applications no later than January 15. Admission decisions are released by March 15. Admitted students learn of any financial aid/scholarships for which they are eligible in mid-March. Students who are invited to interview for the Duke Scholarship will be notified in early March
Early High School Graduates
Students admitted to Furman as first year students typically enroll after graduating from a regionally accredited high school following four years of study.
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 Admissions staff is also required. Home-schooled students should submit all the materials described in the Freshman Admissions section, as well as an outline of topics or curriculum covered in the secondary school experience. The student is required to interview with the Admissions home-school coordinator.
International Students
Furman invites international first year 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
TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Advanced Exam, or Duolingo scores should be sent to Furman by the testing agency to demonstrate English proficiency. Minimum scores required:
TOEFL: 85 (Average 21 in each category)
IELTS: 6.5 (Overall band score)
Cambridge English Exam Advanced (CAE): 180 (Overall score)
Duolingo: 105-110
Furman Statement of Finance
All international students must complete the Furman Statement of Finances, indicating their ability to finance travel to and study at Furman. In addition, students should provide evidence of financial support such as bank statements, personal sponsor information or other documents.
Health Insurance for the F-1 Student Visa
The university will purchase appropriate health insurance on the behalf of all students holding a F-1 visa. Students will be invoiced directly by the university for the associated premiums.
Transfer Students
Transfer applications are considered for both fall and spring semesters. Application review for fall semester begins January 15. Initial offers of admission are released by March 1, and will continue on a rolling basis. Applications for fall semester are accepted through July 31 and are considered until all available spaces are filled. 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 December 15 and will be notified of their decision on a rolling basis. Accepted students who wish to enroll must submit a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $500 by January 5 or by the deadline in their acceptance letters if later.
Students may transfer to Furman from other regionally accredited colleges. The Admissions Committee uses the following criteria in its decisions:
College Transcript
An evaluation of college courses completed and grades earned is the most important factor considered for transfer admission.
College Official’s Report
A college official’s report, found on the Common Application website, must be received by the application deadline.
High School Transcript
Transfer candidates are required to submit an official high school record if they have not yet reached the age of 21 or have less than one year of college coursework at the time of application.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
A non-degree seeking student is currently enrolled in another accredited institution and seeks to earn credit at Furman or 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 an official 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 seeking students.
Re-Admission
Following an absence from Furman of one or more semesters, a student who has previously withdrawn from the university must apply for re-admission. The Associate Academic Dean guides the process and 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. The student is encouraged to contact the Associate Academic Dean directly.
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