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 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 Admission Counselor or visiting campus to connect with students and faculty.
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 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 admission decisions.
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. 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.
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. The application deadline is November 1 and students are notified of admission decisions by November 15. Admitted students are notified of any financial aid/scholarships for which they are eligible around December 1. Students who are invited to interview for the Duke, Hollingsworth, or Townes Scholarships will be notified in early April. 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.
Early Action Plan for Admission
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 November 1 and students are notified of admission decisions by December 20. Admitted students learn of any financial aid/scholarships for which they are eligible in mid-February. Students who are invited to interview for the Duke, Hollingsworth, or Townes Scholarships will be notified 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 released on March 1. 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, Hollingsworth, or Townes Scholarships will be notified 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 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 reviewed on an individual basis by the Admission Committee.
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.
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. There is no minimum for standardized test scores. To be competitive for admission, the average score for the TOEFL is 100 internet based or 620 paper based, and an IELTS score of 7.0.
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
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 on March 1. Applications for fall semester 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 November 1 and 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 January 5 or by the deadline in their acceptance letters if later.
Students may transfer to Furman from other regionally accredited colleges. The Admission 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. Courses and grades from high school are considered for transfers with less than one year of college at the time of application.
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 semester, 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.
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