Admissions

Policy

Decisions on admission to any undergraduate school or college of the University are made after a careful review of an applicant’s academic achievement, scholastic aptitude, and personal characteristics which may predict success in the University. High school or college grades, course content, test scores, class rank, essays, extra-curricular activities and recommendations from teachers, counselors, and principals play an important part in the whole admission procedure. All applicants are reviewed according to these criteria without discrimination on the basis of race, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origins, marital of financial status, disability, gender, sexual orientation or any other non-merit factor.

Prerequisites

Applicants for regular admission are expected to have graduated from an accredited high school in a college preparatory curriculum while showing evidence of ability to complete the University’s requirements for graduation.

The following pattern of coursework is recommended, but not required, for admission to Gonzaga University:

Suitable scores on the American College Test battery (the ACT) or on the Scholastic Aptitude Test of the College Board (the SATI) are also required. All candidates for admission to the University are urged to take their tests no later than the first semester of their senior year in high school. Often, these test scores will then appear on the candidate’s transcript; if they do not, the candidate must insure that such scores are forwarded to the University.

An application for undergraduate admission will not be considered until all pertinent records are filed with the Office of Admission.

How to Apply for Admission

1. 1) Students applying to Gonzaga University may submit either the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) or the Universal College Application (www.universalcollegeapp.com). Applications can be accessed at either of their websites, on the Gonzaga website, or by requesting a paper copy directly from the University.
2. 2) Students must complete all parts of either the Common Application or Universal College Application, including: personal and educational data, family information, the personal essay, and a list of awards and activities. Students must also request that a teacher complete the Teacher/Instructor Evaluation, and that the high school counselor complete the Secondary School Report.
3. 3) Submit the Gonzaga University Common Application Supplement or the Gonzaga University Universal College Application Supplement. These documents may be obtained on the Admissions portion of the Gonzaga University website or directly from Common App or Universal College App.
4. 4) Submit the non-refundable application fee. The application fee may be submitted to us from the Common Application or Universal College Application websites, on the Admissions portion of the Gonzaga website, or by sending in a check or money order payable to “Gonzaga University.”
5. 5) Forward an official high school transcript to the Office of Admission. The application may be completed after the student has finished six semesters (or nine trimesters) of work in a college preparatory program.
6. 6) Have ACTor SATI scores forwarded to the Office of Admission if they do not already appear on the high school transcript. Gonzaga does not require the writing portion of either the ACTor the SATI.
7. 7) Home-schooled students are a significant part of Gonzaga University’s applicant pool. Students may choose home schooling for a variety of reasons and may implement a variety of styles. Therefore, home-school applications receive highly individualized attention. The Gonzaga Office of Admission requests that a home-schooled student submit all of the materials requested above. If the transcript provided is created by the family, Gonzaga requests a portfolio of high school work. The portfolio should include samples of academic work from high school courses ranging from English and history to science and mathematics. While the School Report may be submitted by parents, the academic recommendation must come from someone outside the family. Finally, when no transcript is provided, an ACT or GED can be submitted, although the portfolio is greatly preferred.

1. 1) Obtain Gonzaga’s Transfer Application for Admission from the Office of Admission at Gonzaga or through the University website.
2. 2) Complete all sections of the first part of the application, including personal and educational data, family information, personal essay, and a list of awards and activities.
3. 3) Request a teacher complete Part 3 and/or write a letter of recommendation and forward it to the Office of Admission.
4. 4) Request that a representative at the applicant’s current institution, or last institution attended, complete Part 4 Transfer Student Clearance Report and forward it to the Office of Admission.
5. 5) Arrange to have official transcripts of all high school and college work sent to the Office of Admission. Students who have earned thirty semester or forty-five quarter credits in college need not submit a high school transcript.
6. 6) Submit the scores of the ACTor SAT to the Office of Admission if they do not appear on high school or college transcripts. Students who can transfer thirty semester or forty-five quarter credits to Gonzaga, or who are at least twenty-one years of age, need not submit the test results of these examinations, except in special cases.
7. 7) Submit the non-refundable application fee online or in the form of a check or money order made out to “Gonzaga University.” Send this check or money order along with the application to the Office of Admission.

Admission of International Students

Gonzaga welcomes applications from international students, who make up a valued part of the University’s student body. Since 1969, Gonzaga has been authorized by the Federal government to issue both I-20’s and DS-2019 so that international students can secure visas and enroll in our programs. To be considered for undergraduate admission, international applicants are required to submit the following:

1. 1) A completed Common Application including the Gonzaga supplement with the required fee. An application can be obtained at www.commonapp.org or from Gonzaga’s Office of International Student Programs at (509) 313-6561.
2. 2) Proof of academic preparation through the submission of official academic records demonstrating satisfactory achievement in the completion of a secondary education equivalent to that offered in the United States.
3. 3) Proof of financial resources which will permit the student to afford all costs associated with undergraduate study at Gonzaga University. This is demonstrated by submitting an official Financial Declaration for International Applicants, accompanied by official bank statements or the equivalent.
4. 4) Proof of English language proficiency adequate for undergraduate study at Gonzaga, which may be demonstrated by any of the following:
   1. a) An official TOEFL score of at least 550 written/ 213 computer/80 internet-based administered and reported directly to Gonzaga University by the Educational Testing Service.
   2. b) An official APIEL grade of 3 or higher administered and reported directly to Gonzaga University by the College Board.
   3. c) Successful completion of the course of study offered by Gonzaga University’s ESL Program with faculty recommendation.
   4. d) For transfer students, proof of successful University- level English study (not ESL), courses equivalent to Gonzaga’s ENGL 101 and SPCO 101 with a “B” grade or better at a college or university in the United States, or acceptable TOEFL scores.
   5. e) Proof of English as the student’s native language.

When to Apply for Admission

All new students may apply for admission to either the fall or spring semesters. Gonzaga uses a ‘pooling’ admission system for fall applicants from high school. High school students have two fall semester application options: 1) a non-binding Early Action program with a November 15th deadline, or 2) a Regular Decision option with a February 1st deadline. Early Action applicants will be informed of their admission status by mid-January while Regular Decision applicants will be informed of their admission status by mid- March. Students seeking entrance into the spring semester should apply for admission by November 1st.

All applicants seeking financial aid should also complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1st. This form can be accessed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

All students who wish to transfer to Gonzaga from another college or university should make their application early in the semester preceding their intended registration at Gonzaga; this is especially true for transfer students who wish to apply for financial assistance. In any case, transfer students applying for the fall semester should do so no later than June 1^st, and students applying for the spring semester, no later than November 1^st. Transfer student applications are considered on a ‘rolling’ basis.

Enrollment in a summer session does not imply admission for the regular academic year. Summer session students who desire regular admission to the University should submit their application to the Office of Admission.

Credit Earned Elsewhere

Transfer of Credit
Applicants from other colleges or universities should note that all credits submitted for transfer approval must have a grade of at least 2.00 (on a 4.00 point scale), must represent college-level course work, and must be academic in nature for acceptance by the University. Students may not transfer more than sixty-four semester credits or ninety-six quarter credits from a two-year college. Students transferring to Gonzaga University with sixty-four semester credits from a community college may not return to a two-year college for any additional transfer credit. All transfer students must complete at least thirty semester credits at Gonzaga immediately preceding their graduation from the University. For further information on transfer credits, applicants should consult the General Degree Requirements section of this catalogue.

College Level Examination Program

The C.L.E.P. (College Level Examination Program) was established to enable students who have acquired their education in non-traditional ways to demonstrate their academic achievement. It is especially designed for older students who by private reading and study have achieved competence beyond the high school level in certain fields of study normally taught to college freshmen. Two kinds of examinations are available: Subject Examinations and General Examinations.

1. 1) Subject Examinations: The University allows credit for most of these examinations according to norms established by the appropriate departments of the University. Detailed information is available from the Dean of Admission.
2. 2) General Examinations: Gonzaga does not offer credit on the basis of these examinations, but the examination results may be used by various departments in making decisions about giving students advanced standing, thus possibly exempting them from certain freshman-level courses. Decisions are made on an individual basis by chairpersons.

Advanced Placement of Freshmen/International Baccalaureate Credit

The University welcomes requests for special placement evaluation for incoming students who have taken the Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations of the College Board or International Baccalaureate Examinations. Examination results should be forwarded to the Office of Admission. Applicants may be granted credit, advanced standing, or a waiver of requirements depending on the field of study, the scores achieved, and the general regulations of the University. A brochure on A.P. and I.B. Examination policies at Gonzaga University is available from the Office of Admission or from the University website.

Proficiency Examination Program

P.E.P. (Proficiency Examination Program) is a series of examinations sponsored by the American College Testing program. Gonzaga currently gives credit for several P.E.P. examinations. These tests are designed to assess experiential learning of subject-matter proficiency attained primarily outside a typical classroom. A brochure on P.E.P. and all Credit by Examination policies at Gonzaga University is available from the Dean of Admission.

Honors Program

Gonzaga University has long challenged exceptional students through its Honors Program. This interdisciplinary, competitive program seeks academically gifted and intellectually curious students who are willing to put their talents to work for the service of others.

The four-year Honors curriculum allows a student to choose any major or minor course of study. Although primarily geared for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, adjustments are made for those pursuing degrees in engineering, education, or business. In addition to small classes and close personal advising and counseling, a waiver of tuition fees for excess credit, a modest non-need based scholarship, flexible scheduling, special study facilities, and pride of place at graduation are provided.

Anyone may apply to the program, but only twenty-four places are open each year, approximately the top 2% of an entering first-year class. Candidates must complete a separate Honors application to be considered for admission. Acceptance is based on independent intellectual achievement, recommendations from teachers, leadership roles, skill in effective expression, outstanding standardized test scores, high school rank, personal interviews, and the essay on the Honors application form. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the campus and to meet with the Director. For further information, please consult the Honors Program section of this catalogue.

Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program

The Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program includes a four-year concentration that immerses students from any major in the fundamentals of creating and managing new enterprises in the private or public sectors. The Hogan Program seeks students who are high achievers, creative thinkers, and recognized leaders who want to make a difference in the world. The program offers a waiver of tuition for excess credit as well as a modest scholarship. Admission to the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program is selective, and candidates must complete a separate application to be considered for admission to the program. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program Director at Gonzaga University.

Campus Visit

The Admission Office offers an extensive visit program for those interested in attending Gonzaga. An individualized visit may include an overnight stay, class visit, lunch, faculty meeting, admission interview, and campus tour. In addition to individualized visits, several Campus Preview Days (group oriented, open-house days) are offered throughout the year. To schedule a visit, contact the Visit Office; a notice of at least one week is appreciated.

Dual Enrollment

High school students who have not yet completed their graduation requirements may enroll (with certain restrictions and on a space-available basis) in a maximum of two courses per semester while still enrolled in high school. This program is generally reserved for juniors and seniors who present a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 (4.00 scale) and a letter of recommendation from their principal or counselor. A special tuition rate is available for all students taking dual enrollment courses. For more information on this program students may contact the Dean of Admission.

Non-Matriculation

Non-matriculated students not seeking a degree may enroll in courses at Gonzaga on a space-available basis after matriculated students have registered. Contact the Registrar’s Office for further information.