Undergraduate Admission

Policies and Procedures

Chapman seeks and admits students of varying geographic, social and ethnic backgrounds to create as diverse a student body as possible. Primary criteria include review of high school or college records and standardized test scores. The applicant's special interests, talents, and background will play a part in the decision as well. Students interested in applying for admission to the Orange campus are encouraged to be aware of the following application deadlines and procedures.

Early Action Deadline

(Freshman only) – November 15, 2008

Students requesting an early admission decision for fall 2009 should submit a completed application (all documents and supporting materials needed to evaluate for admission) by this date. Notifications of status will be made beginning January 15. An offer of admission is non-binding (no obligation) on the student part; however, the university will be required to reserve a place in the fall 2009 class, subject to the May 1 enrollment deposit deadline. When appropriate, candidates not selected for early admission will be referred to the regular cycle.

Regular Application Deadline

Freshman deadline: January 15, 2009, Transfer deadline: March 1, 2009

Students submitting an application by the appropriate date indicated above will receive full consideration for admission and financial aid; however, applying students should be aware that they need to have all documents and supporting materials needed to complete their file submitted as quickly as possible in order to receive full consideration. This would include recommendations being submitted on the applicant's behalf. Notifications will be made beginning February 28 for freshmen and April 15 for transfers.

Late Consideration

Freshman and transfer applicants submitting applications after the deadlines stated above will be considered for admission and financial aid on a space and funds–available basis.

Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become property of the university and cannot be returned or copied for distribution.

In order to comply with State of California regulations, all students are required to provide proof of immunity from vaccine preventable communicable diseases. Please provide a recent health history/medical information and immunization record to our Health Services upon admission to Chapman University. Students will not be permitted to register for subsequent classes until this documentation is received and reviewed. All medical information submitted is held in strict confidentiality by our medical personnel.

Students applying for admission to a branch campus or extension campus location should consult with the on–site staff regarding that location's term and applying timeline.

Freshman

You are considered a freshman if you have not attended college or if you have completed 11 or fewer transferable college credits. To apply for admission:

  1. Request application materials.
  2. Complete the paper or electronic application for undergraduate admission and submit to the Office of Admission along with the non–refundable application fee, on or prior to the appropriate deadline stated above.
  3. Have the high school from which you will receive your diploma send an official transcript to the Office of Admission. If you have taken college courses for dual credit (college work taken while concurrently attending high school), a college transcript will be required. Up to 32 semester credits can be awarded for any combination of dual credit, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate work. (AP and/or IB score reports will also be required before credit is awarded.) CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) scores may also be submitted for consideration for granting advanced standing credit.
  4. Have official SAT–I (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Test) scores sent to Chapman University Office of Admission.

Admission to Chapman is competitive, and is based on a combination of strength of high school curriculum attempted, cumulative grade point average beginning with the 10th grade level, and SAT–I or ACT result. The required essay and information submitted concerning extra-curricular activities are also of primary importance to the University Admission Committee. A recommendation letter (see application for admission) is also required.

Candidates for freshman admission are expected to have successfully completed the following academic courses by the completion of their high school senior year:

  1. Four years of English, including two years of composition and/or literature courses.
  2. Four years of mathematics, including elementary algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and trigonometry, pre–calculus, or statistics.
  3. Three years of science, including at least one course with a laboratory component.
  4. Three years of the same foreign language with a grade of "B" or higher in each.
  5. Three years of social science and/or other academic electives.

Arts–oriented courses are also highly recommended, and will be considered as academic course work should the student plan to pursue a related major.

Upon enrollment, entering students may be asked to demonstrate their proficiency in the areas of writing, mathematics, and foreign language for purposes of placement in basic subjects courses, and/or possible waiver from general education requirements.

Transfer Students

If you have completed 12 or more transferable semester credits or the equivalent of college–level work elsewhere post high-school graduation you are considered a transfer student. To apply for admission:

  1. Request application materials.
  2. Complete the application for admission and return it with the non–refundable application fee to the Office of Admission.
  3. Request official transcripts from each institution you attended previously.
  4. While transfer students normally are not required to present test scores, those who have completed fewer than 24 semester credits of college work are required to submit SAT–I or ACT test results. In addition, high school transcripts are required for students with fewer than 60 transferable semester credits.
  5. No credits will be accepted in transfer from non–regionally accredited institutions. In such cases, students may be considered for admission on the basis of a high school transcript, in which case, an SAT–I or ACT report will also be required.
  6. Veterans: Chapman University maintains an official record of previous education and training of the veteran or eligible person which clearly indicates that appropriate credit has been given by the institution for previous education and training, with the length of the degree program shortened proportionately. The veteran and VA will be notified of this official evaluation of prior education or training.

As a transfer student, you are considered for admission on the basis of coursework and grade point average at other regionally accredited post–secondary institutions. (For more information see Academic Policies and Procedures.)

International Students

Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States are considered for admission to Chapman on the basis of academic preparation and personal qualifications. To apply:

  1. Request international application materials.
  2. Complete the paper or electronic international application for admission and submit to the Office of Admission along with the non–refundable application fee, on or prior to the appropriate deadline stated previously.
  3. Have official copies of transcripts from secondary schools and colleges and universities you have attended sent to Chapman. Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
  4. If your native language is not English, you must submit evidence of English proficiency by passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), or 79–80 (internet based). IELTS exam is also acceptable with a minimum score of 6.5.
  5. International applicants for freshman admission must complete and submit results from either the SAT–I or ACT examination.
  6. Complete the Financial Certification form and include all supporting documents to verify sufficient funding to cover all expenses for one full year of study at Chapman (approximately $43,000 USD).
  7. Arrange to have the Recommendation Form completed by a current teacher, counselor, or employer.

Chapman is certified to issue the I–20 form required for an F–1 student visa to study in the United States. To secure an I–20, you must be admitted to the university, show adequate proof of ability to meet all academic and personal expenses while in the US, and pay Chapman a $200 non–refundable deposit.

Enrollment Before Admission

If you are admitted for the fall semester, you can request a registration permit for the preceding summer session from the Office of the Registrar.

Interrupted Enrollment

Students may find it necessary to interrupt progress toward their degrees, leave Chapman and decide to return at a later date. If a student leaves the university in good standing and returns within two years of his/her last completed semester, the student will retain the right to elect general education and major/degree requirements in effect for that student at the time of leaving Chapman or adopt requirements in effect at the time of re–entrance, so long as:

  1. The major is still being offered by Chapman University.
  2. The major is not an impacted major calling for selective admission.
  3. The major has not had significant changes due to regulatory requirements.

If students take coursework during their absence, they must provide transcripts of that work to the Office of the Registrar upon re–enrollment. Non–satisfactory performance during the leave may nullify the student's ability to re–enroll.

Readmission

Students who wish to return to Chapman after two years of their last complete semester must apply for readmission through the Office of Admission.