Apply as a First Year Student
Important Dates | Early Action I | Early Action II | Regular |
---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline | November 1 | January 31 | March 31 |
Decision Notification | Mid to Late December | Mid to Late February | April |
Deposit Due | May 1 | May 1 | May 1 |
We have no interest in making your application process to Berea difficult. Our streamlined application and checklist are the basic requirements.
Students often tell us their life experience is so meaningful that we can’t get to know them without it. Your story and identity matter in our holistic and selective admissions process. Use the elective items to share your story.
Application Checklist Components
Complete the Berea College Application for Admission. There is no application fee. Our application opens August 1.
Request an official copy of your most recent transcript or GED results. Home school students who don’t have a transcript should complete the Home School Supplement form.
Applicants will be required to submit the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov when it becomes available. Berea’s FAFSA code is 001955.
Prior to the FAFSA opening, submission of the Financial Resource Questionnaire (FRQ), a form unique to Berea, helps to determine if a student meets the College’s financial eligibility requirement. Although offers of admission may be made based upon information submitted via the FRQ, all such offers will be considered tentative until such time as final FAFSA results are received.
Students who believe their scores are an accurate representation of their ability should submit them. There are two ways to submit official test scores:
- Visit actstudent.org (ACT scores) or collegeboard.org (SAT scores) to send your official scores to us. Our ACT school code is 1492 and SAT school code is 1060.
- Ask your School Counselor to email a copy of your full score report to: transcripts@berea.edu
For eligible non-citizens, depending on your USCIS status, a copy of your permanent resident card or employment authorization card will be required.
Optional Electives
We are happy to hear from teachers, coaches, mentors, and others who are willing to brag on you. Submit a Teacher Recommendation Form by logging into your portal or by sharing this direct link: www.berea.college/recommend
Share with us your awards, community service, extracurricular activities, and work experience. This is your chance to brag about yourself. Submit this form by logging into your portal.
Share with us your experiences, perspectives and creativity through written, video and/or graphic essays. Upload your personal submission by logging into your portal.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll select a variety of statements which best describe you and your personal story. Complete this elective by logging into your portal.
Berea College was created 168 years ago and became the first interracial and coeducational college in the South. Please tell us in 168-ish words or less, how this is meaningful for you in context of your personal experience. Complete this short statement by logging into your portal.
At any time before you complete your application file, schedule a time for your Admissions Counselor to get to know you better. Most chats last about 10-15 minutes. Login to your portal to identify your personal Admissions Counselor and connect with them.