Applying to Susquehanna

How to Apply: First Year Students

Applications may be filed at any time after the junior year in high school. Applicants should submit the required credentials as early as possible, preferably by March 1 of the senior year. For students requesting Early Decision, the application deadline is November 15 or January 1.

All candidates must submit the following:

• application for admission, (Susquehanna participates in the Common Application program and welcomes copies of this form)
• a $35 non-refundable application processing fee
• secondary school transcript listing senior courses
• senior grades when available
• guidance counselor evaluation
• teacher evaluation from a junior- or senior-level course
• results of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-1), the American College Test (ACT), or two graded writing samples for applicants who choose the Write Option program described later in this section

In addition, the following are highly recommended:

• letters of evaluation from additional teachers
• samples of the applicant's creative work, as appropriate

Legacy Early Action Plan

If your parent or grandparent is a Susquehanna graduate, you are eligible for the Legacy Early Action Plan. By submitting a complete application including transcript and supporting documents by November 15, you will receive an admission decision by December 1. This is a non-binding option that offers you first consideration for on-campus housing and scholarships, including an Alumni Scholarship. Please check the appropriate box on the Application Supplement if you would like to be considered as a Legacy Early Action Plan applicant.

Music Degree Candidates

Applicants for admission to any of the three Bachelor of Music degree programs (performance, music education, or church music) or the Bachelor of Arts in music degree program must also audition with the Susquehanna music faculty after applying to the University. For further information about registration and preparation for the audition, music scholarships or music programs, please contact the Department of Music at 570-372-4309 or click here for the Music Department Web page.

Graphic Design Majors

Applicants for admission to the bachelor of arts program in graphic design must also submit a portfolio of art work (five to 12 examples) to the art faculty after applying to the university. In addition, it would be helpful for an applicant to submit a personal statement expressing why he or she wants to study art and graphic design. For further information about portfolio preparation and format, please contact associate director of admissions Nick Stephenson at 570-372-4260.

Writing Majors

All students seeking admission to the writing major must submit a writing portfolio when applying for admission. The portfolio can be a short story, a personal essay, a selection of poems, a script, or a combination of these. The writing should be double-spaced and have a length of ten to twelve pages. For more information, please contact Dr. Gary Fincke in the Department of English at 570-372-4164.

Elementary and Secondary Education Majors

Candidates for admissions to the teacher education program must meet a variety of special requirements to be formally accepted for student teaching in their junior year at Susquehanna. For more information, please contact Susquehanna's Department of Education at 570-372-4158.

Early Admission

Not to be confused with Early Decision, the Early Admission program allows some outstanding students to enter Susquehanna at the end of their junior year in high school. The freshman year in college then replaces the senior year. To be considered for Early Admission, candidates must:

• be academically and socially prepared to undertake a college-level experience
• submit the required admission credentials, including test scores, by March 1 or earlier if possible
• have the written approval of their parents and secondary school officials
• have a personal interview with a member of the Susquehanna admissions staff

Candidate's Reply Date

Susquehanna uses the Common Candidate's Reply Date of May 1 for freshman applicants. A non-refundable enrollment deposit of $400 is required by this date. Transfers and successful Early Decision candidates are given separate reply dates in their letters of admission.