Admission

Students may apply using either the Saint Joseph’s University Application for Admission and Scholarship (www.sju.edu/admissions) or the Common Application (www.commonapp.org). Students can elect to complete and submit either application online or print and mail the completed application to the Office of Admissions.

In addition to the application form, the following are required:

- Application Fee ($55)
- High School Transcript
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT is preferred, ACT is also accepted)
- One letter of recommendation
- Essay

The University allows students the opportunity to apply under two admissions programs: Early Action or Regular Decision.

Early Action is a nonrestrictive, nonbinding process in which students submits an application early in their senior year and are notified earlier than a Regular Decision applicant. The deadline for applying to Early Action is November 15 and decision notification is sent on January 15. Please note: Some students not admitted in Early Action may be deferred to Regular Decision.

Regular Decision allows students more time to complete their application, so students are notified later in the senior year. The deadline for Regular Decision candidates is February 1, with decision notification sent by March 15.

To make accurate comparisons between students, the applicant’s grade point average is recalculated using only the following academic courses: English, mathematics, foreign language, natural science, social science, religion/theology. Advanced Placement and Honors classes are weighted when recalculating grade-point average.

Although high school grades and standardized test scores weigh heavily in the admissions process, many other qualitative factors are also strongly considered to determine the “best-fit” student. These factors include but are not limited to: commitment to learning, ongoing academic progress, depth of activities, demonstrated leadership, commitment to community service and social justice, strong interest in and/or connection to Saint Joseph’s University and its mission.

Students admitted though either Early Action or Regular Decision have until May 1 to confirm their intent to enroll by submitting their enrollment deposit of $400 for resident students and $200 for commuting students. Housing placement is based upon the deposit date and deposits are fully refundable by written request received no later than May 1. Each year, the number of qualified applicants for admission exceeds the number of available spaces in the class. It is for this reason that we maintain a waiting list for admission. As stated above, our enrollment deadline is May 1st. If we have space available at that time, we will begin to offer students on the waiting list admission to the class. The waiting list consists of students who are academically qualified for admission to the University. Notification of final waiting list status is made no later than May 15.