Aquinas College Admissions Requirements
Aquinas College, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a Catholic liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence, career preparation, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Aquinas offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for success in their professional and personal lives. The college employs a holistic admissions process that considers academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
General Admission Criteria for First-Time Freshmen
First-time freshmen, or students applying directly from high school, must meet the following general criteria for admission to Aquinas College:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Applicants must have completed high school or hold a GED equivalent.
- Academic Performance: Aquinas College values strong academic achievement, with an emphasis on high school GPA and rigor of coursework.
- Application: Students must submit a completed application through Aquinas College’s online portal, Common Application, or through other approved platforms.
- Personal Essay: Applicants are encouraged to submit a personal essay or statement explaining their goals, interest in Aquinas College, and how they will contribute to the campus community.
- Official High School Transcript: A transcript showing the applicant’s academic record throughout high school must be submitted. The transcript should reflect any honors or advanced coursework, such as AP or IB classes, if applicable.
- Standardized Test Scores (Optional): Aquinas College is test-optional, meaning students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. However, applicants who believe their test scores will enhance their application may choose to submit them.
- Typical score ranges for admitted students include:
- ACT: Composite score of 20-27
- SAT: Combined score of 1030-1240
- Typical score ranges for admitted students include:
Holistic Review Process
Aquinas College uses a holistic review process to evaluate applicants. This means the admissions committee looks at more than just academic performance. The following factors may be considered:
- Extracurricular Involvement: Participation in clubs, sports, arts, community service, and leadership roles is valued.
- Letters of Recommendation: Although not required, letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors are encouraged and can strengthen an application by highlighting the applicant’s personal qualities, academic potential, and contributions outside the classroom.
- Interview (Optional): While not mandatory, students may request or be invited to an admissions interview, which can provide a more personal understanding of the applicant’s interests and goals.
Honors Program Admission
Students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability may apply for admission to Aquinas College’s Honors Program. Requirements for the Honors Program include:
- Minimum GPA: A high school GPA of 3.7 or higher is generally required.
- High ACT/SAT Scores (Optional): High test scores may strengthen an applicant’s Honors Program application, but they are not required.
- Additional Application Materials: Honors applicants may need to submit an additional essay or participate in an interview with the Honors Program Director.
Transfer Students
Aquinas College welcomes transfer students from accredited two-year and four-year institutions. Transfer applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Transfer Admission Criteria
- Minimum GPA: Transfer students are expected to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on all transferable college coursework.
- Completed Coursework: Students who have completed 12 or more college-level credits are considered transfer applicants. Students with fewer than 12 college credits must submit a high school transcript in addition to their college transcript.
- Official Transcripts: Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to Aquinas College.
- Transfer Credit Evaluation: Credits earned at regionally accredited institutions may be eligible for transfer. Courses must have a minimum grade of “C” to be considered for transfer. Aquinas College’s Registrar will evaluate all transfer credits to determine their applicability toward the chosen degree program.
Articulation Agreements
Aquinas College has articulation agreements with several community colleges, which facilitate the transfer process and ensure that credits transfer smoothly. Students transferring from one of these partner institutions should work with both their current college and Aquinas to ensure they meet all transfer requirements.
International Students
Aquinas College welcomes international students and values the diverse perspectives they bring to the campus community. International applicants must meet specific requirements to ensure academic readiness and the ability to thrive in an English-speaking academic environment.
General International Admission Requirements
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English. Acceptable tests and minimum scores include:
- TOEFL: 79 (internet-based)
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 100
- Credential Evaluation: International applicants must have their academic transcripts evaluated by an accredited credential evaluation service to ensure they meet U.S. educational standards. Services such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) are commonly used.
- Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official high school and/or college transcripts. Transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to Aquinas College and must be translated into English if necessary.
- Student Visa: After acceptance, international students will need to apply for an F-1 student visa. Aquinas College’s admissions office will provide the necessary I-20 form once the student has met all requirements.
- Financial Documentation: International students must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses while studying in the United States.
Additional Support for International Students
Aquinas College offers support for international students, including help with visa applications, orientation programs, and ongoing academic and personal support services throughout their studies.
Graduate Admission Requirements
Aquinas College offers several graduate programs, including Master’s degrees in Education, Business, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and more. Admission to these programs typically requires:
General Graduate Admission Criteria
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred for most graduate programs. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered based on professional experience or other compensating factors.
- Completed Application: Graduate applicants must complete an application through Aquinas College’s online graduate portal.
- Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, showing completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters of recommendation are typically required, preferably from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic or professional abilities.
- Personal Statement: A personal statement or essay is required, explaining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate study, their career goals, and how the program aligns with those goals.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current resume or CV detailing the applicant’s educational background, work experience, and relevant skills is required.
Program-Specific Requirements
Each graduate program may have additional admission requirements specific to the field of study. Below are some common examples:
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Teaching License (optional): While not required for all tracks, applicants pursuing advanced roles in education may need a valid teaching license.
- Professional Experience: Experience working in education or related fields is preferred but not always required.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Professional Experience: MBA applicants are encouraged to have relevant professional experience, though it is not always required.
- GMAT/GRE: Most MBA programs at Aquinas do not require the GMAT or GRE. However, applicants may choose to submit scores if they believe it will strengthen their application.
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Interview: Applicants to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program may be required to participate in an admissions interview.
- Work Experience: While not required, applicants with experience in counseling, psychology, or social work are often given preference.
Application Process
How to Apply
The application process for Aquinas College is straightforward and includes the following steps:
- Submit Online Application: All students, whether undergraduate or graduate, must submit an application through the Aquinas College online portal or other approved platforms.
- Submit Transcripts: Applicants must request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions (high school or college) and have them sent directly to Aquinas College.
- Submit Additional Materials: Depending on the program, students may need to submit test scores (optional), essays, letters of recommendation, and other documents as part of their application.
- Application Fee: An application fee of $25 is required for undergraduate applicants. Graduate application fees may vary by program.
Application Deadlines
Aquinas College offers rolling admissions, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. However, the following priority deadlines are recommended for students seeking financial aid or scholarships:
- Fall Semester: May 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Graduate Programs: Some graduate programs may have specific deadlines, so applicants should check the program’s webpage for more details.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Aquinas College is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all students. The college offers various financial aid options, including:
- FAFSA: All students seeking financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Aquinas College’s school code is 002239.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Scholarships are available for students with outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, or community involvement.
- Need-Based Aid: Students with demonstrated financial need may qualify for need-based grants and loans.
- Work-Study Opportunities: Aquinas offers work-study programs, allowing students to earn money while gaining work experience.
- Graduate Assistantships: Some graduate programs offer assistantships, which provide tuition remission in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities.
School Contact Information
For more information about the admissions process or to schedule a campus visit, prospective students can contact Aquinas College’s admissions office using the following details:
- Admissions Office Address:
Aquinas College
1700 Fulton St. E
Grand Rapids, MI 49506 - Phone Number: (616) 632-2900
- Toll-Free: 1-800-678-9593
- Email: admissions@aquinas.edu
- Website: www.aquinas.edu
- Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed