Admission Policies
Admission to Harding University is determined on an individual basis. Each candidate is evaluated based on academic preparation and potential. Only students who appear capable of success at Harding are accepted for admission. Also, because of Harding’s rich heritage as a Christian university, we seek students of the highest moral caliber. An interview is not a requirement for admission, but we strongly recommend one to ensure that there is a good match between the student’s interest and talents and Harding’s academic and non-academic offerings.
As stated earlier and more fully in the Nondiscrimination Statement, Harding does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, religion or disability in its admission policies.
Pre-admission Course Requirements: High school graduates should have completed at least 15 units in academic subjects. Specifically, an applicant should have completed 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics (taken from general math, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, precalculus or calculus), 3 units of social studies (taken from civics, American history, world history or geography), and 2 units of natural science (taken from physical science, biology, physics or chemistry). Students planning to major in any area of health care are strongly encouraged to take one or more chemistry courses while in high school. Although not required for admission, two years of foreign language is recommended. The additional units may come from any academic area.
High School Graduates: Generally, students who attain a 3.0 high school grade point average and an ACT composite score of 19 or a SAT combined critical reading and math score of 900 qualify academically for unconditional admission.
Students who do not meet these requirements must be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Here ACT/SAT scores and academic records are considered; high scores in one area may offset low scores in the other. Early application is encouraged to ensure individual consideration.
Home -School: The same requirements for high school graduates apply for students who are home-schooled. Prospective students who are home-schooled must submit transcripts, ACT/SAT test scores and references.
Transfer Students: Transfer students with a 2.0 grade point average or higher are considered for unconditional admission. Those with lower averages are reviewed individually and may be granted conditional admission during any semester or summer term. Transfers who have been full-time students elsewhere for at least one semester and who have earned 14 or more semester hours of credit acceptable by Harding are not required to submit ACT/SAT scores or high school transcripts.
Non-High School Graduates: Prospective students who did not graduate from high school may apply for admission and attach a complete statement regarding educational background and qualifications. Those who have earned a General Education Development (GED) Certificate and meet the other admission requirements are considered by the Admissions Committee.
Early Entrance: Students may be accepted for admission without finishing high school if they are 17 years old at the time of enrollment; have completed 12 solid units; have an ACT of 24 or a SAT critical reading and math score of 1090; have a 3.0 grade point average or higher; have good references; and have the approval of the Admissions Committee.
Since early entrance may affect some financial aid options, interested students should contact the financial aid office before enrolling.
Dual Enrollment Program: High school students who have achieved a “B” average or better in 12 solid courses and have an ACT composite score of 19 or a SAT combined critical reading and math score of 900 may be approved for dual enrollment in college courses.
Post-baccalaureate Students: Students who have completed one bachelor’s degree will be considered post baccalaureates until admitted into a graduate program.
International Students: International students with English as a second language who have not previously completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or university must meet a minimum score on a nationally recognized test of English language proficiency, such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Such a score must not be older than two years. TOEFL scores acceptable for admission to the university are 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (Internet-based test). Individual programs may have more stringent minimum requirements. Specific exceptions to this policy are limited to students who are assessed by an approved representative of Harding and judged to have satisfactory English skills. The students granted these exceptions are required to enter the University’s intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Students will not be permitted to take classes outside the ESL program until they have passed the ESL classes with a grade of “C” or higher, and have earned a TOEFL score of 550 or higher (or an equivalent combined score of 79 on the IBT) or a 6.0 on the IELTS. See ESL policies for more information.
Admission ProceduresThe Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides comprehensive assistance to prospective students. For an application packet and other information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by mail at Harding University, Box 12255, Searcy, AR 72149-5615; by phone at 1-800-477-4407 (toll free); by fax at (501) 279-4129; or by e-mail at admissions@harding.edu. Enrollment at Harding is limited, so early application is encouraged.
Online Application: The application for admission can be completed online at our Web site, www.harding.edu/admissions. All supporting documents can be printed or submitted at the Web site as well.
Admission Fees: There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 and a housing deposit of $130 (refundable if cancelled by May 1 for the fall semester, Oct. 1 for the spring semester, and April 1 for summer sessions). Both funds are required before acceptance to Harding University will be granted and may be paid with one check. Students may call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to pay with a credit card. Commuting students will not need to pay the $130 housing deposit.
Reference Forms: Two reference forms included in the application packet must be completed in order for a student to be considered for admission. The academic reference form should be given to a principal, guidance counselor, teacher or some other academic officer. The character reference form should be completed by a minister, youth minister or long-time friend of the family. These references also can be completed online at the Web site.
Transcript(s): Copies of academic credentials must be placed on file. Students entering college for the first time should have the high school guidance counselor or principal send an official high school transcript directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students who make early application should request that these be sent at the end of the junior year, followed by a complete transcript after graduation. Transfer students must have official complete transcripts sent by the registrar of each institution previously attended. Registration may be restricted for students failing to provide an official transcript.
ACT/SAT Scores: Entering freshmen must submit either ACT or SAT scores as entrance examinations. Scores notated on a transcript cannot be considered official, so scores must be sent directly from ACT or SAT. Transfer students with fewer than 14 hours of credit must also submit these scores.
The ACT and SAT are administered nationally at testing centers at high schools and colleges multiple times during the school year; dates and locations are listed on the ACT and SAT Web sites. Students who wish to apply for scholarships should take the ACT/SAT at one of the earlier test dates. Information and application for the exams may be obtained from high school guidance counselors or principals, or online from ACT or SAT.
Dual Enrollment: Dual enrollment is defined as simultaneous enrollment at the secondary (high school) and collegiate level. High school students must request official transcripts be sent by the registrar of each institution (high school and college) attended. Registration is limited to no more than 8 hours and may be further restricted for students failing to provide all official transcripts.
High school students desiring to enroll in a Harding class while in high school must be preapproved each semester through the Registrar’s Office. The student must earn at least a “C” in all courses to continue dual enrollment, and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
Academic policies apply as though the student were a freshman.
Readmission Procedures: Students who have previously attended Harding and are returning are not required to make application through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. They apply instead through the Office of Student Life. This office will process the readmission form and send appropriate notification.
If a student has attended another college or university since last enrolling at Harding, a transcript of that work must be sent to the registrar at Harding. Graduate students must apply to the director of the appropriate graduate program.
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