How to apply

The ACT is a standardized college admissions test in the U.S. that features four main sections: English, math, reading and science — as well as an optional essay section. At Earlham, we are test-optional, so this is not a requirement for your admission but helps us determine placement and merit scholarships.

An admissions counselor will assist you with getting all of your required paperwork submitted in order to be considered for admission. They are also available to answer any questions you might have throughout the admissions process.

Connect with a counselor.

An agreement between Earlham College and other institutions which allows for a seamless transition for transfer students. It spells out which programs and majors are applicable to the agreement and what courses count for degree credit along with the grades you need to earn to get credit.

A measurement of how your academic achievement compares with that of other students in your grade. This number is usually determined by using a weighted GPA that takes into account both your grades and the difficulty of the courses you’ve taken.

This is a part of your application. Your essay should be an original piece of writing that demonstrates your thinking process and writing style.

College credits are measured by how much time a student spends studying and learning a particular subject or class. College credits can be earned by taking Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate courses or Dual Enrollment.

College credits can be transferred and credited toward overall graduation credit requirements.

For AP and IB courses, you must obtain a certain score to receive college credit, which can be found in our enrollment policies.

Earlham accepts applications through our Earlham Application or through the Common Application. The latter is a standard application form accepted by all colleges that are members of the Common Application association. You can fill out this application once and submit it to any one — or several — of the more than 1000 colleges that accept it. Go to the Common Application.

Permission from Earlham College to postpone your enrollment for up to one year after you have been accepted and paid your enrollment deposit.

Students apply by an earlier deadline to receive a non-binding acceptance decision in advance of the College’s regular decision notification date.

Money awarded or loaned to you to help pay for college. Financial aid can come directly from Earlham, through federal and state government loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more about financial aid at Earlham.

A grade point average (GPA) is determined by adding all accumulated final grades and dividing by the number of credits taken.

A weighted grade point average is calculated using a system that assigns a higher point value to grades in more difficult classes. For example, some high schools assign the value of 5.0 (instead of the standard 4.0) for an A earned in an AP class.

Placement tests are tests that measure your academic strengths and allow you to be placed in courses that are both suited for your level and rigorous enough to help you grow. These tests cover reading, writing, math and sometimes other subjects.

Students entering Earlham College as first years will take the QANS placement test, administered by the Quantitative Reasoning Center.

Additionally, incoming first-year Earlham students will also need to submit a language placement test during new student orientation.

The office or department that registers students, along with keeping permanent records and maintaining your student file.

The College Board’s standardized college admission test. It features two main sections: math and evidence-based reading and writing.  At Earlham, we are test-optional, so this is not a requirement for your admission but helps us determine placement and merit scholarships.

The official record of your course work at a school or college. Your high school transcript is required for admission to Earlham College.