| Catalogue

Admission

Rollins College seeks applications from students with proven academic ability who demonstrate intellectual and personal promise. The Admission Committee sets admission policy for the College. Applications for admission are considered on the basis of the qualifications of each applicant without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veterans' status. Rollins College is an equal opportunity institution that adheres to a non-discriminatory policy with respect to employment, enrollment, and programs. If an accommodation is needed, please contact the Office of Admission (407) 646-2161.  

First-Year Student Admission

Candidates for admission to the first-year student class should have a completed application on file with the Office of Admission by February 15. To complete the application file, candidates submit the admission application, an official transcript of grades nine (9) through twelve (12), and a recommendation from a guidance counselor.

In addition, applicants must submit either standardized test scores or the additional items for the Test Score Waived Option. Standardized test scores may be results of either the SAT I or ACT. Applicants should consider submitting results of both tests to maximize their acceptance probability.

Rollins participates in the group of colleges and universities using the Common Application, which can be submitted in place of the Rollins College application.

Candidates should have pursued a demanding high school curriculum in preparation for college entrance. Enrollment in advanced, honors, or Advanced Placement courses is strongly encouraged. In general, successful candidates for admission have completed, as a minimum, the following courses in secondary school:

• four (4) years of English;
• two (2) years of history or social studies;
• two (2) years of laboratory science;
• three (3) years of mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II;
• two (2) or more years of a foreign language.

Admission to the first-year student class is competitive. More than 3,500 applications were received for the 500 places in the freshman class for the 2010-2011 year. The Admission Committee evaluates each candidate on a variety of academic and personal factors. Academic factors include high school grades, rank in class, course selection, and standardized test results. Personal factors include recommendations, extracurricular activities or special talents, and the essay submitted with the application form.

Candidates are notified of their admission decision by April 1. Rollins participates in the Candidates' Reply Date of May 1, and accepted first-year students who intend to enroll must submit a nonrefundable tuition deposit of $500 by that date to hold their place in the class. Students who have received an application fee waiver from their secondary school on the basis of financial hardship and/or who will receive significant need-based financial assistance from the College may submit a reduced tuition deposit. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis.

Early Decision Admission

High school seniors may submit their junior year record and results of the SAT I or ACT with the request that the Admission Committee grant an Early Decision. Candidates for Early Decision should apply only if Rollins is their first choice. Early Decision candidates may apply to other colleges or universities but agree to withdraw these applications if their application to Rollins is accepted.

Two rounds of Early Decision review are available. Early Decision applicants whose applications are received by November 15 will be notified of their status by December 15. Early Decision applicants whose applications are received after November 15 but before January 15 will be notified of their status by February 1. A nonrefundable tuition deposit of $500 is due and payable upon notification of acceptance. Candidates not accepted under the Early Decision program will have their applications reconsidered for admission under the regular decision program. 

Accelerated Management Program Admission

In cooperation with the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins College offers a program leading to the A.B. and M.B.A. in five years. First-year students accepted into the Accelerated Management Program have the opportunity to apply to the Crummer School during their third year at Rollins. This unique dual degree program offers students the opportunity to acquire the breadth and depth of a liberal arts degree and a strong graduate management education, and also provides needed skills and practical experience through internships and relevant job exposure.

Students are competitive applicants to the Crummer School when they achieve at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average, complete all general education, major, and credit hour requirements (108 semester hours) by the end of the third year, and meet program expectations during the first three years. A score of at least 600 on the Graduate Management Admissions Test must be earned by the end of the fall term of the junior year.

Applicants interested in the Accelerated Management Program should indicate this when they apply for admission to Rollins College. Admission is very selective.

Spring Semester Admission

Each year there are a limited number of spaces available for first-year or transfer candidates seeking admission for the spring semester. Candidates interested in beginning their studies at midyear should contact the Office of Admission during the fall semester. Completed applications for spring admission should be on file by November 1. Decisions for spring admission are made in December, and candidates are notified of their admission status by January 1. A nonrefundable tuition deposit is required to hold a place in the spring class.

Early Admission

Unusually well-qualified applicants may be considered for entrance prior to secondary school graduation, usually for entrance following their junior year. An interview with a member of the admission staff is recommended. 

Transfer Student Admission

Rollins encourages applications from qualified students transferring from accredited colleges or universities. Completed transfer applications should be on file in the Office of Admission by April 15 for the fall semester and by November 1 for the spring semester. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. Applicants should be in good academic standing and eligible to return to the institution from which the transfer is proposed. To complete the transfer application file, candidates must submit the following:

• an admission application;
• official high school transcript or G.E.D. certificate;
• SAT I or ACT scores;
• official college transcripts from each institution previously attended;
• an application essay stating the reason for the transfer;
• a letter of recommendation.

Candidates are evaluated primarily on the basis of their college-level study. Grades and course selection are given the most weight in the admission process. Most successful candidates have achieved a minimum 2.7 grade point average from a four-year college or a minimum 3.0 average from a two-year school. The Admission Committee evaluates other academic factors, including high school preparation and standardized test scores. Personal factors, essay, academic recommendations, extracurricular activities, and special talents are also considered.

Applicants are notified of their status before the end of December for spring semester admission and by May 1 for the fall semester. Late applicants are notified on a rolling basis after these dates. Accepted candidates are asked to submit a nonrefundable tuition deposit of $500 to hold their place in the entering class.

International Student Admission

International students are required to submit official secondary school records. These documents should include all official grade reports and the official external examination report or evidence of successful completion of studies. If the school records are in a language other than English, students must submit certified translations of their records in addition to the original report. Candidates whose native language is not English are required to submit an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of 80 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL (213 on the computer-based or 550 on the written version), is required for admission. English proficiency is crucial for successful study at Rollins College. The College does not offer a formal program in English as a second language.

Rollins College requires all international undergraduate applicants to submit the results of either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or the American College Test (ACT), or the required materials for the Test Score Waived Option. While the College does not require a minimum score for admission, it uses these examinations to evaluate applicants’ strengths for placement purposes and for possible academic scholarship consideration.

Accepted international students are required to advise Rollins College of their current immigration status. The I-20 (certificate of eligibility for a student visa) is issued only after the student has submitted the nonrefundable tuition deposit and the Statement of Financial Responsibility with the appropriate documentation that sufficient financial resources are available to finance college education for a minimum of one full year at Rollins. 

Special Student Admission

Rollins College welcomes applications from candidates seeking admission as a transient, guest, or special student if they intend to take courses for credit and are not degree-seeking candidates.

Special students are limited to a maximum of two (2) courses per term and are eligible to take these courses on a space-available basis. Admission is granted for one (1) term only. Students who wish to continue their study in this status must make a formal request for readmission for each consecutive term. Candidates for special admission must submit the following:

• a special student admission application;
• official transcripts from all high school and college-level study;
• scores from all standardized tests (SAT I or ACT) if the tests have been taken;
• an essay explaining their reasons for study in the special student category.

Admission of special students is based primarily on the student’s personal situation, motivation, maturity, educational attainment, and personal goals.

Campus Visits

A visit to the campus is strongly recommended. Information sessions are normally scheduled Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on some Saturdays during the academic year. Candidates should write or call the Office of Admission at (407) 646-2161 to schedule an appointment. Daily campus tours are conducted, and appointments with professors or class visits can be arranged.

For further information, contact the Office of Admission, (407) 646-2161, e-mail: admission@rollins.edu.