Applying to SPU

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my essays be? What makes a good essay?

Each essay should be answered in at least 300 words. Your essays will help the Admissions Committee better understand you. A good essay will be well written, 300 words or more, and inform the Committee of the experiences you have had and what you hope to accomplish at SPU and beyond.

What do you look at when you read my application?

We look at your GPA and test scores, and then we read between the lines. What kind of classes did you take? Are your grades getting better, declining, or are they consistent? We read your essays, and we read your recommendation letters. We also look at your activities to see what you are doing with your time. All of this information paints a picture of who you are and whether you are prepared for Seattle Pacific University.

What if my grades were bad for one semester but good for the others?

Explain bad grades in your essays. It’s helpful for us to know why you think you received those grades. Typically, one semester won’t ruin an entire transcript, but let us know!

When will I hear of my admission standing?

Students who apply Early Action (Nov. 15) and complete their files should hear sometime in the first week of January. Students applying for regular admission will likely hear in March. If you have any questions about your file, feel free to call or email the Admissions office at admissions@spu.edu or 800-366-3344.

What if I’m placed on a waitlist?

A lot of students are placed on the waitlist – you are not the only one! To strengthen your admission file, you should do the following: make sure we receive you seventh semester grades (fall of your senior year), schedule an interview with your admissions counselor, or find out if you should send another reference.

Who can I talk to about my application?

Students are assigned an admissions counselor based on where they live. To find out who your counselor is, go to the Admissions Staff section. Or you can connect with the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Should I interview?

An interview is a great idea if you can make it happen. It’s always better to let you "speak for yourself" in person. If you live far away and can’t visit campus, schedule an interview over the phone with your admissions counselor.

Who should fill out my Personal Recommendation?

Someone who can speak to your character. It can be a youth pastor, coach, teacher who knows you well, or an employer. It cannot, however, be a family member.

What if I am homeschooled? Who should fill out my Academic Recommendation?

Since your parents might be your teacher, this is a tricky one. They can submit a recommendation, but you will still need another from a non-family member. Perhaps another parent in your homeschool co-op, or a teacher from the public school where you may have taken a class, would write for you. If neither of these exist, you should consider another adult who knows your academic abilities and future plans.

Should I type or handwrite my application?

Good question! We prefer that you apply online, but if you are using a paper application you can handwrite, as long as we can read your writing! If you have poor handwriting, then you should find a typewriter. Students should always fill out their own applications!

What are the benefits of Early Action?

There are a couple of benefits. One is that you get to know of your admission decision early. The other is that you are done with the application process before Christmas! If you are good student, this is the way to go.

What if I am denied admission to SPU?

Denying students is tough all around. We want the best for every student and that sometimes means saying no. Some students really want to be at SPU, and we recommend that they take a minimum of 30 transferable college-level credits, and we’ll re-evaluate the application. Other students attend another school on their list and graduate from that school. In each case, we hope that you stay motivated to complete a college degree.

What kind of SAT/ACT scores are you looking for?

You may have read that the average SAT is 1170 or 26 ACT. If you are above those averages and have strong grades, you are doing well.Students with scores below the average should remember that it’s an average and not a minimum. Remember, we take your test scores in context with your entire application.

Shall I take the SAT or the ACT?

We accept either test. We recommend that you take two tests (two SATs, two ACTs, or one of each). We’ll take your top score.Whatever you do, try to relax while taking the test.You’ll do better!

Is it better that I have AP classes and OK grades or regular classes and a 4.0?

You should always challenge yourself in the courses you take. But don’t take classes that you have no business being in. An F in an AP class doesn’t look good and may mean that you shouldn’t have taken the class.

How do you look at my senior year?

We look at the courses you are scheduled to take.Are you continuing to challenge yourself or are you on cruise control? If you’ve met your graduation requirements, you should still try to challenge yourself with a couple of tougher classes. If you have any schedule questions, you can always contact your admissions counselor.

I’m confused by the “activities” section …

Don’t worry. Just report what you’ve been involved in. If you were involved in a "one time" activity, just note that. And don’t worry if you don’t have a long list of clubs and activities. It’s better to have a few significant involvements than to have your name appear on every club roster. We want to know how you spend your time away from the books!

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