Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to SPU?

You are encouraged to applying online using the Common Application. It's quick, easy, and secure. However, if you prefer to print and complete a paper application, you can download the application forms in PDF format by clicking here.

Note: the Common Application asks students to either submit the application, supplement and payment (or fee waiver) online, or submit them all by mail.

Please look below for application requirements.

International Students who do not have permanent residency in the United States are also required to submit a Declaration of International Student Finances and an Official Bank Statement. Visit the Internation Student web site for furter details.

Can you explain the application requirements?

$45 Application Fee: This is a non-refundable fee that can be paid online when you submit your application, or by sending in a check. In some cases a fee waiver may be granted, please contact the office of admissions for further information.

The Common Application: The Common Application offers students the opportunity to complete one application and submit it to a number of different schools. www.commonapp.org

SPU’s Supplement to the Common Application: This is a two page document that must be submitted along with The Common Application, including additional application information and an essay specific to SPU.

Secondary Report: This is a document completed by your high school counselor and includes an official high school transcript. These documents can be sent to SPU in an envelope sealed by your high school counselor or submitted digitally through the Common Application.

Teacher or Instructor Evaluation: This document is completed by a high school or college instructor who can recommend you to colleges based on observing you in an academic setting. The evaluation can be sent to SPU by mail or submitted digitally through the Common Application.

Official SAT or ACT Scores: All student who have taken fewer than 45 college level credits (30 semester) after high school graduation are required to submit official SAT or ACT scores. In order to be considered official these scores must be sent by the testing agency, or be included on an official high school transcript. When taking the SAT you can identify your request to have your scores send to SPU by including SPU’s test code 4694, for the ACT it is 4476.

Final High School Transcript: This is an enrollment requirement for all accepted freshmen prior to attending SPU. Also, this is required of all transfer applicants who have completed fewer than 45 college level credits (30 semester) after high school graduation.

Official College Transcripts: Transfer and Post- Baccalaureate applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all institutions where they have taken college level coursework. In order to be considered official, the documents must arrive on official transcript paper, and in an envelope sealed by the institution.

What makes a good essay?

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?

When will I hear of my admission standing?

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?

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.

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.

Should I take the SAT or the ACT?

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

You may have read that the middle 50 percent of our incoming freshmen class has an SAT score (CR+M) range of 1040-1210, or an ACT score range of  23 to 27. If you are in this range, you are doing well. Students with scores below the middle 50 percent should know that this is not a minimum. Remember, we take your test scores in context with your entire application.