admissions.udel.edu

 The 2009 application is now available:
 

• Common Application Supplement (2009) PDF version

  If you are using the Common Application, you are required to submit Delaware's Common Application Supplement

• Freshman Application for Admission (2009) PDF version

• Freshman Application for Admission (2008) PDF version Online version

    * Request a Paper Copy of the Fall application by adding yourself to our mailing list or calling (302) 831-8123

The University of Delaware seeks academically ambitious and creative applicants from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and geographic regions. For information about the academic qualifications and background of our current freshman class, see our freshman class profile.

As the Admissions Committee evaluates an application for admission, it weighs the rigor of the student's high school program, academic record (especially the trend in grades), SAT Reasoning and/or ACT with Writing scores, class rank (if available), student essays, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Special talents and abilities, Delaware residency, and alumni/ae affiliation are taken into consideration. The SAT Subject tests are recommended for all freshman applicants, especially those to the Honors Program, and if these scores are submitted the Admissions Committee considers them in making the admissions decision. As it evaluates your application, the Admissions Committee always reserves the right to consider your personal conduct and ethical behavior as a factor in its decision.

Please note that for students graduating in 2007 and later, the SAT Reasoning and/or ACT with Writing must be submitted for admissions consideration. Test scores without a writing component will not be accepted. Two SAT Subject tests of the student's choosing are recommended, especially for Honors Program applicants, but not required.

All courses currently in progress must be successfully completed and are subject to review by the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee does not consider financial need in the admissions process. Interviews are not required for admission to the University, but all applicants are encouraged to visit our campus.

The University expects all applicants to have completed strong college preparatory course work at an accredited secondary school or certified home school program, including at least 18 credits of post-eighth-grade course work in:

• An additional year of math or science may be substituted for the 4th year of history/social science.
• Foreign language courses taken before the ninth grade do not count.
• American Sign Language does not fulfill the foreign language requirement.
• At least two of the units must be history, and one of those must be world history.
   

Some programs at the University require additional preparation in math and science:
 

• Prospective majors in mathematics, engineering, business, computer science, or other sciences should have completed four years of mathematics, including trigonometry, pre-calculus, and/or calculus.
• Prospective majors in engineering and other science fields are strongly urged to take physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Prospective majors in nursing must have completed at least one year of both biology and chemistry.

The above criteria represent the minimum requirements to be considered for admission. Applicants typically present credentials that exceed the minimum. The academic profiles of the most competitive candidates well exceed the minimum requirements.

Senior Year: Unless they are also taking college courses off campus, seniors will need to complete at least four units during their senior year, but are strongly urged to complete at least five. (Since the normal courseload at UD is five courses per semester, students who spend their last year of high school taking fewer than five academic units generally face a very difficult transition to college.)

Home-Schooled Applicants

Each year, some of or best candidates for admission are students who
have been home-schooled. During 2004-05, approximately 60 home-schooled
undergraduates were enrolled at all class levels at the University of
Delaware. Approximately half of them were on the dean’s list.

To help us evaluate home-schooled applicants, we ask that students
provide reading lists for the home-schooled courses they have completed
along with a transcript of their grades. A sample portfolio of your
work or a sample research paper you have written is often helpful to the
Admissions Committee.

We also ask that, in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test (the “new” SAT),
home-schooled applicants submit officially reported scores for at least
two SAT Subject Tests of their choice. In lieu of the SAT Reasoning
Test and the SAT Subject Test, you may submit an officially reported ACT
score, as long as it includes the ACT Writing Test. The ACT Assessment
covers English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. These additional
scores will help us gauge a home-schooled student’s mastery of various
subjects.

Prospective Music Majors

Candidates for admission into Music are required to audition. Saturday audition dates for 2008-09 are December 6, January 10 & 24, and February 7, as well as by appointment. In the event of snow, we also have a makeup date scheduled February 14.  To schedule your audition or to discuss alternatives if you are unable to come to campus, please call (302) 831-8426. Audition information can be found online.

Prospective Art Majors

Candidates for admission into Art (including BA in Fine Arts, BFA in Fine Arts, and the BFA in Visual Communications) are required to submit an electronic application portfolio demonstrating creative experience and ability along with a related essay. Portfolios should be submitted by November 1 for Spring transfer consideration, February 1 for Freshman consideration, and May 1 for Fall Transfer consideration.

Portfolio requirements can be found online. Submission of additional work and an interview may be required for students who are considered for department- and University-related scholarships.