Admission
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800.274.6758
www.plu.edu/~admi

Entrance Requirements Application Procedures First-year and Transfer Students International Students

Evaluation of Credits Finalizing an Offer of Admission Returning Students

Pacific Lutheran University welcomes applications from students who exhibit capacities for success at the baccalaureate level. Applicants must present evidence of scholastic ability and demonstrate qualities of good character in order to be accepted for admission. Both the vice president for admissions and director of admissions reserve the right to admit, deny, or withdraw admission for any applicant/student based on an individual's meeting these criteria. Applications for admission are evaluated without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law.

Entrance Requirements (First-year/Transfer Students)
In evaluating applications the Office of Admissions interprets grade point average and class rank in relation to the quality of the curriculum that the applicant has pursued in high school and at the baccalaureate level. For example, a standard high school program in preparation for college should include the following:

English: 4 years
* Mathematics: 3 years (algebra, 2 years, and geometry, 1 year)
* Foreign Language: 2 years
Social Studies: 2 years
Laboratory Sciences: 2 years
Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts: 1 year
Electives: 3 years (selected from the areas listed above, as well as courses in computer science, speech, and debate.)

* Minimum Entrance Requirements:

1. Two years of college preparatory mathematics (exclusive of computer science) with an average grade of C or higher, or an approved course at the college level, or demonstrated equivalent proficiency.
   
   (Two years of college preparatory mathematics means two years of high school algebra or one year of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry. Taking the algebra and/or geometry courses in middle or junior high school is acceptable provided they are high-school-level courses.
   
   If a student is admitted to PLU with a deficiency in mathematics, that deficiency is removed by completion of approved courses as determined by the PLU math placement exam.)
   
   
2. Two years of one foreign language in high school, with an average grade of C or higher, or one year at the college level, or demonstrated equivalent proficiency. Note: Language taken before ninth grade will not fulfill this requirement.

Students who have not satisfied one or both of these requirements may still be admitted but must make up the deficiency as an additional degree requirement.

Additional study of both mathematics and foreign language is advisable for certain areas in the arts and sciences and in some professional programs. Those who follow the above preparatory program will find most curricular offerings of the university open to them and may also qualify for advanced placement in some areas.

Students are admitted to either the fall or spring semester. Acceptance to the fall term carries permission to attend the previous summer sessions. Spring acceptance approves enrollment in the January term. The following application priority dates are recommended: Fall Semester-February 15; Spring Semester-December 15.

Application Procedures (First-year and Transfer Students)

Students planning to enter as first-year students may submit application materials anytime after completion of the junior year of high school. Admission decisions are made beginning
October 1. Candidates are notified of their status as soon as their completed applications have been received and evaluated.

Students who began their higher education at other regionally accredited colleges or universities are encouraged to apply for admission with advanced standing. Over 400 students transfer to the university each year with an average grade point in excess of 3.00 (B). Candidates must have good academic and personal standing at the institution last attended full-time. The minimum grade point average to be considered for admission as a transfer student is a 2.50 cumulative grade point average in college-level work from a regionally accredited institution. In reviewing an applicant's file, the Office of Admissions examines the grade point average, academic progress, essay, and recommendations. For applicants with less than sophomore standing (30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours), secondary school records and standardized test scores will also be considered.

Credentials required are:

1. Formal Application: Submit the PLU Application for Admission available from high school counselors or the PLU Office of Admissions. Students may also apply on-line at www.plu.edu.
2. $35.00 Application Fee: A $35 fee must accompany the application or be mailed separately. This nonrefundable service fee does not apply to the student's account. Make checks or money orders payable to PLU Office of Admissions.
3. Transcripts: Transcripts must be submitted from high school and all college course work. Transcripts must be sent directly from the school to PLU. Accepted first-year students must submit a final high school transcript which indicates satisfactory completion of high school and attainment of a diploma. The university accepts the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for those students who may not have completed a traditional high school program.
4. Recommendation: One recommendation must be prepared by a principal, counselor, pastor, or other qualified person. The form is included in the application packet.
5. Test Requirement: All entering first-year students must submit scores from either the College Board, Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), or the American College Test (ACT) Assessment. Registration procedures and forms are available at high school counseling offices.
6. Personal Essay: Using no more than two pages, write an essay on one of these two topics:
1. Describe an academic experience that has significantly influenced your life.
2. If you could be any historical or fictional character for one day, who would you be and why?
7. Statement of Good Standing (transfers only).

Early Admission
Qualified students interested in accelerating their formal education may begin work toward a degree after completion of the junior year or first semester of the senior year of high school. Exceptional students who wish to enroll before completing all required units in high school must have a letter submitted by a recognized school official who approves early college admission and gives assurance that a high school diploma will be issued after completion of specified college work. Only students highly recommended for Early Admission will be considered. Generally these students rank near the top of their class and present high aptitude test scores.

Application Procedures (International Students)
International students who are qualified academically, financially, and in English proficiency are encouraged to join the university community. Application deadlines are July 1 for fall semester and January 1 for spring semester. Credentials required are:

1. A completed International Student Application with a nonrefundable U.S. $35.00 application fee.
2. OFFICIAL Transcripts with English translation from each:
1. secondary school,
2. English as a second language program,
3. college or university attended in the United States, home country, or other country.
   Transcripts must be sent directly from each institution. Faxed copies are not acceptable.
3. English Proficiency, measured by one of the following:
1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 (paper test format) or 213 (computer-based), or
2. Two quarters or one semester of college-level English writing with grades of B or higher, or
3. Audit level completion of the American Cultural Exchange (ACE) English Language Institute, located on the PLU campus.
4. One academic reference from school officials or others in a position to evaluate the student's ability to succeed in a baccalaureate program. In addition, transfer students from a U.S. college or university must have a reference from the international student advisor.
5. A completed International Student Declaration of Finances.
6. Personal Essay on one of two topics listed on the essay form.

Evaluation of Credits
Transfer of Credits from Other Universities
The Registrar's Office evaluates all transfer records and provides advising materials designed to assist students to complete university requirements. These materials include a summary of core requirements completed and the total hours accepted. Individual schools and departments determine which courses satisfy major requirements.

1. Courses completed with a grade of C- or higher at other regionally accredited colleges or universities normally will be accepted for graduation credit with passing grades and will not be calculated into the PLU grade point average.
2. A student may transfer a maximum of 96 semester or 144 quarter hours. Of these, the maximum transferable from a two-year school is 64 semester or 96 quarter hours.
3. Students who complete the direct transfer associate degree from an accredited Washington State community college before matriculation at PLU will be admitted with junior standing and will have satisfied Core I of the general university requirements except for 4 hours in religion (from line 1 or 2) and 4 hours in Perspectives on Diversity.
   

Transfer of Credits Earned While in High School
The university awards credit to high school students for courses completed before high school graduation. The university may award transfer credit to high school students who have completed courses in approved programs, as described below.

1. Advanced Placement Program: Students who complete advanced placement or credit toward graduation through the examination program of the College Board may receive credit for such courses. Inquiries should be addressed to the Registrar's Office.
2. Running Start Program: Accepted students who have completed courses under the Washington State Running Start Program are considered first-year students with advanced standing. Students who participate in this program will be awarded college credit in a manner consistent with PLU's policy on transfer of credit from other institutions. Credit will be awarded for college-level academic courses described in the catalog of an accredited Washington State community college and posted on an official transcript.
3. International Baccalaureate: A maximum of 30 semester hours may be granted for completion of the Diploma. Students are advised to contact the Registrar's Office for specific details.
4. Other Programs: Students who have completed college courses while in high school may receive credit. The courses must be listed in the official college catalog, be a part of the regular college curriculum of a regionally accredited college or university, and be posted on an official college or university transcript.
   

The university reserves the right to make decisions on an individual basis.

Other Educational Experiences

1. Credits earned in nonaccredited schools are not transferable. Students who have matriculated at Pacific Lutheran University may petition a department or school to waive a particular requirement on the basis of previous nonaccredited course work or may petition a department or school to receive credit by examination.
2. The university allows up to 20 semester hours of United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI)/Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) credit, up to 20 semester hours for military credit, and up to 30 semester hours of College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit, providing the total of the three does not exceed 30 semester hours.
3. The university does not grant credit for college-level General Equivalency Diploma (GED) tests.
4. For information on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), refer to the Credit by Examination section under Academic Procedures.

Finalizing an Offer of Admission

1. Medical Requirement: Before actual enrollment each new student must submit a Health History Form complete with an accurate immunization record. This information must be acceptable to the PLU Health Services Office.
2. Advance Payment: A $200.00 advance payment is necessary in order to confirm an offer of admission. This payment guarantees a place in the student body, reserves housing on campus if requested, holds financial assistance which may have been awarded, and is required before class registration. It is credited to the student's account and is applied toward expenses of the first semester. Fall applicants offered admission before May 1 must postmark the payment by May 1. If circumstances necessitate cancellation of enrollment and the Office of Admissions is notified in writing before May 15, the $200.00 will be refunded. The refund date for the January term is December 15, and for spring semester January 15.
3. New Student Information Form: This form must be completed by all students and returned with the advance payment.
4. Residential Life Information Form: This form must be completed by all students and returned with the advance payment.
   

Returning Students

1. A student's admission to the university is valid for six years. Students who do not attend the university for a period of time that includes either a fall or spring semester must apply to return to the university as described below.
   
   • Students who wish to return within the six-year admission period reenter through the Student Services Center. Reentering students must provide their current address, degree information, and official transcripts from any college attended during their absence. Before registering, reentering students must resolve previous financial obligations to the university and have a current health clearance from University Health Services.
   
   • Students who wish to return to the university after the six-year admission period expires must reapply for admission. Applicants for readmission are required to submit a completed application and official transcripts from any college attended during their absence. Application forms may be obtained from and submitted to the Office of Admissions.
   
   
2. An academically dismissed student may apply for reinstatement by submitting a letter of petition to the director of advising. The petition is acted on by the Committee on Admission and Retention of Students. A student whose petition is approved will be reinstated on probation and must participate in the probationary semester plan. Refer to the Academic Status section for a description of probation. A student whose petition is denied may apply again for reinstatement after one semester has elapsed unless informed otherwise. A dismissed student may petition for reinstatement only once per semester.
   
   • An academically dismissed student may be reinstated after one semester if the student presents new evidence of potential academic success.
   
   • Students who have been dropped for academic or disciplinary reasons and then reinstated must identify a faculty member willing to act as a sponsor and advisor.