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How Guilford College

reviews applications

The goal of the Guilford College admission process is to identify those applicants who will benefit most from a Guilford education and contribute to the Guilford community. The admission committee thoroughly reviews each applicant to determine academic preparation as well as to evaluate other qualities such as leadership, ceativity, and school and community involvement.

Guilford College is a rigorous academic environment. The successful student at Guilford has had vigorous preparation in several college preparatory, advanced and honors classes in high school. Guilford encourages motivated seekers to accept the challenge of a Guilford education.

For first-year applicants, we consider your coursework and grades (weighted and unweighted GPA), with the expectation that you will have at least four college-preparatory courses each year, although no specific number of courses is required, and with the hope that you have challenged yourself with advanced courses where available. To the extent that we can, we also consider the level of competition in your high school.

We will also consider your SAT I or ACT scores if you chose to submit those scores to us. However, we are an SAT/ACT optional institution. For students who feel that their standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT do not provide an accurate indication of their ability to be successful in college, we provide the option to submit an academic portfolio of written work in lieu of standardized test scores. The academic portfolio must include 3 - 5 writing samples (at least one should be a graded expository written work) and, if available, jr/sr year reading lists.  Applicants who choose Guilford's Test Optional Policy must also submit the Test Optional Form and have an admission interview, either on campus or by telephone. Students are responsible for scheduling an interview. For more information about Guilford's Test Optional Policy, please contact your admission counselor. We do place greater emphasis on your four years of achievement in high school. Along with your test scores (or Academic Portfolio of writing), official transcript, and extracurricular activities, Guilford also looks at a personal essay and a graded writing sample, as well as school recommendations from a counselor and a teacher.

Student's courses and grades are paramount in the process. A majority of Guilford first-year students place in the top third of their high school class and have a strong "B" average. Since Guilford is a writing intensive environment, a student's preparation in this area will be studied closely.

Personal interviews are encouraged but not required unless deemed necessary by the Admission Committee. We offer campus interviews (subject to availability), regional interviews in certain metropolitan areas, and phone interviews. To receive more information you may send an e-mail, write a letter, or phone the Admission Office. You can also request information by filling out this online request form.

An overview of our fall 2009 first-year class are available on the first-year class profile.

If you are over the age of 23, please refer to Guilford's Adult Programs for additional information.