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Admission to College

THE FRESHMAN CLASS
A freshman class is enrolled once a year—in September. Over 4,000 candidates submitted applications for admission into a recent freshman class. Since most candidates apply to more than one college, it is necessary to admit more students than the college intends to enroll. Application may be made upon the completion of six semesters of secondary school work. Candidates for admission to the freshman class are evaluated on the basis of (1) the secondary school record; (2) the results of the American College Testing Program (ACT) or the results of the College Board’s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT); (3) recommendation of the secondary school; and (4) strength of the high school curriculum.

THE SECONDARY SCHOOL RECORD
The secondary school record (official high school transcript) must be sent by the school counselor or principal. The transcript should present all the academic work of the candidate through the end of six semesters (end of junior year). Whenever possible, the transcript should indicate the candidate’s most recent class standing and senior course schedule.

Although candidates should rank in the top 25% of their graduating classes, the vast majority of the entering freshmen rank in the upper fifth of their classes. Additional consideration is given to general grade improvement during the junior and senior years with special attention focused on achievement in mathematics, science and English courses. Candidates should present a minimum of 16 units of credit from a secondary school approved by a state or regional accreditation agency.
English - 4 units Physics - 1 unit
Mathematics - 4 units Social Sciences - 2 units
(Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry) Elective Subjects - 4 units
Chemistry - 1 unit

The desirable elective subjects can include courses in science, mathematics, history, foreign language, speech, and computer programming.

PERSONAL INTERVIEWS

Candidates seeking admission are encouraged to meet with a member of the admissions staff. This can be arranged in a number of ways:

1. By scheduling a campus visit by the candidate
2. By visits to the candidate’s school by an admissions representative
3. By attending regional information sessions conducted by admissions representatives, faculty or alumni.

By far the most productive method of personal contact is the “on-campus interview,” which, in addition to the interchange of information with an admissions counselor, allows the candidate to evaluate all aspects of the college. Appointments for a campus visit may be made by writing or calling the Admissions Office at 812/877-8214. Weekday office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors should try to schedule appointments for 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. during the week.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Candidates may support their applications for admission by furnishing the college with additional information which is not asked for on the formal application. This supportive information might include a brief autobiography, reasons for wanting to study engineering or science, career plans after graduation, or even additional character recommendations.

DOMESTIC EXAMINATIONS
All candidates for the freshman class are required to take the American College Testing Program’s ACT or the College Entrance Examination Board’s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). No achievement tests of any kind are required by the college.

Candidates are encouraged to take their entrance examinations during the spring of their junior year. Test results should be sent to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology by the testing service at the request of the candidate. However, test results which are included on official secondary school transcripts will be honored by the college.

*Special Notation: The results of any senior testing should be received no later than March 1.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL
An official transcript of the academic record of each applicant is required. A part of this form includes a confidential evaluation by the high school principal, counselor or designated official concerning the candidate’s character, personality, and potential for success in a professional school.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology recognizes the implication of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment) relative to its impact on written evaluations from secondary school counselors. While we respect the policy adopted by some school corporations not to provide written evaluations for admissions candidates, failure to provide this valuable subjective information could diminish the applicant’s chances for an affirmative admissions decision. This information is particularly critical when the candidate has not had a personal interview with an admissions representative.

TRANSFER STUDENTS
A student transferring from another college or university is required to be in “good academic standing.” Credit may be given at Rose-Hulman for work done elsewhere which is considered to be equivalent of the corresponding course at Rose-Hulman if a grade of C or better was earned.

Credits earned elsewhere will be evaluated by the head of the department in which the courses would be taught at Rose-Hulman. Final acceptance of the credit is at the discretion of the head of the department in which the student is seeking a degree.

Students enrolled at Rose-Hulman who plan to take courses at another institution with the intention of transferring the credit to Rose-Hulman should obtain approval in advance from the head of the department concerned. Transfer students may obtain an application by writing to the Office of Admissions, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT
During Freshman Orientation, students are given the opportunity to qualify for credit by exam in a selected number of courses. Other exams may be given by making arrangements with the appropriate department head. Students may also qualify for advanced placement through the Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Board. The required score and corresponding course at Rose-Hulman are listed below.