Applying for Admission to Baldwin Wallace University
The Admission Committee carefully examines the academic achievement and aptitude of every candidate for admission to Baldwin Wallace. The goal of the Committee is to admit students who can best benefit from and contribute to the academic program and life of the University.
Baldwin Wallace University has a rolling admission policy; however, it is strongly recommended that high school seniors apply between September and March of their senior year. Priority admission and scholarships are given to students applying prior to March 1. Applications should be received no later than May 1. Transfer and adult students should apply at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. BW notifies applicants approximately 2–4 weeks after all required application information and forms are received by the Office of Admission.
All applications and credentials submitted for admission consideration become property of Baldwin Wallace University when they are submitted and will not be returned in original or copy form, unless the student has matriculated at Baldwin Wallace University.
For more information on applying to BW, go online to www.bw.edu/apply.
First-Time Undergraduate Students
Admission to the University is offered on a selective basis. To be considered for admission, candidates must submit an application and fee, official high school or GED transcripts, results of the ACT or SAT examination or a graded writing sample in lieu of standardized testing, a teacher’s recommendation, a personal essay and a summary of school and community activities. BW requires that applicants have earned either a diploma from an accredited high school or the GED Certificate prior to enrolling at the University. Students who have been home schooled should consult with the Office of Admission.
While not required, an on-campus interview with an admission counselor is highly recommended. A campus visit provides the applicant an opportunity to share personal insights with a member of the Admission Committee, as well as the opportunity to evaluate the programs and atmosphere of the University.
The Admission Committee has determined that the following high school curriculum will best prepare most students for academic success at BW: four units in English; three units each in mathematics including Algebra 2, social science and natural science; two units in foreign language and at least three additional elective units from academic areas. Candidates considering majors in the sciences or mathematics are encouraged to include four units each of mathematics and science in their high school programs.
Successful candidates for admission typically rank in the top quarter of their high school classes, have earned a minimum B average in their academic course work and have demonstrated involvement and leadership in school or community organizations. Standardized test scores generally reflect commensurate achievement and ability; however test scores are optional in the admission process.
The University recognizes that some students may be well qualified to succeed in an undergraduate program without having followed the recommended high school curriculum. Therefore, applicants whose records indicate academic potential but who have followed an alternate program of study are encouraged to contact the Office of Admission for additional information at 440/826-2222 or admission@bw.edu.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs
Scores from these examinations will be considered for credit by the University. (See Undergraduate Academic Opportunities .) Further information about Advance Placement credit can be found at www.bw.edu/resources/registration/info/AdvancedPlacement. Information regarding International Baccalaureate credit is found at www.bw.edu/resources/registration/info/ib.
Conservatory of Music Students
Admission to the Conservatory is highly selective and is based on the following factors: academic admissability, audition on primary applied instrument and interviews for the music majors of composition, education, therapy and theory. Students must submit their application, music teacher evaluation, and music profile prior to the audition. Auditions are held in the Conservatory at regular intervals during the academic year.
Detailed information concerning admission to specific majors and programs, repertoire requirements, or an appointment for an interview or audition may be obtained by writing or calling Conservatory Admission, Conservatory of Music, Baldwin Wallace University, 275 Eastland Road, Berea, Ohio 44017-2088, toll free 1-866-BW-MUSIC; email music@bw.edu or go to the web site, www.bw.edu/conservatory.
For the policy on acceptance of Conservatory transfer students, see below .
Adult and Continuing Education Students
Adult students applying for admission to Baldwin Wallace as an evening/weekend student are required to submit an application, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, and a letter of recommendation. The application fee is waived when students apply online at www.bw.edu/apply. Students who have not completed 25 semester hours of successful college work or have been out of high school less than five years are required to submit an official high school or GED transcript. An on-campus interview with an admission counselor is recommended. The Admission Committee recognizes that life and career responsibilities, military service and employment history can provide helpful insight into a student’s potential for a successful academic experience at the University. To talk to an admission counselor or learn more about adult programs, call 440-826-8012 or go to www.bw.edu/evening.
Adults may initially enroll at BW using the Quick Start application for admission. A Quick Start application is available from the Admission Office or may be downloaded from the web at www.bw.edu/quickstart. This application allows a student to enroll as a part-time student for one semester before formally applying to the University as a degree-seeking student.
Post Baccalaureate Students
A Post Baccalaureate Student has earned a bachelor’s degree and wishes to take supplemental undergraduate course work at Baldwin Wallace University. Post Baccalaureate Students apply using the Non-Degree application forms, which are available from the Admission Office (440/826-8012) or may be downloaded from www.bw.edu/apply. Students seeking to earn a second bachelor’s degree, a teacher’s license, or a certificate program completion must submit official college transcripts from each college or university attended.
BW graduates seeking a second degree from BW after an absence of more than three years will be subject to the institutional (core) and departmental curricular requirements in effect at the time of readmission. BW graduates seeking a second degree after an absence of 3 years or less will be subject to the institutional (core) requirements in effect when they earned their first degree and to the departmental curricular requirements in effect at the time of readmission. A year is defined as the completion of two consecutive semesters and one summer session.
Undergraduate Transfer Students
Transfer Students To All Divisions
Admission to the University is offered on a selective basis. To be considered for admission, candidates must submit an application, a high school or GED transcript (if out of high school less than five years or if less than 25 transferable college credits have been completed), a letter of recommendation, Office of Student Affairs/Judicial Affairs form (if attending a four-year residential college/university within the last academic year), and official transcripts or evidence of approved withdrawal from all previous colleges and universities attended. Application fee is waived when students apply online at www.bw.edu/apply. Scores of the SAT or ACT may be required for recent high school graduates. All of the applicant’s credentials, including all previous course work completed at other colleges or universities, are considered in the admission process. Failure to fully disclose all academic records to the Admission Committee at the time of application may be cause for cancellation of admission or dismissal from the University.
Successful candidates for admission typically submit credentials from colleges and universities accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, have met the general admission requirements for first time students and have earned a B average in their college or university course work. Candidates should be in good academic, social and financial standing at their previous institutions. Students not in good standing at a previous institution may be considered for admission provided they have been out of school at least one full year prior to their proposed date of entrance.
The University recognizes that several factors may influence a student’s decision to transfer to a new institution. Therefore, a candidate whose record indicates academic potential but who has not met the exact pattern listed above is encouraged to contact the Office of Admission for additional information.
Students with Military Experience
Baldwin Wallace University recognizes military experience as transferable University credit. During the admission process, veterans should submit the DD Form 214 and any military transcripts detailing their training and education in addition to any high school or college academic transcripts. The BW Office of Registration and Records will review these records for possible University credit. For more information, go to www.bw.edu/veterans.
Conservatory Transfer Students submit the transfer application, Conservatory audition portfolio, and participate in the audition process. The Conservatory reserves the right to assess all music transfer credits through placement examinations, particularly in the areas of Music Theory, Music History & Literature, and Applied Music. If a student has had courses in these areas but does not demonstrate the required proficiency, he/she may be required to retake courses as taught by Conservatory faculty. In such a case, the credits will transfer as music electives. www.bw.edu/transfer
Transfer Credit
Courses which fall within the academic scope of the BW curriculum as determined by the faculty and in which a student has received a grade of “C” or better will be considered for transfer credit at BW. The University will transfer credit hours, but will not transfer quality points or grades.
Transfer students must fulfill the University’s last 32 hours of their 124 hours of required course work, or one-fourth of their academic program, in residency, as well as all stated University and departmental requirements, to qualify for degree status.
Baldwin Wallace will not accept transfer credits earned by examination from other institutions. University credit may be granted for training programs offered by business and industry as recommended in the American Council on Education’s Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs and for previous military experience as recommended in the American Council on Education’s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. The training must fall within the academic scope of the Baldwin Wallace curriculum. Official transcripts from the American Council on Education are required before appropriate credit can be determined. The maximum credit accepted from a two-year college is 62 semester hours. More credit is accepted from a four-year college as long as 32 hours of the required 124 hours of course work, or one-fourth of their academic program is met in residency at Baldwin Wallace. www.bw.edu/admission/transfer/credits.asp
Affiliated Partnerships with Local Community Colleges
Through special affiliations with Cuyahoga Community College, Lakeland Community College and Lorain County Community College, Baldwin Wallace accepts 62 semester hours in transfer for approved associate degrees. Applicants must meet all normal admission requirements and conditions of the University.
Associates to Bachelor Degree (A2B)
Students who have earned an associate’s degree from any regionally accredited college or university may qualify for BW’s streamlined Associate to Bachelor’s programs to complete their bachelor’s degree in as few as 21 courses in: Health Care Management, Management and Organizational Leadership. For more information, visit www.bw.edu/A2B.
Dual Admission Program
The Dual Admission Program is a joint transfer program with Cuyahoga Community College that allows students to complete an Associate’s degree at Cuyahoga Community College and also be granted admission to Baldwin Wallace University. Students may be admitted to the Dual Admission program directly out of high school depending on the strength of their academic program and performance. Students with less than 25 transferable college credits are encouraged to apply to the program. Once accepted into the Dual Admission program, students must complete a minimum of 25 transferable Tri-C credits, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and have completed required English and Math courses to be guaranteed degree-seeking admission to BW.
For more detailed information on the Dual Admission Program, please contact the Admission Office or check www.bw.edu/transfer.
International Students
Students from more than 20 nations are enrolled at Baldwin Wallace University. International applicants must submit an application and fee, certified English translations of all official academic records beyond the primary level, the results of the TOEFL examination, two teacher recommendations, a personal statement of educational goals and a statement of financial support. For additional information, please contact the Office of Admission. Additional fees may be assessed for evaluation of transfer credit. Baldwin Wallace University supports the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO), the International Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for International Students and Institutions. |
