Saint Mary’s College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability in the recruitment and admission of students. This nondiscriminatory policy also applies to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the College,and to the administration of educational policies, scholarships and loan programs, student employment and other College-administered programs.
Saint Mary’s College seeks students who demonstrate academic achievement and want to contribute to the life of the College community. Admission is competitive and based primarily on the student’s academic transcript, standardized test scores, essay, and recommendations. An informational meeting with an admission counselor is available, though not required, and may be arranged by contacting the Office of Admission.
Students should apply by February 15 of the year of entrance. Late applications are welcome if space is available. The following items are needed for completion of an application to Saint Mary’s:
Saint Mary’s has a modified rolling admission policy. Students who did not apply for Early Decision and whose applications are complete on or before December 1 will be notified of their decisions by mid-January. Applications submitted in December or later will be evaluated two to four weeks from the date of completion.
Accepted students confirm their intention to enroll by submitting a $400 enrollment deposit.
Students enrolling at Saint Mary’s College must have on file an official, final high school transcript as proof of high school graduation and a completed health form. These forms must be received before the start of the student’s first semester of attendance to comply with federal and state of Indiana regulations. Students who have not submitted both forms prior to their arrival to the College will not be allowed to move into the residence halls or start classes.
Students who have selected Saint Mary’s as their first choice college may apply for admission under the Early Decision Program. In accordance with the National Association for College Admission Counseling guidelines, the application form requires the signatures of the student, parent, and high school guidance counselor. The Early Decision application deadline is November 15. Early Decision candidates will be notified by mid-December as long as applications are complete by the end of November.
Early Decision candidates accepted by Saint Mary’s must confirm their intention to enroll at the College by submitting a non-refundable $400 enrollment deposit by January 15. At the time of submission of the enrollment deposit to Saint Mary’s, they must withdraw any applications submitted to other institutions.
Early Decision applicants who wish to apply for financial aid must file the FAFSA no later than December 15 to receive a notification of financial aid offer before the January 15 deposit deadline. Regular decision students must also submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to the Processing Center after October 1 but no later than, ideally, March 1 in order to receive maximum consideration for financial aid.
Applicants for admission must complete a college preparatory curriculum that consists of a minimum of 16 academic units. One unit is often referred to as a Carnegie Unit and represents one full year of study. The minimum requirements are:
Three additional units from among the above listed subjects are required. The following subject areas are considered complementary to the college preparatory courses and do not meet the criteria to fulfill the minimum unit requirement:
Home-schooled students are required to present evidence of completion of the aforementioned 16 academic units and submit the requirements listed above. Home-schooled students are encouraged to apply for admission and should contact the Office of Admission with questions.
Saint Mary’s SAT code is 1702 and ACT code is 1244.
Saint Mary’s has adopted a Test Optional alternative for first year applicants. Students can choose whether or not to submit test scores as part of their academic portfolio. The Office of Admission reserves the right to request additional documents, including test scores, an academic writing sample and/or a teacher recommendation, if we believe it will give us a clearer sense of your preparation for Saint Mary’s during the holistic review process. Homeschooled and international applicants are still required to submit test scores.
For students who choose to submit test scores, if a student submits both SAT and ACT scores, or scores from multiple dates, the highest subscores will be used for admission and scholarship consideration. The ACT writing test is not required. For students who enroll at Saint Mary's, we request the official test scores be sent to Saint Mary's at that time.
Saint Mary’s College may award credit and/or exemption from college requirements based on official scores from College Board SAT Subject Tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or higher level International Baccalaureate courses. The College will accept up to 30 semester hours of credit by examination. Contact the Office of Academic Affairs and First Year Studies regarding advanced placement and the amount of credit granted or saintmarys.edu/first-year-placement.
Mature, well-qualified students who wish to enroll full-time in college after graduating from high school in three years, may apply for early admission to Saint Mary’s College. Major factors in the evaluation of candidates for early admission include a strong academic record and supporting recommendations from teachers and counselors. An informational meeting with an admission counselor is strongly recommended. Admission decisions will not be made officially until final grades for the junior year are submitted and reviewed.
Upon request, Saint Mary’s may grant a deferral for one semester or one year. Students who defer admission and complete college-level courses between the time of acceptance and enrollment must reapply for admission.
Students offered admission through the Student Success Program enroll in EDUC 100 Strategies for Academic Success (2 semester hours) which provides extensive, comprehensive, college-level study skills and strategies that apply to academic, career, and life skill success.
Students who have earned 12 credits or more from a regionally accredited institution after graduating from high school are considered transfer students. Admission of transfer students is based primarily on the student’s academic performance in college, standardized test scores, essay, and recommendation. Of the information submitted, the admission committee attaches the greatest importance to the applicant’s academic record. Transfer applicants must be in good standing at the last college attended or the one at which they are currently attending. Applicants are expected to:
A personal meeting with a transfer admission counselor is strongly recommended but not required, and may be arranged by contacting the Office of Admission. Students wishing to transfer for the fall semester should apply by July 15 (or November 15 for the spring semester). Late applications are welcome if space is available. The following items are needed for completion of a transfer application to Saint Mary’s:
Transfer students will receive academic credit for all courses taken at an accredited institution in which they have earned grades of “C” or better and which are comparable in content to courses offered at Saint Mary’s. Transferred courses are not calculated into the Saint Mary’s GPA. During the admission process, transcripts will be evaluated to determine which completed courses will transfer to Saint Mary’s. At the time of admission, transfer students will receive an evaluation of completed courses showing which have been accepted.
All transfer students must complete the College requirements for the degree outlined.
Saint Mary’s College encourages applications from international students. Admission is based on grades and curriculum in a secondary course of study, command of English as demonstrated through standardized testing, an essay and recommendation. Applications should be submitted as early as possible but are accepted on a rolling basis. A candidate’s file will be evaluated when all information has been submitted. To be considered for admission, international students must submit the following items:
As soon as possible after receiving her acceptance, the applicant should indicate her desire to reserve a place on campus by submitting a non-refundable USD $400 enrollment deposit. Upon submission of the deposit and verification of financial responsibility, an I-20 Certification of Eligibility form will be sent to the student. The American Embassy, Consulate or Immigration Office nearest the student’s home (if residing outside the U.S.) should be contacted for passport and visa information. If currently residing in the U.S., please contact the Coordinator of International Admission for specific instructions regarding a legal transfer to Saint Mary’s College.
Saint Mary’s College welcomes women who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree after time away from the academic environment. Courses may be taken for credit that may apply toward a degree or license, or without credit for enjoyment and enrichment.
A student not seeking an undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s may enroll as a special student in classes which are not over-enrolled. Both men and women are welcome to take a part-time or a full-time load as special students. By special arrangements, non-degree seeking female students may apply for campus housing.
If a student officially withdrew from Saint Mary's, whether earning college credit from another accredited institution or not, then the student should send a written request to the Office of Academic Advising and Registrar stating the reason they wish to return. The student will be notified of their readmission status after their request has been evaluated.
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