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Choose Your Application

Our streamlined application process helps you easily apply for undergraduate admission using either The Common Application or the McDaniel Application (we have no preference- choose the one that works best for you).  Once your application is complete, your admissions counselor begins their review. We utilize a holistic review process that includes all the materials you submitted to us, so we get to know you well inside and outside the classroom.

 

We understand that fulfilling all parts of the application process may be difficult at this time due to the impact of COVID-19, so we will remain flexible, including accepting unofficial transcripts.

Apply Using the Common Application Apply Using the McDaniel Application
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Application Requirements

Throughout the application process, your admissions counselor will work closely with you to ensure you are not missing any required items. Remember that McDaniel College is proudly test-optional, so you will decide if you would like to submit your test scores for review.

First-Time Full-Time Application Requirements

If you have not earned your high school diploma (even if you are currently enrolled in college courses through a dual enrollment program) or have graduated from high school but have fewer than 12 transferable college credits, you will apply as a First-Time Full-Time applicant.

Your requirements are:

  • High school transcript: If you cannot secure an official high school transcript, we will gladly accept an unofficial copy that includes grades 9-11. All students are required to submit a final official transcript that demonstrates high school graduation prior to enrollment.
  • Personal Essay: Your personal essay helps us become acquainted with you as a person and student, apart from courses and grades. It will also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. 
  • Letter of Recommendation or Common Application Secondary School Report (recommended)

As part of our commitment to campus diversity, we do not charge an application fee.

OPTIONAL

  • SAT or ACT Scores: Because McDaniel is proudly test-optional, you decide whether or not to submit your test scores. Please note that should you choose to enroll, we will request test scores from all future students for reporting purposes only. If you did not take the SAT or ACT, you will not be required to submit scores

REQUIRED IF APPLYING EARLY DECISION (BINDING)

  • If you are applying Early Decision, you must complete, print, and submit the Early Decision Agreement Form with all three required signatures by the appropriate deadline.

Transfer Application Requirements

If you have earned your high school diploma and have more than 12 transferable college credits, you will apply as a Transfer applicant.

Your requirements are:

  • Official transcript(s) from all colleges or universities attended
    • Your transcript(s) will be reviewed not only for admission but also to evaluate which courses will transfer to McDaniel. Learn more about our Transfer Credit Review Process.
  • Copy of your high school transcript that shows proof of high school graduation
  • Personal Essay: Your personal essay helps us become acquainted with you as a person and student, apart from courses and grades. It will also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. 
  • Letter of Recommendation (recommended)
  • Residential Student Release Form: If you lived on campus at your most recent college and plan to live on campus at McDaniel, you will need to submit the Residential Student Release Form. The McDaniel Application includes an easy online form request to send to the Dean of Students at your most recent college. 

As part of our commitment to campus diversity, we do not charge an application fee.

OPTIONAL

  • SAT or ACT Scores: Because McDaniel is proudly test-optional, you decide whether or not to submit your test scores. Please note that should you choose to enroll, we will request test scores from all future students for reporting purposes only. If you did not take the SAT or ACT, you will not be required to submit scores.

Second Bachelor's Degree Application Requirements

If you have already earned a Bachelor's Degree and wish to earn another at McDaniel, you'll need to complete the Application for Second Bachelor's Degree and submit an official copy of your undergraduate transcript with degree and date of graduation.

Re-Admission Application Requirements

If you attended McDaniel in the past, and wish to return to complete your degree, you'll need to submit the McDaniel Application for Re-Admission along with an official transcript for any college you have attended since leaving McDaniel.

As a part of our re-admission review, we’ll confirm your eligibility to return to McDaniel with the following campus departments:

  • Office of Academic Life
  • Office of Campus Life
  • Bursar's Office
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Registrar's Office

After we have receive feedback from each department, we’ll be able to review and make a decision on your re-admission to McDaniel. 

Once you have been re-admitted and have submitted your re-enrollment deposit, we’ll connect you with the Office of Academic Life to complete the advisement and registration processes.

International Student Application Requirements

International students should first determine if they will be applying as a First-Time Full-Time or Transfer applicant. In addition to submitting the required application materials, you must also submit:

  • English Translation of official secondary school transcript
    • Please include the last three completed years of schooling at minimum and your senior year schedule. Senior grades will be requested if needed. If you are seeking transfer credit, we also require an official credential evaluation. We recommend World Education Services (WES) for your credential evaluation but will accept an evaluation from any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member.
  • Official Test Scores
    • If English is not your first language or primary language of instruction, you will need to demonstrate English Proficiency by completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), IELTS, SAT, or ACT. The minimum official scores to be considered for admission are:
      • TOEFL: 550 on the paper examination; 213 on the internet examination; 80 on the iBT (with a minimum score of 20 in each section)
      • IELTS: 6.5
      • Testing during COVID-19: With many testing sites closed, McDaniel College will accept IELTS Indicator Scores and/or the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition during the 2020-2021 application cycle. If you do not have access to any testing please reach out to the Associate Director of Admissions, Brooke Hain (bhain@mcdaniel.edu), to request a waiver.
  • Financial Information
    • You must have submitted the required Certificate of Finances if you would like to have your application reviewed for need based aid. International students will be considered for need-based institutional grants following acceptance. However please be aware that even after need-based aid is applied, international students are typically responsible for $25,000-$40,000 USD per year. If a family cannot realistically contribute $20,000-$40,000 USD, it is unlikely McDaniel will be an affordable option.

Application Deadlines

This process is about you and your busy schedule. Choose the deadline that best works for you and we'll take it from there. 

First-year Students

November 1: Early Decision I (Deposit Deadline: January 15) 

November 15: Early Action I

December 15: Early Action II (Final deadline if you wish to be considered for the Honors program or additional Honors scholarships.)

January 15: Early Decision II (Deposit Deadline: February 15) 

June 1: International applicants living outside of the United States

July 15: Regular Decision Final Deadline

Transfer Students, Students seeking Readmission or a Second Bachelor's Degree

December 1: Spring Application Deadline (Deposit Deadline: January 15th) 

March 1: Fall Priority Application Deadline (Deposit Deadline: May 1st) 

July 15: Fall Final Application Deadline (Deposit Deadline: 1 week after admission notification) 

Choosing Your Application

When you consider applying to McDaniel, you will be invited to apply under one of three admissions programs:

  • Early Decision: Early decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend McDaniel. It is for this reason that Early Decision applicants are required to have their school counselor and parent acknowledge that they are applying Early Decision and must submit McDaniel's Early Decision Agreement Form.  Early Decision requires students to commit to enroll before they receive their financial aid award, meaning you should understand McDaniel's costs and merit scholarships prior to submitting an ED application. Students who apply Early Decision to McDaniel are admitted at a higher rate than students who apply Early Action or Regular Decision. 
  • Early Action: Early Action plans are nonbinding — students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1. Students who apply Early Action to McDaniel are admitted at a higher rate than students who apply Regular Decision.
  • Regular Decision: Regular decision is the normal process by which students apply by published deadlines. Every attempt is made to respond to Regular Decision applicants within 3 weeks of a completed application.

Making McDaniel Possible Merit Scholarships Rewarding Your Work

With over $40 million in financial aid awarded to students per year, we're proud of our commitment to recognizing student achievement through generous merit scholarships. Each applicant is evaluated for merit scholarships regardless of need based on the quality of their application materials. For eligible students, McDaniel also has three special Legacy Scholarship programs recognizing two categories of service and family ties to McDaniel.

 

Learn More About Merit Scholarships
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Academic Excellence The Honors Program: December 15 Application Deadline Rewarding Student Effort

Students who submit a complete application for admission by December 15 are automatically considered for the Honors program. Based on a combination of core high school GPA, writing samples, honors classes, AP classes, class ranks, and any other areas of significant achievement, your admissions counselor will identify you as a potential Honors student and you will be invited to apply. Students who apply to the Honors Program are not only considered for the program itself but are also considered for additional merit scholarship that range from $1000 per year all the way up to full tuition.

Learn More About the Honors Program
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Westminster, MD, 21157
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