First-Time Freshmen
Apply to Shepherd
You are considered a first-time freshman if you have or will be recently graduating from high school or have obtained your GED and have never attended a college or university. Students who have attended any institution of higher education after high school/secondary school cannot apply as a first time freshman student.
Spring 2024 Application Deadline
International Student Deadline: November 1, 2023
General Admission Deadline: December 1, 2023
Fall 2024 Application Deadlines
Early Action Deadline: November 15, 2023
General Admission Deadline: August 1, 2024
International Student Deadline: July 1, 2024
Admissions Requirements
The Office of Admissions carefully evaluates each student’s application and completed a holistic review of the student, including academic performance and personal character and achievements. For admissions standards, we follow West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission guidelines (found HERE). When evaluating high school coursework, we look for completion of the following number of units/years:
- 4 English (including courses in grammar, composition, and literature)
- 4 Mathematics (three units must be Algebra I and higher)
- 3 Social Studies (including U.S. history)
- 3 Science (all courses to be college preparatory laboratory science, preferably including units from biology, chemistry, and physics)
- 2 Foreign Language or American Sign Language (two units of the same language)
- 1 Art/Humanities or Technology
Application Process
1. Complete the Shepherd University application or apply through the Common App.
2. Submit the $45 application fee or an approved application fee waiver.
3. Send an official high school transcript or GED/TASC/HiSET to Shepherd either electronically to admission@shepherd.edu or via mail to:
| Shepherd University Office of Admissions PO Box 5000 Shepherdstown, WV 25443 |
Please note that official transcripts are sent in a sealed, signature-stamped envelope, or electronically sent from the issuing institution directly to Shepherd University. Print transcripts that are opened by the student or electronic transcripts that are forwarded are considered unofficial.
Home Schooled students who do not have a transcript should submit GED/TASC results. For home schooled student application requirements, please visit this page.
4. Students who enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses while in high school must submit official transcripts from the college that granted the credit. College transcripts are not required at the time of application for an admissions decision, but must submitted prior to the beginning of the student’s first semester at Shepherd.
5. Send your SAT or ACT scores. (SAT code: 5615, ACT code: 4532). While Shepherd University is test optional, we encourage students to send any SAT/ACT scores as they help determine placement for Math, English and Economics courses.
6. It is recommended that you submit a personal statement and/or letters of recommendation with your application. Personal statements can be typed into the online application, mailed, or emailed to admission@shepherd.edu. For a list of writing prompts, click here.