Frequently asked questions about applying to Denison.
What application rounds does Denison offer?
We offer Early Decision 1, Early Decision 2, and Regular Decision. Please note that Early Decision is binding, meaning that if you are admitted in an Early Decision round, you are committing to enroll at Denison and withdraw any applications you have submitted to other institutions.
What are the advantages of Early Decision (ED)?
There are two primary advantages to applying as an Early Decision applicant.
First, a higher percentage of students are admitted in Early Decision—as the pool of applicants is smaller than in Regular Decision. If you are confident that Denison is the right fit for you, we encourage you to consider applying as an Early Decision applicant.
Second, you find out if you’ve been admitted sooner! ED applicants typically receive their admission decisions about 1 month after each ED deadline (RD applicants receive decisions in mid-March). The ED1 deadline is November 15 and ED2 deadline is January 15. There is no difference in how applicants are reviewed between the ED1 and ED2 rounds.
Does Denison have a rolling admission policy?
In Early Decision rounds, students are notified on a rolling basis once the Office of Admission has received all the required application materials. All decisions will be released within one month of the application deadlines. In the Regular Decision round, our application deadline is January 15th, and all applicants receive their admission decisions by mid-March.
Can I change to be considered as an early decision applicant if I have already applied as a regular decision applicant?
Absolutely, as long as you do so before February 20th. You should email us at admission@denison.edu to let us know you would like to make this change, and we will require you complete the early decision agreement (requiring your signature, along with a parent’s and a counselor’s signatures.)
What do you look for in an applicant?
In evaluating your application to Denison, we take a number of things into consideration about you as an individual. We are seeking students who have demonstrated a seriousness toward their academic lives and who, in addition, would bring a variety of interests, characteristics, and personal qualities to our dynamic campus community.
How do you evaluate an applicant’s academic performance?
Typically, applicants who are admitted to Denison take challenging courses in their high schools and have done well in those courses. We also consider test scores, if you choose to submit them (see our test optional policy).
How do you evaluate an applicant’s extra-curricular involvement?
Denison’s community is largely characterized as a highly engaged one with many opportunities. As such, we are looking for students who have demonstrated that they are involved in their passions and have taken advantage of the opportunities they’ve been provided thus far. It is important to note: Quality over quantity is valued here. Taking on a high level of involvement in one or two passions is much more impactful than involvement in 100 activities that you simply “show up” for.
Does Denison consider “demonstrated interest” in evaluating an application?
Think of this as synonymous to when your crushes passed you notes in elementary school asking you if you liked them (we know, no one passes notes anymore). College admission kind of works the same way. We provide a lot of ways for you to learn more about us and for us to learn more about you. When you engage with us, we get the hint that you might like us. And of course, we want to admit people who like us. Again, there are so many ways to engage: visiting campus, participating in one of our many virtual offerings, completing an admission interview, reading our emails, submitting an arts supplement…the list goes on. And don’t forget, the best way to tell us you like us is to APPLY!
Does Denison waive application fees?
Absolutely! No questions asked! Actually- Denison has no application fee, and we accept self-reported test scores (if you choose to submit them). So, there should be no fees associated with your application for admission.
Please note that if you are applying for financial aid, the CSS Profile requires a $25 application fee.
I made a mistake on my application. How do I get that fixed?
Once you’ve submitted your application, you can’t make any edits. If you need to make a change to something like your essay or activity list, please email admission@denison.edu with the updated information and it’ll be added to your file.
How do I know that Denison has received my application? How will I know that Denison has received all components of my application?
You will get an email from Denison confirming that we have received your application. In addition, you will receive your credentials to log in to your applicant portal. In your applicant portal, you will be able to see a checklist of required application materials. If any of those materials are missing, we provide further information on how you are able to ensure they are submitted.
Pro Tip: Approach the college application process in an organized manner and give plenty of notice to the people submitting items on your behalf (e.g. counselors with high school transcripts, teachers with recommendations, etc.).
Should I submit an arts supplement? How do I do that?
Students interested in cinema, creative writing, dance, music, studio art, or theatre are encouraged to submit supplementary arts materials for evaluation. If submitted, materials will be reviewed by members of the arts faculty in the designated area(s) and students become eligible to receive a scholarship. By sharing a portfolio, students are able to showcase their artistic talents, regardless of their major.
You can submit your portfolio by simply uploading your materials through your applicant portal. You will receive your portal login information once you have submitted your application.
Where can I find my student portal?
After you submit your Common Application or Coalition Application to Denison, you will receive an email with information on how to log in to your applicant portal.
Can I get credit for AP, IB, or A-Level Examinations? What about college courses that I took in high school?
We hate this answer, but it is the one we have to give. It depends. Start by taking a look at this information provided by our Registrar’s Office. If you have specific questions, we encourage you to follow up at registrar@denison.edu.
Regardless of what type of credit you receive, remember that Denison is designed as a four year experience, and you should plan on spending four years here to complete your degree requirements.
Is there a minimum GPA to be considered for admission?
We do not have a minimum GPA as every application is reviewed holistically. While your GPA may indicate how you will do at Denison, the rigor of your courses is equally important.
Are there courses I am required to take in high school?
There are no set courses required to be considered for admission. However, admission to Denison is highly competitive. Typically, the most competitive applicants complete four years of English and at least three years of mathematics, foreign language, science, and social studies during high school. We also encourage you to challenge yourself with rigorous courses, when available and within reason.
How are arts supplements evaluated?
Arts supplements are evaluated by faculty members in the appropriate department. We consider both the supplement and the evaluation as part of our holistic review process.