Admissions

McDaniel College welcomes applications from individuals who desire the lifelong personal and professional benefits of a liberal arts education and who eagerly enter the partnerships necessary to achieve it. Every year the College enrolls approximately 500 first-year students. In addition to entering first-year students, McDaniel College welcomes applications from students wishing to transfer from community colleges and other four-year colleges and universities.

McDaniel College invites prospective students to visit campus. Touring the campus; speaking with students, faculty, and administrators; and perhaps eating in the College’s dining hall can add valuable perspective on the College. McDaniel College regularly holds Open Houses that include formal and informal presentations of information on academic programs, student life, financial assistance, and other pertinent topics.

A wide variety of information about the College can be found in the College’s various publications and on the website, www.mcdaniel.edu.

Prospective students may request College publications and material as well as schedule campus visits and receive information about Open Houses and other special admissions programs at www.mcdaniel.edu/request-info, via Admissions e-mail at admissions@mcdaniel.edu or by toll free at 1-800-638-5005.

Counselor conversations, group information sessions and campus tours are usually available Monday through Friday as well as selected Saturdays by appointment. Our visit options can be found on the college’s website at www.mcdaniel.edu.

Prospective applicants should pursue a broad secondary school program. Sixteen high school units of core academic work are usually considered the minimum preparation for college. The College recommends that high school programs include four years of English, three years of social studies, three years of a world (foreign) language, three years of work in laboratory sciences, and three years of mathematics. Whenever possible, students should carry more than the minimum academic load and participate in enriched or accelerated high school courses.

A student must have, at a minimum, a high school diploma or GED or equivalent to be admitted into any approved academic programs at McDaniel College. A student seeking acceptance into any program must submit a copy of their U.S. high school diploma, GED, or if an international student, its equivalent. A student qualifies if they can provide any documentation of the following:

• Has a high school diploma (this can be from a foreign school if it is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma)
• Has the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, such as a general educational development or GED certificate or other state sanctioned test or diploma-equivalency certificate
• Has completed homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law, or
• Has completed secondary school education in a homeschool setting which qualifies for an exemption from compulsory attendance requirements under state law if state law does not require a home-schooled student to receive a credential for their education.

If the College has reason to believe that the diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary education, the Registrar will pursue efforts to verify the validity of the high school completion. That will include requiring a copy of the student’s diploma or transcripts directly from the source. In addition, the Registrar also has the option of checking with the state where the document was issued to verify the source and or access the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) database.

For comparable documents outside the United States, services for companies that determine the validity of foreign secondary school credentials will be employed.

McDaniel College welcomes applications from students who have been home-schooled for any or all of their high school careers. Students who have official records of any high school or community college work should request that transcripts be sent well in advance of the appropriate application deadline so that those documents may be part of the evaluation process. A portfolio is also strongly recommended, with emphasis on subjects covered, textbooks used, samples of papers or projects completed, and anything else that shows the depth and breadth of the academic experience. Portfolios will vary infinitely based on the individual program of study, and there is no “right” way to assemble one; simply provide as many details as possible to illustrate what you have accomplished. It is also valuable to list your extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, volunteer service, and any community-centered activities or enrichments.

McDaniel College evaluates the potential academic success of each candidate by considering the following:

• Secondary school courses and grades, with special consideration given to accelerated and college-level courses;
• Personal essay (Topics available on the McDaniel Application or the Common Application);
• Personal traits, goals, and motivation;
• Recommendations and evaluations by principals, counselors, and teachers;
• Participation in nonacademic activities.

McDaniel College is proudly test-optional. Students who believe their test scores demonstrate their ability or enhance their application are welcome to submit them. Students who believe that standardized test scores do not accurately reflect the strength of their academic achievements or enhance their application for admission can choose not to submit test scores.

In either case, test scores will not be used for the purposes of admission or awarding merit scholarships. If you have already submitted your standardized test scores but would like to have them removed from your application, you can contact us directly to request this change.

Non-U.S. citizens for whom English is not the first language should submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as outlined in McDaniel College’s English Proficiency Requirement. Please note that all enrolled students who have taken an SAT or ACT test must submit their standardized test scores prior to enrollment for purposes of reporting.

The CEEB code for McDaniel College is 5898; the ACT code is 1756.

First year students can apply using The McDaniel Application for First Year Students or the Common Application. Direct links to these applications are available on the admissions website at www.mcdaniel.edu/admissions.

A complete application for admission consists of The McDaniel Application for First Year Students or the Common Application form, secondary school and college (if any) transcripts and recommendations. Students may choose any of the following dates by which to apply and can expect to receive admission and scholarship notification within two to three weeks after each deadline. Early Decision Deadline is November 1; Early Action Deadlines are November 15 and December 15; and Regular Decision Deadline is February 1. Applications submitted after February 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.

The College’s Admissions Committee may request additional high school grades, an additional writing sample, an admissions interview, and/or recommendations.

Students who have earned a high school diploma and have more than 12 transferable college credits will apply as transfer applicants. Each year, about 20 percent of the College’s new students have transferred from two- and four-year colleges and universities. The College grants transfer credit for courses that are standard liberal arts courses or that compare to the offerings of the College from institutions accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Credit will be awarded when the grade from the sending institution is a “C-” or better, with the exception of ENG 1101, where the grade must be a “C” or better. The Spring Priority Application Deadline is December 1 and the Fall Priority Application Deadline is March 1. Transfer applications submitted after these deadlines will be considered on a space-available basis.

To transfer to McDaniel College, students should: submit The Common Application for Transfer Students or the McDaniel College Transfer Application, submit transcripts from all secondary and postsecondary institutions attended and a personal essay.

The College encourages applications from adults who have not begun or who have interrupted their college educations. They may enter as either full- or part-time students. Full-time students are eligible for financial assistance. Annually the College enrolls a significant number of these nontraditional students and makes efforts to be sensitive and responsive to their unique academic situations and needs. The Office of Academic Life provides advice and support for adult students who return to college and assigns a regular academic advisor.

McDaniel College has enrolled international students since 1890 and continues an active commitment to the broadest educational and social experience particularly in bringing together students from diverse cultures. International students enrich our campus, and the College strives to provide them with an outstanding American education. In this respect, the College is committed to the principles of international education as defined by the National Association of Foreign Student Affairs: Association of International Educators.

International students seeking admission, should submit: The Common Application, official high school records and results from all secondary school, university and national examinations (translated in English), and the Certificate of Finances Form with official bank statements.

A limited number of scholarships are available to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability. Some need-based financial assistance is available for international students.

The College encourages applications from veterans and their family members. McDaniel College provides a Veterans Affairs Coordinator to assist families utilizing veterans’ benefits and services. Veteran students who are members or former members of the Armed Forces of the United States are also granted priority registration for enrollment.

The McDaniel College Yellow Ribbon Program is designed to cover the student’s tuition and allowable fees above the annual maximum benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Only individuals entitled to the 100-percent rate of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefit may participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Students enrolled in the program receive a Yellow Ribbon Grant from McDaniel College, and the Department of Veterans Affairs matches the grant provided by the College. These grants combined with the maximum benefit provided by VA, will cover 100 percent of tuition and allowable fees at McDaniel College.  

McDaniel College offers evaluation of military training and experience for college credit. All credit granted for military training is given based on the American Council on Education (ACE) guide recommendations.

For priority registration approval, submit military ID, DD214, or N.O.B.E. (Notice of Basic Eligibility) to the Veterans Affair Coordinator. For more information, contact the Veterans Affairs Coordinator at 410-857-2216 or email vasco@mcdaniel.edu.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to earn another at McDaniel will need to complete the McDaniel College Application for Second Bachelor’s Degree at admission.mcdaniel.edu/apply and include an official copy of your undergraduate transcript with degree and date of graduation.

Students who have attended McDaniel in the past and wish to return to complete their degree should submit the McDaniel Application for Readmission at https://admission.mcdaniel.edu/apply and official transcripts from any institution attended since leaving the College. The Admissions Committee will confirm your eligibility to return with the following campus departments: Office of Academic Life, Bursar’s Office, Financial Aid Office and Registrar’s Office.

As a college recognized for changing lives, the McDaniel Honors Program challenges students to develop their intellectual potential. The program opens doors to challenging courses in many disciplines, often taught in innovative ways. Students with outstanding high school academic records (e.g. G.P.A., class rank, honors or AP courses, language courses) are invited to apply to the McDaniel Honors Program. In addition, students who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership in their first year at McDaniel may apply to join the program at the start of their sophomore year. Transfer students are invited on an individual basis. In terms of Program requirements. In addition to enriching electives, McDaniel Honors students enjoy priority registration, extended library loans, a special study lounge, connections with accomplished alumni, support to present research at conferences for honors students, and a unique opportunity to study abroad as early as their first year at McDaniel Europe. The Honors Program is designed to complement any major or student-designed program. Because honors electives fulfill one or more general education requirements, completing the honors curriculum offers a flexible, customized path through the liberal arts experience.

Questions regarding the Honors Program should be addressed to the Director of the Honors Program, Chloe Irla. Visit www.mcdaniel.edu/honors for program details.

Advanced Placement (AP) scores are normally accepted by the College for placement and/or credit on the following basis:

• Scores of 4 or 5: Student normally receive four credit hours. In some cases, up to 12 credit hours may be awarded.
• Score of 3: Advanced placement or credit is limited.
• Score of 2 or lower: No advanced placement or credit is given.
  
  View the current College Board AP Credit Policy chart here.

AP credit may be applied to fulfill both major requirements and the general education requirements as appropriate. Students may not earn credit from an AP test and the equivalent college course. The number of AP credits awarded is subject to change depending on changes in the tests and at the discretion of the department chair.

The College grants college credit for Liberal Arts subject areas based on the results of subject tests from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Placement and credit will be granted to those whose CLEP scores are equal to or above the American Council of Education’s recommended minimum scores. These scores are listed in the College Board’s publication College Placement and Credit by Examination. If the student achieves the designated passing score on an accepted examination and submits official documentation of the test results, appropriate credit will be awarded. Students may not earn credit from a CLEP exam and the equivalent college course.

Students entering McDaniel College from high school who seek credit for courses taken at a college while still attending high school will be notified by the Office of Admissions of transfer credits after they are accepted for admission and the final official college transcript is received. Credit for college courses taken while a student is still enrolled in high school is determined by the same standards used for granting transfer credit.

The College recognizes the IB diploma and grants a maximum of one year of credits (32 hours) for examinations in higher-level courses only. Credits are awarded as follows:

• Score of 5 or higher: Student normally receives four credit hours but in some cases up to 8 credit hours may be awarded.
• 4: Student may receive credit at the discretion of the appropriate department.
• 3 or lower: Student will not receive credit.

IB credits may be counted toward general education requirements, major or minor requirements, or electives in the same manner as Advanced Placement credits. Students may not earn credit from an IB exam and the equivalent college course. Students should confer directly with departments to determine exact placement in departmental courses.

Secondary school students, students from other colleges, and nontraditional students are welcome to enroll for specific classes without completing the regular admission application or enrolling as degree candidates. Non-degree students may take a maximum of sixteen credits before seeking admission to the College. The progress of special students is monitored by the Office of Academic Life. The online Undergraduate Non-Degree Registration form link may be requested from the Registrar’s Office, regoffice@mcdaniel.edu.

The College makes programs and activities on its campus available to every enrolled student and is committed to offering a campus environment free of discrimination and bias in matters affecting individuals with disabilities. The College admits qualified students and believes that no one should be barred from an education because of a disability. Program accessibility is assured by means of reasonable learning activities offered by the College; the Student Accessibility and Support Services Office provides services to students with disabilities enrolled at the College. As stated in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it is the student’s responsibility to make their disabling condition known and to request academic adjustments in a timely manner. Neuropsychological or Psychoeducational testing completed within the past 3 years may be required. Please visit here for specific documentation requirements.

Admissions Decision Rescind Policy

Admission to McDaniel College can be revoked for any reason at any time prior to the first day of classes at the discretion of the Dean of Admissions.

Additionally, if the College believes an enrolling student may have failed to meet the standards set by our First Principles, a review process is initiated by the Admissions Committee.

The review process can include, but is not limited to:

• A review of the student’s mid-year, third quarter or final transcript.
• A conversation with teachers or college counselors at the student’s high school or university.
• A conversation with the student to directly raise concerns regarding academic or integrity issues.
• The request of written statements from teachers, counselors, students or other individuals who might be able to assist the committee in understanding the academic or integrity issue of concern.
• Consultation with the Vice-President, Dean of Admissions and deans in Academic and Campus Life.
• The re-convening of the Admissions Committee for the purposes of reconsidering a candidate for admission using the new information within the context of our standard holistic review process.

During the review process, a student can expect:

• That the decision to rescind an offer of admission is not a foregone conclusion. Each student who fails to meet the academic and integrity standards outlined in their offer of admission will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Each student will be treated as an individual whose unique story will be heard and genuinely considered by the Committee.
• That all reasonable attempts will be made to understand the circumstances that led to the academic or integrity issue of concern, be that via phone or written communication.
• To receive a direct written communication from a senior admissions officer if their offer of admission is in fact rescinded.
• That the student’s college counselor will be notified of the decision to rescind via a written communication.

All decisions that are reconsidered and decided upon at the discretion of the Admissions Committee under these circumstances are final and not subject to appeal. Admitted or enrolling students who feel an academic or personal integrity issue could arise or has arisen, or who have questions about this policy should immediately be in touch with the Dean of Admissions.

MATH

Some courses require that students demonstrate that they have the math skills needed to be successful in the class before they are able to register for them. Subject areas that may require these skills include Kinesiology, Math, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Biomedical Science, Health Science, Business Administration and Economics. Therefore, students are encouraged to take a Math Placement Assessment, called ALEKS PPL. Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll in the best classes based on their scores. If students are dissatisfied with their math placement result or need to refresh their skills, students will be given the opportunity to review relevant material and then retake the exam (up to a total of five times). While these retakes can be completed at the student’s own pace, it is strongly recommended that they complete them as early as possible to gain access to the widest range of classes possible.

Please visit the “Math Placement” section of the Blackboard Placement Exams for more information.

ENGLISH

English Placement is required for every student except for those who submit official scores/transcripts meeting one of the following conditions:

• AP (5 on Lit, 4 or 5 on Comp)

• IB (4, 5, 6, 7, on HL; not SL)

• SAT RC/W 710+

• Transfer from approved schools, 4 prior college credits, must have C or above

Students need to complete 2 parts of the English Placement, a self-diagnostic survey and an essay. For diagnostic portion, students answer questions about themselves as writers (confidence with different elements of reading and writing, for example) and also given a prompt to complete an essay portion that will be read and reviewed by at least 2 English faculty members. Students then receive an email with both recommendations and some advice for interpreting their results, then decide (with the help of their advisor) which course they would like to enroll in.

• All students still must take ENG1101 as part of the General Education curriculum unless they are placed out (transfer credit, AP/IB scores, SAT/ACT scores).

• Any student may choose to take ENG1002.

• No student must take ENG1002.

• No student is “placed” into a class; the English Department shares the recommendations so students can make an informed decision.

Please visit the “English Placement” section of the Blackboard Placement Exams for more information.

LANGUAGE

The language placement exams available are:

• Spanish

• French

• American Sign Language

• Chinese

• Arabic

This exam is required for those who have previously studied a language even if they plan to study a different language here at McDaniel.

Please visit the “Language Placement” section of the Blackboard Placement Exams for more information

Incoming freshmen who have successfully completed the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program through their local high school may earn 4 credits towards the Elementary Education major or the Pre-K/Secondary Educati3on minor. Students must have completed the TAM program with an overall grade point average of 3.0 in the four TAM courses with no grade lower that a C and submit a completed Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) Program Completion Verification form, obtained from their Admissions counselor or Registrar’s Office. The four credits will be awarded as EDU-TAM, recorded on the student’s official record, and will meet the developmental course requirement within the education major or minor.

Beginning fall 2023, any first-year or transfer student who has earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.), an Associate of Science (A.S.), or an Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) will have met all McDaniel general education requirements with the exception of first-year students who must still complete First Year Seminar and My Design. This policy only applies to new students who has had one of the above associate degrees awarded prior to their enrollment at McDaniel. The Office of Admissions must receive an official college transcript with the appropriate associate degree listed and award date.