You've got questions and you want quick answers. You've come to the right place. Here are some of the questions we get asked frequently by prospective students and their parents regarding the admission and financial aid process. If you don't find your question in the list below, contact us.

ADMISSIONS

What are your admission requirements?
Admission to Bridgewater is granted to those who present evidence of the ability to succeed in the academic and social atmosphere that is found at Bridgewater. In brief, criteria include:

• Graduation from an accredited senior high school or secondary school with credits as follows: four in English; two in one foreign language, preferably in French, German, or Spanish; three in college preparatory mathematics, preferably algebra, geometry, and algebra II; two in social studies and history; two in sciences; and four in suitable electives. Applicants from Virginia high schools are encouraged to take a program leading to the Advanced Studies Diploma.
• A rank in the upper half of the graduating class or evidence of additional strong academic qualities.
• A satisfactory score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Test (ACT) of the American College Testing Program. Scores on the SAT II are welcome but not required.
• Good character, which includes, but is not limited to, such qualities as honesty, integrity, and responsibility. Applicants are expected to present evidence of these qualities.

How do I apply to Bridgewater?
In order to obtain full and complete information concerning the achievements of applicants and their abilities to do college work, Bridgewater College will make use of the following methods:

1. The application form. The application form, whether using the paper version or the online application, has been designed to provide the Admissions Committee with necessary information about the applicant. This is the first step, and a very important one, to begin the application process.
2. The high school or secondary school transcript. Upon receipt of the properly completed application form, the College asks the applicant's high school to furnish an official transcript of his or her high school academic record. The applicant must fill out a transcript request form in the guidance office before the high school may release this transcript to the College. Transfer students must submit official transcripts of their records at other institutions.
3. Written recommendations. Upon receipt of the properly completed application, the College asks the applicant's guidance officer, a teacher, and a minister or other adult to provide a character rating or a letter of character recommendation.
4. Personal interview. Soon after the application form has been sent in, any applicant who has not talked with an official representative of the college should arrange to come to the campus for a personal interview by a member of the Admissions staff. Appointments for interviews may be made by telephone: Admissions Office at 800-759-8328, e-mail admissions@bridgewater.edu, or by writing to the Admissions Office, 402 East College Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812.
5. Health record. Each applicant must present a written health report on a form supplied by the college. The form, properly executed, must be returned to the college before official registration can begin.

When should I apply?
You may submit an application for admission upon the completion of your junior year in high school, but no later than August 1 of the year in which you wish to enroll. If you wish to enroll at the beginning of the Interterm or the Spring Semester, you must file an application for admission at least 30 days in advance of the date of enrollment.

What is the deadline for submitting an application?
Bridgewater's rolling admission system allows a student to apply at any time. If students apply early, they will be notified of their admission status early. A rolling admission system means there is always more space in the class at the beginning of the academic year than at the end of the year. Students who delay application until after May 1 risk the possibility that the class will be full.

Do you offer campus tours and interviews for prospective students?
You can schedule a personal tour or attend an open house event. Personal tours are offered weekdays and most Saturdays. You may attend one of our open houses for a tour and lunch on us. We'll waive your application fee if you bring a completed application to an open house event. The Admissions Office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on most Saturdays when classes are in session. To schedule a visit or for more information, e-mail or call us: 800-759-8328.


FINANCIAL AID

What kinds of financial assistance are available at Bridgewater?
Bridgewater awards more than $13 million in scholarships and grants to students each year. Loans are also available. Approximately 99 percent of Bridgewater students receive some type of need- or merit-based assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, low-interest loans, and work-study.

How will the amount of financial aid I receive be determined?
We'll use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other information you submit to us to determine the amount of need-based aid you will receive. That figure represents the financial gap between what your family can afford and the amount of our tuition and costs. Variables such as home equity, family size, number of students attending college, and ages of pre-college siblings are considered.

How do I apply for financial aid at Bridgewater?
The first step is to submit your application for admission. Then visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and use the online method to apply for financial aid. Submit the FAFSA and all other required documents by the priority date of March 15. Applications submitted after this date may be too late for many aid programs. Use our school code, 003704, on your application.

What are the deadlines for submitting my financial aid application and documents?
January 1, 2008 is the earliest date allowed to submit the 2008-2009 FAFSA. To receive priority consideration for all types of need-based assistance at Bridgewater College, you must submit the 2008-2009 FAFSA by March 1, 2008. Funding for some programs is not affected by this priority deadline. So, if you miss our deadline, file your FAFSA as soon as possible. In order to be considered for financial aid in the 2008-2009 academic year, we must receive your FAFSA analysis before your last day of attendance in 2008-2009.

What is an award package?
An award package lists the grants, loans, and work programs that you have been awarded for the academic year at Bridgewater College. Your package is based on the aid application you submitted for the academic year. By using your FAFSA analysis, we determine the types and amounts of grants, loans, and work programs in which you will be eligible to receive funding at Bridgewater College. This information will be sent to your home address. Your award package will list standard tuition and fees, and room and board for resident students. It will provide an estimate of the amount you can expect to pay after financial aid.

When will I receive my package?
Award packages are sent to incoming students beginning in mid March. In order for us to prepare your package, you must have been admitted to the College, and a valid analysis of your FAFSA must have been received in our office. Packages are continually released after the middle of March as new students are admitted and FAFSA analyses are received from the federal processor.

What information will be included in my financial aid award package?
Award packages include: a personal award letter listing standard charges, financial aid, and estimated balance to be paid to the College; an individualized checklist detailing specifics of the aid programs listed in the award letter and calling attention to items requiring further action from the student; information on the Parent PLUS loan and alternative loans for students; and forms required for verification (if applicable).