Bridgewater College seeks to enroll qualified students regardless of sex, race, color, disability, or national or ethnic origin; further, it does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, disability, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment practices, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other college-administered programs and activities. Admission is granted to those who present evidence of the ability to succeed in the academic and social atmosphere that Bridgewater expects. While success in a liberal arts college may depend upon several qualities, applicants for admission to Bridgewater are expected to show the following types of ability and achievement:
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.
Good character, which includes, but is not limited to, such qualities as honesty, integrity, and responsibility.
Admission of International Students
All non-U.S. citizens and nonpermanent residents of the U.S. must complete the regular application form. Credentials collected for admission include all those required of all entering students as well as evidence of English proficiency and documentation of sufficient financial resources. A deposit of $8,000 will be required of all international students accepted for admission. The deposit must be paid before the I-20 is issued.
Guidelines for Students Who are Homeschooled
The criteria for admission for Homeschooled students are essentially the same as for all applicants in terms of SAT or ACT scores, recommendations, and high school transcripts. Bridgewater will accept a transcript from the home-schooling parent. As with all applicants a campus visit is highly recommended. Application Procedure
Application for admission may be made upon the completion of the junior year in high school, and it should be made not later than July 1 of the year one wishes to enroll. Those who wish to matriculate at the beginning of the Interterm or the Spring Semester must file an application for admission at least thirty days in advance of the date of enrollment.
In order to make a decision about the ability of the applicant to do college work, full and complete information concerning the achievements of the applicants must be obtained. Completed applications must include the following:
The application form This form may be obtained from the Office of Admissions or here.
The high school or secondary school transcipt Transfer students are required to submit official transcripts of their records from other institutions in addition to the high school or secondary school transcript.
Written recommendations Upon receipt of the application, the College asks the applicant's guidance officer to complete and submit the Guidance Counselor Reference Form.
Readmission
A student who is absent from the College for a semester or longer, or one who has withdrawn from the College for any reason, must apply for readmission to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
Transfer Credit
A student who has attended another accredited institution and is in good standing there may apply for admission not later than the beginning of the senior year. Transfer students who have attended an accredited two-year college may transfer as many as 68 credits in courses comparable to those offered at Bridgewater College. Credentials collected for admission include all those that are required for first time entering students as well as a Dean's Reference Form and an official transcript from each institution of higher learning attended since completion of the secondary program. Transcripts will be evaluated by the Registrar on a course-by-course basis. Credit will be awarded only for those courses that a grade of C or above has been earned.
Advanced Placement
Credit and advanced placement may be awarded to students on the basis of results on the Advanced Placement (AP) Tests of the College Entrance Examination Board. A minimum score of 3 is required for credit consideration.
International Baccalaureate Program Credits
Credit and advanced placement may be awarded to students on the basis of results on the International Baccalaureate (IB) transcript of grades. The student's records and transcript of grades will be evaluated with scores of 5, 6, or 7 on the Higher Level Examinations.
