Why Choose Earlham

Earlham College

801 National Road West
Richmond, Indiana
47374-4095

For more information call:
1-800-EARLHAM
1-800-327-5426

Questions About Applying

What options do I have for applying?

You may use the paper Earlham application or Common Application, or apply online using the online Earlham application, or the online Common Application.

Is the Common Application considered equally to the Earlham application?

Yes.  As a member of the Common Application, we consider it equal to the Earlham application.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is a $30 non-refundable application fee.

Who should I ask to complete the teacher recommendation?

It is best to ask a teacher who knows you well, has had you in class, and can communicate insightfully about you.

Is an interview required?

No, but it is recommended.  If you visit campus, please plan on scheduling one.

Do my Advanced Placement (AP)/International Baccalaureate (IB) exam scores transfer into Earlham credits?

Yes, AP and IB exam scores can transfer into Earlham credits.  You can earn up to 18 elective credits for all exam scores.  However, AP or IB exams may fulfill no part of Earlham’s General Education requirement.  You can find out more information about transferring AP or IB exam scores in the curriculum guide.

What are the requirements for admission to Earlham?

For first year applicants:  we require the first-year application shell, a high school transcript, an official record of standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) including the essay section (an option for the ACT), the secondary school report, a counselor recommendation, a teacher recommendation, an essay/personal statement and a $30 non-refundable application fee.

What are the admission requirements for transfer students?

We require:  the transfer application shell, a high school transcript, an official record of standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), the dean’s report, a professor recommendation, an essay/personal statement, a statement of the reasons why you want to transfer to Earlham and a $30 non-refundable application fee.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

We require:  the Earlham College International Application for Admission or the Common Application, a personal statement, official records of secondary school work and exam results, two letter of recommendation, TOEFL or SAT I score reports as appropriate, one color photograph and a $30 non-refundable application fee.

Are there special application requirements for home schooled students?

Earlham College welcomes applications from home schooled students.  We realize that your educational experiences differ from a traditional high school experience, and, therefore, we do have some special requirements in addition to the standard application requirements. 

We require:  the first-year application shell, a transcript (with grades if available) showing courses completed and materials covered in the home school program, recommendation letters from two adults, other than parents, who can address your maturity and motivation, letter of recommendation from the primary teacher, an official record of standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) including the essay section (an option for the ACT), an essay/personal statement and a $30 non-refundable application fee.  If you have taken college-level courses, we also ask that you send us an official copy of your college transcript.

What are the admission application deadlines?

There are three admission application deadlines for domestic first-year students:  Early Decision (December 1), Early Action (January 1) and Regular Decision (February 15).

Transfer students can apply for either fall or spring semester admission:  Fall semester (April 1) or spring semester (November 15).

International students may apply for fall semester only:  Financial aid applicants should apply no later than February 1, non-financial aid applicants should apply no later than March 1.

Find out more about deadlines and notification dates…

Does Earlham accept the SAT or the ACT?

Earlham accepts either the SAT or the ACT.  We do not require any SAT II subject tests.  We ask applicants to make available to us online the essay written as part of the SAT exam.  Students who take the ACT are required to take the essay portion of the exam (an option for this test).