First-Year Students

Catawba College offers one pathway for prospective first-year (freshmen) applicants to apply.

Apply Online

You must also submit the following supplemental items to complete your admissions file:

1. Unofficial High School Transcript. NOTE: a notarized English translation is required when official records are in another language.
   
   
2. A Writing Sample. To fulfill this requirement, you will provide responses to 3 short answer questions:
   
   • At Catawba, the ideals of Scholarship, Character, Culture and Service are central to the mission and life of the college. Which of these ideals do you find most compelling in your own life and why?
   • Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first choice major? (If you selected undecided, please share what academic areas you wish to explore at Catawba and why.)
   • Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at Catawba College. 

Recommended:

• Letters of recommendation from a core subject teacher or your guidance counselor.
• Resume

Optional:

• Test Scores
• Personal Statement

You must have a minimum of 16 high school units, 12 of which must be academic core subjects and/or designated as college preparatory. It is recommended that each student successfully complete the following courses in high school: 

The Average Academic Profile

Middle 50% profile ranges for admitted Catawba Students are posted below. Bear in mind, these ranges are not minimums and maximums; they are a strong representation of the average academic profile. 

• Weighted GPA: 3.11-4.04
• Test Scores (optional):
  - SAT 910-1110 (Critical Reading & Math) 
  - ACT 19-24

Advanced Placement Credit (AP)

Students who receive a score of 3, 4, or 5 on Advanced Placement (AP) exams administered by the College Board may receive credit at Catawba College. Students who wish to receive college credit for their AP exam scores must submit an official score report to the Registrar’s Office. 

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International Baccalaureate Certificate (IB)

Catawba College recognizes IB higher level work and may grant credit for examination scores of 4, 5, 6, or 7 on higher level courses only. No credit is given for standard level examinations. No credit will be given for English Composition. Students who wish to receive college credit for their IB higher level scores must submit an official score report to the Registrar’s Office. 

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1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   You may submit it as soon as possible after October 1st of your senior year. Our FAFSA code is 002914.
2. Once you have been accepted to Catawba College and we have received the valid results of your FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid will process your financial aid package.

*If you do not plan to apply for financial aid, please notify our Office of Financial Aid by completing the Financial Aid Waiver.