Purdue University Undergraduate Admissions: Applying to Purdue: FAQs on Applying

What are Purdue's minimum admission requirements?
While we don't have minimum requirements for grade point average (GPA) or standardized test scores, we do have high school subject matter expectations and a wide range of other criteria we use to evaluate applicants. Familiarize yourself with these criteria by visiting the "Admission Criteria" page. Return to top.

What is Purdue's application deadline?
Students are strongly encouraged to apply early in the admissions cycle. For most academic programs, Purdue begins admitting students in early September for enrollment the following fall. For Professional Flight and Veterinary Technology, applications must be submitted by November 15. Beginning with students who apply to enroll for fall 2008, there will be a December 1 preferred application deadline for majors within the schools of Health Sciences, Nursing, and Prepharmacy. Visit the Deadlines page for more information. Return to top.

Does Purdue prefer the SAT or the ACT?
We accept either test with a student's application. In addition, we don't require any SAT Subject Test scores for admission. We do require the writing section of these tests. Return to top.

Do I need my SAT or ACT results before I can apply for admission?
You may submit your application in advance of your test results. However, until we receive your test results, your application will be incomplete, and no admission decision will be made. Forward any missing item(s) as soon as possible. Return to top.

Do I have to specify a major before I'm admitted?
When you apply, you must specify the Purdue college, school, or program that you wish to enter, but you may be undecided about your major. Students may apply for "Undecided Liberal Arts" or "Undecided Science." In addition, all beginning Engineering students begin in First-Year Engineering, and during the first year they learn more about all Engineering disciplines before selecting a specific Engineering field at the end of their first year. Return to top.

Another option for undecided students is the Undergraduate Studies Program (USP). If you apply and are admitted to Purdue through this program, you can spend up to four semesters exploring the various programs offered through Purdue's 12 colleges and schools while earning credit toward your degree.

We also recommend that you list an alternate program choice on your application. This way, if you aren't admissible to your first choice, you'll automatically be considered for your alternate choice.

If you decide that you'd like to be admitted to a different program before the first day of classes, you may contact the Office of Admissions and ask for admission consideration to your new choice. The decision to make the change will still be based on space availability and your academic quality. After classes begin, you must complete at least one semester of coursework before you can attempt to switch programs through Purdue's Change of Degree Objective (CODO) process. Return to top.

Is a foreign language required for admission?
Most Purdue programs expect applicants to have taken four semesters of a foreign language in high school. The College of Technology will add this expectation for applicants entering fall 2008. Keep in mind that you also may have to study a foreign language to graduate from Purdue. Return to top.

Does Purdue conduct interviews as part of its admissions process?
Generally, no. There are exceptions, though, such as the Veterinary Technology Program. Return to top.

How important are senior-year grades?
Most admission decisions are based on students' academic performance in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades; however, decisions may be held pending receipt of senior-year grades. We also reserve the right to rescind admission if there is a significant drop in academic performance during the senior year. Return to top.

Does Purdue accept advanced placement courses?
If you take an advanced placement course, you must validate that credit through an exam to get credit for the course at Purdue. We recognize scores for many advanced placement exams. You also may take free placement tests during Day on Campus (our advance registration program) and the week before classes begin. These tests offer you a chance to earn credit and place into higher levels of courses.

In addition, Purdue recognizes the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and works with students who participate. The University grants credit for most higher-level IB subject exams and for some standard-level exams with a score of 5 or higher.

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Do I have to begin at Purdue during a particular semester?
Nursing and flight students, as well as first-time college students who are admitted to the Undergraduate Studies Program, must begin in the fall. Veterinary technology students must begin in the summer. If you're enrolled in another program, however, you may begin in the summer, fall, or spring. Return to top.

How long will it take to find out if I'm admitted?
Purdue makes admissions decisions as quickly as possible. Those who apply early (September or October) often receive notification within two to three weeks. Visit the "Admission Notification" page. Return to top.

How do I apply as a transfer student?

Fill out Purdue's undergraduate application (the same one used by potential freshmen).
Submit ACT or SAT scores (unless you have completed one full year of college), Purdue's application fee, an official high school transcript, and an official college transcript from each institution you've previously attended or are currently attending.
Submit your completed application as soon as possible before the first day of classes of the term you wish to begin. Exceptions: Flight, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and veterinary technology have early deadlines. In addition, Purdue reserves the right to close admission to any academic program once it is filled.
Familiarize yourself with our admission criteria for transfer students and our policies on transfer credit.

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Will I be eligible for financial aid as a transfer student?
Because federal regulations prohibit the transfer of financial aid from one institution to another, and because your situation may differ from those of other students, we suggest that you make early contact with our Division of Financial Aid for specific information. If you think you're eligible, you must apply for financial aid at the West Lafayette campus. Return to top.

Can I obtain college credit from my military experience?
Yes, for active duty. Just submit a copy of your DD214, preferably with your admissions application. The DD214 is not required for admission evaluation, but it is necessary for credit consideration. Please note that military training programs are not evaluated for transfer credit. Return to top.

How do I accept my offer of admission?
Return your response form -- enclosed in the "Important Information" packet we mail you if you receive an offer of admission -- and a nonrefundable $100 deposit by May 1. Return to top.

Which application should I use?
Please refer to the three questions below. If you still have questions, contact the Office of Admissions at (765) 494-1776 or admissions@purdue.edu. Return to top.

Who should use Purdue's regular application?

High school seniors who have taken no college courses.
High school seniors who have taken college courses before graduation.
High school graduates with no college experience.
High school graduates who took college courses while in high school.
Local residents who have taken classes at Purdue as nondegree-seeking students.
Current or former college students who have taken no Purdue classes.
Students who have taken Purdue classes at a regional campus but who were NOT in a degree program. Return to top.

Who should use the reentry application?

Students who are or were in a degree program at any Purdue regional campus or College of Technology location.
Students who were in a degree program at Purdue's West Lafayette campus (regardless of when) and who left because they chose to do so, NOT because they were dropped by the University for academic reasons. Return to top.

Who should go through the readmission process?
If you were ever a student at Purdue's West Lafayette campus and were dropped for academic reasons, you MUST go through the readmission process if you want to attend Purdue again. The Office of the Dean of Students -- (765) 494-1257 -- handles this process. Return to top.

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