Applying to Stevenson

High School Students

Before we can review your application for admission, it must be complete.

1. Application 
   You can submit the Common Application, the Stevenson Online Application, or a paper application. A $40 non-refundable application processing fee is only required if you submit the paper application. All methods of application are equally valid. No preference is given to applicants based on which application they choose.
    
2. High School Transcript
   You must submit an official copy of your current high school transcript. Official transcripts come sealed from your high school.
   
   We accept electronic transcript submissions if your high school chooses to submit electronically.
   
   The Common Application has its own Secondary School Report form, which we are happy to accept if you apply using the Common Application. Our Secondary School Report and Transcript Request Form is included in our paper application and is available for download.
   
   Your transcript is the most important piece of your application and your grades in the five core academic subjects carry the most weight in our review process. At a minimum, we expect to see the following coursework:
   • English: 4 years
   • Mathematics: 3 years, including Algebra I, Algebra II, & Geometry
   • Science: 3 years, including 2 lab sciences (Biology & Chemistry preferred)
   • Social Sciences: 3 years
   • World Language: 2 years in the same language (American Sign Language is accepted)
      

3. SAT or ACT Scores
   Stevenson requires at least one SAT or ACT score for all freshman applicants. We now allow applicants to self-report scores for admission and scholarship consideration and hope this change makes it simpler and less stressful to apply. Students who chose to enroll at Stevenson must send official scores to verify self-reported scores by July 15.

   Please see our Admissions Testing Guidelines for full information on how we use testing when evaluating applications and how to submit your scores.

   The SU test codes
   SAT: 5856
   ACT: 1753
    

4. Essay
   The essay gives the Admissions Committee a chance to know you beyond your grades and test scores. You must submit a response to a single essay question. We use the Common Application essay questions on all versions of our application. Please note that we request your essay be approximately 500 words/2 typed pages, even though the Common Application says responses can be as short as 250 words.
   
   If you use the Common Application, you’ll upload your essay at commonapp.org. If you’re using the Stevenson online application, follow these instructions on uploading your essay.
    

5. Letter(s) of Recommendation
   One letter of recommendation from a teacher or school counselor is required. Up to three letters of recommendation will be reviewed as part of your application. A downloadable recommendation form is available here. The recommendation form itself is not required, but is provided if you need a form to request the letter.
    

6. Copy of Resident Alien Card
   If you are a United States Permanent Resident you must submit a copy of the front and back of your Resident Alien card before your application can be considered. Contact your admissions counselor if you are unsure if this applies to you.

When completing the application, your school counselor can submit documents electronically through Naviance and the Common Application. We can also accept transcripts electronically from high schools and community colleges that use the Electronic Transmission Transcript System. If you or your school counselor have questions about how to submit application materials, contact us at admissions@stevenson.edu for assistance. 

Optional Information

Interview
An admission interview is available by appointment. It is best to either schedule this interview shortly after submitting the application or to bring application materials with you. An interview is much more beneficial if your counselor has your application materials or at least an unofficial transcript when meeting with you.

Resume
You are welcome to submit a personal resume detailing your extracurricular involvements and/or awards or honors you have received.

Other Items
Every year we have applicants who submit DVDs, CDs, research projects, photographs, and/or other items showcasing their talents and interests. We are happy to accept such information, but these types of materials rarely carry much weight in the decision process. While we enjoy getting to know you better through these media, your academic record is still of primary importance. Specialty materials like those listed cannot be returned, so please do not send your only copy.

Visual Arts & Design Portfolios
The School of Design allows students planning to major in Fashion Design, Film & Moving Image, and Graphic Design to submit a portfolio of work to enhance their application and to be considered for talent-based scholarships. Portfolio submissions are used for scholarship consideration and will not negatively impact a student’s acceptance to Stevenson University or the art and design programs within. Please see the School of Design’s portfolio page for tips, guidelines, and FAQs on putting together an art and design portfolio.

Transfer Students

The Admissions Committee at Stevenson University considers all submitted information when reviewing applications. Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

For our Transfer Applicants, we will accept unofficial copies of college transcripts.  Official copies of all college transcripts will be required from students at the time of enrollment.

Please submit all documents to: Stevenson University, Undergraduate Admissions Office, Garrison Hall, 100 Campus Circle, Owings Mills MD 21117.

1. Application
   Completed Application for Undergraduate Admission, online, paper, or Common Application.
    
2. Official Transcripts
   Official transcript from each college attended. A final transcript must be sent upon completion of any coursework currently in progress.
   
   If fewer than 28 college academic credits have been completed at the time of application, submit an official high school transcript or GED and SAT/ACT scores.
    
3. International Transfer Students
   International students should also follow the admission requirements for International Transfer Students.

When completing the application, your school counselor can submit documents electronically through Naviance and the Common Application. We can also accept transcripts electronically from high schools and community colleges that use the Electronic Transmission Transcript System. If you or your school counselor have questions about how to submit application materials, contact us at admissions@stevenson.edu for assistance. 

Optional Information

• standardized test
• interview
• resume
• letters of recommendation
• essay discussing academic history and career goals

Visual Arts & Design Portfolios
The School of Design encourages students planning to major in Fashion Design, Film & Moving Image, and Graphic Design to submit a portfolio of work to enhance their application and to be considered for talent-based scholarships. Portfolio submissions are used for scholarship consideration and will not negatively impact a student’s acceptance to Stevenson University or the art and design programs within. Please see the School of Design’s portfolio page for tips, guidelines, and FAQs on putting together an art and design portfolio.

Admissions Decisions
Recommended cumulative GPA: 2.5 (lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Applicants who have earned an Associate's degree will be given priority consideration.

Acceptance to the university does not guarantee acceptance into a specific degree program, such as Nursing or Medical Laboratory Science. Please refer to Academic Programs for more information about deadlines for submission of all application materials.

Admissions decision letters are mailed on a rolling basis, starting in January for the fall semester and October for the spring semester.

International Freshman Applicants

Freshman Application Completion Deadlines:
Fall semester – February 1
Spring semester – October 1

All international students, except documented U.S. permanent residents and other eligible non-U.S. citizens, should submit all application requirements, including the required international student documents, by February 1 for admission for the fall semester and October 1 for admission for the spring semester.* Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Applications completed after the deadline may not be considered for that semester but will be reviewed for the following semester upon receipt of a new application.

* Some majors, such as Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science, may have much earlier deadlines for all transfer students and may only start once a year. Please see our Fields of Study section for more information. 

International first-time freshmen must submit the following:

1. Undergraduate Application for Admission 
   International students may use the online Common Application or the Stevenson University Undergraduate online application.
    
2. Proof of English Proficiency
   International students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. Any student whose native language is not English must submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The following TOEFL scores are required for admission: 213 or higher (computer-based); 80 or higher (Internet-based); or 550 or higher (paper-based). Students who have taken the Internet-based TOEFL test should have no individual section score lower than 20. Students who have taken the IELTS should have a minimum overall band score of 6.5 and no individual score lower than 6.0. International students who have completed courses equivalent to ENG 151 and ENG 152 at Stevenson University with a grade of "C" or higher may possibly be exempt from the TOEFL or IETLS requirement. The website for TOEFL information is ets.org and the website for IELTS is ielts.org.
    
3. Transcripts and Certificates of Previous Academic Work
   International students who have attended or who are currently attending a U.S. post-secondary institution must submit official transcripts from all institutions. Students who have completed post-secondary academic coursework outside of the United States must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation from World Education Services (WES) at wes.org. Transfer students who have completed less than 30 college-level academic credits (as determined by a Stevenson University credit evaluation) are required to submit an official U.S. high school transcript or official WES evaluation of a non-U.S. secondary school transcript.
    
4. SAT or ACT Scores
   Official SAT or ACT scores must be sent directly from the CollegeBoard at www.collegeboard.org. Stevenson’s test codes are as follows: SAT – 5856; ACT – 1753.
    
5. Letters of Recommendation
   Submit at least one recommendation from a teacher and/or counselor. A downloadable recommendation form is available here. The recommendation form itself is not required, but is provided if you need a form to request the letter.
    
6. Essay
   Applicants must submit a response to a single essay question. Essay topics are provided on each version of the application. Please note that the essay should be approximately 500 words, even though the Common Application says responses can be as short as 250 words. In addition, please provide a 100-word answer to the short response question listed on the application.

NOTE: Canadian citizens should contact an international student advisor for specific instructions regarding their applications at admissions@stevenson.edu or 410-486-7001.

Requirements Post-Acceptance – Freshman International Students

In order to receive a current I-20 and proceed with full-time enrollment of at least 12-credits, please follow the Instructions listed under Required Post-Acceptance section following the International Transfer Application section.

International Transfer Applicants
 

Transfer Application Completion Deadlines:
Fall semester – May 1
Spring semester – October 1
 

All international students, except documented U.S. permanent residents and other eligible non-U.S. citizens should submit all the application requirements including the required international student documents by May 1 for transfer admission for the fall semester and October 1 for transfer admission for the spring semester.* Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Applications completed after the deadline may not be considered for that semester but will be reviewed for the following semester upon receipt of a new application submission.

*Some majors may require earlier application deadlines. Please see our Fields of Study section for more information.

International students transferring from another post-secondary college or university must submit the following:

1. Undergraduate Application for Admission
   The Stevenson University online application is preferred.
    
2. Proof of English Proficiency
   International students must demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency. Any student whose native language is not English must submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The following TOEFL scores are required for admission: 213 or higher (computer-based); 80 or higher (internet-based); or 550 or higher (paper-based). Students who have taken the internet-based TOEFL test should have no individual section score lower than 20. Students who have taken the IELTS should have a minimum overall band score of 6.5 and no individual score lower than 6.0.
   
   International transfer students who have completed courses equivalent to ENG 151 and ENG 152 at Stevenson University with a grade of “C” or higher may possibly be exempt from the TOEFL or IELTS requirement. The website for TOEFL information is www.ets.org, and the website for the IELTS is www.ielts.org.
    
3. Transcripts and Certificates of Previous Academic Work
   International transfer students who have attended or who are currently attending a U.S. post-secondary institution must submit official transcripts from all institutions. Students who have completed post-secondary academic coursework outside of the United States must submit an official course-by-course transcript evaluation from World Education Services (WES) at www.wes.org. Transfer students who have completed less than 28 college-level academic credits (as determined by a Stevenson University credit evaluation) are required to submit an official U.S. high school transcript with an official WES evaluation of a non U.S. secondary school transcript.

REQUIREMENTS – POST ACCEPTANCE 

ALL INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: Freshman & Transfer Students

In order to receive a current I-20 and proceed with full-time enrollment, please follow the instructions below submitting each official document to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Please pay close attention to the deadlines listed for EACH official document below.

1. Passport Identification Page
   A legible and high-quality, color copy of the unexpired passport identification page is required of all international students. International students currently attending a high school or college/university in the United States must also submit a high quality copy of his or her current Departure Record (I-94) and U.S. visa. International students currently holding an F-1 or F-2 visa must submit a copy of his or her Certificate of Eligibility (I-20). Please submit this documentation to the Undergraduate Admissions office before April 1 for the fall semester, or before November 1 for the spring semester.
    
2. Official Bank Statements
   All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must submit current official bank statement(s) in English verifying the student’s financial resources in U.S. dollars for the total cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, other academic expenses, living expenses, and transportation, for the year of intended enrollment. The current year’s Estimated Cost of Attendance Chart is listed here. Please submit this documentation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office before April 1 for the fall semester, or before November 1 for the spring semester.
    
3. Financial Resource Statement
   All international students holding or intending to seek an F-1 student visa must complete the International Student Declaration of Finances form, including the Sponsor form if applicable. Please submit this documentation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office before April 1 for the fall semester, or before November 1 for the spring semester.
    
4. Enrollment Deposit
   The enrollment deposit of $300 and the enrollment form must be submitted before May 1 for the fall semester, or before December 1 for the spring semester. The deposit is non-refundable after these dates. The Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) will not be processed until the deposit is received.
    
5. Stevenson University Health Profile
   The University's health profile must be completed in its entirety and mailed to the Stevenson University Wellness Center before July 1 for fall entrance and January 2 for spring entrance. All students planning to live on campus are also required to be immunized against meningococcal disease, per Maryland State law.
    
6. SEVIS Fee
   Accepted F-1 international students are responsible for paying the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee. See fmjfee.com.

• Important Note to ALL International Students:
  Undergraduate freshman and transfer students on an F-1 visa must take a minimum of 12 credits each semester and continue in good academic standing to remain eligible.
   

Scholarships: Freshman and transfer undergraduates in traditional programs are automatically considered for academic merit scholarships. The scholarship review is based on secondary school performance and SAT or ACT scores for freshmen and previous post-secondary school academic coursework and grades for transfer students. Federal financial aid programs are restricted to documented U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and some other eligible non-U.S. citizens. While international students can be considered for academic merit scholarships, there are no separately designated scholarships for international students.

Welcome Back!

The table below outlines the steps you should take to return to Stevenson.

*Please contact the Registrar's Office if you are not sure whether you were suspended or dismissed from SU. If you are a current student who has been suspended and you wish to appeal the suspension before being absent from the university because of substantial extenuating circumstances, please fill out the Petition to Appeal Academic Suspension, which can be found on the Portal.

Application for Readmission

Please download appropriate form below, complete, and submit to:

Admissions Office
Stevenson University
100 Campus Circle
Owings Mills, MD 21117

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FOR READMISSION

Application for Academic Reinstatement

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FOR ACADEMIC REINSTATEMENT 

Readmission of Service Members

In compliance with ED 34 C.F.R. 668.18 and the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, Stevenson University will promptly readmit students who—because of military service—must be absent from the university for more than 30 consecutive days or for fewer than 30 days if the absence results in a withdrawal from the university. For the purpose of this policy, military service is defined as “service, whether voluntary or involuntary, in the armed forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal authority for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days” (ED 34 C.F.R. 668.18).

Regulations governing the readmission of service members after an absence because of military service can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. The notification of service and the intent to return to Stevenson required by the federal regulations should be made to Stevenson’s Assistant Registrar, VA Programs.

For further information, please contact the Admissions Office at 1-877-468-6852, or the Office of Student Success.

Home-Schooled Applicants

Applications from students who have been schooled at home are welcome at SU. Home-schooled students are reviewed using the same criteria as applicants schooled in a traditional high school setting and are asked to submit the same required information. Due to the variety of educational experiences among home-schoolers, applicants are strongly encouraged to include the following with their application:

• A short statement written by the person, other than the applicant, most responsible for the applicant's education during the secondary school years that describes the educational program undertaken by the student. This document is not intended as a recommendation, but as an explanation of the approach the student and primary educator took in planning the secondary school curriculum. This is often written by a parent.
• Official transcript(s) for any coursework taken at local two-year or four-year colleges. The official transcript should be sent even if this coursework is listed on the home-school transcript.
• A letter of recommendation from a teacher or home-school evaluator who is not a family member. Up to three letters of recommendation will be considered if submitted.
• Scheduling an admission interview is strongly encouraged. It is best to schedule this interview shortly after submitting the application or to bring application materials with you to the interview.

Questions about the above requirements or the application review process for home-schooled students should be directed to Carol McDaniel (cmcdaniel@stevenson.edu, 443-352-4421).

Early Enrollment Students

Advanced high school students who wish to begin their college careers before graduation from high school may apply for Early Enrollment. Early Enrollment is available to high school seniors whose high schools grant them permission to waive their senior year to enroll full time as degree-seeking students. In addition to submitting the information required of all freshman applicants, Early Enrollment applicants should:

• Have successfully completed 13 college preparatory units and 3 elective units (at least 2 of these electives are generally in a foreign language) by the end of the third year of high school.
• Submit SAT scores of at least 550 Critical Reading and 550 Math.
• Have attained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 (B).
• Submit a letter of recommendation from the high school principal or director of guidance/counseling permitting the student to apply for Early Enrollment (this letter should indicate that the student's request for a senior waiver has been granted or indicate when it will be granted).
• Schedule a personal interview with the SU admissions counselor assigned to the student's high school. A parent or legal guardian is encouraged to attend this interview.

Parallel Enrollment Students

SU sponsors a Parallel Enrollment program for academically talented high school students. This program allows students from the local area to take up to two courses during one or both semesters of their senior year. Participants may take up to fourteen (14) credits through the Parallel Enrollment program.

Application Process

A minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 (B) is required for admission. Students who wish to enroll in English or math courses must submit SAT or ACT scores for placement purposes. For all applicants, scheduling a personal interview with the Parallel Enrollment Admissions Counselor is strongly recommended.

Students applying for Parallel Enrollment must submit:

• Parallel Enrollment Application
• Official high school transcript
• Letter of endorsement from their high school guidance counselor
• Letter of permission to enroll from a parent or legal guardian
• $25 non-refundable application processing fee

Application Deadlines

The application and supporting materials, including the $25 application fee, must be received by the following deadlines:

Fall Semester: June 1
Spring Semester: October 1

All information should be mailed to:
Stevenson University
Admissions Office
100 Campus Circle
Owings Mills, MD 21117

Tuition Expenses

Parallel Enrollment students pay tuition on a per-credit basis, as do all part-time students at Stevenson. Students accepted to the program, however, receive a Stevenson University Parallel Enrollment scholarship of $300 per credit to help defray tuition expenses.

Continuation Requirements

Parallel Enrollment students must earn a minimum 3.0 GPA in their first semester of SU coursework in order to be eligible to pursue coursework for a second semester.

Course Offerings & Descriptions

Students in Parallel Enrollment may choose from select 100- and 200-level courses as outlined in the Parallel Enrollment Course List. Please note that this list of suggested courses is subject to change and a course's placement on the list does not guarantee availability in any particular semester.

For Further Information

Contact the Admissions Office at 410-486-7001 or admissions@stevenson.edu and direct your inquiry to the Admissions Counselor for Parallel Enrollment.