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Berea College

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Welcome to the College Search! We are beyond excited that your student is exploring Berea College, and we are looking forward to partnering with you on this journey.

We know that family members often have a lot of questions about well…everything! And that is understandable. The college search journey can be intimidating, especially because every college has its own requirements and processes. Throw in concerns about cost and financial aid and worry about finding the “right fit” and community, and it can begin to feel like a lot to consider.

Please know that we welcome your questions and your concerns and hope to share information with you and your student so that your family feels empowered to make the right decisions for you.

Let's get started! Below is a list of questions that we often hear from family members.

Most admitted students have a cumulative, non-weighted GPA of at least a 3.0 (last year’s average was a 3.5) and ACT scores of at least 20 – 30 (last year’s average score was a 25).
All students must meet a financial requirement. For more information about financial eligibility, <a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/admission-information/financial-eligibility">click here</a>.

Does my student qualify for Berea College? 

If a student takes the SAT or ACT and feels good about their score, we encourage them to submit it as part of their application. But, if they don’t feel great about it, they can apply “test optional.”
*Note: Homeschooled students and those with a GED are required to submit their scores as a part of their application. There is more information available <a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/admission-information/test-optional-admissions">here</a>.

I’ve heard that you are test-score optional. What does that mean? 

There is no better way to get a feel for a campus than to visit. And we truly feel like Berea is a place that you should experience. To sign up for an on-campus visit, or to explore our virtual tour, please check out the information <a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/visiting-campus">here. </a>

How do we schedule a visit? 

The first thing that students need to do is to submit the online application. After that, they’ll be able to set up their online application portal and will be assigned to an admissions counselor. Here is information about all the items students must submit, as well as the additional “electives” they can add to their file. Click <a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/admission-information/apply/checklist-items">here</a> for a list of application checklist items.

What does my student need to submit for their application?  

We do! Berea has a mission of serving students with limited financial resources. To make that assessment, we require that a student’s FAFSA be submitted as part of the application process. If you’d like to read more about our financial requirements, please explore <a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/admission-information/financial-eligibility">this page. </a>

I’ve heard that you have a financial requirement. What can you tell me about that? 

Berea provides an excellent supportive and challenging academic environment. Students at Berea have access a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, weekly faculty office hours, tutoring, and learning opportunities that will happen both in and out of the typical classroom. We also offer study abroad and internship experiences.
Here is a list of all current majors and minors. Please keep in mind that students are also able to consider our “Independent Major” option if they are interested in a customized field of study. Explore our majors and minors <a href="https://www.berea.edu/academics/majors-and-minors">here! </a>

What can you tell me about academics and majors offered? 

Berea is home to around 1500 students, and we want every single one of them to feel like they belong. Rooted in purpose, compassion, and community, our campus boasts over 60 clubs and organizations, as well as opportunities to become engaged in student government, outdoor activities, sports, service, and the local community. You can find out more <a href="https://www.berea.edu/life-at-berea">here.</a>

What is student life like at Berea College? 

<h5>Congratulations!</h5>
Once your student has been notified about their acceptance, they will receive a “preparing to attend” packet in the mail. This will include lots of information about Berea College, as well as a Cost Estimate, which is our estimate of what, if any, costs the student might have. In the spring, our financial aid office will send out an official Financial Aid Award letter, which will provide additional details about the student’s financial aid information.
Once a student has made the decision to attend Berea, they will log into their application portal and complete the process to commit. Once that has been done, additional information will be sent out to the student regarding their Berea.edu email information and next steps.
Your student will also begin working closely with our Office of Student Success and Transition (SST). This is the office on campus that helps support our incoming students through all of the things that will need to be done before they come on campus. The SST office has a very helpful website, which can be found <a href="https://www.berea.edu/office-of-student-success-and-transition">here.</a>

My student was accepted! Now what? 

Click on the person&#8217;s name to be redirected to their contact page:
<a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/staff/becca-parrish">Becca Parrish</a>, Family Outreach &amp; Engagement Coordinator
<a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/staff/christian-gentzel">Christian Gentzel</a>, Regional Admissions Manager, East Tennessee
<a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/staff/david-gibson">David Gibson</a>, Regional Admissions Manager, Eastern Kentucky
<a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/staff/frank-polion">Frank Polion</a>, Senior Regional Admissions Manger, Tri-City
<a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/staff/jaleesa-nunez">Jaleesa Nunez</a>, Regional Admissions Manager, Ohio River Valley
<a href="https://www.berea.edu/admissions/staff/jacinda-penley">Jacinda Penley</a>, Regional Admissions Manager, Southwest Virginia
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Who can I reach out to if I have questions? 

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A photo of parents hugging their Berea student outside amongst green trees and grass.

Parents & Families

Free to dream bigger.

Let's get started! Below is a list of questions that we often hear from family members.