Application Evaluation Criteria
The admissions review process considers the qualifications of all applicants in a holistic manner. The students' high school curriculum, performance in academic coursework and on standardized tests like the SAT and/or ACT where applicable, essay, recommendations, leadership experience, community service, talents, extracurricular activities and the ability to contribute to the diverse academic community at Salisbury University are many of the qualifications considered for admission.
Admission to Salisbury University is granted to those applicants whose academic qualifications give promise of success in college. The evaluation of the applicant's chances for academic success is the responsibility of the Admissions Office, which foremost considers the applicant's academic record. Applicants must submit the completed application for admission, official high school transcripts, essay, and letter(s) of recommendation. Salisbury University is test-optional, meaning we do not require SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission to the University. Applicants choosing to exclude standardized test scores should provide evidence of individual achievements and/or experiences which would not be evident from a review of the official high school transcripts. Leadership qualities, community service, artistic talent, athletic talent and diversity of background, including cultural, experiential and geographic, are additional factors used in the holistic review of each applicant.
Although test scores are not required for merit scholarship consideration, applicants who wish to send their scores to Salisbury University are encouraged to take the SAT or ACT no later than the fall testing date and to apply by the priority scholarship date of January 15.
Students planning to enter college are encouraged to complete the college preparatory curriculum in high school. Within the college preparatory curriculum, a prospective student should have met the following minimum requirements for admission:
- four credits in English;
- three credits in the social sciences;
- two credits in laboratory-based sciences;
- four credits in mathematics;
- must include Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Students who complete Algebra II prior to their final year must complete the four-year mathematics requirement by taking a course or courses that utilize non-trivial algebra*; and two years in a world language or technology-approved credit.
Criminal History Statement: Salisbury University does not consider a student's criminal history during the admissions process for undergraduate or graduate admission to the University. Criminal history information may be reviewed post-admission by the University in considering students for access to certain programs that have criminal history requirements, for on-campus residency, in order to provide supportive services, or to alter an admissions decision based on the policies of the Maryland Fair Access to Education Act of 2017.
*Non-trivial algebra is intended to mean that the level of mathematical concepts discussed and the level of problems that are used in the course would be at least as sophisticated as those that relate to problems appearing in the Achieve ADP Algebra II test. Examples of courses meeting this requirement include Algebra II, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus and successor courses, Statistics and College Algebra. An important feature of any such course is that it utilize algebra in a substantive way, so the student does not lose the algebraic and numerical skills achieved in earlier courses.
Successful candidates for freshman admission to Salisbury University will have demonstrated strong college potential during their years in high school.