Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I need to get in?

A: We take a holistic approach to reviewing all of our applicants. This means that we look beyond just SAT scores and GPAs to consider your entire application packet, including your extracurricular activities, the strength of your coursework, any recommendations, and your personal statement. While your GPA and SAT scores should be competitive, they are not the only factor for admission.

Q: What was the SAT range and average GPA of your entering freshman class last fall?

A: Our freshman class that entered in the fall of 2008 has an SAT range of 1040-1210 (just math + reading). This means that the middle 50% of our students fell within these scores. The same statistic (middle 50%) for the three part SAT test is 1550 to 1800. Their average high school grade point average is a 3.5.

Q: Do you review weighted or un-weighted high school GPAs?

A: We will review your weighted high school grade point average on a 4.0 scale as part of our consideration of your candidacy. Should your high school not already provide a weighted average on your transcript, we give weight to any honors or AP-level classes you have taken.

Q: What is your application fee?

A: Salisbury currently charges a $45 non-refundable application fee. The fee must be submitted at the same time as your application.

Q: I can’t afford the application fee. Does Salisbury grant fee waivers?

A: Fee waivers are available for select applicants, including members of the military, National Merit Scholars, and Pi Theta Kappa members. Please contact us for more details about eligibility.

Q: What is Salisbury’s test code?

A: For The College Board, Salisbury’s code is 5403. For the ACT, our code is 1716.

Q: What are the requirements for being considered an in-state resident?

A: In general, an in-state resident is considered to be someone who has lived in Maryland for a period of at least twelve continuous months prior to enrolling in classes and is living in Maryland for a purpose other than that of attending a state educational institution. If you have any further questions about residency requirements, please contact the Residency Office.

Q: I don’t feel comfortable filling out my application online. Do you have paper copies of your application?

A: While we strongly encourage applicants to apply online because of the seamless transmission of your application information directly to our database, we do offer paper applications. Please contact our office for more information.

Q: What is the difference between Early Action and Regular Admission?

A: Early Action is simply a way for high-school seniors who complete their application by December 1 to get a quicker admissions decision (by January 15). Early Action is considered a “non-binding” application method – there is no obligation to attend Salisbury University should you be offered admission. Regular Admission is exactly the same, only applications should be submitted by January 15 and the review process will take two months to complete, rather than one. Under this method you will hear from us by March 15. The application review process is the same for both deadlines.

Q: What is the application deadline for freshman applicants?

A: We recommend that all required application materials are submitted by January 15. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. The University reserves the right to close admissions when the projected enrollment is met. Our Early Action deadline is December 1.

Q: What are the required application materials?

A: You must submit your application (this can be completed online), official SAT scores (or ACT scores), and an official high school transcript. Freshman applicants are encouraged to include a personal statement /essay, which reveal distinct and unique qualities, talents, and attributes, when completing their online application. Letters of recommendation are not required to complete an applicant's file for review but are encouraged.

Q: How many letters of recommendation are needed?

A: Letters of recommendation are not required as part of the application process. Should you choose to provide letter(s) of recommendation, we will consider them as part of our holistic review of your entire application. We encourage you to seek letters from people who can attest to your academic potential and strength of character.

Q: What should I include in my personal statement?

A: Include anything that might not be immediately evident upon reviewing your application. Include things such as distinct and unique qualities, talents, attributes, or experiences you may have. Use this as a space to set yourself apart from the rest of the applicant pool and tell us why you would make a great Salisbury University student!

Q: How do I become a test-optional applicant?

A: To be considered under Salisbury’s Test-Optional policy, you must have earned a weighted grade point average of a 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale and should also be taking a course load that evidences future success at the college level (Honors and AP courses). Applicants choosing to exclude standardized test scores must provide a personal statement to support individual achievements and/or experiences that might not be evident from a review of the official high school transcripts. If you do not have a weighted GPA of 3.50 or higher and upper-level coursework, you must submit your official SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. Please note you should still submit your scores, even if applying under the Test-Optional policy, for scholarship consideration.

Q: Are interviews with an admissions counselor required?

A: We do not require that applicants interview with a counselor. Generally, we do not offer interviews and ask that your application stand on its own for us to review. If you have a special circumstance and would like to speak with an admissions counselor personally, please contact the Admissions Office and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have. Please note that all Early Admission candidates (skipping their senior year of high school) are required to interview with the Office of Admissions as part of their application process.

Q: Will meeting with an admissions counselor increase my chances of acceptance?

A: No. We generally do not offer interviews and ask that your application stand on its own for us to review.

Q: How can I check the status of my application?

A: After we have received your application you will receive a confirmation email which will provide a user name and password to GullNet, our online student resource center. You may use GullNet at any time to check the status of your application.

Q: When will I hear back?

A: It depends on when you apply. If you apply under our Early Action deadline (December 1), you will hear from us by January 15. If you apply by our Regular deadline (January 15), you will hear from us by March 15. If you apply after January 15, we will review your application on a space-available basis and inform you of a decision as soon as we can.

Q: I really want to attend Salisbury, however, I know I am not academically competitive for Freshman Admission in the fall. What are my other options?

A: You can decide to enroll in a community college and transfer into Salisbury once you meet the requirements for transfer admission. These requirements are a 2.0 cumulative grade point average with at least 24 semester hours of transferrable college-level coursework and good academic and community standing. More details can be found on the transfer student admissions page.

Q: Will my AP class credits transfer to Salisbury?

A: If you have taken AP classes at your high school and received a three (3), four (4), or five (5) on your AP test, you may be entitled to credit via examination at Salisbury. Please refer to the Registrar’s website for more information and for what course is granted for which respective AP test.

Q: Do you provide any special consideration during the admissions process for applicants with learning disabilities?

A: In a general sense, we do not provide for special accommodations due to the fact that most high school transcripts will reflect a necessary curriculum modification on the basis of a student’s learning abilities. The College Board also provides special accommodations for the administration of the SAT to students with documented special needs. Please contact your testing location for more information on these policies. Upon admission to the University, our student support services (including Disabled Student Services and the Student Achievement Center) will be available to students with special needs as a resource.

Q: Can I postpone my offer of admission?

A: We ask that you instead reapply when you are ready to attend Salisbury. A fee-waiver is available to those who are reapplying. Should you have completed at least 24 transferrable semester hours of college-level coursework, please note that you will be considered as a transfer applicant.

Q: Does the major I put on my application have any influence on my admissions decision?

A: Students apply as an undergraduate to the University as a whole, not to a specific major, so major selection is not typically a factor in the admissions process.

Q: What should I do if I don’t know what I want to major in?

A: Don’t panic! Many applicants do not know yet what major they would like to select. Fortunately, Salisbury offers many resources to help you make this choice. Career Services, your academic advisors, and the academic program departments can all offer guidance. Additionally, many general education requirements for the university are the same for all majors – just be sure to check the specific requirements of any majors you may have in mind to ensure your classes will count towards your degree requirements.

Q: What are your most popular majors?

A: Our top five most popular majors are business administration, biology, communications arts, nursing, and elementary education.

Q: Can I change my major after I’ve already selected one?

A: You can, but keep in mind that different majors have different requirements. Classes taken under one major may not satisfy the needs of another major. If you are trying to choose between two different programs, consult the academic checklists of both majors and attempt to take only those classes that will count towards both requirements. Contact your academic advisor or program coordinator for more specific information.

Q: Is a minor required?

A: Some departments require a minor for students in certain majors. Please check the appropriate checklist or with the specific department for more details.

Q: Can I double major at Salisbury?

A: Yes. Students hoping to receive two degrees from Salisbury should note the graduation requirement of 150 semester hours (instead of 120) for double-degree students. Please be sure to factor the added course load into your long-range planning. More information on this topic can be found by contacting the Registrar’s Office.

Q: When do I need to pick a major?

A: As a general rule of thumb, you should decide upon a major in your sophomore year. The earlier you are in your program track, however, the more accurately you will be able to plan your intended course work for the remainder of your college years.

Q: Do I have to fill out a separate application to be considered for scholarships from Salisbury University?

A: No. All applicants will have their files considered for scholarship consideration during the admissions process.

Q: What kind of meal plans are available at Salisbury?

A: Meal Plans are available to all registered SU students. A meal plan provides you with many dining choices around campus whether you want an all-you-care-to-eat meal in the Commons Dining Hall or just want to grab a quick bite at one of our other locations around campus. For more information on the meal plans we offer, please visit the website of SU Dining Services.

Q: Can I have a car on campus my freshman year?

A: Yes, freshman may have a car on campus. Please note that most of our freshman parking is located on the east campus complex, about a ten minute walk from the freshman residence halls.

Q: Are your housing facilities air-conditioned?

A: Yes.

Q: Does your campus offer wireless internet access?

A: All academic, administrative, and residential facilities on the main campus of Salisbury University offer wireless internet access.

Q: What is Salisbury and the surrounding area like? Are you close to big cities?

A: Salisbury University is located in a small city. The city of Salisbury is the largest Maryland city on the Eastern Shore. It offers over 300 retail stores and more than 100 restaurants, as well as cultural events, entertainment, and one of the few free public zoos in the United States. Salisbury has easy access to both outdoor activities (only 30 minutes to the Atlantic Ocean) and several major East Coast cities (Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.).