Admission

Loyola University Maryland seeks to enroll students who subscribe to the ideals and objectives of the institution and who show preparation qualifying them to benefit from the liberal arts education it offers. In addition, the University seeks students who will become participating members in the Loyola community of faculty and students; contribute to the intellectual growth of this community while achieving their own personal intellectual growth and development; develop a social awareness through participating in the cocurricular activities of the University; develop their understanding and appreciation of spiritual values; and benefit from participation in the University's recreational and athletic programs. The University welcomes applications from students of character, intelligence, and motivation.

First-Year Applicants

Applicants for admission are evaluated in a holistic manner. The most important criteria is the secondary school record, including GPA and curriculum. Applicants are also evaluated on factors that include essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular involvement, and leadership. Submission of SAT and/or ACT scores is optional for all first-year applicants, excluding home-school students. Students who do not choose to submit standardized test scores must submit an additional letter of recommendation or personal essay. SAT and ACT scores will be reviewed if submitted. For test submitters, arrangements to take the SAT/ACT may be made through the secondary school counselor or by visiting: CollegeBoard (for SAT), www.collegeboard.org; ACT, www.actstudent.org.

All applicants are admitted on the condition that they satisfactorily complete their secondary school coursework and graduate. A final transcript should be provided to the Undergraduate Admission Office. If an accepted student encounters any disciplinary issues, in or out of school, the Undergraduate Admission Office should be contacted immediately.

Application Form

In addition to its online Application for Admission, Loyola accepts the Common Application. A fee of $60 must accompany the admission application. This fee is not applied to tuition and is not refundable.

Early Decision

Early Decision is a selective, binding program that allows candidates who view Loyola as their top choice for their undergraduate education to learn of their admission decision by December 15 of their senior year. Students admitted through Early Decision have up to 10 days from the date on the admission letter to withdraw all other applications and make their enrollment deposit to Loyola.

Early Decision applicants need to submit an Early Decision plan agreement form as part of the application. Otherwise, the admission committee will consider the application incomplete and will not review it until all items have been received. All credentials must be postmarked no later than November 1. Candidates for Early Decision will be evaluated primarily on their high school record through the junior year. SAT and/or ACT scores from the October administration will be considered if students choose to submit their scores.

Students applying to Loyola through Early Decision may not apply to another binding early decision program, but they may apply to nonbinding Early Action and Regular Decision programs at other institutions. If a student is accepted to Loyola through Early Decision, they must withdraw all other applications (non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision) within 10 days from the date on the admission letter. It is the student's responsibility to abide by the Early Decision guidelines outlined by Loyola, should they choose to apply for admission. The Admission Committee reserves the right to admit, defer, or deny any candidate for admission. Deferred Early Decision applicants will be automatically considered for admission under the provision of Regular Decision.

Early Action

Early Action is a selective, nonbinding program that allows academically exceptional candidates who view Loyola as a top choice for their undergraduate education to learn of their admission decision by January 15 of their senior year. Students admitted through Early Action have until May 1, the Candidate's National Reply date, to make their enrollment decision.

All credentials must be postmarked no later than November 15. Candidates for Early Action will be evaluated primarily on their high school record through the junior year. If students choose to submit standardized test scores, SAT and/or ACT scores from the October administration will be considered.

Students applying to Loyola through Early Action are free to apply to a binding early decision program and/or to non-binding Early Action and Regular Decision programs at other institutions. It is the student's responsibility to abide by the Early Decision guidelines outlined by the institution the student is applying to for admission. The Admission Committee reserves the right to admit, defer, or deny any candidate for admission. Deferred Early Action applicants will be considered for admission under the provision of Regular Decision. A student who has not applied for Early Action, but has submitted a completed application by the deadline, may be admitted under the provision of Early Action.

Regular Decision

Students who complete their application by the January 15 deadline will learn of their admission decision no later than April 1.

Secondary School Course Requirements

Preparation in secondary school for admission to Loyola University Maryland should normally total 16 units including the following:

Academic subjects are preferred to commercial, industrial, or technical subjects.

First-Year Student Advising

Registration for first-year students occurs during summer orientation. At this time, students meet with an academic advisor to discuss their educational objectives and to plan a program of courses for the fall semester. During the fall orientation, first-year students meet with their assigned academic core advisors who will guide and advise them until they declare a major. The relationship between the core advisor and the student is meant to be a professional, yet comfortable, relationship that allows new students to achieve the maximum benefit from Loyola's liberal arts curriculum. It is also meant to ease students' transition from high school to college and to help students in the assessment of their potential, the evaluation of academic progress, and the clarification of future goals by putting them in immediate contact with understanding and knowledgeable members of the faculty.

First-Year International Applicants

Loyola University Maryland welcomes applications from international students. Loyola defines an international student as one who does not hold U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Need-based financial aid is not available for international students; however, merit-based scholarships are available.

Earlier applications, especially for the fall semester, are encouraged.

In addition to possessing the academic qualifications for admission, international students must meet the following requirements:

1. Applicants for whom English is not a native language are required to demonstrate evidence of English proficiency. Test results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are accepted. Additional information can be obtained from www.toefl.org and www.ielts.org. Minimum score requirements:

TOEFL iBT: 79 or higher
TOEFL paper-based: 550 or higher
TOEFL Computer Adaptive Test: 213 or higher
IELTS: 7 band score

2. Submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional. Students who do not choose to submit standardized test scores must submit an additional teacher recommendation or personal essay.
3. Submit official transcripts to the World Education Services (www.wes.org) for translation of grades and credits. An additional fee may be required. If the transcript is in English and a U.S. equivalency grading scale is provided, in some instances, this requirement may be waived.
4. Submit the completed International Student Supplement form, available at www.loyola.edu/admission/international.
5. Submit a copy of the biographical page of the student's passport.
6. If available, submit copies of the student's U.S. visa and most current U.S. entry stamp. If applicable, submit copies of the principle visa holder's biographical page of the passport, U.S. visa and most current U.S. entry stamp.

International students requiring a Form I-20 for F-1 student status must meet the following additional requirements in order to complete the application process:

1. Submit the Affidavit of Financial Support from a parent or benefactor affirming that all expenses will be met during the student's enrollment at Loyola. Expenses include tuition, fees, housing, board, books, medical, and all other expenses. This form is available at www.loyola.edu/undergraduate/admission/international.
2. Provide a current, original bank letter showing funds (in U.S. dollars) available to cover the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, board, books, medical, and all other expenses) for one year at Loyola. The bank letter must be on bank stationery, signed by a bank official, and include contact information.

Before a Form I-20 can be issued for an admitted student, the following must be provided:

1. Payment for one semester's tuition and fees upon formal acceptance to the University.
2. Proof of sufficient health insurance coverage for the first year of study at Loyola (must be renewed each academic year). Coverage must be equivalent to the United Healthcare Insurance Company Plan designed for Loyola students (www.firststudent.com), and it must be transferable to the United States. Students are encouraged to purchase the United Healthcare plan.
   
   All full-time international students must provide proof of health insurance coverage each academic year by completing the insurance information form. Students are required to go online to (www.firststudent.com) and either enroll in the United Healthcare Insurance Plan designed for Loyola students or waive the coverage by providing proof of other insurance. If no action is taken, students will be automatically enrolled in Loyola's plan at the end of the enrollment deadline and billed for the coverage. A postcard will be mailed to the home address on file which will provide important information on how to complete this process. Email reminders will also be sent to students (Loyola email address only). For information regarding completion of the selection form, contact Loyola's insurance broker at 800-346-4075 ext.1607 or Loyola@rcmd.com.
3. Proof of immunity to communicable diseases. A tuberculin skin test is required within six months of arrival at Loyola. Health history and immunization forms will be sent with the acceptance package. Students may contact Loyola's Student Health and Education Services, 410-617-5055, for more information about the required immunizations.
4. International exchange students enrolled in a one-semester or one-year Loyola exchange program must submit proof of sufficient health insurance coverage for the duration of their studies at Loyola. Coverage must be equivalent to the United Healthcare Insurance Plan designed for Loyola students (www.firststudent.com), and it must be transferable to the United States. Students have the option to purchase the United Healthcare plan.
   
   Once a student is accepted to the University and all international student requirements have been completed, the Form I-20 (along with immigration and visa information) will be mailed to the student. Upon receiving the Form I-20 from Loyola, the student must pay a $200 USD SEVIS processing fee directly to the Department of Homeland Security. Information on the SEVIS fee will be mailed with the Form I-20.
   
   All international students are required to attend New International Student Orientation, which occurs the week prior to the first day of classes. For more information, contact the Office of International Student Services, 410-617-5245.

Transfer Applicants

Applications for transfer from accredited two- and four-year institutions are welcomed. Due to the University's undergraduate residency requirement (see Residency Requirement  under Curriculum and Policies), students may not apply for transfer beyond the beginning of junior year. Credit awarded on the basis of any placement tests does not count toward fulfillment of the residency requirement.

All transfer applicants should submit the Common Application for Transfer Students or the online Loyola transfer application, their secondary school (high school) transcript, official transcripts of all work completed at other colleges, and a Registrar's Report/College Official's Report from all previously attended institutions. Transfer applicants must state their intended major. A minimum cumulative QPA of 2.700 in previous college work is required for consideration. College instructor evaluations, teacher evaluations, and SAT and ACT scores are optional for submission.

Upon admission to Loyola University Maryland, transfer students from accredited two- or four-year institutions will be awarded credit for courses with content and learning aims comparable to those offered at the University, regardless of mode of course delivery. Department chairs and the Academic Advising and Support Center will determine course comparability. Remedial, personal development, physical education, health, and preparatory courses that are not equivalent to or discipline-compatible with Loyola's courses are unacceptable for transfer. Only courses equivalent to three, four, or five credits in which a grade of C or higher has been earned can be accepted for transfer credit. Some departments may require a higher grade. A course with a grade of C- or below will not be accepted in transfer, regardless of the point value assigned by the transferring institution (see Grades  under Curriculum and Policies).

Grades for transferred courses will not be factored into the Loyola grade point average. Credits will be transferred only for those courses that are similar to the requirements for degree programs at Loyola University Maryland. The Loyola cumulative QPA is used for determining honors at graduation or any other academic honors. Although the grades for all courses taken at all colleges attended are included, no higher honors are awarded than those earned with grades that appear on the Loyola transcript for courses completed at Loyola or through Loyola sponsored programs (see Courses at Other Colleges  under Curriculum and Policies). Courses that are 10 years or older cannot be transferred to fulfill major requirements for graduation.

Earlier applications, especially for the fall semester, are encouraged.

Transfer International Applicants

Loyola University Maryland welcomes applications from international transfer students. Loyola defines an international student as one who does not hold U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Need-based financial aid is not available for international students; however, merit-based scholarships are available.

Earlier applications, especially for the fall semester are encouraged.

In addition to possessing the academic qualifications for admission, international transfer applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Applicants for whom English is not a native language are required to demonstrate evidence of English proficiency. Test results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are accepted. Additional information can be obtained from www.toefl.org and www.ielts.org. Minimum score requirements:

TOEFL iBT: 79 or higher
TOEFL paper-based: 550 or higher
TOEFL Computer Adaptive Test: 213 or higher
IELTS: 7 band score

2. Submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional.
3. Submit official secondary school (high school) transcripts to the World Education Services (www.wes.org) for translation of grades and credits. An additional fee may be required. If the transcript is in English and a U.S. equivalency grading scale is provided, in some instances, this requirement may be waived.
4. Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. should be submitted to World Education Services (www.wes.org) for course-by-course evaluation and translation of grades and credits.
5. Submit the completed International Student Supplement form, available at www.loyola.edu/admission/international.
6. Submit a copy of the biographical page of the student's passport.
7. If available, submit copies of the student's U.S. visa and most current U.S. entry stamp. If applicable, submit copies of the principle visa holder's biographical page of the passport, U.S. visa and most current U.S. entry stamp.

International students requiring a Form I-20 for F-1 student visa status must meet the following additional requirements in order to complete the application process:

1. Submit the Affidavit of Financial Support from a parent or benefactor affirming that all expenses will be met during the student's enrollment at Loyola. Expenses include tuition, fees, housing, board, books, medical, and all other expenses. This form is available at www.loyola.edu/undergraduate/admission/international.
2. Provide a current, original bank letter showing funds (in U.S. dollars) available to cover the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, housing, board, books, medical, and all other expenses) for one year at Loyola. The bank letter must be on bank stationery, signed by a bank official, and include contact information.

Before a Form I-20 can be issued for an admitted student, the following must be provided:

1. Payment for one semester's tuition and fees upon formal acceptance to the University.
2. Proof of sufficient health insurance coverage for the first year of study at Loyola (must be renewed each academic year). Coverage must be equivalent to the United Healthcare Insurance Company Plan designed for Loyola students (www.firststudent.com), and it must be transferable to the United States. Students are encouraged to purchase the United Healthcare plan.
   
   All full-time international transfer students are required to provide proof of medical insurance each academic year by completing the insurance information form. For information regarding completion of the selection form, contact Loyola's insurance broker at 800-346-4075 ext.1607 or Loyola@rcmd.com.
3. Proof of immunity to communicable diseases. A tuberculin skin test is required within six months of arrival at Loyola. Health history and immunization forms will be sent with the acceptance package. Students may contact Loyola's Student Health and Education Services, 410‑617‑5055, for more information about the required immunizations.
4. If the student already holds a Form I-20 from another university, a Transfer Eligibility Form must be submitted to Loyola along with a copy of the student's current Form I-20.

Once a student is accepted to the University and all international student requirements have been completed, the Form I-20 (along with immigration and visa information) will be mailed to the student. All international students are required to attend New International Student Orientation, which occurs the week prior to the first day of classes. For more information contact, the Office of International Student Services, 410‑617‑5245.

Part-Time Students

Students may take courses at Loyola on a part-time basis. Eleven or fewer credits per semester is considered part-time. Part-time applicants follow the same admission procedures and must meet the same admission standards as full-time students. Ordinarily, students must complete all degree requirements within a 10-year period.

Part-time students will be charged a tuition fee of $710 per credit for the 2015-2016 fall and spring semesters. They also will be charged any special fees (lab, testing, graduation, etc.) that may apply to individual students. All University regulations are applicable to part-time students.

Earlier applications, especially for the fall semester, are encouraged.

Nondegree Students

Special Students

Students who have earned four-year college degrees and who wish to take courses without pursuing an additional degree at Loyola are special students. Special students must submit an application accompanied by the official college transcript that verifies receipt of a bachelor's degree. Students with a Loyola bachelor's degree are not required to submit a transcript. Campus housing is not available for nondegree students.

Earlier applications, especially for the fall semester, are encouraged.

Visiting Students

Students who take courses at Loyola that count toward a degree at another institution (either a high school or another college) are classified as visiting students. Visiting students must submit an application, an official transcript from current institution, and an authorization letter from an official at the degree-granting institution. This letter should specify the course(s) to be taken at Loyola and should verify that the student is in good academic standing. Visiting students are ineligible for a degree or financial aid from Loyola University Maryland. Campus housing also is not available.

Earlier applications, especially for the fall semester, are encouraged.

Readmission of Former Students

Students who miss three semesters (including summer) without filing a request for a leave of absence are automatically withdrawn from the University and must reapply. This policy also applies to students who study abroad and do not take an official leave of absence from the University.

Students who desire to return following withdrawal from the University must apply to the Admission Office. They will be asked to send a detailed statement of their activities since withdrawal. Students who have been dismissed for academic reasons may reapply for admission after one calendar year. Readmission to the University is not automatic. Students who are academically dismissed a third time will be permanently dismissed from all undergraduate programs at Loyola University Maryland.

Readmitted students must satisfy the degree requirements in effect for their programs at the time of readmission, and they must be able to complete the degree within 10 years of original date of enrollment. Campus housing is awarded to readmitted students on a space-available basis.

Housing

On-campus housing is awarded to transfer students based on availability. Off-campus housing is also an option for transfer students, as well as for readmitted and nondegree students. Additional information about on- and off-campus housing may be obtained by visiting the Office of Student Life webpage, www.loyola.edu/studentlife.

Health Insurance

All full-time undergraduate students must provide proof of health insurance coverage each academic year. Students are required to go online to www.firststudent.com and either enroll in the United Healthcare Insurance Plan designed for Loyola students or waive the coverage by providing proof of other insurance. If no action is taken, students will be automatically enrolled in Loyola's plan at the end of the enrollment deadline and billed for the coverage. A postcard will be mailed to the home address on file which will provide important information on how to complete this process. Email reminders will also be sent to students (Loyola email address only). For additional information, please contact Loyola's insurance broker at 1-800-346-4075, ext.1607 or email Loyola@rcmd.com.

Immunizations

Once deposit has been made, students will be mailed a health and immunization form to be completed by their physician. Students will not be admitted to campus housing if their form has not been received by Student Health Services.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement Examinations are given in May by the College Entrance Examination Board. These tests are scored and sent to Loyola during the summer. Complete details on the Advanced Placement Examinations are available on request from the College Entrance Examination Board, Box 6671, Princeton, NJ 08541‑6671.

Students who have taken an advanced placement course in secondary school may obtain college credit at Loyola if their performance on the examination is satisfactory. Credit, but no grade, is awarded and recorded on the student's transcript for a score of four or five, depending upon departmental policy.

The Academic Advising and Support Center will work with students receiving advanced placement credits to make any changes necessary in their programs of study. The maximum amount of credit awarded on the basis of all placement tests is equivalent to one academic year of credit. Credit awarded on the basis of placement tests does not count toward fulfillment of residency requirements.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Tests

This is a national testing program administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. The purpose of the program is to provide an opportunity for students who have acquired college-level knowledge in a particular subject area to validate their knowledge and receive college credit. This knowledge may have been acquired by taking advanced secondary school courses, through independent study, or through employment experience. A maximum of one year of credit may be earned through examinations. Such credit is not applicable toward fulfillment of residency requirements. No credit is awarded for work experience alone.

Test scores required for the awarding of credit vary with each test. Credit, but no grade, is awarded and recorded on the transcripts of matriculated students of Loyola University Maryland. Entering first-year students may take the tests at one of the national testing centers prior to their first semester at Loyola. Loyola University Maryland should be listed as an institution to receive the scores. There is a fee for each test taken. Matriculated students are not allowed to seek CLEP credit.

Complete details on the CLEP Testing Program are available on request from the College Level Examination Program, Box 6600, Princeton, NJ 08541.

International Baccalaureate Program

Some high schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, an internationally recognized, comprehensive two-year curriculum for high school students culminating in an IB Diploma. The program offers study in language and literature, history and the social sciences, mathematical and natural sciences, fine arts, and the classics.

Each subject examined is graded on a scale of one (minimum) to seven (maximum). In consultation with the academic departments, the University offers college credit but no grade for these subjects for scores of six or seven. Upon receipt of official notification of these scores, the Director, Academic Advising and Support Center will work with each student to determine if credit should be awarded. Credit is awarded only for higher level IB courses. A maximum of one year of credit may be earned through examination. Such credit does not count toward fulfillment of the residency requirement.

Advanced Credit

Regardless of the mode of course delivery, college-level work done prior to high school graduation may be awarded transfer credits upon receipt of the following information:

• an official letter from the high school principal or school counselor stating that the courses were taught on the college campus by a member of the regular college faculty, open to enrollment by and graded in competition with regularly matriculated undergraduates at the college, and a regular part of the normal curriculum published in the college catalogue;
• an official, seal-bearing transcript from the college/university; and
• a catalogue description and syllabus, if required, for each course submitted for transfer consideration.

Each supporting document is to be sent to the Director, Academic Advising and Support Center. Credit awarded for these courses does not count toward fulfillment of the residency requirement.

Departmental Examinations

A departmental examination may be taken for some courses offered by the University. Some departments charge a fee for such examinations. The appropriate department chair must be consulted to determine if a specific course can be taken by examination. Credit, but no grade, is awarded and recorded on the student's transcript. Credit awarded on the basis of these examinations does not count toward fulfillment of residency requirements.

Foreign Language Test

Students are assigned to their initial foreign language course by the Academic Advising and Support Center on the basis of a placement test which is usually taken in conjunction with the summer orientation process. Students may choose to learn a new language rather than continue with the one studied in high school. However, all students must take the placement test for the high school language. Students placing into a 200- level or higher modern or classical language course are eligible for retroactive core credit upon successful completion of coursework at Loyola. Credit awarded on the basis of placement tests does not count toward fulfillment of residency requirements. All students must fulfill the foreign language core requirement.

Mathematics Test

All entering first-year and transfer students who have not completed their mathematics/science requirement must take a placement test in mathematics administered by the Academic Advising and Support Center.