Furman welcomes applications from students who seek to enroll as first year students after graduating from high school or who transfer from a regionally accredited college or university.
Admission is selective and based primarily on previous academic performance and committed involvement in activities outside of the classroom. Our holistic approach to admissions allows us to gain insight about who students are both academically and personally. We encourage prospective students to be intentionally engaged with Furman by communicating with their Admissions Counselor or visiting campus to connect with students and faculty.
First Year Student Admissions
First year student applications are available through the Admissions website at furman.edu/admissions-aid/. Furman requires the use of the Common Application or Coalition Application for admission consideration. Typically, candidates for admission must have graduated from a regionally accredited high school prior to enrollment at Furman. The Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on the following criteria:
High School Transcript
An official transcript must be submitted to the Office of Admissions for admission consideration to Furman University. A strong college preparatory course of study is essential. At minimum, it must include four years of English, Algebra I and II, geometry, three years of social studies, at least three years of natural sciences, and at least two years of the same foreign language. Typically, successful candidates complete four or more advanced or honors-level academic credits each year. Rigor of curriculum and grades are the two most important criteria considered in making admissions decisions.
Extracurricular Involvement
All prospective students should provide information about their co-curricular activities and responsibilities outside of the classroom, emphasizing their leadership, service, commitment to the community and civic engagement. The Admissions Committee seeks students who demonstrate passion and commitment to these activities.
Optional Standardized Test Scores
The Admissions Committee believes that a student’s potential for success cannot be determined solely by standardized test scores. Therefore, submitting official test scores is optional. If the student does decide to submit test scores and submits multiple test results, the Admissions Committee will select the scores that offer the student the greatest advantage in the admission review process.
Early High School Graduates
Students admitted to Furman as first year students typically enroll after graduating from a regionally accredited high school following four years of study.
Early high school graduates who complete their high school requirements in less than four years should be students of unusual academic promise and personal maturity. Candidates must have a minimum un-weighted high school grade point average of a 3.50. An interview with a member of the Admissions staff is also required.
Home-Schooled Students
In addition to the admissions criteria listed above, students who have completed their high school experience through a home school environment are required to interview with a member of the Office of Admissions counseling team, in order to better understand the curriculum and opportunities available.
Early Decision I Plan for Admissions
Candidates who are confident they will attend Furman if admitted are encouraged to apply Early Decision. Furman’s Early Decision plan is binding, meaning that applicants must agree to withdraw all other applications and commit to enrolling at Furman, if offered admission. The application deadline is November 1 and students are notified of admission decisions by November 15. Admitted students are notified of any financial aid/scholarships for which they are eligible around December 1. If the student’s college decision is dependent upon financial assistance from these scholarships, applying Early Decision is not recommended.
To reserve a class space for the fall, admitted students must submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit and a signed statement of intent no later than January 5. These candidates are required to immediately withdraw applications submitted to all other institutions at this time.
Early Decision II Plan for Admissions
Furman’s Early Decision II plan mirrors that of Early Decision I, with the only difference being application deadline and decision release timeline. This application plan is most appropriate for students who prefer to include fall senior year grades and/or test scores for admission consideration, while expressing early interest. The application deadline is January 15 and students are notified of admission decisions by February 1. Admitted students are notified of any financial aid/scholarship for which they are eligible by February 15.
To reserve a class space for the fall, admitted students must submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit and a signed statement of intent no later than March 1. These candidates are required to immediately withdraw applications submitted to all other institutions at this time.
Early Action Plan for Admissions
The Early Action round offers students flexibility in applying and receiving a decision earlier in the academic year, without a binding commitment. The application deadline is November 15 and students are notified of admission decisions by January 15. Admitted students learn of any financial aid/scholarships for which they are eligible in early February. Students have until May 1 to confirm their enrollment.
Regular Decision Plan for Admissions
Students applying Regular Decision must submit their applications no later than January 15. Admission decisions are released by March 1. Admitted students learn of any financial aid/scholarships for which they are eligible in mid-March. Students have until May 1 to confirm their enrollment.
International Students
Furman invites international first year and transfer students to apply for admission. Deadlines for international students are the same as for other new first-year students and transfer students. The documents necessary for application and criteria for selection of qualified applicants beyond those for prospective domestic students include:
Proof of English Proficiency
TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Advanced Exam, or Duolingo scores should be sent to Furman by the testing agency to demonstrate English proficiency. Minimum scores required:
TOEFL: 100 (Average 21 in each category)
IELTS: 7.0 (Overall band score)
Cambridge English Exam Advanced (CAE): 180 (Overall score)
Duolingo: 120
International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Completion of IB Diploma
- Higher Level English Grade of 5 or Better
English Composition Courses
- Grade of C or 2.0 or higher in two college-level English composition course from a U.S. college/university
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ACT English Score Equivalent)
Completing Four Full Years of Secondary School in the U.S.
- Must have completed a minimum of 3 full years of English courses at the time of review (excluding English as a Second Language courses).
Letter on letterhead with official signature confirming English is the primary language of instruction at your school or email from school official sent from a school-affiliated email account confirming English is the primary language of instruction at your school.
Applicants who are citizens of certain countries are exempt from providing an English proficiency test score at the time of admission. The full list can be found here.
Furman Statement of Finance
All international applicants must fill out the Furman Financial Information form on their admission status page indicating their ability to finance travel to and study at Furman, in addition to completing the CSS Profile.
Health Insurance for the F-1 Student Visa
The university will purchase appropriate health insurance on the behalf of all students holding a F-1 visa. Students will be invoiced directly by the university for the associated premiums.
Transfer Students
Transfer applications are considered for both fall and spring semesters. Application review for fall semester begins January 15. Initial offers of admission are released by March 1, and will continue on a rolling basis. Applications for fall semester are accepted through July 31 and are considered until all available spaces are filled. Admitted students who wish to enroll must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $500 by May 1 or by the deadline in their acceptance letters, if admitted later.
Transfer students may apply for spring semester by completing the application for admission by December 15 and will be notified of their decision on a rolling basis. Admitted students who wish to enroll must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $500 by January 5 or by the deadline in their acceptance letters, if admitted later.
Students may transfer to Furman from other regionally accredited colleges or universities. The Admissions Committee uses the following criteria in its decisions:
a) An official college or university transcript
b) College Report to confirm the transfer applicant is in good academic standing (this form will be emailed to transfer applicants upon application submission).
c) Official high school transcripts for students who have yet to reach the age of 21 or have completed less than 32 hours of college coursework at the time of application.
Post Baccalaureate Certificate Students
Post Baccalaureate Certificate Program students enroll in Furman undergraduate day courses, receive traditional grades based on their performance, and acquire an official transcript recording all credits attempted and earned. Students must apply for a specific certificate program, and admission is dependent on available space. PBC students must submit a college transcript and a college officials report.
Transient Students
A transient student is a student currently enrolled in another accredited institution seeking to earn credit at Furman. Each applicant for admission is required to submit a transient student application, which will be evaluated by Enrollment Services and the Office of Admissions, and must re-apply for each term in which they wish to enroll. Financial aid is not available to transient students and students may earn no more than 16 credits as a transient student.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
A non-degree seeking student is a student who is not seeking a degree or certificate from Furman. A non-degree student may not earn more than 16 credits. Each applicant is required to submit a non-degree admissions application, which will be evaluated by Enrollment Services and the Office of Admissions, and must re-apply for each term in which they wish to enroll. Financial aid is not available to non-degree seeking students.
Re-Admission
Following an absence from Furman of one or more semesters, a student who has previously withdrawn from the university must apply for re-admission. The Associate Academic Dean guides the process and reviews the application. If approved, the student must meet the requirements for graduation and the minimum academic standards effective at the time of re-admission. The student is encouraged to contact the Associate Academic Dean’s Office directly to determine eligibility.
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