Admissions
Holistic, transparent, supportive
We don’t overweight test scores. We don’t game the application process. Caldwell’s admissions process is designed to find students who’ll thrive academically + contribute to community.
Application process
Step by step
- 1Step 1 — fall of senior yearApplyCommon Application or Caldwell direct application. Application fee $75 (waivers available for income-eligible students). Apply by November 15 (Early Decision) or January 15 (Regular Decision).
- 2Step 2 — fall + winterSubmit supporting materialsHigh school transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, personal essay + supplemental essays (Caldwell-specific). Test-optional; submit SAT/ACT if you’d like.
- 3Step 3 — winterOptional interviewOptional alumni interview. Conducted by trained alumni interviewers in your area or via video. ~75% of admitted students did an interview; not required for admission.
- 4Step 4 — springAdmissions decisionEarly Decision: notification by December 15. Regular Decision: notification by April 1. Three outcomes: accepted, waitlisted, denied.
- 5Step 5 — springVisit accepted students eventsAdmitted Students Day (March + April). Many admitted students visit + decide. Tours, classroom visits, faculty meetings, current student panels.
- 6Step 6 — May 1Enrollment decisionEnrollment deposit $500 due May 1. Wait-list movement happens through May + June if space available. Orientation in late August.
What we look for
In your application
Academic preparation
Strong high school record. Challenging course load. Good grades trending stable or upward. Specific course preparation (4 years of math + science + English + foreign language preferred for STEM applicants).
Genuine intellectual interest
Engagement with academic ideas beyond just earning grades. Extracurricular activities that suggest passion + initiative. Academic conversations + reading + research outside of required coursework.
Community contribution
How you’ve contributed to your high school + broader communities. Sports teams, clubs, volunteering, employment, family responsibilities — all considered.
Distinctive perspective
What you’d bring to Caldwell. Geographic, racial, socioeconomic diversity. Distinctive interests + voice. We aim for academic + social + cultural diversity in each class.
Specific Caldwell fit
Why Caldwell, not just any university. The Caldwell-specific essay should articulate something concrete — programs, faculty, opportunities, location, culture.
Character + potential
Letters of recommendation matter. Counselors + teachers who can speak to character + intellectual potential. We don’t admit only students with the highest test scores; we admit students with the best fit + most growth potential.
Visit options
Different ways to see Caldwell
Campus tours — daily
Mon–Fri tours at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm. Saturday tours at 10am + 1pm. Sign up online; walk-ins accepted if space. Specific program tours available by request.
Information sessions
Daily admissions information sessions. Held in admissions building. ~60 minutes. Learn about Caldwell, application process, financial aid. Q&A.
Class visits
Sit in on a class. Available to any prospective student. Specific majors + courses arranged through admissions. Allows you to see Caldwell in action.
Overnight visits
Stay overnight in residence hall with current student. Available to admitted students. Most useful in deciding between schools.
Open house events
Quarterly Saturday events. Whole admissions office, faculty representatives, current students, financial aid. Most comprehensive visit option.
Virtual visits
Live virtual sessions with admissions counselors. Recorded virtual tours of campus + facilities. Most useful for distance-traveling families before in-person visits.
Admissions questions
What students ask
- Yes — we’ve been test-optional since 2019. Submit SAT/ACT if you’d like; we’ll consider it if helpful. ~62% of applicants submit scores. We don’t penalize applicants who don’t.