Apply
Start your application
Common Application or Caldwell direct application. Application fee $75 (waivers available). Deadlines: Nov 15 Early Decision, Jan 15 Regular Decision. Test-optional.
The application
Step by step
- 1Step 1Choose application platformCommon Application (commonapp.org) or Caldwell direct application (caldwell.edu/apply). Same content + same review process. Common Application is most common; some students prefer Caldwell direct for flexibility.
- 2Step 2Create your accountSign in or create a new account. Set up your profile, contact information, demographic data. Save progress as you go; complete over multiple sessions.
- 3Step 3Complete the applicationPersonal information, academic record, extracurriculars, essays + supplemental essays (Caldwell-specific), letters of recommendation requests.
- 4Step 4Pay application fee$75 application fee (waivable for income-eligible students through Common App fee waiver or Caldwell-specific waiver). Payment by credit card.
- 5Step 5SubmitReview thoroughly. Once submitted, application can’t be edited (only added to). Confirmation email within 5 minutes.
- 6Step 6Track your applicationApplication portal shows received documents + decision timing. We’ll email you when documents are received + when decision is ready.
Application requirements
What we need
Application form
Either Common Application or Caldwell direct application. Both gather equivalent information. Personal data, academic record, extracurriculars, essays.
Application fee — $75
Waivable for income-eligible students. Common Application fee waiver applies. Caldwell-specific waiver available for students who don’t qualify for Common App waiver but are income-eligible.
Personal essay
Common Application personal essay (650 words) + Caldwell-specific supplemental essay (250 words). Specific questions for each major. Show your voice; don’t over-edit.
High school transcript
Sent directly from your school counselor. We need transcripts through end of junior year for regular decision; through end of senior year for late applications.
Letters of recommendation — 2 required
From counselor + 1 teacher (typically a junior-year teacher). Optional 3rd letter from coach, employer, or community member. Submitted directly through Common Application or Caldwell portal.
Standardized test scores — optional
Test-optional since 2019. Submit SAT/ACT if you’d like + if helpful. Send through testing services. We don’t penalize applicants who don’t submit.
Deadlines
When applications are due
Early Decision — November 15 (binding)
Apply by Nov 15. Notification by Dec 15. Binding — admitted students commit to attend. Best for students with clear first choice. Slightly higher admit rate.
Early Action — December 1 (non-binding)
Apply by Dec 1. Notification by mid-January. Non-binding — preserves choice flexibility. Useful for students who want early decisions but want options.
Regular Decision — January 15
Apply by Jan 15. Notification by April 1. Most common path. Most students apply via Regular Decision; allows time to apply to multiple schools.
Transfer applications — April 15 (fall)
Apply by April 15 for fall admission. Apply by November 15 for spring admission. Most transfer students enter as juniors. Credit evaluation done individually.
International applications
Same deadlines as domestic applicants. Additional materials: TOEFL/IELTS, financial documentation, transcripts in English. Application fee usually waived for international applicants.
Specific program deadlines
Some specific programs (BFA Theater, BS Music, BS Architecture) have different deadlines. Check program-specific pages or email admissions for confirmation.
Or use Common Application
Most students apply via commonapp.org
Or use this form to request a Caldwell direct application + admissions counselor follow-up.
Application questions
What students ask
- Same review process. Same questions. Common Application is more common (~85% of applicants). Caldwell direct application is sometimes preferred by students with specific essay needs or who don’t want to use Common App. No advantage to either.