First-Year Applicants
You are considered a first-time, first-year student if you are a current high school senior, have a high school equivalency diploma, or haven't attended college since graduating from high school.
The Whole You
At Champlain College, we want to know you as a whole person, not just a transcript or list of achievements. And because we are a test-optional school, you can choose whether or not to include standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT in your application. We know you’re more than just a number.
Have Questions?
Our Admissions team is here to help. Call, email, or live-chat all your questions, big and small.
How to Apply
We’ve tried to include everything you need to know in the steps below, but we know questions come up.
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1. Fill Out an Application for FREE
You can apply to Champlain College using the Common Application or the Champlain College Application. Both are free. Regardless of which you choose, all applications are considered equally. Please do not submit more than one application for admission.
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2. Send Your Supporting Materials & Academic Records
Required Documents:
High School Transcripts
An official copy of your high school transcript is required. Your school counselor can submit a transcript via: Common App, Parchment, or Scoir.
If you prefer to fax or mail your documentation, you may do so at:
Fax
(802) 860-2767Mail
Attn: Admissions Operations
163 South Willard Street
Burlington, VT 05402Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
One recommendation should be from your school counselor and the other recommendation should be from someone who can best highlight your academic potential.
Mail
Attn: Admissions Operations
163 South Willard Street
Burlington, VT 05402Other Supporting Materials
Test Scores (optional)
Champlain College is a test-optional institution. Please indicate on your application whether you would like us to consider your standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT).- For College Board SAT, use code 3291
- For ACT, use code 4298
Portfolio (depending on major)
If you are applying to the Animation, Creative Media, Filmmaking, Game Art, Game Design, or Graphic Design & Visual Communication majors, please send us your portfolio. -
3. Apply for Financial Aid (optional but recommended)
If you’re interested in financial aid, you should apply for it when you apply for admission. Applying for financial aid can be an important step in financing your Champlain education. In fact, it is required if you want to be considered for one or more of our merit- and need-based institutional grants and scholarships.
Because the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not be available until December 2024, Champlain College is using the CSS Profile Lite application for Fall 2025 applicants. This allows Champlain College to provide our incoming class with a prompt preliminary estimate of Federal Financial Aid.
Submit your CSS Profile application beginning October 1, 2024.
Champlain’s Profile code is 3291.
Submit Your CSS Profile Application
You will also need to complete the FAFSA when it opens in December for a revised official Federal aid offer. View application deadlines.
Champlain’s FAFSA code is 003684.
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4. Submit Your Portfolio (if required for your major)
If you are applying to the Animation, Creative Media, Filmmaking, Game Art, Game Design, or Graphic Design & Visual Communication majors, please send us your portfolio.
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5. Schedule an Interview (Optional)
You can request a one-on-one interview with their Admissions Counselor. The interview is your chance to tell us more about yourself and your application, and it is also an opportunity to ask questions about Champlain College. Interviews are an optional part of the application process and will be considered part of your Admissions application if you choose to participate.
Additional Info for Applying
While we value GPA, class rank, and other academic measures, we’re also interested in your personal qualities and characteristics. Having a spirit of innovation, commitment to inclusivity, or other traits can help tip the balance.
For some majors, submitting a portfolio of your work is a required step in the admissions process. Your portfolio is a way to show us your unique approach to your craft! Check out our requirements to see if your major requires a portfolio!
We are happy to consider your application without standardized test scores. As an applicant, this can mean one less thing for you to think about. And if you would like us to consider them, feel free to include them with your submitted application.
Application Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Dates | Decision Release Date* |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 15, 2024 | December 16, 2024 |
| Early Action | December 15, 2024 | January 3, 2025 |
| Regular Decision | January 3, 2025 | January 15, 2025 |
| Transfer | Rolling | Rolling |
| Spring Regular Decision | Rolling** | Rolling |
All deadlines are 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Decisions are released online only. To view your decision, sign into your Application Dashboard. Don’t have a one? Create your account.
*Decision release dates are contingent on receiving all requisite application materials by the stated deadlines, including transcripts and portfolios, if required.
**Certain majors are not eligible for Spring enrollment.
Credit for High-School Students
Credit by Exam
Champlain accepts credit from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) tests.
- CLEP Exam: Requires a minimum score of 50 or better.
- AP Test: Requires a score of 3 or better.
High-School Dual Enrollment
Vermont’s Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school or during the summer after they graduate. Eligible students may take two college courses tuition-free at designated Vermont colleges, allowing them to experience college-level academics.
Pre-College Summer Programs
Champlain College offers a variety of pre-college summer programs for high school students looking to gain hands-on experience in a variety of exciting and in-demand fields. Some programs also allow you to earn transferable college credits.
Waiting for a decision?
Our Application Dashboard allows you to monitor the status of your application and determine if you have any outstanding requirements. If you don’t have an account for our Dashboard, please create one using the same email address you used when applying.
If you are an applicant with questions for the Office of Admissions, please contact the Undergraduate Office of Admissions at admission@champlain.edu or 802-625-0201.
Open House Events
Every season is beautiful in Vermont, which means there’s never a bad time to attend an Open House at Champlain College. And it’s the best option if you truly want to know what it’s like to be a student at Champlain.
All of our Open House events give you the opportunity to
- learn about majors and programs directly from faculty, deans and current students
- explore the Champlain campus and city of Burlington including the lakefront and Church Street, and
- get guidance from our Admissions and Financial Aid staff on what to expect when you apply.
Open House events include campus tours, information sessions, complimentary lunch, and more!
Upcoming Events
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Virtual Open House ’25January 29, 2025 @ 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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Winter Open House ’25February 15, 2025 @ 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
More Inside How to Apply
Benefits of Early Decision
If you’ve taken the time to get to know us and you know this is where you can thrive, applying Early Decision is the best way to indicate to our Admissions team that you are all in for Champlain.