Academic Preparation

Row of students in a classroom with laptops in front of them at Champlain College in Burlington, VT

We believe there is a smarter way to evaluate whether prospective students are a good fit for the smarter way we educate students.

Naturally, we ask all admission candidates for the standard submission pieces: transcripts, standardized test scores (optional), lists of extracurricular activities, the essay (optional), and recommendations. Your GPA, class rank, and other academic measures help us determine if you are academically ready for the intensive, career-focused education we provide. We also look for strong writing/communication skills.

In addition to demonstrated strength in these credentials, we highly value some specific personal qualities and characteristics, which can tip the balance toward getting admitted if one of the elements of your academic profile is not as strong as your overall application. We are looking for students who are highly motivated to achieve their professional and personal goals. We look for a spirit of innovation, a commitment to inclusivity, an interest in global citizenry, a growth-oriented mindset, and solid values of service and environmental sustainability.

Recommended Academic Preparation

Academic preparation includes successful completion of a college preparatory curriculum, including:

  • 4 years of reading/writing English
  • 3 years of history/social sciences
  • 3 years of mathematics (at least through Algebra II. Many students take Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or AP Calculus as juniors or seniors)
  • 3 years of natural sciences, including two courses with lab components
  • 2 years of a foreign language
  • A full course load of challenging academic subjects senior year

International Students Must Provide Proof of English Proficiency

For students whose native language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required. There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Please have an official test score report sent to Champlain College in order to be considered for direct admission to the undergraduate program at Champlain. Our school's code for the TOEFL is 3291.

  • TOEFL (paper-based): 550 (no sub score lower than 50)
  • TOEFL (internet-based — iBT): 79+ (no sub score lower than 14)
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 (no sub score lower than 5.5)
  • PTE: 58
  • SAT Verbal: 500+
  • British 'O' Level English Pass: A–C
  • Students who have been entirely educated in English are exempt.
  • High school or college students who have had at least 3 years of instruction in English at an accredited U.S. college/university/high school may supply official transcripts to see if they might be able to waive the English Proficiency requirement.

Important Note: The College reserves the right to request that an international student take a test to determine the student's level of English proficiency even if the student has submitted the required documentation to waive English proficiency listed above

Standardized Test Scores (Optional)

Champlain College is a test-optional institution. There is no downside to not submitting your standardized test scores. If you believe your test scores add value to your application, by all means, do send them.

  • For College Board SAT, please use code 3291
  • For the ACT, please use code 4298

Awarding Credit for Exams

Many students, in order to apply to Champlain, have taken AP courses with exams or other types of tests that may qualify them for credits at the College. If admitted, we award course credits to students as follows:

  • A score of "3" or better for Computer Science, Calculus, and Statistics Advanced Placement (AP) Exam (see chart below mapping of exam to course credit)
  • A score of "4" or better for all other College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exam
  • A score of "5" or better earned on the Higher Level (HL) International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam
  • A minimum score of "50" or better on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exam

Please note that in order to award credit, all test scores must be certified by our office with an official score report. We do not award credit for Standard Level (SL) International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams.

Test

Score

Credit

AP Computer Science A 3,4,5 CSI 150
AP Computer Science Principals 3,4,5 CSI 100
AP Stats 3,4,5 MTH 180
AP Calculus AB 4,5 MTH 230
AP Calculus AB 3 MTH 125
AP Calculus BC 4,5 MTH 230 and MTH 240
AP Calculus BC 3* MTH 230
AP Calculus BC 3** MTH 125

* with an AB score of 4 or 5
**with an AB score of 3

Homeschooled & GED Applicants

If you have been homeschooled, you have the same application requirements as all first-year applicants. Please note that ONLY if the student is admitted and chooses to enroll will we need proof of graduation via homeschool diploma or equivalent from the student's home state, or the official results of the GED/high school equivalency exam.

We ask that homeschooled applicants also include:

  • High school transcripts, which should include completed and in-progress coursework with grades and, if possible, a brief course-by-course description.
  • Any courses completed at a secondary or post-secondary school, which will require official transcripts from those institutions.

We Are a Test-Optional School

Champlain is a test-optional school. What does that mean to you as an applicant? If you would like us to consider your standardized test scores, by all means, feel free to include them with your submitted application. If you would rather us consider your application without them, we are happy to do that as well.

Learn More

Admission counselor at Champlain College speaking with a student.

Personal Interviews Are Wonderful!

You can tell a lot about people by simply speaking with them. We encourage virtual Personal Interviews for high school seniors and transfer students interested in applying to Champlain. The conversation is casual—it's like two friends getting to know one another.

Learn more

Champlain Application Dashboard

Our Application Dashboard allows you to monitor the status of your application and determine if you have any outstanding requirements. If you do not already have an account for our Dashboard, please create one using the same email address you used when applying.

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Admissions Application Deadlines

Application DatesDecision Release Dates*
Early Decision I November 15 Mid December
Early Decision II December 15 Mid January
Regular Decision January 15
Mid-February/Early March
Extended Regular Decision February 15 Mid-to-late March
Transfer Priority Deadline: June 1 Rolling
Spring Enrollment**
Priority Deadline: October 1 Rolling

All deadlines are 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to ensure that your financial aid award includes all of the institutional and federal aid you are eligible to receive.

Champlain's FAFSA code is 003684

*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.