I put together here in one place useful information that answers questions regarding Chapman University Admission and Acceptances decisions gleamed from the Chapman Admission tubular site that have been posted over the past month. They answer a lot of questions that continually come up year after year on this Chapman College Confidential Forum:
Chapman admissions evaluate holistically so keep in mind that your GPA and test scores are one part of a comprehensive evaluation. Our averages from last year’s admitted class was a 27-28 on the ACT and 3.75 weighted GPA. Again, Chapman admits below and deny above those averages as we are looking holistically and for overall fit.
What was the average SAT score for last year’s admitted class: 1877 was the average SAT superscore for admitted freshman.
ACT or SAT scores more important: Chapman uses your highest overall - we don’t prefer one over the other. We use them equally. You will need to have your test scores submitted by the Nov. 1 deadline.
What grades will be considered if applying for EA (Early Admission): Your grades through the end of your junior year. We’ll also review what you’re enrolled in for your senior year and sometimes receive progress-grades for the first part of your senior year - this typically depends on your high school.
Acceptance rates for Chapman U and for Dodge College: Film Production is by far the most selective and competitive with an acceptance rate between 10-15%. Other academic majors within Dodge College are competitive with an average SAT score around 1920 and 3.7 GPA. Acceptance rates for those programs vary but are below the university average of 47% acceptance for incoming freshmen. Keep in mind, that if you’re interested in Film Production you must apply and be admitted directly into that program. It’s nearly impossible to transfer into that particular program once at Chapman or even within Dodge College.
How will Junior College courses taken over the summer effect GPA: You’d need to submit official transcripts from the community college(s) and if they are core curriculum courses or courses that would prepare you for your academic major we would calculate them into our GPA. Even if they don’t count in, we’d review them and note that you’d taken them as a part of our academic review. Remember, you GPA isn’t everything - the rigor of your curriculum is equally important! As are all the other elements in your application as a part of our holistic review.
Does Chapman Admission take in to an account a GPA which is not very high because you attended a very rigorous and academically hard high school: Absolutely. Chapman admission counselors are territory-driven so that we can get well acquainted with the area and high schools in our territory to evaluate applicants on the environment and rigor of your high school. Similarly, your high school counselor will submit a School Report on your behalf that provides us with a high school profile including courses available and level of rigor offered.
Dodge College and EA (Early Action) applications are both due on the same date, November 1: Chapman does not have Early Decision, but instead they have Early Action (which is non-binding).Regarding Film Production…the deadline is November 1. All applications received by Nov. 1 for that program are considered on-time and will be reviewed by application date vs. decision plan of early or regular decision. You can select either decision plan, but be sure to submit your Common Application and Portfolio via SlideRoom by Nov. 1.
When do Chapman EA applicants hear back from Chapman: EA applicants (with the exception of Film Production, Pharmacy, Screen Acting and Theatre Performance) will receive an admission decision in late December. For the exception programs in the parentheses above - those programs receive a decision in February.
When do students apply for a minor: Students can declare a minor any point in time after being admitted to the university. Some majors however, that have a talent/application process can’t be applied for until the spring of your freshman year.
New EA application questions: A new question for Freshman applicants about our commitment to diversity and inclusion – “The ‘I Am Chapman’ campaign on our campus was created to foster an appreciation and awareness of diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice for all. We celebrate our students’ individuality in all of its forms including their race, ethnicity, interests, ability, geographic background, experiences, culture, religion and opinions. Given the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of our community, the admission committee would like to know what makes you ‘Chapman?’ (200 words or fewer)” and - New questions about visiting campus and corresponding with our admission counselors to show how you’ve connected with Chapman
Transfer Students: The 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) simply refer to completed semester college units showing on a college transcript. The units do not all need to be transferable, just completed at a college or university.
Applicant has taken 2 years of foreign language instead of the Chapman’s recommendation of 3-4 years of a language: Chapman evaluates candidates for admission based upon a holistic review, which means that your foreign language courses are just one area of many we’d review you for admission. The reason why Chapman recommends 3-4 years of a language is because to graduate from Chapman you must complete a foreign language at the 200-level. It’s much easier for students to complete that when a language is fresh in their mind and language vocabulary. Similarly, part of our mission at Chapman is to develop global citizens - which is why Chapman strives to empower students to communicate in another language.
Every College course is articulated individually. Use the “Search Transfer Course Approvals” to look up the college you took the course at and see if someone has taken the course previously. If it’s listed there - you’ll be able to see how it articulates/transfers in to Chapman: