Undergraduate Admissions

Longwood University is a selective university and does not guarantee admission of all applicants. Longwood is pledged to a non-discriminatory admission policy that is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit and takes actions to prevent discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in accordance with protected rights.

Longwood requires all prospective freshmen, transfer, visiting, and readmission students to submit an application for admission. It is recommended students apply well in advance of stated application deadlines. Applications are considered for admission to the university from an accredited high school, community college or university, or equivalent including home-school programs and General Education Development Diploma (GED). Admission to the university does not imply admission to a specific degree program. Please review the Academic Programs section of this catalog for specific requirements. For the most up-to-date information please visit http://go.longwood.edu/apply, call (434) 395-2060, text (434) 607-7728, or email admissions@longwood.edu.  

Application Types and Deadlines

Early Decision Admission (Nursing only): Longwood offers Early Decision Admission to freshman applicants interested in Nursing entering the fall semester. To be considered for Nursing, application and admission documents must be received and/or postmarked by November 1. Candidates will be notified by mid-December of admission decision. If admitted, a financial aid package estimate will be provided along with acceptance notification. The offer of admission is binding. Students not selected for Early Decision Nursing opportunity will have the opportunity to be considered for Early Action Nursing opportunity and/or regular admissions to the university with another academic major selection. RN to BSN applicants are not eligible to apply as Early Decision.

Early Action Admission: Longwood offers Early Action Admission to freshman applicants entering the fall semester.  To be considered for Honors, Nursing, and remaining academic majors, application and admission documents must be received and/or postmarked by December 2. Candidates will be notified by mid- January of admission decision. The offer of admission is non-binding. Students not selected for Nursing will have the opportunity to be considered for regular admissions to the university with another academic major selection.  

Regular Admission: Longwood offers Priority Admissions to freshmen and transfer applicants who apply by March 1 (fall) and December 2 (spring) for special admission and scholarship consideration. To be considered, applications must be received and/or postmarked by February 1 (fall) or November 1 (spring). Candidates will be notified on a rolling admission basis once application and supporting documents are received. Nursing applicants are not eligible to apply as Regular Admission.

Admission Types

Common Requirements

All applicants are:

Strongly encouraged but not required to submit the following to strengthen admission consideration:

• Essay or personal statement, which can be used to provide additional information that may aid in evaluating a student’s potential for being successful at Longwood.
• Letters of recommendation

Freshmen Applicants

“Freshmen” refers to an applicant who will graduate or has graduated high school but has not attended or earned credit from a college or university after graduation from high school, home school program, or receiving a GED.

Applicants must complete and submit the following:

• Freshmen application for admission via http://go.longwood.edu/apply.
• Non-refundable $50 application fee or fee waiver. Applications will be considered incomplete and no admission decision rendered until fee or fee waiver is received. Acceptable fee waivers:
  • ACT waiver
  • SAT (College Board) waiver

       Note: If satisfying the application fee will cause undue hardship to the student and/or family, a hardship fee waiver may be granted. Contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.

• High school transcript indicating grade point average (GPA) and class rank (if applicable) through end of junior year. An unofficial transcript will be considered to determine basis of admission. Final official transcript, denoting graduation date, will be required prior to attending first class of intended entry semester. Home school students must submit a notarized transcript. Student who earned a GED must submit official score results.
  Note: Applicants who are earning, have earned, or will earn college credit prior to high school graduation through a dual credit or dual enrollment program will be required to submit an official transcript from awarding institution. However, it is not a requirement to obtain an admission decision.
   
• SAT (Longwood institutional code 5368) or ACT (Longwood institutional code 4366) scores are optional for admission to Longwood University. They may be required for admission to certain programs, including Nursing. If scores are included on the high school transcript or received directly from the high school counselor or approved school representative (i.e. email or official school letterhead), scores will be accepted as official. Unofficial scores will be considered to determine basis of admission but official scores must be received prior to attending first class of intended entry semester.

Upon receipt of the student’s application and supporting documents, the Admissions Committee will carefully examine the student’s qualifications and notify the student via email, postal notification, and/or phone (voice and text). A denial decision can be appealed (see “Appeal of Admission Decision” below).

All freshmen applicants are holistically reviewed based on high school curriculum (level and types of courses), academic achievement in core areas and number of units (English - 4; Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) - 3; Science (at least 2 laboratory courses) - 3; Social Sciences - 3; Foreign Language or American Sign Language - 2; Fine or Practical Art - 1; and Health and PE - 2), cumulative GPA, GED scores, consistency and trends of academic achievement, college entrance exams (SAT, ACT) (if applicable), class rank, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, community service, special talents and awards, employment history, essay or personal statement, and letters of recommendation. An interview with an admissions staff member may be required. Note: Additional units of math, science and foreign language are strongly recommended.

Nursing Applicants: Admission to the Nursing Program is more selective and competitive admission process. In addition to the criteria listed above, the Nursing Admissions Committee places emphasis on grades in and level of math and science courses, college entrance exam scores, and experiences related to nursing.

Students who are still enrolled in high school may register as non-degree students if they are endorsed by their guidance counselor or principal and receive approval from the dean of admissions and appropriate college dean.

If offer of admission is accepted, an enrollment deposit of $400 must be submitted by May 1 (fall) or December 1 (spring) to secure enrollment in the specific entry term. Enrollment deposits submitted after stated deadlines are accepted as space is available. After May 1 (fall) and December 1 (spring) the deposit is not refundable. To request a refund of a deposit submitted prior to May 1 (fall) or December 1 (spring), student must submit the request in writing (email or postal notification) including name, date of birth, and LNumber. Refund will be provided by check to address on file or payment type of initial submission, if available.

Transfer Applicants

A “transfer” refers to an applicant who graduated high school and attended or earned credit from a college or university after high school graduation, home school program completion, or receiving a GED. It is important to indicate on the application if an Associates of Arts and/or Science Degree will be received before transferring to Longwood. To be eligible for the benefits of an Articulation Agreement, the student must have earned the appropriate associate degree prior to enrolling at Longwood. Virginia Community College and Richard Bland College students planning to transfer to Longwood should consult with their college counselor and review the Longwood Transfer Guide, which is available at www.longwood.edu/admissions/11306.htm. All students must declare a major upon completion of 45 credit hours (includes Longwood hours and transferred hours).

Applicants must complete and submit the following:

• Transfer application for admission via http://go.longwood.edu/apply.
• Non-refundable $50 application fee or fee waiver. Applications will be considered incomplete and no admission decision rendered until fee or fee waiver is received. Acceptable fee waiver:

Note: If satisfying the application fee will cause undue hardship to the student and/or family, a hardship fee waiver may be granted. Contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.

• Official transcript from each college or university attended and/or earned credit. If currently enrolled in courses, an admission decision can be rendered on an “in-progress” transcript. Final official transcript, denoting degree earned (if applicable), will be required prior to attending first class of intended entry semester. 

Note: Applicants who earned college credit prior to high school graduation through a dual credit or dual enrollment program may be required to submit an official transcript denoting credit received.

Upon receipt of the student’s application and supporting documents, the Admissions Committee will carefully examine the student’s qualifications and notify the student via email, postal notification, and/or phone (voice and text). A denial decision can be appealed (see “Appeal of Admission Decision” below).

All transfer applicants are holistically reviewed based on cumulative GPA (with completed course work in the core curriculum areas including English, mathematics, science, and history/social science), extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, community service, special talents and awards, employment history, essay or personal statement, and letters of recommendation. An interview with an admissions staff member may be required.

Transfer applicants who will have earned fewer than 24 transferable semester hours in college-level subjects prior to applying at Longwood and/or graduated high school, completed a home school program, or earned a GED 6 or fewer years from the intended entry semester may be evaluated on their high school academic performance and SAT/ACT scores.

Adult Admit

An “Adult Admit” refers to a student who has graduated high school, completed a home school program, earned a GED seven or more years from the intended entry semester. Students with 24 or fewer transferable hours may be considered an Adult Admit if the seven or more year requirement is applicable.

Applicants must complete and submit the following:

• Adult Admit applicant application for admission via http://go.longwood.edu/apply.
• Non-refundable $50 application fee or fee waiver. Applications will be considered incomplete and no admission decision rendered until fee or fee waiver is received. Acceptable fee waiver:
  • Note: If satisfying the application fee will cause undue hardship to the student and/or family, a hardship fee waiver may be granted. Contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.
• High school transcript indicating grade point average (GPA), class rank (if applicable), and date of graduation. An unofficial transcript will be considered to determine basis of admission. Final official transcript will be required prior to attending first class of intended entry semester. Home school students must submit a notarized transcript. Student who earned a GED must submit official score results.
• Official transcript from each college or university attended and/or earned credit (if applicable). If currently enrolled in courses, an admission decision can be rendered on an “in-progress” transcript. Final official transcript, denoting degree earned (if applicable), will be required prior to attending first class of intended entry semester.
• Personal statement to provide additional information that may aid in providing an admission decision.
• Two letters of recommendation

Upon receipt of the student’s application and supporting documents, the Admissions Committee will carefully examine the student’s qualifications and notify the student via email, postal notification, and/or phone. A denial decision can be appealed (see “Appeal of Admission Decision” below).

All Adult Admit applicants are holistically reviewed based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, community service, special talents and awards, employment history, life experiences, essay or personal statement, and letters of recommendation. An interview with an admissions staff member may be required.

Applicants who do not meet the standard requirements of minimum academic units may be accepted conditionally. A conditional acceptance requires the successful completion of three general education or major requirement courses with a grade of “C” or better. A student deficient in mathematics, English, social science and/or science may be required to complete specific courses at a community college before entering Longwood.

Readmission Applicants

A readmission applicant is a student who has not enrolled at Longwood for one (even if withdrawal occurred at the end of the semester) or more semesters (fall or spring only). Each readmission decision is made on an individual basis. The Admissions Committee reviews the academic record and citizenship at Longwood, as well as courses taken elsewhere.  An interview with an admissions staff member may be required.  The Admissions Committee is not obligated to readmit any student.  Students eligible to be readmitted may not, in some cases, be eligible to enroll in a particular major because their academic standing may be below the required minimum for the program.

Applicants must complete and submit the following:

• Readmission application for admission via http://go.longwood.edu/readmission.
• Official transcript from each college or university attended and/or earned credit since last semester of enrollment at Longwood. If currently enrolled in courses, an admission decision can be rendered on an “in-progress” transcript. Final official transcript, denoting degree earned (if applicable), will be required prior to attending first class of returning entry semester.

Upon receipt of the student’s application and supporting documents, the Admissions Committee will carefully examine the student’s qualifications and notify the student via email, postal notification, and/or phone. A denial decision can be appealed (see “Appeal of Admission Decision” below).

Visiting Applicants/Non-Degree

Students not seeking a degree may be permitted to take courses for which they are qualified. 

Applicants must complete and submit the following: 

• Non-degree seeking application for admission via http://go.longwood.edu/apply.
• Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Rates, (if student wishes to be considered for in-state tuition).  Note: Non-degree students need to complete the Virginia In-State Tuition Rates application on a yearly basis to be considered for in-state rates.
• Official transcript from home college or university attended the immediate semester prior to the intended entry semester at Longwood. If currently enrolled in courses, an admission decision can be rendered on an “in-progress” transcript.  Final official transcript will be required prior to attending the first class of intended entry semester.

Upon receipt of the student’s application and supporting documents, the Admissions Committee will carefully examine the student’s qualifications and notify the student via email, postal notification, and/or phone.   A denial decision can be appealed (see “Appeal of Admission Decision” below). 

Non-degree students are advised that credits earned as a non-degree student are not necessarily applicable toward a Longwood degree program. After admission, such credits, as well as credits earned at other colleges or universities, will be evaluated as to applicability to the specific degree program in which the student wishes to enroll.  Non-degree students are encouraged to apply for admission before they complete 24 credit hours. Permission is required from the Registrar in order to take more than 24 hours as a non-degree student.  A non-degree application becomes inactive after one semester of non-enrollment. 

Students who have been denied regular admission to an undergraduate program at Longwood may not register as non-degree students without permission from the Dean of Admissions and the dean of the college of the student’s intended major.  Non-degree students must maintain at least a “C” average in order to continue. 

Second Baccalaureate Degree

A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree from Longwood or any other accredited institution may earn a second baccalaureate degree.

Applicants must complete and submit the following:

• Second Baccalaureate degree application via http://go.longwood.edu/apply.
• Non-refundable $50 application fee. Applications will be considered incomplete and no admission decision rendered until fee is paid. Longwood graduates are exempt from submitting the application fee.
  Note: If satisfying the application fee will cause undue hardship to the student and/or family, a hardship fee waiver may be granted. Contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.
• Official transcript from each college or university attended and/or earned credit. If currently enrolled in courses, an admission decision can be rendered on an “in-progress” transcript. Final official transcript, denoting degree earned will be required prior to attending first class of initial entry semester. If a graduate a Longwood alum, official transcript does not have to be requested.
• Approval form signed by appropriate department chair.

Upon receipt of the student’s application and supporting documents, the Admissions Committee will carefully examine the student’s qualifications and notify the student via email, postal notification, and/or phone. A denial decision can be appealed (see “Appeal of Admission Decision” below).

A student must complete all coursework required by the second program to earn the degree specified for that program. At least 30 hours for the second degree must be completed at Longwood. All Civitae Core  curriculum requirements  are met by the first baccalaureate degree. Additional degree requirements are met by the first degree where applicable. Student must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average cumulatively and in the major unless a higher minimum grade point average is specified for a particular major.

Additional Admission Information

Credit for AP, IB, CLEP, and DANTES Tests

Longwood offers academic credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations. Information concerning acceptable scores and course equivalences are available online go.longwood.edu/apcredit. Longwood does not offer credit for the General Area CLEP Exams. To be awarded credit, students must submit official score reports to the Office of the Registrar.

Teacher Licensure

A student who has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution may complete the course requirements for teacher licensure in Virginia. These students may register as non-degree students.

Immunization Requirements

Students must be immunized for the following diseases: measles (Rubeola), German measles (Rubella), mumps, polio, diphtheria, and tetanus and have a tuberculosis screening within the past year. Meningitis and Hepatitis B immunizations are also required; however, waivers can be signed for Meningitis and Hepatitis B if the student chooses not to receive these immunizations. Students will not be able to register for classes without complying with these immunizations. For additional information or submission please visit: http://www.longwood.edu/health/student-information/resources/immunization-requirements/.

Admissions for Students with Disabilities

Admission to Longwood is based on the requirements outlined in this catalog. Admission decisions are made without regard to disabilities. All applicants are reviewed through the same admissions procedures. Scores from admissions tests (SAT or ACT) taken with accommodations are accepted. Individuals who wish to request Longwood publications or applications in an alternate format (e.g., digital or large print) should contact the Office of Admissions at (800) 281-4677; TRS: 711, Ext. #2.

Disability Disclosure Policy

Disclosure of a disability is voluntary and is considered confidential information. However, if you wish to request academic, housing, or other accommodations at Longwood, you must have disability documentation on file with Office of Disability Resources that meets Longwood documentation requirements. Visit the Office of Disability Resources website (http://www.longwood.edu/disability/) for information on documentation requirements, possible accommodations and services, and procedures for making accommodation requests.

Cancellation of an Admissions Offer

Longwood’s Honor Code prohibits lying, cheating, and stealing. Students who complete the application for admission pledge to abide by The Honor Code. Should a student falsify the information provided on the application, alter academic documents, plagiarize the personal statements, or otherwise issue an untrue statement as part of the application process, the offer of admission will be revoked. Longwood also reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission based on a change to a student’s academic performance or should a student fail to meet written conditions stated in the admission letter prior to matriculation.

Appeal of Admission Decision

An applicant has the right to appeal a denial decision at least five days prior to the first day of classes for the intended entry semester. Appeal should be written and addressed to the Dean of Admissions via email admissions@longwood.edu or postal mail to Longwood University Dean of Admissions 201 High Street Farmville, Virginia 23909. Once received, it will be reviewed by the Admissions Appeal Committee, comprised of representatives from across the university.  The committee may request additional documentation, information, or an interview. An appeal decision will be rendered within 72 hours of receipt of appeal. The committee’s decision is final.

Exception to above mentioned policies can be waived, changed, or updated at the discretion of the Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice-Presidents of Enrollment Management and Student Services.