Appalachian State University Admissions Requirements

Appalachian State University (App State), located in Boone, North Carolina, is known for its strong academic programs, commitment to sustainability, and vibrant campus community. App State seeks students who are prepared academically and are aligned with its values and mission.

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

General Application Requirements

To apply for admission to Appalachian State University as an undergraduate student, applicants must submit the following materials:

• Completed Application Form: Students can apply through the Appalachian State University Application or the Common Application.
• High School Transcript: An official high school transcript is required, detailing the student’s academic performance in all courses.
• Letters of Recommendation (Optional): While not mandatory, students may submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other mentors who can speak to their academic potential and personal character.
• Personal Statement/Essay: A personal statement or essay is required. This is typically 250-650 words in length and allows the applicant to reflect on their experiences, goals, and why they are interested in attending App State.
• Standardized Test Scores (Optional): App State is test-optional through at least 2024, meaning students may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. Test scores will not negatively impact the application if they are not submitted.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required, although fee waivers are available for eligible students.

Academic Requirements

Appalachian State University evaluates students based on their academic performance in high school. The following academic criteria are typically considered:

• GPA: While no minimum GPA is required, most admitted students have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• Coursework: Applicants should have completed a well-rounded curriculum in high school. The university recommends the following courses:
  • 4 years of English
  • 4 years of Math (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and a higher-level course)
  • 3 years of Science (including a physical science and biology)
  • 2-3 years of Social Studies
  • 2 years of a foreign language (in the same language)

Application Deadlines

App State offers both Early Action and Regular Decision application deadlines for incoming undergraduate students:

• Early Action Deadline: November 1
  • Students applying by the Early Action deadline will receive their admissions decision by mid-January.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1
  • Students applying by the Regular Decision deadline will receive their admissions decision by mid-March.

Transfer Student Admissions Requirements

App State welcomes a large number of transfer students each year, and the admissions process is designed to ensure a smooth transition for students coming from other institutions.

General Application Requirements for Transfer Students

To apply as a transfer student, applicants must submit the following materials:

• Completed Transfer Application: Students can use the Appalachian State University application.
• College Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions are required. If the applicant has fewer than 30 transferable credits, a high school transcript may also be required.
• High School Transcript: Required if the student has fewer than 30 semester hours of transferable college credit.
• Standardized Test Scores (Optional): If the student is required to submit a high school transcript, they may choose to submit SAT or ACT scores, but it is not required.

Transfer Credit Policies

App State accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions. The university evaluates transfer credits based on the following policies:

• Minimum GPA: Transfer applicants should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 on a 4.0 scale for most programs.
• Credit Transfer Limits: Students can transfer up to 70 semester hours from two-year institutions and up to 90 semester hours from four-year institutions.

Application Deadlines for Transfer Students

• Fall Admission: March 15
• Spring Admission: October 15
• Summer Admission: February 1

Graduate Admissions Requirements

Appalachian State University offers a range of graduate programs, and each program may have its own specific requirements. However, most graduate applicants must submit the following materials:

General Application Requirements for Graduate Programs

• Completed Graduate Application: Students must complete the Appalachian State University graduate application.
• Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions where they have earned undergraduate or graduate degrees.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most graduate programs require at least two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
• Personal Statement: A personal statement outlining the applicant’s goals, experiences, and reasons for pursuing graduate study at Appalachian State University.
• Resume/CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is often required for graduate programs.
• Standardized Test Scores: Some graduate programs may require GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test scores. However, many programs have waived these requirements or made them optional.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $65 is required for graduate programs.

Program-Specific Requirements

Each graduate program at App State may have additional, specific requirements. Some examples include:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA):
  • A minimum of two years of professional work experience is often preferred.
  • GMAT or GRE scores are optional but recommended for applicants without significant work experience.
• Master of Social Work (MSW):
  • Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.
  • Advanced standing applicants must have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited program.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):
  • Applicants must hold an active RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Education Programs:
  • Some programs may require teaching experience or licensure.

Graduate Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for graduate programs vary depending on the program, but generally include:

• Fall Semester: Priority applications due by April 1
• Spring Semester: Applications due by November 1
• Summer Session: Applications due by March 1

International Student Admissions Requirements

App State welcomes international students and provides support throughout the admissions and visa process. International applicants must meet the same general requirements as domestic students, with a few additional considerations.

General Application Requirements for International Students

International applicants must submit the following materials:

• Completed Application: International students can apply through the Appalachian State University application or the Common Application.
• Official Transcripts: Transcripts must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service (such as WES) and translated into English, if necessary.
• Proof of English Proficiency: International students whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores unless they have completed secondary education in an English-speaking country. Minimum score requirements are:
  • TOEFL: 79 iBT
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 110
• Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are optional but encouraged.
• Personal Statement/Essay: A personal essay or statement, similar to domestic student requirements, is required.
• Application Fee: The application fee is $65.

Visa and Financial Documentation

After acceptance, international students must submit the following materials to receive an I-20 form for their F-1 student visa:

• Proof of Financial Support: Documentation proving the student has the financial means to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of their studies.
• Passport Copy: A copy of the passport’s information page.

International Student Application Deadlines

• Fall Admission: Applications should be submitted by April 1.
• Spring Admission: Applications should be submitted by October 1.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Appalachian State University is committed to making higher education affordable and offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Financial Aid Options

• Need-Based Financial Aid: Students can apply for need-based financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). App State’s FAFSA code is 002906.
• Merit-Based Scholarships: The university offers several merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and graduate students.
  • The Chancellor’s Scholarship: App State’s most prestigious merit-based scholarship is awarded to high-achieving incoming freshmen.
  • Appalachian Excellence Scholarship: Offered to students with outstanding academic records and extracurricular achievements.
• Work-Study Programs: Eligible students may apply for federal work-study programs to help cover educational expenses through part-time employment.

Veterans and Military Students

Appalachian State University is proud to support veterans and military-affiliated students by offering educational benefits and resources.

Veterans Education Benefits

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: App State participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, helping veterans and their families pay for tuition and fees.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: The university is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which covers additional costs not covered by the GI Bill.

Military-Friendly Campus Resources

App State offers support for veterans and active-duty military students through its Student Veteran Resource Center and Veterans Services Office. These offices provide guidance on benefits, academic support, and career services.

Admissions Contact Information

For additional information about the admissions process or to ask specific questions, you can contact the Appalachian State University Admissions Office:

Appalachian State University Admissions Office
287 Rivers Street
John E. Thomas Hall, Suite 210
Boone, NC 28608
Phone: (828) 262-2120
Email: admissions@appstate.edu
Website: www.appstate.edu