According to the Princeton Review, Arcadia University is listed as one of the ‘best in the Northeast 2023’ that offers admissions to a wide rage of undergraduate and graduate courses. The institute is a renowned name in the US Education System that currently has 3,700 students who are offered education through the six schools and colleges of the university.

Arcadia University offers admission to around 3,700 students out of which 2,300 students are enrolled in undergraduate programs and 1,400 students in graduate programs. The University received 10,216 applications in fall 2023 out of which 66% were accepted. Arcadia University has a selective acceptance rate. Accepted students had an average GPA of 3.7, the average SAT score of 1147 and an average ACT score of 24.

Some salient points regarding admissions the Arcadia University are as follows:

  • The University invites applications for the fall and spring semesters.
  • Admissions are granted on a rolling basis and therefore students can apply at any time during the year.
  • To be sure of receiving admission consideration, students must apply by May 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.
  • Applications will not be reviewed until all supporting documents have been received.
  • Admission decisions are notified within 3-4 weeks after completion of the application file.
  • There is no single key to a successful application. The admissions committee considers each aspect of the application before rendering an admission decision.
  • International applicants must either submit SAT/ ACT scores or proof of English language proficiency.
  • Essay is an optional document but it helps the university in understanding the applicant better.
  • 99% of full-time undergraduate students receive some or other kind of financial aid.

Highlights

Mode of Application Online
Application fee 30 USD
Acceptance rate 64%
Average SAT score 1050-1250
Average ACT score 21-27
Academic calendar Rolling
Intake Seasons Fall, Spring, Summer
Work experience Not required
Financial Aid Grant/ Scholarship aid, Student loan aid, Pell grants

Admission Deadlines

Arcadia University offers a plethora of courses for international students and is known for the students it attracts from across the globe. The University has a very flexible system for accepting applications from all sorts of categories of prospective students.

For courses other than the mentioned below, the university accepts applications all year round, thus, they have the provision for rolling admissions.

Program Intake semester Deadlines
Undergraduate course Fall Semester May 1
Spring semester October 1

International Student admissions

Application Portal: The students have to apply on Arcadia Application portal or Common Application.

Application fee: 30 USD for UG applicants, 25 USD for graduate applicants

Basic Admission requirements:

International students are more than welcome at Arcadia University. Before seeking admission into any course of their choice, it is important that the following credentials are ready to be submitted:

  • Application form, filled in with all the necessary details
  • Transcripts from the previously attended educational institution
  • English Proficiency scores
  • Scores of Entrance Exams to Study in the USA.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • Resume or CV.
  • Portfolio Review or Acting Audition (for applicants of Fine Arts and Acting courses)

Apart from the above mentioned, an applicant is open to submitting more LOR’s from individuals of their choice (work supervisors, coaches, etc.) In the case of UG applications, the university requires them to submit their certified original or true copy of the mark sheet, translated by a licensed translator, and signed in ink.

Once admitted, international applicants (for both UG and Graduate courses) are required to submit their Declaration of Financial Support, which includes a bank account statement showing the funds to cover the annual cost of attendance and related living expenses.

The address to send in required documents is given as:

Arcadia University

Office of Enrollment Management

450 S. Easton Road

Glenside, PA 19038

USA

The documents could be emailed directly at international@arcadia.edu also.

English Proficiency Test Scores

English proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS are to be submitted optionally by UG applicants (as mentioned above) and compulsorily by Graduate applicants. The following are the MINIMUM requirements:

Level TOEFL (iBT) IELTS ITEP
Undergraduate 71 (no individual section below a 17) 6.0 Band Score (no individual section below 5.0) minimum 4.5 (no section below 4.0)
Graduate 80 (no individual section below a 18) 6.5 Band Score (no individual section below 5.5) 5.5 (no section below 5.0)

Please note: TOEFL School code is 2039.

Visa Process for International Students

In order to be enrolled in a full-time course in the USA, a student (only after getting their acceptance letter from the university), is required to apply for an F-1 visa to study in the USA. One can find more information for the same at http://www.travel.state.gov/.

  • A payment of 200 USD is required from the applicants for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. Payment is done at www.fmjfee.com using a credit card. Proof of payment might be required during the interview.
  • An interview is scheduled at one’s nearest consulate or embassy. The deadline for application for the visa is 120 days prior to the start date of the program and one can enter the U.S. 30 days prior. The following things are required to be supplied during the interview:
  • A valid I-20
  • Academic records, Transcripts, Mark sheet, Certificates and/or diplomas, Standardized or English proficiency test score reports, Letter of acceptance from AU
  • Financial Documents

Arcadia University: Undergraduate admissions

A little more than 50% of the students admitted at AU are undergraduate programs of study. Specialized courses, with contemporary outlooks, are the main attraction for prospective students.

Ethnic studies, Science, Business Studies, Journalism, Homeland Security Studies, Philosophy, etc. are some of the specializations that are offered.  Some departments require a specific type of application, however, there is one common procedure that is followed by all domestic applicants, which is given as follows:

Application Portal: The students have to apply on Arcadia Application portal or Common Application.

Application Fee: The students have to pay 30 USD non-refundable fees.

Basic Admission Requirements:

  • Transcripts from high school (with all scores).
  • SAT or ACT scores.
  • Recommendation letters from a subject teacher and subject teacher.

Optional Requirements: The following documents are optional for an applicant to submit:

  • Personal essay
  • List of activities: These could be any extra-curricular activities that the applicant has engaged in, consistently over a period of time. This could include activities such as community service, leadership programs, internships, etc.
  • Portfolio Review: Applies to applicants for Fine Arts courses
  • Acting Audition: Is applicable anyone interested in Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Acting or Acting with a concentration in Musical Theater

The University’s SAT code is 2039 and the ACT code is 3524. This requirement is waived if you have been out of high school for five or more years. The transcripts should be submitted to the University’s Office of Enrolment Management.

Since the institute follows test-optional policy, SAT and ACT scores will still be accepted as part of the admission process, and students who decide not to include a standardized test with their application will submit a supplement essay, interview, video, or personal portfolio.

Arcadia University: Graduate admissions

Graduate studies overseas are something that any student dreams to get. With a range of courses to choose from, AU becomes very sought after for aspirants seeking to study in the USA. A majority of the students, who apply to Arcadia, aim to get into courses part of the Health Professions, Education psychology disciplines of study.

The basic procedure for application into a graduate course of one’s choice is given as follows:

Application Portal: Most students have to apply to the Graduate Application portal. However, some courses need a different application to be filled.

  • For the master of Public Health course: SOPHAS application.
  • Physician Assistant Master’s course
  • Physical Therapy Doctorate course: PTCAS application.

Application Fee: 25 USD has to be paid.

Basic Admission Requirements:

The table below mentions some program-specific requirements for graduate admissions.

Requirements MS in Applied Behavior Analysis MS in Forensic Science MS in Public Health
Official Transcripts Required Required Required
Letters of Recommendation Required (2 letters) Required (3 letters) Required (2 letters)
Statement of purpose Required Required Required
Additional requirements PAPA, CORE, SAT or ACT scores may be required. GRE required if GPA is less than 3.4. GRE or MCAT, Work experience required.

Transcripts and other related documents from previously attended educational institutions. The documents should be sent directly from your previous school/university to Arcadia University.

Both Undergraduate and Graduate courses attract a large number of applicants all year round from across the world to Arcadia University. The University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy has been ranked amongst the top 10% nationally ranked programs, as reported by U.S. News. Study abroad programs are also sought after to a large extent. Various sports teams have made it big on various levels of their respective games.

FAQs

Ques. Can I Defer My Admission and Start Later at Arcadia University?

Ans. If you are admitted to one of the following programs at Arcadia University , you may ask to defer your admission up to one year by writing to your program’s director:

  • Doctoral programs in education and physical therapy
  • Master’s programs in business administration, forensic science, genetic counseling, international peace and conflict resolution, and medical science (physician assistant)

However, it is important to pay the admission deposit to secure a seat.

Ques. What are the modes of payment accepted by Arcadia University?

Ans. You can make tuition payments to Arcadia University online using a credit card or electronic check. You can also pay in person at the One-Stop-Shop using a check, money order, or cash. You will receive detailed payment instructions closer to the start of your program.

Ques. How can I apply for scholarships at Arcadia University?

Ans. Arcadia University does not require any additional scholarship application. If admission is offered, then the students will automatically be eligible and reviewed for awards.

Ques. What are the minimum SAT or ACT scores accepted by Arcadia University?

Ans. Arcadia University has no minimum score but a range of scores. They look at your highest Evidence-based Reading and Writing score and highest math score. Also, they do not require the SAT Subject scores.

Ques. How can international students send admission documents?

Ans. International students can send scanned copies of admission documents via email to international@arcadia.edu or hard-copies can be mailed to the following address:

Arcadia University

Office of Enrollment Management

450 S. Easton Road

Glenside, PA 19038

USA

Ques. How many letters of recommendation do I have to submit at Arcadia University?

Ans. Arcadia University asks for one letter of recommendation i.e. either from the academic subject teacher or school counselor.

Ques. Is it necessary for all applicants to submit a portfolio review for Arcadia University?

Ans. No, a portfolio is only required for Fine Arts students.

Ques.. What is the deadline for admission at Arcadia University?

Ans: Arcadia University allows admission on a rolling basis so apply as soon as possible.

Ques. What are the minimum SAT/ ACT requirements for admission at Arcadia University?

Ans. No. There are no minimum SAT/ ACT score requirements for admission. The University evaluates applications based on multiple factors of which test scores are just one component.