Admissions FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the admissions process

  1. What kind of grades, test scores, and class rank do I need in order to be admitted to Randolph?
  2. Does my family's financial condition make a difference when my application is being considered?
  3. What is the fee for applying to Randolph?
  4. How much does it cost to attend Randolph?
  5. Should I even apply for Financial Aid?
  6. How can I apply?
  7. How can I arrange a visit?
  8. Is there a special application for international students?
  9. Is there a special application for transfer students?
  10. Is there a special application (age 24 and older) students?
  11. When is the application deadline?
  12. When is the Early Decision deadline?
  13. Why should I apply for Early Decision admission?
  14. What airlines or other forms of transportation serve Lynchburg?
  15. Are most of your students from Virginia?
  16. Does Randolph College have a diverse student body?
  17. What are some examples of careeers chosen by Randolph graduates?
  18. What are the most popular majors?
  19. When do I have to declare a major?
  20. What do students do on weekends?
  21. Do I need a car?
  22. What kind of study-abroad programs are available?
  23. Can Randolph students participate in internships?
  24. Do I have to take math?
  25. How much do I have to pay for riding lessons?
  26. How many students go to Randolph?
  27. What's the average class size?
  28. Is there a pre-law or pre-med program?
  29. Do I need to fill out a separate application for scholarships?
  30. How many Advanced Placement courses should I take?
  31. Are there special requirements for home-schooled students?

What kind of grades, test scores, and class rank do I need in order to be admitted to Randolph?

The middle 50% of students admitted for fall 2004 scored between 1070 - 1250 on the SAT. This means that 25% of our enrolled students scored below 1070 and 25% scored above 1250. The grade point average for the middle 50% of students is between 3.1 and 3.7. Thirty-six percent of the fall first-year class ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class, 63% ranked in the top 20%, and 93% ranked in the top 50%. Because we believe that every student is an individual with unique acheivements and special academic potential, we consider much more than grades and test scores when we evaluate each admission application. There is no minimum GPA or test score that you must report in order to be a candidate for admission to Randolph.

Does my family's financial condition make a difference when my application is being considered?

The Admissions Committee at Randolph maintains a need-blind admissions policy, which means that your family's financial condition has no bearing on the Committee's decision regarding your application. After you are accepted, our Center for Financial Planning and Assistance (CFPA) will be happy to work with your family to help find financial solutions that meet your needs. For more information, call the CFPA at 434-947-8128 or 800-745-7692, or visit the Scholaships and Financial Planning section of our website.

What is the fee for applying to Randolph?

A non-refundable application fee of $35.00 is due along with your application. If you submit your application for admission online, the application fee is automatically waived.

How much does it cost to attend Randolph?

Tuition information is available on the Tuition and Fees page for Financial Aid.

Should I even apply for financial aid?

Yes! We encourage all students to apply for financial aid, even those who assume that they are ineligible for assistance because of family income level. Not all types of assistance are based on financial need - there are many sources of funding that may be available to you.

How can I apply?

There are several ways to apply to Randolph. Please visit the Apply page for more information.

How can I arrange a visit?

Information on arranging a visit is available on the Visit Randolph page.

Is there a special application for international students?

International students should use the same application form as candidates from the United States. Please visit the International Students section of our website for more information.

Is there a special application for transfer students?   9

Yes. The application can be downloaded from the Apply section of our website.

Is there a special application for adult (age 24 and older) students?

Yes. The application can be downloaded from the Apply section of our website. The Prime Time Office staff is eager to handle all of the special questions and requirements of candidates who are age 24 or older. Please contact them at 434-947-8141 for more information.

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When is the application deadline?

We encourage Regular Decision candidates to submit their applications and supportive credentials by January 15, but not later than March 1, for priority consideration.

When is the Early Decision deadline?

The application deadline for Early Decision candidates is November 15. Early Decision applicants will be notified of our admission decision by December 15.

Why should I apply for Early Decision admission?

An Early Decision application is, in effect, a statement that Randolph is your first choice. Under this plan, you agree to withdraw your applications to all other colleges when you are notified of your acceptance to Randolph. We, in turn, agree to make our decision on your application before others and to notify you of our decision by December 15. If you are accepted as an Early Decision student, we guarantee your place in the enrolling class and give you priority scholarship consideration. In addition, you will have your first choice of residence halls.

What airlines or other forms of transportation serve Lynchburg?

The Lynchburg Regional Airport can be reached via Delta's Atlantic Southeast Airlines and US Airways Express. In addition, Lynchburg is served by Amtrak passenger train service and Greyhound Bus Lines.

Are most of your students from Virginia?

Virginia residents make up approximately 40% of the student body.

Does Randolph have a diverse student body?

Randolph students represent 43 states and over 40 countries and territories. About 27% of students are international or non-white.

What are some examples of careers chosen by Randolph graduates?

Our graduates go on to become lawers, doctors, writers, researchers, politicians, scientists, and teachers - virtually anything you can imagine. We are represented by a federal judge, a Sesame Street producer, and an author of romance novels, just to name a few.

What are the most popular majors?

Psychology, Politics, Biology, and English.

When do I have to declare a major?

You normally will select your major in your sophomore year, prior to the April advising period.

What do students do on weekends?

Thanks to the Macon Activities Council (MAC), there is always something to do on campus on weekends. MAC sponsors movies, concerts, dances, mixers, comedians, coffeehouses, craft sessions, outdoor excursions, and more. Some students choose to leave Randolph on weekends to visit other area colleges (such as the University of Virginia or Washington and Lee), or to visit area attractions including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Colonial Williamsburg. Involvement in sports or other extra-curricular activities may also require weekend activities.

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Do I need a car?

No, but you are permitted to bring one if you wish (even as a first-year student!). There is a city bus stop directly in front of campus and buses run throughout Lynchburg daily. For students who do bring a vehicle to campus, there is a $40 annual parking fee.

What kind of study-abroad programs are available?

Randolph offers many opportunities to study abroad, including a unique full-year program at the University of Reading in England.

Can Randolph students participate in internships?

Through the Career Development Center, students can become involved in a broad range of local or national internships. Over 50% of Randolph students participate in an internship during their education. Recently internships have been offered through The American Cancer Society, AREVA NP Inc., Wachovia Bank, The Smithsonian Institute, The Virginia Shakespeare Festival, The National Gallery of Art, The Tampa Zoo, and The Virginia Legal Aid Society.

Do I have to take math?

There are courses in many departments (mathematics, economics, psychology, chemistry, physics, etc.) that will fulfill our combined science and mathematics requirement. Placement tests determine the level of your class and are administered in August during Orientation.

How much do I have to pay for riding lessons?

There are several levels of riding instruction available and the fees vary based on the number of rides per week and the amount of instruction you desire. Privately owned horses can be boarded in the College's Riding Center for additional fees.

How many students go to Randolph?

Approximately 715 students attend Randolph College.

What's the average class size?

The average class size is 12 students.

Is there a pre-law or pre-med program?

Yes. Many of our graduates pursue law and medical careers. The faculty member who serves as pre-law advisor will assist you in selecting courses that meet guidelines published by the American Association of Law Schools and are consistent with your individual interests. Pre-med students should consult with the Health Professions Advisor as early as possible upon entering the College and no later than the end of the first year. In addition to offering special health field advising, Randolph has established a Health Professions Association to address the increasingly rigorous requirements for admission to health professional programs. Participants are eligible to enter the program as early as the second semester of their first year.

Do I need to fill out a separate application for scholarships?

All applications for admission are examined by our Scholarship Committee for merit scholarship eligibility. No separate scholarship spplication is required. However, if you are interested in competing for the awards available through the prestigious Presidential Scholars Program (which includes scholarships up to full tuition, room, and board, for four years plus a one-time $2,500 fellowship for a study-abroad experience), you must submit a completed Presidential Scholars Program Application no later than December 1. Visit Financial Planning for more information.

How many Advanced Placement courses should I take?

AP courses are not required for admission to Randolph. Of course, when reviewing your application for admission, the Admissions Committee will take into consideration the academic rigor of your courses as well as the grades that you received. AP credits are accepted by Randolph College, pending review by the Registrar.

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Are there special requirements for home-schooled students?

The application process for home-schooled students is virtually identical to the process for students who attend traditional high schools. You must submit a completed application for admission with one recommendation from a teacher or counselor, SAT or ACT scores, and an essay or a graded writing sample. We also require that home-schooled students submit the Randolph Official Home School Transcript with the Application for Admission, and again prior to enrollment to serve as a certifications of completion of a secondary school education.

2500 Rivermont Avenue. Lynchburg, VA 24503     434.947.8000
Founded as Randolph-Macon Woman's College in 1891