Frequently Asked Questions:

What is it like to attend Dickinson College in January versus the Fall ?
Please read this student's testimonial that describes the experience in his own words.

Why do you offer spring admission?
Each spring a limited number of places become available for a variety of reasons. The large size of our study abroad program is certainly a factor. Some Dickinson students will also complete their studies in the fall. We have a small spring transfer program and have decided that because of the highly competitive admission process and the large number of exceedingly qualified candidates, spring may be a good option for some first-year students as well.

In addition, a spring start just makes good sense for certain students because of their particular interests and for some international students because of the structure of their secondary school calendar.

How do you select students for spring admission?
In general, the admissions committee looks for students who have the potential to make terrific use of their time between high school graduation and the start of the spring term. Quite often students detail possible plans in their application or have interests that lend themselves to the opportunity of this gap term. Admitted spring students are exceptionally involved both in and out of the classroom.

How do I "catch up" if I enroll in the spring?
Dickinson students complete their course work in summer, fall, or winter for a variety of reasons. Our official commencement for all students is in May. Although there is no pressure to complete your work in 3 1/2 years, many students will find this possible. Some students bring in credits from other colleges or AP/IB/A-Level exams. Others choose to accelerate their program. Working closely with your advisor, you can complete your course of study in less than 4 full years but this certainly isn't required. Your class dean can answer questions with regard to this.

I am interested in playing a sport, how will enrolling in the spring impact that?
If you intend to play a club sport, ice hockey, for example, there is no issue. We have students returning from abroad who will just be joining in as well.

For a varsity fall sport, you will have 3 years of play if you plan to graduate with your class in 2010 and the same situation will likely occur for winter sports as you will be arriving mid-season. For spring sports, timing is not an issue so you will have an opportunity to tryout. You should communicate your interest to the coach as soon as possible. This gives the coach an opportunity to determine skill level and interest. For varsity winter sports, you should work directly with the coach. If you have been practicing and will come in as a strong member of the team, you may have some play time but this will depend on your personal situation, that of the team, and the assessment of the coach.

Does Dickinson provide fall term activities for spring admits or direct how spring admits should spend their gap term?
Dickinson does not provide fall term activities for spring admits. However, based on a student’s profile, we fully expect that our spring admits will be busy with service projects, internships, travel, work, etc. Students may take classes for credit at another college during their gap year. Our Registrar can work with you to determine whether your credits are transferable.

Will I be allowed to study abroad?
Absolutely. Dickinson supports and encourages study abroad and, if you qualify for a program that interests you, you will be able to incorporate this into your schedule.

Can spring term freshmen participate in clubs and other extra-curricular activities?
Yes, spring term freshmen are encouraged to have a well-rounded college experience beginning immediately with their first term.

Will I have an opportunity to participate in a sorority or fraternity?
Men must have at least 3 classes from AP/IB/A-level credits or credits accepted from another college. They must also have a minimum GPA of 2.25 in any college work completed. New member recruitment takes place in spring. If a student entering in spring does not qualify for that particular semester, he can participate in RUSH in the following spring.

Women must have at least 7 classes from AP/IB/A-level credits or credits accepted from another college. They must also have a minimum GPA of 2.25 in any college work completed. New member recruitment takes place in fall. If a student entering in spring does not qualify for fall, she can participate in RUSH the following fall.

Will spring admits have an orientation and an opportunity to meet with their advisors prior to the start of classes?
Yes, spring admits will arrive on campus a few days before the start of the term. We have an orientation to introduce students to our community and advisor meetings. All spring admits take a freshman seminar during the spring term. The freshman seminar is a requirement for all first year students, including spring admits, and in addition to being an academic requirement introduces them to the academic life of Dickinson.

Will I be housed with other freshmen?
You will be housed with other first year students as space permits. Although such a specific assignment is not guaranteed, you will be placed in Dickinson housing.