Common Questions
I’m unfamiliar with Dickinson. What do I need to know?
Dickinson was chartered in September 1783, the first college chartered in the officially recognized United States. We are a national liberal arts college with approximately 2,400 students—all undergraduates. The college is a national leader in global education as well as in environmental and sustainability education and green initiatives.
Where is Dickinson?
We are located in Carlisle, Pa., which is in the capital region of Pennsylvania, approximately 20 miles west of the state capital of Harrisburg; less than two hours north of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.; two hours west of Philadelphia; and three and a half hours west of NYC.
What is the average high-school grade point average for admits?
Rather than looking for a particular GPA, the admissions committee is looking for mostly As and Bs in a challenging curriculum.
What is Dickinson’s policy regarding standardized test score submission?
Since 1994, Dickinson has been test optional for both admission and scholarship consideration.
What percentage of the class gets financial aid?
70% of the class of 2021 received grant aid and/or scholarship assistance from the college. All admitted students who demonstrated financial need and who met application deadlines received aid.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Students applying for need-based aid must submit both the CSS Profile for institutional aid and the FAFSA for federal aid.
Does Dickinson offer merit aid and how do I apply for merit scholarships?
Dickinson considers all applicants for academic scholarships and awards merit ranging from $15,000 to $35,000 per year. The admissions committee will make determinations on an individualized basis. No additional application materials are required to be considered for these merit scholarships. The Presidential Scholarship, $45,000 per year, and the Reynolds Scholarship, $50,000 per year are the only exception. Students will need to fill out a separate application in order to be considered for these scholarships, however, the Reynolds Scholarship is only available to those who go to school or live in Maryland.
What can you tell me about advising?
Each incoming student at Dickinson has as their First Year Seminar professor as their first academic adviser. Once the student declares a major—by the end of sophomore year—s/he will have an advisor from her/his chosen department(s). Pre-professional advising is provided in the following areas: business, engineering, health/medicine and law. All students are assigned upper-level student, faculty, staff and/or alumni mentors to serve as resources throughout the four years.
What can you tell me about campus housing?
As a residential college, we have a four-year residency requirement, meaning students must live in campus housing all four years while in Carlisle. All first-year students live in residence halls. After the first year, special-interest housing options are available for some students, including the Arts Collective, Classics, Human Cultures,Latinx House, Music Society, Outdoor Education, Romance Languages, Russian, Social Justice, Spectrum, Substance Free, The Site, Treehouse, Womanist Collective and Greek organizations. A note about Greek life: 25% of Dickinson students are affiliated with fraternities and sororities.
What is there to do on campus?
Students can participate in more than 100 clubs and organizations including opportunities in community service, music, theatre, art, politics and media. Dickinson also offers 25 varsity sports (NCAA Division III), and a variety of club and intramural offerings.
What about the town of Carlisle?
Carlisle is a vibrant town with small-community charm and an urban, international flair. It has been named one of the best college towns in America. Nestled among Carlisle’s quaint Colonial- and Victorian-era homes you’ll find specialty shops, art galleries, international restaurants, an indie theater and other metropolitan delights. The area is also a nature-lover’s paradise. Hikers love to visit the nearby Appalachian Trail and King’s Gap Environmental Education Center. Cumberland County’s famed creeks and streams house an abundance of walleyes, trout, bass and pickerels. Notable: There are over 4,600 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Carlisle was recently voted in the top 35 safest college towns.
Do I need an interview?
Although recommended, interviews are not required for admission. To schedule either an on or off-campus interview, students may visit the web site or call the Admissions Office at 800-644-1773. Typically, we begin taking off-campus interview requests in August before senior year.
Who is my contact?
Admissions counselor contact information and additional ways to get in touch with the college are available on the web.