First-Year FAQ
Q: Will I survive the college admissions process?
A: Absolutely! A strong college search begins with self-reflection. Ask yourself a few simple questions:
- How do I learn and interact? How important will interaction with classmates and professors be for me?
- Do I envision doing research in college? What about internships? And study abroad?
- Do I prefer more urban, suburban or rural locations; north, south, east, west?
- Which of these factors are most important to me?
The answers to these questions will help you to frame your college search and find colleges best for YOU.
Q: If I can’t visit, are there other ways to get to know the campus?
A: We have great virtual-visit options and we have a 360-degree virtual tour and lots of videos and photo galleries there, too. If you wish to talk with someone else or see other things, just let your admissions counselor know!
Q: When are admissions and financial aid deadlines?
A: For admissions and financial aid deadlines, please refer to our deadlines calendar.
Q. Is there a difference in competitiveness between Early Decision and Regular Decision?
A: Early Decision (ED) allows applicants who know that Dickinson is their first choice to enter the admission process early, enjoying a review process focused on the student’s individual merits rather than the strengths of the larger pool.
Q. What is the difference between applying Early Decision I and Early Decision II?
A: Aside from the fact that the application deadline for ED I is Nov. 15 and the deadline for ED II is Jan. 15 there is no difference between the programs. The size of the applicant pools in both programs is much smaller than Regular Decision, allowing you to be evaluated for admission based on your own merits rather than in competition with other applicants.
Q: How do I apply?
A: We encourage students to apply online using the Common Application.
Q: What documents are required for admission consideration?
A: The following items are required:
- A completed Common Application, with a $65 application fee.
- Official secondary school transcript(s) which lists all courses and grades (9th-12th). Grades from the senior year (whether first quarter, first trimester or midyear, some indication of success in senior year courses) is required before decision release.
- High school counselor recommendation
- Academic teacher recommendations (one required, two recommended)
- ED candidates also submit a signed Early Decision Agreement Form
Q: May I provide additional materials in support of my application?
A: We value and encourage your submission of additional material in support of your application. All candidates are welcome to supplement the required application information with any additional material they feel will assist the Admissions Committee in making a final decision. Note that arts materials should be submitted through SlideRoom (via the Common Application). Additional information for musicians interested in submitting materials and/or auditioning is available on our music department's page for prospective students.
Q: Is an interview required for admission, and if I interview, when must I do so?
A: Interviews are not required but can help us get to know you and learn more about your personal experiences, goals and aspirations for college. We offer both in-person and virtual interviews and they typically take place between the spring of junior year and the deadline for the application round you've chosen in senior year. If you decide to interview, you'll find information on your options on our visit page.
Q: What is Dickinson’s policy regarding standardized test score submission?
We have been test optional since 1994, so applicants may submit their tests scores if desired. View our Test-Optional FAQ for additional information.
Q: What should I do if I am applying for need-based financial aid?
A: Applicants interested in applying for institutional need-based financial aid from Dickinson College must submit the CSS Profile. The federal FAFSA form is separate and is required for federal and state financial aid. These forms use prior-prior year income data to make it easier for families to obtain the necessary documentation. Both forms (CSS Profile and FAFSA), must be submitted by the appropriate admissions and financial aid deadlines. Meeting these deadlines is important, as financial aid from Dickinson is awarded on a funds-available basis. If you have not already done so, we strongly recommend reviewing our Prospective First Year Applicants financial aid webpage.
Q: Is there anything i should do to prepare for the 2025-26 FAFSA before it is released?
A: Yes! If you have not already, you should create your studentaid.gov account. In addition to creating your account, anyone who will be contributing to your FAFSA will also need an account. A contributor is anyone required to provide information on the FAFSA form. This includes the student, student spouse, biological or adoptive parent, or the parent's spouse (stepparent). Account creation does take a few days, so getting it created now will prevent any delay once the FAFSA is released.
Q: If I receive a financial aid offer before I submit the 2025-26 FAFSA, will the financial aid offer change after I submit the FAFSA?
A: Dickinson will send out estimated financial aid offers once your admission decision is released. This means that students applying for Early Decision in 2025-26 will receive their financial aid offer letters before they get a chance to submit the FAFSA. Due to this, the initial financial aid offer they receive will be an estimate and may not include all the federal aid you may be eligible for. However, we will do our best to ensure the total amount is as close as possible to the actual amount.
Q: How will I know if Dickinson has received my application and all of the required documents?
A: Please be sure to provide the Office of Admissions with a valid e-mail address and watch your e-mail account for important information. When we begin to process your application we will send you an e-mail with your username and password for accessing your Applicant Portal. By logging in to this site you can track your application status online. This is also where you’ll ultimately receive your admission decision.
Q: When will I hear my decision?
A: Decisions will be mailed for Early Decision I and II approximately one month after the deadlines. For Regular Decision, decisions will be mailed about two months after the application deadline. Need-based financial aid and merit scholarship recipients will also be notified at the time they receive their acceptance letters. We will send you an e-mail when your decision is available to be viewed online.
Q: What can I do to increase my chances of being admitted to Dickinson?
A: Primary consideration for admission is always given to your academic and extracurricular achievement in high school, as Dickinson seeks to enroll a bright and talented first-year class. However, one of the best ways you can make yourself stand out in an applicant pool, other things being equal, is to make contact with your regional admissions counselor. Your regional admissions counselor is most familiar with high schools in your area and can be an advocate for you during the admissions process. So make an effort to email, call or write your admissions counselor.