Admission Policies

Admission Policy
The University of Mount Saint Vincent seeks men and women with intellectual interests and abilities that will enable them to take full advantage of the opportunities available at the College. The Committee on Admission looks for qualified applicants from a variety of geographic locations and ethnic backgrounds in the belief that a diverse student body with many perspectives contributes to the strength of the educational experience.

Admission Requirements
Candidates for admission to the Freshman class are expected to successfully complete a secondary school program with a minimum of four academic subjects each year. The Admission Committee, recognizing that school curricula vary, is willing to consider the application of an able student whose preparation, while different from the plan suggested, shows substantial evidence of a solid academic foundation and a readiness for college. Mount Saint Vincent requires either the Scholastic Aptitude Test of the College Entrance Examination Board or the ACT examination of the American College Testing Service. Testing should be completed, if possible, before December 1 of the applicant’s final year of secondary school.

Admission Procedures
Applications, official high school transcripts, standardized testing results, essay, and an academic recommendation should be submitted before April 1. The Admission Committee decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students are notified of the admission decision beginning in Mid December, in order of their application completion and receipt. Admission offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the student’s final year in high school.

Students are urged to visit the campus for an interview and/or a tour of the campus. Arrangements for a campus visit may be made by calling the Admission Office for an appointment. The Admission Office phone number is (718) 405-3304. The Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission interviews are not mandatory, but are strongly recommended.

Early Admission
The Admission Committee will consider applications for Fall admission from candidates who wish to enter college at the end of the junior year of secondary school, prior to completion of the normal secondary school program.  An interview is required for all candidates seeking admission under this program. The Committee considers reasons for desiring Early Admission, the recommendation and support of the high school, and the student’s maturity and general ability to manage both the academic and social demands of college life.

Early Action
Prospective students who would like to have their application for admission reviewed early should apply under the Early Action Program. Students applying under this program should submit their application for admission, high school transcript, essay, letter of recommendation and SAT I or ACT results by November 15 of their senior year. Decision letters will be mailed by December 15. The Early Action Program is Non-Binding, that is, students do not have to commit to the institution they plan to attend until May 1 of the senior year.

International Students
International students who have completed their secondary education are welcome to submit an application for admission. International candidates must submit the following documents:

1. Official score of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) instead of SAT or ACT, for those whose primary language is not English:
2. All complete official transcripts of secondary school work;
3. Official transcripts of school work and course descriptions, for those who have taken courses above secondary education; and,
4. Proof of health and sickness insurance coverage.

All documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations. Academically qualified international students, who do not have testing results of ACT or SAT or TOEFL, may begin intensive English language studies at an ELS Language Center on the College campus before registering for regular college courses. Students who possess proficient knowledge of English may enroll in the College, even as they continue the language studies at ELS.

International applicants may be eligible, based on merit, for some partial College Scholarships. The accepted student is required to provide an affidavit of support and sufficient financial documentation in order to obtain a Form I-20.

International applicants who are applying for transfer admission or those having received advanced foreign educational credentials from a university or program outside of the U.S. education system, will be required to have their official transcripts or examination marks evaluated on a course-by-course basis by the World Education Services, Inc., P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745.

For further information on admission of international students, please contact the Admission Office, University of Mount Saint Vincent, 6301 Riverdale Avenue, Riverdale, New York 10471-1093, by calling (718) 405-3267 or by email to [email protected].

NOTE – New York State Law requires that all college students born on or after January 1, 1957 must demonstrate proof of immunity against measles, mumps and rubella in order to be permitted to enroll.  Students failing to provide proof of immunity will not be permitted to continue at the College.

Summer School and Semester or Academic Year Visiting Students
Students who wish to spend a semester or a year at Mount Saint Vincent are welcome. Applicants should contact the Office of Admission.