First-Time Student Applicant

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Fall 2025 Enrollment

The admissions application for Fall 2025 will open on August 1, 2024.

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A completed application for new first-time applicants includes the following:

  • Completed Common Application
  • Personal Essay
  • Supplemental Essay
  • $40 online application fee or valid application fee waiver
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • One (1) letter must be from a teacher at the student’s current school
  • Official high school transcript
  • Official college transcript (if applicable)
  • Official SAT/ACT scores (optional)
Early Decision
Early Action
Regular Decision
Application Deadline: Nov. 1
Decision Notification: Dec. 31
Confirm Decision: May 1
Application Deadline: Nov. 1
Decision Notification: Dec. 31
Confirm Decision: May 1
Application Deadline: Feb. 1
Decision Notification: April 1
Confirm Your Enrollment: May 1

Helpful Resources and Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Considered a First-Time Student Applicant?

  • Any applicant who has never attended college as a full-time, degree-seeking student is considered a new first-time student. New first-time applicants must show proof of high school graduation or the equivalent before enrollment at Spelman College.
  • The application is complete when the Office of Admissions receives all credentials, including the Common Application, essay, two letters of recommendation, $40 application fee and official transcripts.
  • It is preferred that all required documents be submitted electronically. New first-time applicants may apply under one of the following plans.

Early Decision

  • This plan is binding and, therefore, best suited for the applicant who has decided early in the college search process that Spelman College is clearly her first choice.
  • The application must be submitted by Nov. 1. Supporting documents must be submitted no later than five business days after the deadline. Incomplete applications will be moved to the regular decision pool.
  • If accepted by Spelman College, the applicant will withdraw her application from all other colleges and universities.
  • Applicants seeking financial assistance will not be required to withdraw other applications, but must submit the enrollment fee deposit by May 1.

Early Action

  • This plan is non-binding. If admitted, these applicants are not required to withdraw applications at other institutions.
  • The application must be submitted by Nov. 1. Supporting documents must be received no later than five business days after the deadline. Incomplete applications will be moved to the regular decision pool.
  • Regular Decision
  • Applications must be submitted by February 1. Supporting documents must be received no later than five business days after the deadline.

Honors Program Admission

Students with a strong academic record, demonstrated commitment to her intellectual development, and who have been admitted in the Early Decision or Early Action application rounds will be invited to apply for the Honors Program. Any student with a high school weighted GPA of at least 4.0 will receive an invitation. Those invited will be required to submit an additional essay provided in the invitation.

Home-schooled Applicants

If the student has spent any time in high school or college, a transcript is required, regardless of how much time the applicant spent in school. You can apply using the Common Application at www.commonapp.org.