First-Time Freshman

We look forward to receiving your application. Submit the following to complete your Principia College application:

• Online application
• High school transcript
• SAT Reasoning or ACT scores*
• Optional Christian Science reference
• Optional character reference or additional Christian Science reference
• Optional academic reference
• Optional guidance counselor reference

Note: For information about scholarships, please visit our scholarships page.

Once you have submitted your online application, we recommend checking with those writing your references to confirm that they have been sent. Your admissions counselor will be in touch with you as well to ensure the application process goes smoothly. 

Once we've received your completed application (including references), your materials will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Reviewing your application may take up to two weeks. 

Application Items

Online Application

Applying to Principia College is free—no application fee is required. We accept The Common Application.

Simply fill out the application using a log-in and password that you create and complete it at your own pace. 

High School Transcript

Contact your high school guidance counselor to request that an official copy of your transcript be sent to Principia College. All transcripts should be sent directly from your high school to the Admissions Office (see address below). For evaluation purposes, an unofficial copy either faxed or mailed to the Admissions Office is sufficient until the official copy is received.

All high school transcripts are evaluated to determine a Principia College GPA, which is used for admission and scholarship decisions. This GPA is based on core academic subjects and is weighted for AP, IB, and honors classes.

SAT Reasoning Test/ACT Test scores*

*Due to the suspension of the SAT/ACT standardized tests from March through August of 2020 (due to COVID-19), and the potential impact on applicants, the Admissions Committee is currently offering an holistic assessment exam for applicants as an alternative to the SAT/ACT. The holistic assessment is currently being offered to applicants applying through Fall 2022. Please contact Nicole Gervais, Interim Director of Admissions & Recruiting, for more information.

Applicants taking the SAT Reasoning or ACT will need to submit an official copy of their scores directly to Principia College. Applicants can submit SAT scores from the new 2016 redesigned test or the older version. We use test scores in order to consider prospects in a consistent manner, but we recognize that examinations do not reflect students' entire abilities, and as mentioned above applicants can choose to take the Admissions Committee holistic assessment exam as an alternative to SAT/ACT through the application cycle of Fall 2022 (above).

The Admissions Committee recommends that students take the SAT or ACT exam in their junior year and again in their senior year. Under certain circumstances, we can use an unofficial copy of test scores while an official copy is being sent directly from the testing service.

References

The Admissions Office prefers references be submitted online using the link you send them. If that is not possible, your references can print out the forms and send them to our office via mail or fax:

Office of Admissions
Principia College
Elsah, IL 62028

618.374.5181
Fax: 618.374.4000

Optional Christian Science Reference

High school seniors may include one reference from their current or a recent Sunday School teacher, church member, or Christian Science mentor. References from family members, someone related to you, or peers will be considered but not counted as your required references.

Access the Christian Science reference form.

Optional Character Reference

High school seniors should include one character reference, or an additional Christian Science reference (above). References from family members, someone related to you, or peers will be considered but not counted as your required references.

(One character reference OR an optional Christian Science reference.)

Optional Academic Reference

The academic reference is required to provide a greater understanding of you as a student and your preparation for a rigorous college curriculum. An academic reference from an English teacher or another core subject, preferably one in which writing is a major component, is preferred. References from non-core subjects may be included with the application but do not count as the main academic reference.

Access the academic reference form.

Optional Guidance Counselor Reference

The Admissions Committee requires information from your guidance counselor.

Access the guidance counselor reference form.