Application Procedure

1.      Application with fee (fee is waived if student visits campus)

2.      Official High Transcript

3.      SAT or ACT results

4.      Teacher Recommendation

5.      Personal Recommendation (not required)

Today there are a variety of ways a student can apply to the college.  He can use our standard form, a common application, and he can access our on-line application via the Internet.

You should strongly encourage students to visit the campus for a personal visit.  We have several Open House programs throughout the year and we are available for personal interviews Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment.  Appointments may be made by contacting our office directly at 800-755-0733.

Primary Admissions Plans

1.      Early Decision – Students of strong academic ability committed to Hampden-Sydney as their first-choice college and who plan to enroll if accepted, are encouraged to apply under the Early Decision plan.  Application forms must be filed no later than November 15 and notification from the college will be sent no later than December 15.

2.      Early Action Plan – This plan allows students to receive their admissions decision earlier than Regular Decision candidates.  Applications must be complete by January 15.  Decision letters will begin being mailed on February 1.  Unlike the Early Decision Plan, Early Action is a non-binding agreement.

3.      Regular Decision – Under our standard plan, students should have the applications in by March 1.  Our decision letters for Regular Decision are also mailed out on March 1.  Therefore, it is the best interest of the student to submit the application as early as possible.  It helps us with follow up and ensures that all “ducks are in a row.”

4.      Gold Crest Application – This application is mailed to a select group of students.  This application does not require an application fee or essay and promises them a two-week turn around on their decision.  These applications are mailed after our Early Decision deadline and must be complete by January 15.

5.      Scholarship Consideration – The application for admission serves as the application for any merit-based scholarships the College offers.  The Honors Council screens all qualified applicants and scholarships are awarded accordingly.  Once again, it is in the best interest of the student to have his completed application in our office as soon as possible.

Decision Making

Hampden-Sydney seeks a diversified and responsible student body composed of intelligent young men from all areas of the country and from all races and religions.  The single most important factor in the selection process is the student’s high school record.  The Faculty Admissions Committee judges the quality of the curriculum and the student’s performance.  Of secondary importance are teacher and counselor evaluations.  A student’s sense of maturity, independence, initiative, and creativity are often highlighted by teachers’ comments.  SAT or ACT scores are then considered.  The College is committed to maintaining the concept of decision-making as an individualized process in which the whole person, as well as his academic record, is evaluated.  We are still looking to attract “good men and good citizens.”

The Candidate’s Reply Date

Hampden-Sydney conforms to the national candidates reply deadline.  All students accepted to the College are expected to signify their intention to enroll by sending to the College by May 1 (or earlier) a non-refundable $300.00 reservation deposit.

Financial Aid

An important consideration for many accepted students is the availability of financial assistance.  Families who wish to be considered for financial aid are required to file two forms with the College’s financial aid office.

1.   PROFILE - A Service of the College Board

2.      FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid

You can complete the PROFILE on-line by clicking the PROFILE link from our website, www.hsc.edu/finaid, which takes you directly to the welcome page of the CSS/Financial Aid Profile. Once that form is filed and we receive the results, we will identify funds for which you are eligible and send you a letter to let you know about them. If you choose to take advantage of any of the federal funds available to you, we will provide you with instructions regarding the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 15. Any specific questions regarding financial aid should be directed to the Director of Financial Aid, Keith Wellings, at 800-755-0733.

Overnight Visits to the Campus

During the school year, we are delighted to have students for an overnight stay in the dormitories.  This is an excellent time for a prospective student to talk with current students, attend classes, to watch an athletic event or special program, and to become acquainted with the overall life at H-SC.  Arrangements for such a visit should be made through the Admissions Office.