Admissions Process
The application asks for my UD ID number.
Where can I get it?
If you have ever visited UD or filled out an information card/form, then you have already been assigned a UD ID number. This number can also be found on your portal page (“My Blue Hen Home”) under the heading, "My Profile." If you have difficulty finding your UDID, contact our office 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. via online chat or by calling (302) 831-8123.
Freshman Applicants
When can I apply as a freshman for Fall 2015?
The freshman application is now available online via The Common Application.
What address do I use to mail in any supplemental materials?
Please mail all materials to: Office of Admissions, 210 South College Avenue, University Visitors Center, Newark, DE 19716.
I need a Recommendation form. Where can I find one?
All forms are available on the Common Application website.
I am currently a senior in high school and am taking a college class. Will I receive credit at the University of Delaware for these classes?
The University of Delaware accepts credits from regionally accredited institutions in which the students received a grade or "C" or better in college-level courses (not remedial.) Pass/Fail grades are not accepted. To see if credits from your course may be accepted by the University of Delaware, visit the Transfer Credit Matrix administered by UD's Office of the Registrar.
Do you have Early Decision or Early Action?
No, we do not. Our goal is to notify all applicants of their admission decisions within 8 to 12 weeks of submitting ALL application materials, and no later than April 1. Students have until May 1 to make their decisions.
Do you consider the writing scores from the SAT Reasoning Test?
Yes we do. We look at all three scores. If you take the test multiple times, we will take the best three individual scores for the best combined score. We also accept the ACT. If you choose to take the ACT you must take the writing portion.
Do I need the SAT Subject Test(s)?
Two SAT Subject tests of the student's choosing are recommended, especially for applicants to the University Honors Program, but not required.
The application asks for my UD ID number.
Where can I get it?
If you have ever visited UD or filled out an information card/form, then you have already been assigned a UD ID number. If you do not know your UD ID number, you can still submit your application. We will place your UD ID number on your application when it arrives. The UD ID field is not a required field. If you have difficulty finding your UDID, contact our office 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. via online chat or by calling (302) 831-8123.
I do not meet the high school foreign language requirement. Does that mean I am automatically not admissible?
Students who have not completed any high school foreign language courses are at a disadvantage when applying to our University. While we encourage students to take foreign language courses in 7th and/or 8th grades, we expect students to take foreign language courses throughout high school. Applicants who apply for admission who do not meet minimum course requirements (two years of one foreign language in grades 9-12) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Taken into consideration are the strength of the applicant’s overall academic record, quality of the application and component parts, and the reasons for not meeting the requirement. On rare occasions, exceptional applicants with reasonable explanations, have been admitted. But, as a general rule, we continue to advise interested students to surpass the minimum course requirements and complete our recommended course requirements.
Do you accept fee waivers?
In some cases the $75 application fee can be waived. If there is a financial hardship AND the applicant previously had a CollegeBoard fee waiver (used for SAT), then a copy of the fee waiver form should be forwarded to our office. Also, a guidance counselor can write a request to waive the fee, if there is a demonstrated hardship. It should be forwarded to our office (fax use 302-831-4599).
Applications & Supplemental Documents
I submitted my application and fee and accidentally pressed the submit button twice. I got two email receipts saying my payment was accepted. Can I be refunded the duplicate fee?
Our billing department will automatically refund your credit card when it sees a duplicate payment. For future reference, please keep any documents/receipts associated with these payments.
Common Application
Does the University of Delaware accept the Common Application?
Yes! The University of Delaware is an exclusive member of the Common Application.
Can I check my application status online?
Yes! All applicants can check their status through "My Blue Hen Home," your custom portal to all things UD.
International Applicants
Is it true that all international applicants must have their academic credentials evaluated by an outside agency?
As of Fall 2011 all international transfer applicants must have their academic credentials evaluated by the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).
I am an international student... where can I find information about applying to your university?
Our web site outlines all requirements for international admission to the University of Delaware. All students must apply online via the Common Application.
What documents are required of international applicants?
What are the minimum requirements for admissions?
There are no minimum GPA or SAT score requirements for admissions. The admissions committee evaluates the entire application for admissibility into Undergraduate study.
International students should be eligible for post-secondary study in their country. International students are required to meet the minimum English Language Proficiency Scores (TOEFLibt 90, TOEFLpbt 550, IELTS 6.5).
What are the minimum required TOEFL and IELTS scores?
The minimum TOEFL score required is 90 (TOEFLibt) or 550 (paper). We no longer accept scores from the computer-based test. Nursing major applicants must have a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (TOEFLibt) or 600 (paper). The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5.
Should I take the SAT or an English Language Proficiency Exam?
International applicants attending high school in the United States are required to take the SAT exam. In addition, all international applicants wishing to be considered for scholarship awards should take the SAT.
When will I receive my decision?
Applicants will be notified on a continuing basis via email.
Do you have a conditional program?
YES! The program is a collaborative effort between the University of Delaware's English Language Institute and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. For additional information about the Conditional Admissions Programs, visit http://www.udel.edu/eli/programs_cap.html or send an email to capadmissions@udel.edu
Should I apply as an International Student?
- If you are in the process of applying for Permanent Residency, please submit a copy of your Permanent Residency Approval Notice Form from U.S. Immigration in lieu of financial documents.
Are international freshman applicants eligible for scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! International applicants applying for fall freshman admissions will be considered for merit scholarships if they take the SAT (or the ACT with the writing section) and complete their application by January 15. Merit scholarships are not available to any student applying as a transfer student.
I need a Recommendation form. Where can I find one?
All forms are available via the Common Application.
I am in need of the Summary of Educational Experiences and/or Confidential Financial Information form. Where can I get those?
You can download a copy of these forms from our International website: www.udel.edu/admisisons/for/international.
How do I find out if the University of Delaware has received my application materials and/or that my application is complete?
Acknowledgement letters will be sent out to all applicants on an ongoing basis. You can check the status of your application both via the Common Application website and "My Blue Hen Home," your custom portal to all things UD. Please note that although you may have sent us all of your materials, it may take one to three weeks for us to place all of your materials into your application file and update your status on the website. We appreciate your patience. Please understand that we will contact you if we require additional documents from you. You will have ample time to send us all missing materials before we evaluate your application.
Readmission Applicants
Why would I apply for re-admissions vs. as a transfer student?
There are two reasons why a student would apply for readmission to the University of Delaware.
I've applied for readmissions, when will I hear back from UD?
Readmissions decisions are made on an on-going basis, but must first go through the particular college to which you applied. It could be a few weeks until you hear from The Office of the Registrar once your application is complete, including a submitted application fee.
I left the University and want to come back. What do I do?
If you left the University within 15 months, you simply need to contact your previous academic advisor. If you left the University more than 15 months ago, you must complete the Readmission Application. All of our application forms can be found at http://www.udel.edu/admissions/apply/. These applications are accepted by the Office of the Registrar but also reviewed by the academic department in which you were previously enrolled.
How do I find out if the University of Delaware has received my application materials and/or that my application is complete?
Acknowledgement letters will be sent out to all applicants on an ongoing basis. You can check the status of your application both via the Common Application website and "My Blue Hen Home," your custom portal to all things UD. Please note that although you may have sent us all of your materials, it may take one to three weeks for us to place all of your materials into your application file and update your status on the website. We appreciate your patience. Please understand that we will contact you if we require additional documents from you. You will have ample time to send us all missing materials before we evaluate your application.
Transfer Applicants
I need a Recommendation form. Where can I find one?
All forms are available via the Common Application.
I applied as a transfer and would now like to change my major before a decision is made. How do I do that?
You can request for a change of major via "My Blue Hen Home," your custom portal to all things UD. Timing is crucial for requesting a change of major as the reading of transfer files may have already begun.
Which of my current credits will transfer over to UD? Is there someone I can talk to about my current transcript?
It is not possible for anyone in the Admissions Office to sit down with you and go over your current transcript. The University of Delaware accepts credits from regionally accredited institutions in which the students received a grade of "C" or better in college-level courses (not remedial.) Pass/Fail grades are not accepted. To receive a University of Delaware degree, admitted students must complete a minimum of either the first 90 or last 30 credits, full- or part-time, at the University of Delaware. For more information, go to the transfer evaluation webpage.
My school told me they sent my documents out, yet the online check-list says you still are waiting for them. Should I have them re-sent?
If your documents (i.e. letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.) were sent to us, please do not resend them. Our turn-around time from actually receiving your documents, properly processing them, and satisfying the item(s) on the online check-list could take a few weeks. If your school has told you they sent the documents, it is safe to assume that we have them and they are in the processing stage. If we still require a document when your file is read, we will contact you.
I am a freshman at another institution but want to transfer to UD. What will you consider when you review my application?
In reviewing freshman transfer applications, we will base our decision on both your first semester there and whether we would have admitted you directly from high school as a freshman. The farther along you go in your college program, the less the high school record and standardized test scores will influence our decision.
Transfer applicants who were previously denied admission to the University of Delaware are reminded that their decision letter included the following statement from Director of Admissions, Louis Hirsh:
"We normally expect transfer applicants to have completed at least two years of transferable coursework at an accredited college or university."
Transfer applicants who were denied admissions as a freshman this past fall will not receive a decision from us until we have final spring grades from the current institution. There are no exceptions to this policy. Please read the transfer guidelines found on our website, especially those pertaining to any pre-requisites and GPAs needed for certain majors.
How do I find out if the University of Delaware has received my application materials and/or that my application is complete?
Acknowledgement letters will be sent out to all applicants on an ongoing basis. To check the status of your application, please visit http://www.udel.edu/mybluehenhome. Although you may have sent us all of your materials, it may take one to three weeks for us to place all of your materials into your application file and update your status on the portal. We appreciate your patience. Please understand that we will contact you if we require additional documents You will have ample time to send us all missing materials before we evaluate your application.
I currently receive grants & scholarships at the school I am now attending. Will I be eligible for money at UD as a transfer student?
You'll need to consult with the Student Financial Services office here concerning your grants and loans and what UD could provide. Generally speaking, transfer students are not eligible for our own merit-based monies, but SFS can answer questions about other grants and loans. You can reach them by phone at (302) 831-8761.
Do you offer academic scholarships to transfer students?
No, unfortunately we do not offer academic scholarships to transfer students. Transfer students may be eligible for need-based aid.
Admitted Students
Can I add a second major or minor now?
New students wishing to pursue a double major or adding a minor will need to wait and discuss this process with their academic advisor once they enroll this fall.
How can I get a University of Delaware email address?
Admitted students who have paid their deposit will be able to set up their udel email account sometime in early June.
I was charged twice for my admissions and housing deposit. What should I do?
You will automatically be refunded for a duplicate payment. Please save any receipts and/or confirmations you may receive pertaining to the payments for future reference. The refund process may take a few weeks, so please be patient. We are unable to make immediate refunds.
Associate in Arts Program
I've heard something about the SEED program. What is the SEED program?
Students (DE residents) who also completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be eligible to receive the SEED Scholarship while in the Associate in Arts Program. For more information, click here. You must complete a FAFSA in order to be considered for the SEED Scholarship.
Delaware Residents
I've heard something about the Academic Common Market. What is the ACM?
The Academic Common Market is a tuition-savings agreement between the 16 southern states that are members of the Southern Regional Education Board. The program was established in 1974 by SREB to help member states avoid developing and maintaining costly academic programs through sharing resources and the exchange of students across borders at in-state rates. Delaware began participation in the ACM in 1998 when it joined SREB. Visit the ACM website for more information.
General Information
Can I bring my pet to an information session, tour or open house?
Even though many of us enjoy four-legged friends, pets are not permitted in any University building, with a few exceptions. You can reference the policy, as set forth by the Office of the Executive Vice President here: http://www.udel.edu/ExecVP/policies/facilities/2-16.html
Do you require interviews for admissions? How can I schedule an interview?
Rising high school seniors interested in scheduling an interview can schedule one via the portal (My Blue Hen Home). We do not schedule interviews for potential transfer applicants.
Do you accept fee waivers?
In some cases, the $75 application fee can be waived. If there is a financial hardship AND the applicant previously had a CollegeBoard fee waiver (used for SAT), then a copy of the fee waiver form should be forwarded to our office. Also, a guidance counselor can write a request to waive the fee, if there is a demonstrated hardship. It should be forwarded to our office (fax use 302-831-4599).
What address do I use to mail in any supplemental materials?
Please mail all materials to: Office of Admissions, University Visitors Center, Newark, DE 19716.
I've heard something about the Academic Common Market. What is the ACM?
The Academic Common Market is a tuition-savings agreement between the 16 southern states that are members of the Southern Regional Education Board. The program was established in 1974 by SREB to help member states avoid developing and maintaining costly academic programs through sharing resources and the exchange of students across borders at in-state rates. Delaware began participation in the ACM in 1998 when it joined SREB. Visit the ACM website for more information.
Is there anywhere for me to check the credit I will receive for AP/IB scores?
Please refer to the AP and IB Credit charts. Keep in mind that these scores are subject to change and are set by each of the departments, not the Office of Admissions.
I have my GED or will be getting my GED. How does the University of Delaware review these types of applicants?
We are happy to review applicants who have GED's. How your application is assessed will depend on how long you have been out of school, your GED scores, and what we can learn about you from reviewing other information that is in your file (for example, in addition to completing a GED, you should consider taking a few courses at a local college so that we have a better sense of your readiness to handle coursework at Delaware). We will still need to see transcripts of any coursework you have ever taken at a high school or college, but the longer you have been out of school, the less heavily we will weigh your high school grades.
I have the opportunity to graduate from high school a year/a semester early. What is UD's stance on early graduation?
Graduating early is not always a good idea. The senior year is when students have the chance to assume leadership positions in high school by becoming a team captain or a student body officer or a president of a club or organization. It is also the time for taking additional courses that will strengthen your preparation for college, such as Advanced Placement courses. These are important parts of your social and academic development, and they significantly enhance your application for admission.
In rare instances, graduating early makes sense. These are cases where students are prodigies who have advanced so swiftly that they have exhausted all the advanced academic work that their high schools can offer them. Even in these instances, it is often a better strategy to be dually enrolled at your high school and at a local college, where you can take college-level courses that will challenge you, but still remain engaged in the kinds of school activities that will make you a well-rounded person.
I'd like to stay overnight in a residence hall. How can I do that?
The University does not sponsor or organize overnight visits. However, if you know a current University of Delaware student already living on campus, feel free to call them and arrange an overnight visit. Overnight guests are welcome in the residence halls. The Admissions Office does not arrange for overnights.
Do I need the SAT Subject Test(s)?
Two SAT Subject tests of the student's choosing are recommended, especially for applicants to the University Honors Program, but not required.
I'd like to tour your campus. How often are they offered & do I need a reservation?
We offer campus walking tours Monday through Friday and select Saturdays throughout the year. Tours begin with a 40-minute information session and are followed by a 90-minute walking tour of campus led by a student tour guide. Reservations are recommended. Read about all of our visit opportunities online. Then, place your reservation via "My Blue Hen Home," your custom portal to all things UD.
Open Houses
Do you host open house programs for prospective students?
We offer a variety of open houses throughout the year, including Discovery Days during the summer, Blue & Golden Saturdays in the fall, and Decision Days for admitted students each spring. Visitors can expect to learn about UD's 145+ majors, the UD Honors Program, and discovery learning opportunities including, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research, Service Learning, and internships. A typical day also includes a continental breakfast, admissions and financial aid sessions, panel discussions with current UD students, campus tours, and refreshments. Read about all of our visit opportunities online. Then, place your reservation via "My Blue Hen Home," your custom portal to all things UD.
Can I bring my pet to an information session, tour or open house?
Even though many of us enjoy four-legged friends, pets are not permitted in any University building, with a few exceptions. You can reference the policy, as set forth by the Office of the Executive Vice President here: http://www.udel.edu/ExecVP/policies/facilities/2-16.html
Scholarships
Are international freshman applicants eligible for scholarships or financial aid?
Yes! International applicants applying for fall freshman admissions will be considered for merit scholarships if they take the SAT (or the ACT with the writing section) and complete their application by January 15. Merit scholarships are not available to any student applying as a transfer student.
I currently receive grants and scholarships at the school I am now attending. Will I be eligible for money at UD as a transfer student?
You’ll need to consult with the University of Delaware’s Office of Student Financial Services, once admitted, concerning your grants and loans, and what UD could provide. Generally speaking, transfer students are not eligible for our own merit-based monies, but SFS can answer questions about other grants and loans. You can reach them by phone at (302) 831-2126.
Do you offer academic scholarships to transfer students?
No, we do not offer academic scholarships to transfer students. Transfer applicants that have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be considered for need-based aid. See all information online regarding ways to finance a UD degree.
Financial Aid
I've heard something about the SEED program. What is the SEED program?
Delaware residents that complete the FAFSA may be eligible for a SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship. A SEED Scholarship provides tuition for full-time students enrolled in the Associate in Arts Program at the University of Delaware at the UD Academic Centers located at the Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown campuses of Delaware Technical and Community College (DTCC). SEED Scholarships are not offered to students who choose to pursue Bachelors degrees at the University of Delaware.
When will I receive my financial aid award from the University of Delaware?
Students admitted to the University of Delaware will hear of their merit awards at the time of their admission to UD. Need-based award amounts will follow in late winter, as these awards are made using information contained within each student's completed FAFSA. We recommend that applicants and admits file their FAFSAs no later than February 15. Students can review their entire financial package via "My Blue Hen Home," your custom portal to all things UD.
Where can I get information on financial aid?
Current information regarding financial aid at the University of Delaware is found here. In addition, families of applicants and admits receive a special viewbook in January outlining the true cost (and value) of a UD degree, a glossary of financial terms, and tips on filing the FAFSA.
I currently receive grants and scholarships at the school I am now attending. Will I be eligible for money at UD as a transfer student?
You'll need to consult with Student Financial Services here concerning your grants and loans and what UD could provide. Generally speaking, transfer students are not eligible for our own merit-based monies, but SFS can answer questions about other grants and loans. You can reach them by phone at (302) 831-2126.