Frequently asked questions

Applying to college is exciting, but also brings up a lot of questions. Below are some questions we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions, please contact us at admissions@redlands.edu. We want to help you through this exciting time.

Do I need to submit SAT or ACT Scores??

Beginning for most students applying for fall 2021, we are test optional. This means you get to decide whether you submit test scores or not. Click here to learn more about our test optional policies.

I'm a transfer student. Do I need to submit SAT or ACT Scores?

SAT or ACT test scores are only required for students with less than 24 transferable semester units. Most students applying for the fall 2021 semester, may apply test optional. Click here to learn more.

Are interviews required?

We do not require interviews as a part of the admissions process, however we love to speak to future bulldogs! Informal appointments with admissions counselors may be requested here. Appointments are approximately 30 minutes long. It is a chance for our admissions counselors to get to know you better and explain the admissions process.

Can't make it to Redlands? We're happy to meet with interested students while we are on the road. We love exploring our territories and always want to know where the best local coffee shop is! Click here to meet your counselor and see if they'll be visiting this fall, or send us an email.

When and where can I apply?

The University of Redlands exclusively accepts the Common Application for first-year students.  

First-year and International applicants can apply for admission by one of our three deadlines:
Binding Early Decision: November 15
Non-binding Early Action: November 15
Regular Decision: January 15

The University of Redlands accepts the Common Application or University of Redlands application for transfer students.

Transfers applicants should follow our priority deadlines:
Fall semester:
March 1
Spring semester: November 1.

Applications can be submitted after the above deadlines on a space available basis. Please contact our office at (800) 455-5064 for more information.

How can I apply for scholarships?

All students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships when they apply. Click here to find more information about scholarships.

First-year Students interested in talent scholarships in Art, Theatre Arts, Creative Writing or Music must complete a supplemental application. Students must apply by the January 15 deadline to be considered. Find more information here.

We encourage you to look for outside private scholarships. It may require some additional research, but there are thousands of dollars that are unclaimed every year. These scholarships can be applied to your financial aid as well.

Do I have to declare a major when I apply?

No. The University of Redlands offers students two years to explore the liberal arts and then declare a major (or two!). If you are interested in the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, students must apply for this major at the time of their application. Students interested in the School of Music must submit a supplemental application as well as an audition.  Click here to learn more. We encourage students to share their academic interests on the Common Application.

When can I expect to hear of my decision?

Decisions will be released to the admissions application status portal. Early Action and Early Decision applicants will hear of their decision by mid-January, and Regular Decision applicants will hear by mid-March. Please check your email for your log in credentials.  These were emailed to you at the time of your application submission.

Do all of my supporting documents (letters of recommendation, test scores and transcripts) need to be received by the deadline?

We realize that supporting documents are not controlled by you, therefore we ask that your Common Application is received by the deadline. As supporting documents arrive, we will make sure they are matched up with your application. We will not review an application until all required documentation has been received and the application is complete. To check your status, refer to the link, username and password that was emailed to you.

How can I make my application stand out?

The Common Applications provides some ways of allowing you to tell us who you are!

We are all about community, and we want to know how you are involved in yours. Tell us about all of your commitments - do you work at a part-time job? Volunteer? Have family responsibilities? Let us know in the Activities section of the Common Application.

We love learning more about you through your personal statement and the University of Redlands supplement. Make sure to give your essays the personal attention they deserve - proofread and be yourself - there are no right answers to the questions!

What classes do you recommend taking in high school?

Subject

Recommended Years

English

4 years

Math*

3 years

Foreign Language

2-3years

Laboratory Science

2-3years

Social Studies

2-3years


*We strongly recommend completing algebra II, at the minimum. 

Applications are reviewed using a weighted 10-12 academic GPA. No single academic schedule is required, but a college preparatory program is strongly recommended.

How can I visit campus?

Click here to see the numerous opportunities we have for you to come see the University of Redlands.

How can I become a Bulldog athlete?

The University of Redlands has 21 Division III varsity athletic teams that compete in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). To show your interest in potentially playing for the Bulldogs, please visit our athletics site and fill out the athletic inquiry form.

How can I apply for financial aid?

We encourage all families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The application is due by March 2nd. For more information, please visit Student Financial Services. Students do not have to be admitted prior to filling out the FAFSA form. Only admitted students will receive information regarding a financial aid package. The University of Redlands school code is 001322.

Does the University of Redlands offer conditional admission for international students?

Yes. The MIIS (Monterey Institute of International Studies) Intensive English as a Second Language Program is pleased to announce the formation of an agreement with the University of Redlands in Redlands, CA. This agreement will help provide high-quality academic English preparation for conditionally admitted Redlands students. These students will be prepared to thrive in college and enrich the Redlands campus with their global perspectives. University of Redlands is a distinguished 4-year university located in Redlands, CA. Redlands also offers a limited selection of graduate and professional programs.

MIIS and Redlands have agreed that Redlands applicants who need additional English language training can be conditionally admitted to Redlands with the requirement that they complete English courses in the MIIS IESL program. There are two pathways for this agreement:

1.       Students who apply to Redlands for fall semester admission and have a TOEFL score range between 72 and 79 (with no sub-score below 18) can be conditionally admitted for the spring semester and required to attend the Fall session of the IESL program at MIIS. Students who achieve a grade of B or better in all IESL program core classes and maintain satisfactory attendance can achieve full admission for the spring semester at Redlands. 

2.       Students who have a TOEFL score between 65 and 79 (with no sub-score below 16) can be conditionally admitted for any semester to Redlands with the requirement that they attend the MIIS IESL program. Students who complete Level 6 of all core classes in the IESL program at MIIS and maintain satisfactory attendance can receive full admission to Redlands for the next available semester.

Questions about admission to University of Redlands should be directed to Kenley Jones, Director of International Recruitment and Senior Associate Director of Admissions.

909-748-8156
kenley_jones@redlands.edu
www.redlands.edu

Questions about admission to the MIIS IESL program can be directed to Marilu Bonilla, Learner Services Coordinator, at mbonilla@middlebury.edu.

I applied to the University within the last year but did not attend. Can I reapply?

  • A re-application is for a student who previously applied to Redlands within the last year, but did not attend.
  • If you would like to reapply to the University of Redlands, please email Kylie Mulder at kylie_mulder@redlands.edu requesting a reapplication. She will send you an email giving you access to the application. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kylie Mulder or call (909) 748-8074.

I attended the University, but left before completing my degree. Am I able to come back to finish my degree?

A readmission is for students who previously attended the University of Redlands, left before completing their degree, but did not graduate from anywhere else.

If you would like to attend the University of Redlands again to complete your undergraduate degree, please email Kylie Mulder at kylie_mulder@redlands.edu requesting the readmission application. She will send you an email giving you access to the application. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kylie Mulder or call (909) 748-8074.