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FAQ

Applying and Admission

What is required for admission to Marist College?

The application requirements for freshman applicants include:

• Completed Undergraduate Admission Application, with fee: We accept either the Marist application or the Common application with a Marist supplement.
• Official transcript(s): from all high schools attended, including your most recent grades available at the time of application.
• Writing sample: a response to one of the essay topics from the application.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: one from a counselor and the other from a teacher.
• Official SAT or ACT with Writing results: which can be sent directly from the testing agency or indicated on your high school transcript.
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results: if English is not your primary language.
• Certificate of Financial Resources form: for non-U.S. citizens.

What are the admission deadlines?

When are admission decisions mailed?

What are the most important criteria in the admission review process?

The admission committee takes multiple aspects into consideration during the application review process, including your academic preparation and performance, extracurricular and leadership accomplishments, recommendations, essay, standardized tests scores, and interest in Marist.

Still, the most important aspect in our review is the rigor and performance of your high school program. We look for students who have challenged themselves to take the most demanding course load available. Selecting upper-level courses, such as honors or AP classes, shows us that you are pushing yourself academically and intellectually, and not simply looking for the easy "A".

What courses should I take senior year to be best prepared?

We encourage you to challenge yourself as much as you can without overdoing it. During the admission process, we focus on the five major subject areas: English, history/social sciences, math, lab science, and foreign language. Therefore, going above and beyond the basic requirements in these areas is beneficial.

During my senior year I could take calculus, but there are some great electives available. Should I take the electives courses instead?

This is a common question. Often times, if you've accelerated your academic program, by your senior year there are a number of electives available to you. While the elective courses may seem most interesting, we prefer to see a senior year schedule filled with the core academic areas -- English, history/social sciences, math, lab science, and foreign language. So, if you're choosing between electives and advanced course work in calculus or physics, we'd advise you to elect the latter. While we welcome students to select electives, we encourage you to first fill your schedule with course work in the major academic areas.

Does it matter if I complete my application online or on paper?

The admission committee values online and paper applications exactly the same, so you are encouraged to complete whichever form is easiest for you.

Is there a required SAT or ACT minimum score?

There are no minimum score requirements that need to be met to apply to Marist.

Do I need to submit SAT Subject Tests?

Marist does not require its applicants to submit SAT Subject test results, but if you've already any SAT Subject Tests, we encourage you to forward your scores to the Office of Admission.

What if I can't afford the application fee?

If the admission application fee poses a financial hardship on your family, the college will waive the cost. We will accept the College Board Fee Waiver form (available from and completed by your high school counselor) or a letter written on your behalf on official stationery from someone at your high school who can attest to your inability to pay this fee.

Will Marist accept AP or IB credit?

Many students can accelerate their college program by earning advanced standing through AP and IB credit in high school. Students who receive scores of 3 or above on any AP subject test will receive college credit. Credit is awarded to students who receive a score of 5 or higher on any IB subject test, taken at the higher level. IB exams taken at the standard level are not eligible for credit. All official test results should be submitted directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

I've taken some courses at a local college. Can I transfer those credits to Marist?

College courses that you have taken during your high school years may be considered for, and if appropriate, awarded transfer credit to Marist College. The courses must be taken at an accredited college or university, and students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in the course. Marist will review the course level and material to determine if it is viable for transfer.

Financial Aid

How much does Marist cost?

Students often worry that they can't afford a private education, but we put our resources to work to make a Marist education possible for all qualified students.

2008-2009 Tuition and Fees

Does Marist offer financial aid?

About 70 percent of Marist students receive some form of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, loans and work opportunities.

How do I apply for financial aid?

You are required to complete: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for financial assistance. In addition, the Marist Office of Financial Assistance will need copies of both your and your parents. tax returns from the previous year.

Does Marist offer any merit-based scholarships?

Marist awards merit scholarships to its most academically competitive applicants ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 a year. When you apply for admission to Marist, you are automatically considered for merit scholarship; there is no additional application.