Specialized Programs

admission to specialized Programs

As you research college majors, be sure to take note of programs that have additional application requirements. For some majors, you must not only be accepted to the school, but also gain admission to the specific program. It is important during the college search process to not only ask the acceptance rate for the school, but also for the program. Many specialized programs limit the number of students they can take each year and will not let you switch into the major if you don’t enter from day one. Because of the limited number of students accepted into these programs, the average GPA/SAT are generally much higher as the applicant pool is much more competitive.

Below is a list of popular majors that have additional requirements. This is not an exclusive list. Be sure to review the requirements for your intended major for each individual college you plan to apply to.

3+2 Business/Law Programs

A growing number of colleges are partnering with Master of Business Administration/Juris Doctorate (MBA/JD) programs so that business or law students are able to complete their studies in five years earning a graduate level degree. Students apply for these specific programs as part of the admissions process and demonstrate a strong high school curriculum and test scores. Once enrolled in a 3+2 degree program, students must maintain a minimum GPA to continue each year and may be required to complete another evaluation or interview after the junior year of college.

Architecture

There are a limited number of Architectural Schools throughout the US which makes the application process very selective. Most schools have a number of limited seats and have a portfolio assessment. Colleges may require students to submit a digital portfolio or complete an architecture design project to demonstrate their creativity and interest in architecture. Students are encouraged to visit each college’s website to review the criteria for admission. Applicants should have a strong background in math, including algebra, trigonometry and calculus. High school students may also consider taking courses in physics, design, and drafting to become familiar with core concepts and practices.

Engineering

Engineering schools may or may not have a separate application, but most will look for a challenging high school curriculum to ensure a smooth transition. Strong emphasis is placed on math and science courses – students are encouraged to have taken classes in the following subject areas (preferably Honors or AP): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math courses through Calculus, including Statistics and any Computer Science or Engineering classes. Because of the competitive nature of engineering programs, students often must have a higher GPA and test scores than the freshman averages. Starting freshman year, engineering students usually take 18 units of hard science every semester of their college career. It is a very structured, extremely rigorous area of study. Depending on individual colleges, most students complete their engineering degrees in four years plus a semester, but sometimes it takes five years.

medical school/physical therapy/pharmacy direct-entry Programs

These are highly competitive direct-entry programs that allow students to earn either a BA or BS, and then proceed directly into a doctorate program (MD/DPT/DPharm). Student applying to these programs should be in the top 5-10% of their class. Because students are already accepted to medical school, they can forego the typical graduate school admissions process near the end of undergrad. Students in combined programs commit to a specific college and medical school or network of schools. The medical school is usually part of the same institution or a partner school in the same region or college network. While combined programs offer students early assurance, some still do require that applicants take and do well on the MCAT. Students must also maintain a certain GPA as they work their way through their required college classes. Most combined programs are the same length as non-combined ones - eight years. In other words, most students in direct medical programs will still go to college for four years and then to medical school for four years. There are a few that offer accelerated programs, though, by compressing the amount of time spent as an undergraduate. These programs may be seven or even six years.

Nursing, bsn

Entry to nursing programs vary throughout the US. The more competitive programs will require direct entry, meaning you must be accepted to the nursing program as part of the admissions process. Some colleges will offer a pre-nursing program for those students who do not meet the initial criteria for admission. These students will take pre-nursing classes in their freshmen year and formally apply for their sophomore year. Generally speaking, nursing applicants have at least a 3.0GPA and 1000 SAT (with scores of at least a 500 in each section); however, it is not unusual in competitive programs for students with a 3.5 GPA to be denied admission. In addition to a good GPA, a strong science curriculum including Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology should be taken in high school. Nursing applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to several colleges and to be very cautious of strict deadlines.

performing arts - Dance/Music/Theatre

Many Bachelor of Arts/Fine Arts (BA/BFA) programs require an audition as part of the admissions process. Students are encouraged to review the admission requirements during their junior year as audition dates are typically limited to the fall and fill up fast. If you are not able to attend an on campus audition the college may accept video submissions or participate in the Unified Auditions (http://www.unifiedauditions.com/). During auditions, colleges are often evaluating candidates for both admissions into the program and for scholarships. Because requirements vary by college, always make sure what you have prepared is exactly what was required for the audition.

studio art/visual art

Many Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) majors require submission of an art portfolio showcasing your work. Some schools expect a CD of your portfolio and while others have a website to upload images to. Either way, be sure to follow size and resolution requirements. Each college will have strict guidelines regarding the application process. If you do not understand the particulars of the instructions or they are not complete, call the college’s admission office for clarification before spending the time and money to have your portfolio prepared.

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