Need some help understanding the admission process?
Whether you have a student at home heading off to college for the first time or want to further your career with a graduate degree, we explain the ins and outs of getting into college — including Bradley.
Applying to college is one of the most important points in someone’s life. As exciting as it is to take those steps toward the future, the process can sometimes be stressful. But it doesn’t need to be.
Once the decision has been made where to apply, use this guide to help you navigate. We’ll describe the process in a clear and straightforward way; we’ll also give you some unique insights into what an admission staff looks for in an application. And since we hope your choices include Bradley, we’ll point out Bradley-specific information that can help you or your student achieve your collegiate goals.
Most colleges offer the option of using either the Common Application, which allows you to apply to multiple schools with one form, or the school’s own. Which application you choose is almost entirely up to you. For example, Bradley’s Admission Office doesn’t have a preference, and roughly 80% of Bradley applicants use the Common Application.
Admission counselors stress you should be diligent in filling out your application paperwork. Don’t leave any questions unanswered since admission staff do notice blank spaces.
They also urge applicants to invest time and effort in the personal statement/essay, since it’s an opportunity to show how you stand out compared to others. Don’t rely on spelling and grammar checkers — be sure to proofread it multiple times. And whatever you do, don’t write your essay on your phone!
The transcript is another major component. Although there are many online guides suggesting the GPA averages for various schools, Bradley admission staff say don’t become obsessed by it. Averages mean there are numbers higher — and lower — so there’s no reason to rule out a school prematurely.
Admission staff are also well aware classes taken during the COVID-19 pandemic may be pass/fail instead of the usual letter grades. They take this into consideration when reviewing your materials, and it won’t impact your application negatively.
There’s also no real need to pad your application either, especially in the activities section. Admission staff want to see what you’re passionate about, whether that’s a club, sports, student government or service. They want to know the real person who’s applying, not someone following an artificial checklist.
One of the biggest differences for schools across the country these days are testing requirements. Some colleges still adhere to required standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, while others already have or will soon remove the requirement.
An increasing number of schools, like Bradley, offer the choice to apply with or without test scores; however, most of these schools will require you to declare which path you’re choosing on your application paperwork. Most schools that offer this choice — including Bradley — won’t differentiate between candidates based on this choice.
When it comes to letters of recommendation, if the school requires them, the key is to find people who know you well and can talk about your strengths in a personal way. This is especially true for any of the STEM fields or even fine and performance arts. A letter from a teacher or advisor who knows your abilities in that area can give admission staff a better picture.
When it comes to paying for your education, you should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and send a copy to the school(s). This allows colleges to determine a student's eligibility for grants, scholarships and loans. FAFSA applications open in October for the admission cycle, and they recommend you file as early as possible.
About 90% of Bradley students receive some form of financial assistance. “Bradley offers substantial merit scholarships and need-based grants to those who qualify,” said Abbi Gashaw, Bradley’s director of financial assistance. For example, the university awards merit scholarships at different levels from a GPA of 2.8 and above. Bradley’s Office of Financial Assistance begins processing FAFSA requests in November.
On that same theme, admission staff urge you to apply as early as possible, and not wait for deadlines. As hinted above, early application will help admission staff to not just give a decision on admission, but also the financial package, if you’re accepted.
Important note: admission staff are there to help, so use them as much as necessary. That’s their job. Don’t be hesitant to contact them, and ask plenty of questions.
Just remember, the admission process is not meant to be stressful. Applicants just need to do their best and make sure to check things over. The application tells admission staff about the person behind the application, so don’t be sloppy or tardy, and let the application be a reflection of who you are. Good luck!
Bradley makes it easy for applicants and students unsure about their major to find their path, using the resources and experience of the Academic Exploration Program.
Many college applicants have an idea what they want to study as a major; many don’t. Some applications can appear as if you need to declare right away and not declaring a major will hold you back. So, what do you do if you don’t know what you want to study?
First of all, don’t panic. Bradley offers the resources and guidance to ensure you proceed on a path that fulfills your ambitions — even if you don’t know what it is yet.
The Academic Exploration Program (AEP) will let you find your major through exploration, guidance and abundant resources. As a transitional status, it affords you the opportunity to explore different options while maintaining your academic timeline.
Think of it as undecided, but supercharged.
You’ll be in a group of no more than 15 students and led by Academic Success Center (ASC) staff. You’ll spend over 20 hours with your advisor during the first semester to build a strong, trusting and familiar relationship that will last through your academic journey. Once you decide on a major, ASC staff will facilitate the process.
But what if you change your mind?
Again, don’t panic. Bradley makes it easy for you to shift gears if your on-campus exploration takes you on a different path. You can go into AEP and stay on that timeline while finding your new major in the same way.
Thinking about getting a graduate degree? There are a few key differences in the application process from its undergraduate counterpart that must be followed to ensure success.
Graduate education is an exciting opportunity for recent, pending or long-ago grads to deepen their knowledge and become true specialists in their chosen field. Applying to a graduate program may bring back memories of applying for your undergraduate degree(s), but there are a few important differences you should note.
Do your research before you apply because there is no Common Application like at the undergraduate level. There are specific graduate application requirements for every university, and often, each individual program at each university.
Similar to your undergraduate application, do take it seriously and don’t leave questions unanswered; omissions are even more noticeable at this level. Don’t end up submitting an incomplete application due to a lack of diligence. Likewise, the personal statement/essay is very important for a graduate application, since it’s your testament to why you want to pursue this advanced degree.
Check everything over and make sure your materials are a reflection of you, since admission staff and departmental faculty will read them to determine how well you’ll fit into their program.
There are often program-specific requirements for graduate programs. If you’ve done your research, you’ll know what’s needed. For instance, writing samples are required for some programs, while others require a portfolio or possibly an audition.
Testing is far more comprehensive for graduate studies. Make sure you take the necessary standardized and other required tests needed for your program well ahead of the deadline.
For a vast majority of graduate programs, recommendations are required. Just like the undergraduate recommendation, make sure you request them from individuals who know you and your abilities in your chosen field. If it’s been a while since you completed your undergrad degree, consider asking your job supervisor who can speak to your strengths.
And definitely, don’t wait to apply. Many graduate programs fill up on a rolling basis and competitive programs fill up extremely quickly. Don’t risk missing out on your dream grad program just because you waited to apply.
Bradley's tour guides dish what students — and parents — ask when visiting campus.
Visiting the campus is essential to learn about the college experience. We asked some of our Bradley STARs to share some of theirs.
“I usually get a lot of the questions about dorms and the roommate process. People always ask about how the food is, how to get involved, how to make friends and how to be on a college campus.” (Kamia Berry)
“Every once in a while, I get an oddly specific question of whether or not we have certain clubs — often the religious-affiliated organizations. As much as I try, I don't know all of Bradley's campus organizations, since there are over 250, and it always feels like a mad dash to find an answer.“ (Sierra Kaplan)
“Oh, my favorite part is when they ask me for my contact information and I'm like that means you're actually interested in coming here. And then I get a text and they tell me, ‘Oh, I'm coming to Bradley. Can't wait to see you.’“ (Shenise Bramley)
“I always convey that Bradley is a community that cares. I have been able to do so many awesome things that I would not have been able to if I went to any other university. I have found genuine people that are motivated, encouraging, and kind.“ (Mallory Clark)
“I feel like all of them. My goal is to make them laugh, because if they laugh, then they'll remember. And I always try and do that.“ (Jordan Tatgenhorst)
