Application forms are available in the back of the catalog or prospective students can apply on-line from the Admissions web page. An application file is considered complete when all required documents have been received in the Admissions office. A current picture is an optional yet helpful addition to the file for recognition purposes.

ESR admission files must contain these required documents:

• Application Form

• Application Fee $35 (pay online)

• Background Check Inquiry Release Form (degree-seeking students only)

• Background Check Fee $25 (degree-seeking students only) (pay online)

• References (one, three or five)

• Academic writing sample (if conditional, special or international)

• Official college transcripts

• Results of TOEFL or IELTS testing (if English is not a student’s first language)

There are two types of applications that can be found in the back of this catalog and on our web site:

• Standard for degree-seeking students (US & International) - online webform or PDF print

• Occasional for part-time non-degree seeking students - online webform or PDF print

The number of references required will vary dependent on the type of application the student submits. Students seeking a degree need three references. One of the three references must be from someone familiar with the student’s academic work. Residential degree-seeking students applying for Cooper Scholarships need two additional references. These references should ideally come from the student’s monthly and yearly meeting when the prospective student is a member of the Religious Society of Friends and if not should come from members of the applicant’s faith communities (see page 69 for additional information). Those students wanting to take an occasional course need submit only one reference.

The academic writing sample is asked of prospective students who apply in the conditional, special or international categories above. Please submit a piece of your own writing that highlights your ability to think critically and to correctly reference the ideas of other writers.

Official transcripts are needed for the admission file. Contact your undergraduate and graduate college or universities by mail, internet or phone to request that your transcript be sent directly from their registrar to the Director of Admissions in the ESR Admissions office.

If you are an international student and English is not your first language, please read the section below regarding language testing for an international admission.

International Applications

International students should fill out the Standard Application as well as the International Student Statement of Financial Position form, both of which are available at the back of this catalog and available from the ESR web site (Admissions). The admission file must contain the required documents listed above.

International students are encouraged to begin the application process as early as possible. Please ensure that all documents are in English. Students who prove unable to pay the initial application fee of $35 US may request a fee waiver when they submit the International Application.

If a student applies and is admitted, intending to enroll at Earlham School of Religion, a $1,125 * US enrollment deposit is required along with the Confirmation form. Payment of this deposit signifies that the student agrees to the conditions of admission and financial aid (where applicable) for the entire period of study at ESR. The School of Religion sets aside $1,000 of the deposit to be used by the student to return home upon completion of study at ESR. A balance of $1,000 is required in the student’s ESR account at all times. If the funds are unused at the time of the completion of studies, they are refunded directly to the student. Rising costs of travel may increase the student’s travel cost after graduation to a level above the $1,000 US of their refunded ESR deposit.

Many international students need scholarship assistance in order to attend ESR. Up to two International Cooper Scholarships provide tuition and a small living stipend. Many times there is a waiting list of admitted students for these scholarships. ESR gives priority to members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The International Cooper Scholarships provide $21,000 US* per year of study. This amount does not provide all that a student will need. A source of personal funds is helpful in case of illness, the need for cold-weather clothing, or other such personal necessities. ESR provides housing with the international scholarships, when possible, in a college co-educational-living house. Skills such as cooking, cleaning and community living are advantageous. ESR is unable to supply funds or housing to support spouses or family members.

Students receiving International Cooper Scholarships retain the financial responsibility to pay their confirmation fee of $1,125 US* mentioned above, the embassy visa fee, and travel costs of transportation, food, and lodging while traveling to and from ESR. International students who do not receive these scholarships must document financial sponsorship or the ability to pay at least 60% of the cost of one year’s study.

Another type of Cooper scholarship offered by ESR covers tuition alone. To apply for either type of scholarship, please send an additional two references following the guidelines given on page 69 of the catalog in the Financial Aid section.

All international students whose first language is not English must take and score a minimum of 550 on the Paper based version of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), a 213 minimum on the Computer based version of the test, or 82 on the Internet based test prior to admission. If you have already taken or it is easier to take the IELTS test where you live, you must take the Academic version and achieve a score of 7 or greater.

The Admissions Committee has a concern that international students are prepared for the rigors of academic work at ESR. If it appears to the Committee that further remedial work in English or additional computer skills are needed, it will be the student’s responsibility to pay for tutoring. Class entry may be delayed while such work is done. Any questions about these processes should be directed to the Admissions staff. Please review the web site or ask Admissions staff regarding required health insurance and the strict limitations set by the Immigration and Naturalization Service on student employment opportunities.

A Visit to ESR

One of the definitive ways for students to determine their fit at ESR is to visit. The Admission Hospitality Associates (AHAs) are student helpers who will arrange an itinerary that introduces you to the campus, the classroom and the community of ESR. The Admissions department is happy to arrange up to two evenings lodging. To arrange a visit, fill out our visitation form on-line.

Another way to visit ESR is to attend one of the open houses held for prospective students and spouse/partners. Open houses are typically planned to coincide with conferences at ESR such as the Spirituality Gathering and the Writer’s Colloquium. This is another good way to personally engage with the campus, academics and community of ESR. Please check the ESR website at esr.earlham.edu for information about upcoming open houses.

Appealing the Admission Decision

Any applicant denied admission may appeal by filing a written request for review to the Director of Recruitment and Admissions within ten days of being informed of the decision. Included with the request should be supporting information not previously available, particularly information of an academic nature. The Admissions Committee will consider the appeal and report its decision to the student in writing within 30 days from the receipt of the request.