Who May Apply?
Regular Admission
Persons holding a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and who hold personal and vocational objectives compatible with the mission of ESR may apply to the school for admission. The quality of previous undergraduate and graduate work, articulation of ministry objectives, letters of reference, and interviews with Admission Committee members are the chief criteria used in making admission decisions.
Conditional Admission
Applicants whose qualifications for admission are non-typical may be admitted "conditionally" under an agreement in which the student addresses lack of requirements. Conditional admission may be extended to persons who will complete a baccalaureate degree between the time application to ESR is made and the time of matriculation, persons whose undergraduate degree is from a non-accredited college, or anyone whose application shows a deficiency the Admissions Committee believes the applicant can address while working on the ESR degree. In considering such applications, the Committee will give special weight to one or more of the following: membership within the Religious Society of Friends; and persons committed to a vision of ministry consonant with that held by ESR.
Special Admission
Occasionally applicants who, because of their special circumstances, do not hold a baccalaureate degree may be admitted as a "special student." Once admitted, these students will be reviewed annually. If the special student makes academic progress at ESR and satisfies the Admissions Committee's stipulations in the student's letter of admission, the school will admit the student formally into a regular degree program. ESR can admit only a small number of special students, and potential applicants without an undergraduate degree should plan, if at all possible, to complete that degree. This option is not available to students who apply to the M.A. program.
Transfer
Students who transfer to ESR from other graduate schools may request that their transcripts be evaluated to determine what prior work may contribute to their pursuit of a degree at ESR. A formal request, along with an official copy of all transcripts to be evaluated should be forwarded to the Dean, who will determine transferable credits and ESR courses still to be met. Three important requirements guide this evaluation: the course work must be of B- quality or higher to be eligible for transfer; ATS requirements stipulate that no more than 50% of courses contributing to another degree may be counted toward a second degree, and at least one year of work must be done in residency at the institution granting the degree; and ESR curricular requirements. Course work over ten years old may not be eligible for transfer.
International Students
During the application process, ESR does distinguish between U.S. citizens with international experience and international students. "An international student" is someone who will require a visa to enter or stay in the U.S. and is therefore not eligible to receive financial aid from the U.S. government. For those students, an international packet including a specifically designed application and financial aid forms will be sent out. If a student is admitted and intends to enroll at Earlham School of Religion, a $1,080 enrollment deposit is required at the time of confirmation. 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 $1,090of the deposit to be used by the student to return home should the need arise. A balance of $1,090is required at all times. If the funds are unused at the time of the completion of studies, they are refunded directly to the student. As an additional admission requirement, all international students must score a minimum (score) of 550 written on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) prior to admission. If further remedial work in English is needed it will be the student's responsibility to pay for tutoring, and class entry may be delayed while such work is done. An application will not be considered complete until all documents are received. . Students unable to pay the initial application fee of $35 US should request a fee waiver when they submit the Application for Admission.
Any questions about these processes should be directed to the Admissions staff. International students are encouraged to begin the application process as early as possible. Please ensure that all documents are in English. ESR may award one international scholarship annually. 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. Please review website or ask Admissions staff regarding required health insurance and the strict limitations set by the Immigration and Naturalization Service on student employment opportunities.
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.