A formal application to Hillsdale College includes:

1. A completed application form. Applicants may apply using the Hillsdale College Online Undergraduate Application, submit The Common Application online, or mail a Hillsdale College Paper Application (PDF available soon). Paper applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $35.00. The application fee is waived for online application methods.
2. Two academic letters of recommendation (no additional recommendation form must accompany these letters), plus optional recommendations/character evaluations not to exceed three total
3. Official high school transcript(s)
4. Official college or university transcript(s) from any institution(s) where academic credit has been granted
5. Official score reports from either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (Hillsdale's SAT code is 1295) or the American College Test (Hillsdale's ACT code is 2010), or a labeled high school transcript with complete scores
6. A résumé of extracurricular activities, volunteerism, leadership, and work experience
7. Thoughtful essay responses
8. A current photograph used for identification purposes only

*International students must submit all transcripts with English translation and, if applicable, demonstrate proficiency with English by submitting the results of the TOEFL or equivalent test.

*Homeschool students must submit a transcript from a homeschooling guild or association, or if unavailable, detailed course descriptions along with proficiency levels and textbooks used. One letter of recommendation from students of homeschooling backgrounds should be from the primary educator, with the other coming from someone other than a friend or relative who can speak to the student's ability to complete a rigorous program of academic study.

Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other accompanying application paperwork should be mailed directly to:

Admissions Office
Hillsdale College
33 E. College Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242

Applicants are usually notified of the Admissions Committee's decision in a timely manner following the Application Plan under which the application was submitted.

Early Admission Candidates earning a diploma before the completion of a full four years of secondary school will be considered for admission on the same basis as others. Only candidates of unusual qualifications will be granted admission before receiving a diploma, and then only with the written recommendation and consent of the secondary school concerned. Some high schools permit highly-qualified students to earn the high school diploma by substituting all or part of the first year at an accredited college for the high school senior year.

Transfer Students

Students who wish to transfer to Hillsdale College from another college or university must submit the standard application, including high school record and SAT or ACT scores, and forward transcripts from any and all colleges previously attended. In addition, they must submit a transfer evaluation form, completed by the dean of students at their current school. Applications of transfer candidates are evaluated in a manner similar to the process of non-transfers, with no specific criterion assuring acceptance or rejection. Attention is given to the strength of the academic program and to the length and degree of success at the previous college.

Once admitted to Hillsdale, transfer students may expect to receive an evaluation of transfer credits as determined by the registrar. Courses with a grade of "D+" or lower and courses not considered liberal arts in nature are not transferable.

It is not the usual practice of the College to accept for transfer a candidate who has been asked to withdraw from another institution, and withholding of this information by the candidate is considered improper and grounds for dismissal. Likewise, the transfer candidate is expected to indicate any and all colleges previously attended.

Guest Students

Students in good standing at another institution who plan to return to that institution may enroll briefly at Hillsdale as guest students after filing a guest application. That application form is available at the records office of most colleges or may be obtained by contacting Hillsdale’s Admissions Office.

Exception to the Usual Requirements

The usual criteria for admission may be modified in the case of veterans or adults, provided there is evidence to indicate that these applicants are otherwise qualified to pursue studies at the college level. USAFI credits are accepted. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of CEEB is suggested for students seeking credit and placement on the basis of experience rather than formal study.

Special Students

Permission is granted to a limited number of students, usually adults not in residence, to enroll for fewer than the minimum number of credit hours carried by a regular student. These students pay the per-credit-hour tuition fee and enroll for not more than 11 hours of course work each semester. They are designated as special students who may or may not be working toward a degree.