Freshman (Domestic and International)

Bradley welcomes applications for admission from all students who feel that they can benefit from and contribute to the varied academic and extracurricular offerings of the University. High school students are encouraged to apply early in their senior year but later applications will be considered as space permits.

Additional Information for International Students

Admission Requirements

Admission is based on a review of each student’s comprehensive academic and extracurricular record to predict their likelihood to be successful at Bradley. In determining an applicant’s qualifications, the following criteria are used:

  1. Required
    1. Completed Application
    2. Official copy of a high school transcript sent directly from your high school
    3. One or two-page personal statement or essay. Be sure to include your full name on each page
    4. Results from the TOEFL, IELTS, E3PT, PTE Academic, ACT or SAT (non-U.S. citizens only, this item is not needed for those non-U.S. citizens who will or who have earned a U.S. high school diploma).
  2. Optional
    1. Standardized test scores, SAT or ACT, are considered by the admission committee if they are provided. Students who elect to send official scores should request they be sent directly from the testing service or confirm with their high school that they are included on an official high school transcript.
    2. One letter of recommendation may be valuable for some students. Students may elect to include a letter from a teacher, school counselor, coach, or school activity advisor. No specific form is required.

Entrance Examinations

Bradley is test-optional for applicants to the freshman class who graduate from a high school accredited in the United States within the year prior to enrollment at Bradley, and who have not attended another college full-time before applying to Bradley. Candidates may elect to provide either SAT or ACT scores. If a student wishes to include standardized test scores, the student must request that they be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admission from the testing service or request that their high school send a transcript with the official scores reported.

Student Health Form Requirement

For the benefit and protection of each Bradley student and to comply with state law, it is required that a student health form be filed with Health Services prior to the time the student begins at the University. This form is sent to each admitted student. If a form is not received, a copy may be obtained at Health Services in the Markin Center or the Admissions Office in the Visitors Center.

All students are required to have a student health form on file at Health Services before registering. To avoid penalties and delays in registration, return the form and then verify through Health Services that it has been received and is complete.

Health Immunization Requirements

Bradley students are required to be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. Students entering Bradley University for the first time will not be allowed to register unless they provide proof of proper immunization (Public Act 85-1315). Verification of that immunization is a component of the Health Form.

General Admission Requirements

Generally, minimum curriculum requirements for all entering freshmen are as follows: 4 units (years) of English (1/2 or 1 unit of which may be speech), 3 units of college preparatory mathematics, 2 units of laboratory science, and 2 units of social sciences. See listings below for special requirements within the individual colleges and programs. (Applicants deficient in special admission requirements may be admitted but will be required to take preparatory courses in addition to the program described elsewhere in the catalog.)

Business

Required: 2 units of algebra, 1 unit of geometry, 4 units of English (1/2 or 1 unit of which may be speech). Recommended: 2 units of history and/or government.
Students entering the Foster College of Business should have a minimum of two units of algebra and one unit of geometry. Students not meeting these minimums generally must make up the deficiency, at Bradley or elsewhere. Test results will be used to help ascertain the degree of deficiency that exists. High school students are also encouraged to take additional math such as a third unit of algebra, analytic geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, and solid geometry. Generally, the more mathematics courses the better. Standardized test scores, if provided, may be used to help determine math proficiency.

Engineering

Candidates are urged to take as much mathematics and science as possible. Required: 2 units of algebra, 1 unit of plane geometry, 1/2 unit of trigonometry, 1 unit of physics. Recommended: 1/2 unit of solid geometry, 1 unit of pre-calculus, and 1 unit of chemistry; 1/2 unit of graphics for Industrial Engineering. Applicants who have not completed all of the recommended math and science courses before enrollment may be admitted. However, it is expected that students will complete these courses prior to enrollment. Standardized test scores, if provided, may be used to help determine math proficiency.

Construction and Engineering Technology

Required: 2 units of algebra, 1 unit of plane geometry, 1/2 unit of trigonometry, 1 unit of physics. Recommended: 1/2 unit of solid geometry and 1/2 unit of graphics.

Health Science

In addition to meeting University and College of Education and Health Sciences requirements, admission to the health science major as a freshman requires three units of high school mathematics and science. Biology/physiology, chemistry, and physics are recommended.

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Recommended: 2 units of a single foreign language.

Music

Required: An audition either in person or on tape. (Contact the chairperson of the Department of Music for an audition appointment.) Recommended: A minimum of four years experience in orchestra, band, choir, and/or chorus or four years of private music instruction. No musical experience or music audition is required for students enrolling in the Music and Entertainment Industry major.

Nursing

Three units of high school mathematics and science (anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry are preferred).

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses must apply to the program, meet the above requirements, and submit a transcript from an approved school of nursing and evidence of licensure to practice in at least one state. All registered nurses and licensed practical nurses should contact the Department of Nursing for additional information concerning the program.

Notification Of Admission And Reply Date

Admission notifications begin September 1 prior to enrollment in the following fall semester. After that date, all notifications will be mailed as soon as the student’s application file is complete and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Applicants for spring, interim, or summer terms will be notified as soon as admission decisions are made.

Applicants respond to offers of admission by forwarding a non-refundable $200 enrollment fee. Applicants requiring on-campus housing must submit an additional $100 housing fee. Applicants will receive preference for university housing based on the date by which both are received. However, no student seeking notification of admission is required to respond to an offer until May 1. Students admitted after May 1 have two weeks from the date of notification of admission to respond.

Early Admission

Students Pursuing a Degree

Recognizing that the range of scholastic aptitude of high school students is great, Bradley University may accept students into a degree program, providing they have:

  • completed their junior year of high school;
  • attained a “B” or better high school average;
  • attained appropriate SAT or ACT entrance examination scores;
  • forwarded a high school transcript

Exceptions to this policy will be made only under special circumstances and with the approval of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the dean of the college in which the student wishes to enroll. Students that receive an admission denial decision may contact the Office of Admission about what steps to take for the deny appeal process.

Admission Decision Appeal Process

Students who are denied admission may contact the Office of Admission to inquire about the appeal process. Exceptions to the admission denial will be made only under special circumstances. The dean of the college in which the student wishes to enroll, the Office of the Provost and, in some cases, the Office of the President may be included in an admission appeal.

High School Diploma

Prior to starting classes at Bradley, freshmen are required to provide the university a final high school transcript that indicates the date of high school graduation. Students who were homeschooled must provide comparable documentation as established by their respective state boards of education.

Student Health Form Requirement

For the benefit and protection of each Bradley student and to comply with state law, it is required that a student health form be filed with Health Services prior to the time the student begins at the University. The Bradley Health Form is available online. If a form is not received, a copy may be obtained at Health Services in the Markin Center or the Admissions Office in the Visitors Center.

All students are required to have a student health form on file at Health Services before registering. To avoid penalties and delays in registration, return the form and then verify through Health Services that it has been received and is complete.

Health Immunization Requirements

Bradley students are required to be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. Students entering Bradley University for the first time will not be allowed to register unless they provide proof of proper immunization (Public Act 85-1315). Verification of that immunization is a component of the Health Form.

Special Programs

Campus Visits

Bradley University encourages all prospective new freshman and transfer students and their families to visit campus. Students may attend one of the many campus visit programs or make arrangements for an individual visit. For further information, contact: Undergraduate Admissions, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, Illinois, 61625; 309) 677-1000 or (800) 447-6460. E-mail admissions@bradley.edu or find more information online at admissions.bradley.edu.

Off-Campus Programs

Bradley University conducts many off-campus reception and interview programs throughout the year across the United States. These sessions are designed to allow prospective students and their parents the opportunity to meet with admissions or financial assistance representatives to learn more about the admissions process, degree requirements, campus life, and financial assistance and scholarship opportunities. To secure a schedule of the off-campus admissions programs or to set up an appointment with an admissions representative, interested students should call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (800) 447-6460 or go online to bradley.edu/admissions/.

Summer Orientation

A special invitation is extended to all incoming students and their parents to attend Summer Orientation. This program is specifically designed to introduce and familiarize students and parents with Bradley University, its faculty, student body, and special services. The program is required of all incoming freshmen and highly recommended for their parents. Transfer students are also encouraged to attend orientation sessions designed for them.

This is the official catalog for the 2022-2023 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.