Admission
Centre College enrolls students who have completed college preparatory high school programs and have achieved strong academic records in their course work. Though most admitted students present high school programs that include more college preparatory courses, including honors and advanced-level work, the minimum preparation required for admission to Centre includes the following: English—4 units, Mathematics—4 units (Algebra I and II, geometry, and at least one advanced math course), Science—2 units (laboratory courses), Social studies—2 units, Global language—2 units, the Arts—some study in the arts. If the “core” courses above are not available, or if unusual circumstances such as home study or international travel preclude such study, the Admission Committee may choose to exercise flexibility.
Centre takes a holistic approach to application review. While the strength of a student’s high school curriculum and academic performance are the primary factors in admission decisions, other components such as the essay, co-curricular involvement, and community engagement also play a meaningful role. Centre adopted a permanent test optional admission policy beginning Fall 2025. If a student chooses to apply without submitting test scores, other parts of the application factor more heavily in our review process. Students who choose not to submit test scores receive full consideration for merit and premier scholarships. If standardized ACT or SAT scores are submitted, the highest score attained on either test is used in the admission decision. Centre uses the highest combination of Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math scores to calculate an SAT total score. Similarly, we combine a student's highest ACT section scores to calculate a new composite score. Centre welcomes but does not require the science sub-section of the ACT to be submitted for evaluation. Centre requires a written personal statement on a provided topic. A secondary school evaluation prepared by the applicant's high school counselor is required. Additionally, one written recommendation is required from a teacher who has taught the student in a college preparatory course during the sophomore, junior, or senior year. Supplementary recommendations from a coach, employer, etc. may be submitted. We also evaluate personal commitments in areas such as school activities, athletics, fine arts, community groups, part-time work, and family responsibilities. An interview is not a requirement for admission, but we strongly recommend an admission conversation to ensure that there is a good match between the student’s interests and talents and Centre’s academic and non-academic offerings.
Centre accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition for College Application, which become available to students in early August before their senior year. A brief written supplement is required and is included on both applications. Students may submit the Common Application online at commonapp.org, the Coalition for College Application at https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org, and there is no application fee. Students may choose from among four application plans: Early Decision I, Early Action, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision.
Centre College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran’s status, citizenship status, or genetic information in its admission process. The college admits applicants based on preparation, achievement, qualification, and character.
Early Decision I
Students who believe Centre is their first-choice college and are prepared to make an early commitment to Centre may apply Early Decision I (ED I) by November 1. Early Decision candidates pledge to enroll if they are admitted, provided they receive a financial aid award that meets calculated financial need. Applicants will receive admission and scholarship decisions by December 1 and financial aid notification by mid-December. Admitted ED I students submit an enrollment deposit by December 15 and will withdraw their applications to other colleges at the point of making an enrollment deposit.
Early Decision II
Students who believe Centre is their first-choice college and who are prepared to make an early commitment to Centre may apply Early Decision II (ED II) by January 15. Early Decision II candidates pledge to enroll if they are admitted, provided they receive a financial aid award that meets calculated financial need. Applicants will receive admission and scholarship decisions by February 15 and financial aid notification in late February. Admitted ED II students submit an enrollment deposit by March 1 and will withdraw their applications to any other colleges at the point of making an enrollment deposit.
Early Action
Students who wish to receive an early admission decision may apply under Centre’s Early Action plan. To qualify, applicants must submit all required admission materials by November 15 and indicate their intent to apply Early Action. Students will receive an official admission decision by late December. Financial aid packages are released in late January or early February, and admitted students have until May 1, National Candidate’s Reply Date, to confirm their enrollment.
Centre Promise
We believe that a transformative education should be within reach for everyone. That's why we're proud to meet 100% of calculated financial need for all admitted domestic students beginning with the incoming class fall of 2025. We provide you with a financial aid package that meets 100% of your calculated financial need through a combination of scholarships, grants, work study, and loans. Calculates need is determined through the submission of both the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Regular Decision
The Regular Decision application deadline is February 1. Applicants can expect to receive notification of admission by early-March, and admitted students must notify the College of their college choice by May 1 (the National Candidate's Reply Date). Students receive their financial aid package in March.
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Credit
Centre views all coursework completed prior to high school graduation as foundational preparation for the College’s rigorous four-year academic program, rather than as a substitute for courses offered on our campus. We do, however, recognize credit earned through two internationally recognized programs. Through the Advanced Placement program of the College Board, Centre awards a minimum of three hours of credit for scores of 4 or 5 on most Advanced Placement exams taken in the junior and/or senior years of high school. Credit for global language requires validation by the College's own language placement exam. Academic programs may award additional credit and assign course equivalencies.
Centre also recognizes the International Baccalaureate program and will generally grant college credit for exam scores of 6 or 7 earned on the higher-level exams. Credit may be awarded for a grade of 5 or higher on the higher-level exams in global languages. Regardless of credit granted, individual major programs have the prerogative to place students in an appropriate course, to waive lower-level requirements, and to determine equivalencies to courses in their curriculum.
Credit may be granted for appropriate courses appearing on a college transcript with a grade of "C-" or higher. All courses are subject to approval by the Registrar. If approved, courses are initially awarded as elective credit. Courses can also be evaluated by program chairs for equivalency to pre-existing Centre College courses upon request from the student. All courses that have previously been approved as equivalent will automatically be awarded to students that have taken the same course from the same awarding institution.
NOTE: A maximum of 24 hours of pre-matriculation credits may be awarded to first-year students from all sources (e.g., Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual-credit, all other college credit). Credit is not awarded for any course or exam completed prior to the start of the junior year in high school.
Admission of Transfer Students
We welcome applications from qualified students who wish to transfer from other colleges or universities. Transfer applications are evaluated using the following criteria: the quality of academic performance in previous college courses; the level of preparation and academic achievement in secondary school; academic aptitude and achievement as measured by such tests as the ACT or SAT if they choose to submit standardized scores and a written essay. Personal commitments, involvement in school or community activities, employment, or domestic duties are also considered. Transfer students must be in good academic and social standing at their previous institution and be eligible to return. Credit is given for courses comparable to those taught at Centre or those which are compatible with a liberal arts education. Credit will be granted or courses in which the grade attained was “C-” or better. Transfer students must fulfill all of Centre’s graduation requirements. This includes completing a minimum of 54 credit hours at Centre, with at least 23 of the final 30 credit hours taken in residence. Some general education requirements may also need to be completed through coursework at Centre
International Students
Centre welcomes applications from international citizens who have outstanding secondary school records and who meet university entrance requirements in their native countries. International students should apply for admission via the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) or Coalition for College Application. International students may be considered for competitive merit scholarships and for limited need-based financial aid. International applicants whose primary language of instruction is not English must present credentials attesting to their proficiency in English. Proficiency may be demonstrated the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language - iBT or Essentials), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), the DET (Duolingo English Test), or the Pearson PTE. Our required minimum for the TOEFL iBT is 93, the TOEFL Essentials is 9.5, the IELTS is 7.0, the DET is 125, and the Pearson PTE is 64. English proficiency can also be demonstrated by a) strong performance on the reading/writing sections of the SAT or ACT, or b) strong performance in a curriculum taught in English. Students who are proficient in English who believe they should be exempt from submitting an English proficiency test may submit an English proficiency test waiver request. Additional instructions for international students are on the College’s admission web pages.
Campus Visits
We strongly encourage prospective students to visit the campus, either for an open house event or a daily visit. A weekday visit during the academic year will typically include touring the campus with a Centre student, meeting with an admission counselor, and attending a class or meeting with an appropriate faculty or staff member. Airport pick-ups in Lexington and Louisville are also available. The Admission Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday all year and by appointment on selected Saturdays from September through April from 10 a.m. until noon. Visits should be scheduled in advance through the College’s website. Centre also offers a variety of virtual resources that prospective students may explore to become better acquainted with Centre. Virtual resources may be found on Centre's website.