Concordia’s Admission Office

The purpose of the Office of Admission is to recruit and enroll qualified students who are a good match for our community of learners. Concordia students have achieved academic success prior to enrolling at the College, so you can expect that others in your class will be strong students academically. We consider various factors when making decisions about admission, such as academic preparation; personal character, qualities and interests; leadership potential; extracurricular activity participation; evidence of social and ethical concerns and volunteer service. Standardized test scores, GPA, and class ranks are important factors we consider but are not the exclusive factors being reviewed.

The Admission Office can be contacted and application materials obtained at:

Admission Office
Concordia College
901 8th St. S.
Moorhead, MN 56562
Phone: 218.299.3004 or 800.699.9897
Email: admissions@cord.edu
Website: www.ConcordiaCollege.edu

Admission representatives and staff are available to assist you and answer any questions you or your family may have.

Students wishing to apply as first-year students should submit an application. When the application is submitted the college will request your official high school transcript. Concordia College has a test-optional admission policy.

Concordia’s ACT score code is 2104 and our SAT score code is 6113. Please use these codes when you take the tests so the results will come directly to Concordia.

Admission Process

Concordia operates on a rolling admission basis, which means as soon as we have received all of your material, our Admission Committee will review your application. You will generally receive an admission decision within 10 days from the time your application is completed. Accepted students can finalize their admission by submitting a $300 deposit with the appropriate form.

Financial aid is only awarded to those who have been accepted, and housing is only assigned to those who have been accepted and who have finalized their admission by submitting the deposit and completing the online housing application.

Financial aid opportunities at Concordia are numerous, and no student should rule out attending Concordia based solely on cost until they have investigated the aid that is available to assist them.

Most new students join Concordia for fall semester beginning in late August, although a smaller number of students join for spring semester beginning in early January. We recommend August as the best time to start. Acceptances are offered contingent upon successful completion of your current course of study, so accepted students should be sure their schools send official transcripts to Concordia after you have completed your current studies.

Visit Concordia

There is no better way to find out what Concordia is like than to visit the campus. We are eager to have you visit at any time. Some students prefer to be part of a group and join one of the many Visit Days held throughout the year. Other students prefer to visit individually at a time of their choosing. Either can be equally rewarding, and visits are highly recommended because we know their value in helping you make an informed decision.

We suggest arranging your visit in advance online at www.ConcordiaCollege.edu or by calling 218.299.3004 or 800.699.9897. If we have advance notice, we can arrange for you to stay in a residence hall, visit classes, meet professors and students, and attend college functions. Admission representatives can meet with you to answer your questions and advise you about selecting a school and Concordia in particular.

Academic Preparation

Concordia, like most private colleges, does not require a specific pattern of high school courses for admission. However, our experience shows that students who are best prepared for Concordia have a high school record that includes:

• Four years of English
• A minimum of three years each in the sciences, mathematics, and social sciences
• Two years in another language.

Computer experience and exposure to fine arts round out a good high school schedule. The Admission Committee also recognizes students who have participated in honors courses or who have done advanced placement work.

We recognize there may be curricular limitations at smaller high schools, and students who are otherwise well-prepared with strong academic backgrounds are still considered for admission. Similarly, students from outside the United States, where curricula vary widely, are considered for admission and should strive to follow an academic, university preparation curriculum at their schools.

For admission as a non-degree-seeking student, you must provide satisfactory evidence of prerequisite training to pursue your course of study.

Transfer Students & Transfer Credit

Concordia College considers transfer student applications on a rolling basis. Early application to the college is recommended.

Students considering transferring to Concordia may request an initial evaluation of transfer credit prior to applying or in conjunction with applying by submitting an official postsecondary transcript(s) and specifically requesting this service. This evaluation is only preliminary, but it should be complete enough to be helpful in planning for your transfer. Misrepresentation, omission of information or failure to provide information may be cause for delay or be grounds for dismissal.

The Office of the Registrar evaluates official postsecondary transcripts and appropriate transfer credit is awarded and entered after students finalize their admission. All courses on postsecondary transcripts that are eligible for transfer will be transferred. Students presenting credits in music theory are also required to write an examination to determine placement in this area.

For admission with advanced standing using transfer credit, you must request official transcripts from each postsecondary institution you have attended to be sent directly to Concordia; in addition, if you are in your first year of college, you must submit the same material traditional first-year students submit. Transfer students who are in their second year or beyond of full-time study are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. Acceptance depends upon your previous academic record as well as upon the other factors considered when admitting first-year students.

More information about transfer credit can be found in the transfer credit policy.

International Student Admission Procedures

To be considered for admission, international students should send:

• An application
• Certified copies of academic records from all secondary schools and colleges or universities you have attended. If your academic records are not in English, you must have them translated into English by a certified public translator. Official certificates from any nationally administered tests in your country (during or at the completion of high school) if applicable
• Evidence of English proficiency
  • TOEFL (Internet-based test) score of 71
  • TOEFL (Paper-based test) score or 525
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 5.5
  • Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 95
  • SAT Critical Reading Section score of 450
  • ACT English + Reading combined subscores of 31
  • Other means of demonstrating English proficiency may be considered; however, all new students must demonstrate to our satisfaction the ability to communicate effectively in an American college classroom before admittance. Additional information is at www.ConcordiaCollege.edu/englishproficiency
• International student financial aid and certification form
• International students must demonstrate adequate financial support before Concordia College can issue an I-20 document. Most applicants submit a certified bank statement reflecting sufficient financial support from a family member or sponsor in order to meet this requirement.
• Students requesting transfer of credit for courses taken at universities outside of the United States must have their final transcripts evaluated by an approved credential evaluation agency found on the NACES website (www.naces.org).
• SAT results and a personal essay are generally not required, but we recommend submitting them as they can increase your chances for admission. We may require the SAT if it is difficult for the Admission Committee to evaluate academic ability from the documents supplied.
• Programs may have particular deadlines for applications and deposits in order to allow enough time to process the application and complete other requirements for international students. Please see individual programs for specific dates and requirements for admission.

Services that Concordia provides to international students include an on-campus, international student advisor and an international orientation. Year-round housing in residence halls is also available.

Acceptances are offered contingent upon successful completion of your current course of study, so accepted students should be sure their schools send official transcripts to Concordia after you have completed your current studies. Failure to present adequate proof of high school completion (or the equivalence) may result in your admission decision being rescinded.