Admissions Questions Frequently Asked by Parents

Questions Frequently Asked by Parents

Hello prospective parents and future members of the High Point University family! I’m Andy Bills, Vice President for Enrollment. First and foremost, I want you to know how proud we are of your student. As a parent of three, I personally know how hard your student has worked to get to this point. Please know that the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is here to assist you and your family as your student embarks on their college journey. Below I have answered the top ten most frequently asked questions from the perspective of a parent. I hope you’ll find this list to be helpful.

Answered by Andy Bills, Vice President for Enrollment


1.  How many undergraduate students attend High Point University and what percent are from out of state?

High Point University has 4,000 undergraduate students. The student body represents 47 states and 34 countries. 76 percent of students are from out-of-state. Historically, the university has enrolled students from 94 countries.

 

2.  What are the differential advantages of High Point University? 

High Point University is different with relevance.  It’s student-centered.  It’s values-based. It’s pristine.  It’s safe. It’s a holistic learning environment. The school has experienced amazing transformation that has already brought more than 20 new buildings to campus, doubled the number of faculty, increased academic standards, and tripled the size of the freshman class since 2005.

High Point University is invested in creating an immersive learning environment where character and careers are crafted in unison. Students graduate armed with a powerful combination of confidence, knowledge, experience, and humility. They are prepared to lead, to give, to serve, and to make a positive impact on the global community. Building character, modeling values, and ensuring that students graduate with not only the expertise in their discipline but also with the skills necessary to be successful in life. That’s High Point University’s holistic approach to education.

 

3.  What is the student-faculty ratio at High Point University? 

High Point University’s student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.

As the university itself has grown, it has attracted the attention of thousands of faculty across the country and the world.  This influx of faculty interest has enabled HPU to be incredibly selective when hiring, and as a result, High Point University faculty members are active in their field and driven by student success.  Faculty members have previously taught and studied at leading universities such as, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and Duke. There are 17 students in the average class at High Point and within that small community, professors teach every class and prove themselves to be engaging mentors, eager to share their own research and scholarly interests.  These professors enable practical, project-based learning within the classroom and opportunities for undergraduate research.

 

4. What is High Point University’s campus like?

From the energy of the vibrant water fountains, to the international flags lining the Kester International Promenade and the classical music that permeates the air; to the numerous quotes from the greatest minds in history etched in stone along the pathways to class; to the more than a dozen great thinkers in history sculpted in bronze and “seated” on benches all along the academic corridor; to the state-of-the-art technology in classrooms and all around campus inside and outside; to our stellar, caring and learned faculty teaching every class; to the high quality residence halls and dining options; to the pristine campus landscape, and extremely safe and secure environment; High Point University is an inspiring and encouraging place where students choose to be extraordinary.

 

5.  How are High Point University’s academics? 

High Point University’s core curriculum has been designed to introduce students to their field of study throughout the freshman year. Throughout the four-year term at High Point, students take an active part in their learning.  Freshman year launches them into collaborative research and learning initiatives and includes a one-of-a-kind Freshman Seminar course and the President’s Seminar on Life Skills, taught by the school’s world-renowned president Dr. Nido R. Qubein. Throughout sophomore year, students engage in internships and externships, working heavily with High Point’s Office of Career and Internship Services to fully utilize the school’s network of contacts, develop a résumé, create a strategy for the application process and practice tactics for successful interviewing.  Junior year introduces students to full-semester study abroad options, which are currently available through partnerships with prestigious universities in over 20 countries.  As seniors, High Point University students focus intently on civic engagement and service as they prepare to graduate with ambitions of not only success, but also significance.

 

6.  What are High Point University’s admission requirements?

High Point University accepts applications for enrollment on a competitive basis. We seek applicants who demonstrate exceptional scholarship, outstanding achievement, good citizenship and strong leadership.

Admissions decisions are based on the following:

  • A student’s academic performance and achievement
  • The academic rigor of these classes and your school
  • Scores achieved on either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT)
  • A student’s character and past performance
  • A student’s demonstrated leadership
  • The written essay on our application
  • The Counselor Report Form
  • Letter of Recommendation from teachers or counselors
  • Demonstrated interest in attending High Point University

Click here to see our High School Academic Requirements.

 

7.  What is the difference between applying Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision?

 

Early Decision is for those applicants who consider High Point University their number one college choice. It is a binding agreement in which, if admitted, you agree to withdraw all other college applications and enroll at High Point University. Early Decision students have first priority in housing selection and in class registration event sign-up.

Early Decision II is for students who missed the initial Early Decision deadline. Early Decision II is a binding agreement that, if admitted, you will withdraw all other college applications and enroll at High Point University. Early Decision II students have second priority in housing selection and in class registration event sign-up.

Early Action is for those applicants who consider High Point University one of their top few college choices. It is a non-binding application plan. Early Action students have third priority in housing selection and in class registration event sign-up.

Regular Decision is for those students not applying under one of our early application plans. Please know that Regular Decision applications are not reviewed until all Early Decision and Early Action decisions have been made.

Over 80 percent of our incoming class is compromised of Early Decision (I and II) and Early Action candidates.

 

8.  How are merit-based scholarships awarded?

Merit-based scholarships are granted based on 5 criteria: high school GPA, board scores, course rigor, demonstrated leadership, and on-campus interview.

For merit scholarship consideration, it is required for those academically qualified to complete the Presidential Scholarship Program application in advance of the December 20, 2012 deadline. Since High Point University does not award top scholarships at the time of admitting a student, high school seniors interested in receiving an academic scholarship from High Point University must submit their Presidential Scholarship application at www.highpoint.edu/scholarship. Academically qualified students who apply after the December 20, 2012 deadline will need to contact their Admissions Counselor regarding merit scholarship opportunities.

 

9.  How safe is High Point University’s campus?

At High Point University, the safety and security of our students is a top priority. All campus entrances offer a Welcome Center with a security officer to greet all students and guests. A HPU Passport Card is required for admittance to campus. All guests must register with security before entering campus.  The university is staffed with professional security forces, student patrol, a campus escort service, and off-duty High Point City police officers. Campus security and safety is enhanced with a well-lit campus, plentiful blue security towers and yellow emergency call boxes, closed circuit television, an audible alert and text messaging system, and a robust card access system that control residence hall doors 24-hour a day.

 

10.  How is High Point University preparing its students for long-term success?

Employers are recognizing High Point University graduates as the package deal.  Students leave High Point with a solid and relevant education, and they walk across the stage at graduation with a greater sense of joy, service and confidence.  Over 60 percent of HPU students choose to further their education immediately following graduation and nearly 30 percent land jobs at some of the nation’s greatest organizations.

With High Point University taking such strides to practically equip students for successful futures, it is no surprise that alumni are honored in leadership positions across the world.  The COO of BB&T, Bloomberg’s NYC Hedge Fund manager, the head men’s basketball coach of University of Minnesota, many government officials, the former executive producer of the NBC Today Show, several authors, a Grammy Award winner, an Emmy Award winner, and a member of the Horatio Alger Society of Distinguished Americans all call High Point University home.