Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions Questions
Financial Aid Questions
Residence Life Questions
Scholarship Questions
SOAR Questions
Student Work Opportunity
Questions
Miscellaneous Questions
Admissions Questions
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What are the high school course requirements necessary for admission to Berry College?
Four years of English; four years of mathematics to include Algebra I and Algebra II, either Trigonometry or Geometry, and one additional Carnegie unit above Algebra II; three years of social science and natural science; and two years of a foreign language.
What are the required test scores and GPA needed to enroll at Berry College?
Berry looks for a 2.75 or higher Grade Point Average as well as a 22 or higher on the ACT or 1500 or higher on the SAT. Berry considers the whole student and also looks at student involvement, volunteer and work experience. In 2007, 92 percent of the incoming freshmen had a 3.0 GPA or above and approximately 62 percent scored 1100 or higher on the SAT (in the Critical Reading + Math sections) and 76 percent scored 24 or higher on the ACT.
What is the earliest my son or daughter may apply to Berry College and when can he or she expect to hear a decision?
It is recommended that students apply no earlier than the end of their junior year of high school. Review of completed application files begins in mid-October. Students will typically hear back from Berry within about two weeks of completing their application file.
Can my son or daughter receive college credit at Berry through Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and Joint Enrollment?
Yes, a student may receive credit for any of these programs. It is recommended that you contact the admissions office in order to determine how credit is awarded. The following link includes AP credits Berry currently accepts: http://www.berry.edu/registrar/ap.asp.
How many students are enrolled at Berry?
Around 1,750 undergraduate students are currently enrolled at Berry with an average class size of 22 students. The current student/teacher ratio is 12 to 1.
Do graduate students teach at Berry?
No, professors teach every class and more than 96 percent of hold their doctorate degrees.
Do you prefer the ACT or the SAT?
We accept results from either standardized test and encourage students to take both exams during their junior year.
What are the requirements for transfer students at Berry?
Any student applying to Berry that has attended any college or university after finishing high school but before applying to Berry is considered a transfer student. Berry recommends applicants have at least a 2.5 overall GPA and a 2.5 GPA at the last institution attended.
Do you have an honors program and what are the requirements?
Yes, Berry does have an honors program with classes capped at 15 students, and all honor students are required to complete either a thesis or creative project during their senior year.
An incoming freshman must have a GPA of 3.5 with a test score of either 1200 SAT or 27 ACT. Transfer students must have a 3.5 GPA.
If my son or daughter has taken advanced or honors classes, does Berry give any extra consideration to these courses?
Yes, if you have taken any advanced, honors, gifted, AP or IB classes, the grades are weighted in the grade-point average calculation. The applicant receives an additional 0.5 quality point for each class.
Is there early decision process at Berry College?
No. Berry works on a rolling basis. As applications are received we make decisions on them beginning in mid-October and continuing throughout the school year.
When can I visit the campus?
The admissions office is open for appointments Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most Saturdays during the academic year from 9 to noon. To schedule a campus visit, please call 1-800-237-7942.
Is there an application deadline for the fall semester?
February 1 is a priority date for the fall semester. March 31 is the deadline date to submit new test scores to boost scholarship eligibility. On a space available basis, applications are accepted until 30 days prior to the start of the term.
Are freshman applicants considered for terms other than fall?
Berry College accepts freshman applicants for the spring and summer semesters. The application deadline is 30 days prior to the start of the term, on a space available basis.
Financial Aid Questions
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Does Berry College accept the HOPE scholarship?
Eligible Georgia residents will receive a $3,500 per academic year award. By maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average, the award is renewable for the sophomore, junior and senior years. Students are highly encouraged to fill out the HOPE scholarship, which if filled out correctly, will also qualify them for the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG). The GTEG is a $1,200 per academic year award for students attending private schools in the state of Georgia that does not have a grade-point average.
Is my son or daughter required to submit the FAFSA for the HOPE scholarship?
You do not need to submit the FAFSA for the obtaining the HOPE scholarship. The FAFSA information determines the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) used in awarding federal financial assistance programs. All students are highly encouraged to submit the FAFSA to determine eligibility for any other institutional funds available.
Residence Life Questions
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May my son or daughter see my room before the move in date?
In most cases, no. Residence hall rooms are not available to see before August. Many of our halls are used either for summer school or conference groups during most of the summer months. After these groups leave, our housekeeping staff needs time to prepare the halls for your arrival.
When can my son or daughter move in?
The fall semester official move-in date for first year students is the Wednesday before classes begin. Transfer students can move in beginning on the Friday before classes begin. Check-in (getting your keys) will take place in your area's resident assistant office (Dana, Lemley, East Mary or Townhouse F). Returning students may move in on the Saturday before classes begin.
What furniture is provided in my son or daughter’s room?
Each resident will have a bed, (twin or extra long twin), chest of drawers, closet/wardrobe, desk, and chair. Each room is also equipped with one telephone jack with voicemail capabilities. See Residence Hall Bedroom Furniture for details.
Are students allowed to build loft beds?
Yes, See Berry College Loft Program.
How can my son or daughter change his or her room?
See Room Change Policy.
Are telephones provided?
No. Telephone jacks are in the room.
Will my son or daughter have cable television access and a computer connection?
Yes, and yes. Cable Television is provided; one jack per room. Each student has a port for their computer for connection to the Internet. Internet service and E-mail are provided by Computing & Technology. All resident hall rooms have a free, high-speed, 100 Mbps, Ethernet connection
for each student (a one-to-one "port per pillow" ratio; eliminating the need for modems).
What is a resident assistant?
An RA is an upper class student leader trained to develop community among the residents of a hall. RA's report to the Director, Assistant Director, and Coordinator of Residence Life (see the Staff Directory).
Are laundry facilities provided?
Coin operated washers and dryers are provided in each residence area. It is $1 to wash and $0.50 per half-hour to dry.
Does the rooms have curtains or blinds?
All residence hall buildings have window blinds.
Does my son or daughter need to move out during breaks?
Residence hall facilities are not open for occupancy during Thanksgiving Break and the break between fall and spring semesters. In order to stay during Fall Break or Spring Break, students must register with the Residence Life office. Residents may leave their personal belongings (at their own risk) in the rooms during the breaks.
Is the room damage deposit refundable?
See info in the Viking Code or a housing agreement from last year.
When will my son or daughter find out their room assignment and roommate?
New students will be notified of their room assignment and given the name(s) of their roommate(s) when they attend a summer SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) Session during June. Later SOAR attendees will have their room assignments and roommate information mailed to them in July.
How can I find out more information or ask specific questions?
First, see if you can find the answers to your questions in the Housing Contract or the Viking Code located on our website at www.berry.edu/stulife/rlife. Last, but certainly not least, feel free to E-mail us with your questions: reslife@berry.edu.
Can my son or daughter hang pictures, posters, etc. on the wall?
Yes. We recommend sticky putty that will not leave a residue (test on a small area before using everywhere). Drilling holes is not permitted.
Where can I find out more information on the meal plan?
Please visit Dining Service's website or call their office at 706-236-1701.
Can my son or daughter bring a pet?
If the pet is a fish. Fish are the only pets allowed. Aquariums are limited to 20 gallons and must be well maintained. During Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks all electrical appliances (including aquarium equipment) must be disconnected.
Do students have residency requirements?
Students must live on campus at least four semesters as a full-time student unless they meet one of the following criteria at the end of Spring Semester prior to the opening of the upcoming academic calendar year: 1.) completion of 60 credit hours of academic work; 2.) At least 21 years old; 3.) Married; 4.) Residing with their parents, grandparents, or legal guardian within a 40 mile radius of Berry College; 5.) Veteran with at least two years of active military service; 6.) Registered for less than 12 hours; 7.) Possession of an earned associates degree.
Are freshman allowed to have cars on campus?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered with the Berry College campus police department and the vehicle is parked in the designated areas.
Is there a curfew? What are the visitation hours?
We do not have a curfew for resident students; however, we do have specific visitation hours as follows:
Sunday - Thursday..........11:00 am - midnight
Friday & Saturday...........11:00 am - 1:00 am
Scholarship Questions
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How does a transfer student apply for merit scholarship?
Transfer applicants will also be automatically screened for merit scholarship. A transfer student will need to have over 28 semester hours and at least a 3.4 GPA to be considered for merit scholarship at Berry College.
How do freshmen apply for merit scholarship at Berry?
Every admitted freshman who submits a copy of his or her high school transcript with completed fall senior year grades and a copy of either the SAT or ACT test scores will automatically be considered for merit scholarship. All students are encouraged to apply before the February 1 priority date in order to be given full consideration for merit scholarship. Any additional questions about merit scholarship should be addressed to an admissions counselor in the Office of Admissions at 1-800-237-7942.
SOAR Questions
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How does my son or daughter change his or her SOAR date?
If you need to change your SOAR date, call the Office of Admissions and they will assign you a later SOAR date that works better for you.
How does my son or daughter change his or her major?
Students will meet with their advisors during SOAR to confirm their class schedule for the fall. If they want to change their major they can do so during this time and can also change their classes if necessary.
Why should my son or daughter take the foreign language exam?
Every student is encouraged to take the Foreign Language exam that is administered the first morning of SOAR. We offer a Spanish, French, and German exam, allowing each student the opportunity to earn you up to eight credit hours. These credit hours are not only useful for students who need Foreign Language credit for their major or minor, but they can also be used to meet students’ General Education elective requirement.
Will my son or daughter get to meet his or her roommate at SOAR?
If your roommate for next year attends the same SOAR session as you, you will room with them during SOAR so that you can get to know them and discuss plans for your room.
Will my son or daughter get to see his or her residence hall room while he or she is at SOAR?
The residence halls at Berry are used to accommodate a number of events on campus during the summer so most students will not be able to see their actual room. Residence Life will provide floor plans for all dorm rooms. You might also want to check out Residence Life’s web page for more information on what to bring, room layouts, etc.
What does my son or daughter need to bring to SOAR?
Pillow and linens for the bed
Towel
Toiletries
Comfortable clothes and shoes
All necessary forms and papers
What should I wear?
Dress is casual so it is not necessary to dress up for the banquet on the first night. Dress for hot weather and be prepared for possible rain.
Are my son or daughter’s meals provided?
They will have to get breakfast and lunch on their own the first day of SOAR. Your orientation fee covers the cost of the dinner banquet for your student and two parents as well as breakfast on the second day.
What are the overnight accommodations?
All students will be staying in an assigned dorm room on campus overnight. Parents will need to make arrangements for accommodations from the list of recommended Rome-area motels.
Does my son or daughter still stay overnight on campus if he or she is a commuter?
All students are encouraged to stay on campus overnight during SOAR, even if they will not be living in the residence halls in the fall. This gives every student the opportunity to participate in the late-night entertainment, socialize with the other incoming students, and get to know their SOAR leaders better.
Student Work Opportunity Questions
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Who can participate in the student work program?
Regardless of financial need, all undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in some form of work outside the classroom. Approximately 78 percent of the current undergraduate students participate each semester. At graduation, more than 90 percent of the students have worked at some time during their undergraduate enrollment.
How are on-campus jobs obtained?
New students are asked to complete a work qualification form. Placements are made based upon students' skills and interests, position availability and individual academic schedules. Off-campus jobs are listed in the work opportunity office. For more information about on-campus and off-campus work, contact the Office of Student Work and Financial Aid.
What can my son or daughter expect to earn?
The pay scale begins at $5.15 per hour. Current student earnings range from $1,560 to $4,200 annually. Students receive a paycheck every two weeks.
How many hours can my son or daughter work per week?
Entering freshmen can work up to 15 hours per week. The average hours worked is 12 hours per week. upper class students can work up to 20 hours per week. A limited number of juniors and seniors may be promoted to supervisory positions.
What types of employment opportunities are available?
More than 100 different job classifications on campus, including:
Athletic trainer, bookkeeper, cashier, child-care worker, computer lab supervisor, dairy worker, electrician, food service worker, housekeeper, janitor, library clerk, lifeguard, mechanic, office worker, photographer, postal clerk, printer, publications writer, research assistant, residence hall assistant, secretary, switchboard operator, tour guide, tutor, video production assistant, water plant operator and weaver.
Miscellaneous Questions
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Are freshman allowed to have cars on campus?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered with the Berry College campus police department and the vehicle is parked in the designated areas.
Can I earn credit by examination?
Advance placement or credit may be earned through the Advanced Placement Program (APP), the International Baccalaureate (IB) and proficiency examinations administered by the appropriate academic department.
What types of activities are available on campus?
See the Student Activities Web site at http://www.berry.edu/stulife/activities/
Which intercollegiate athletic teams are available at Berry?
See the Athletics Web site at http://www.berry.edu/athletics/