How to Apply

First-Year Application Process

Where do I start?

1. You can use the Common Application or the Berry Application, both of which are free and both of which are treated equally in the application process.

   Both applications ask you to write an essay. Our advice: instead of trying to impress us with your accomplishments (the rest of your application does that), use your essay as a chance to show us who you are, how you think and what you value. Your academic record tells us what kind of student you are. Your essay tells us what kind of person we’d be inviting to join our community.

2. In addition to your application and essay, we also ask that you submit the following:

   • High School Transcript(s)
   • SAT and/or ACT results (we will accept a PDF of your score report)
     • Berry’s SAT Code: 5059
     • Berry’s ACT Code: 0798

3. The following items are not required (but are more than welcome):

   • Counselor Recommendation Form
   • Teacher recommendation(s)
   • "Why Berry” essay 

Application Types

Early Decision (ED): If you’re 100%, absolutely, without-a-doubt certain that Berry is your first choice (and that you’re committed to attending Berry if admitted), then Early Decision is a great way to get the college application process out of the way before the first semester ends—so that you can enjoy the rest of your senior year and start getting excited to join the Berry family.

But please keep a few things in mind. 1) You may only apply Early Decision to one college or university. 2) You must sign a binding Early Decision Agreement before applying Early Decision to Berry. 3) If you’re not yet 100%, irrefutably convinced that you want to be at Berry, we recommend that you apply Early Action.

Also: If you plan to apply for aid as an Early Decision student, your family must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by November 1.

Early Action (EA): This option lets you hear our admission decision before the end of the fall semester and ensures that you are considered for the full range of Berry’s scholarships. Early Action admission offers are non-binding, which means you can be admitted and still choose to go elsewhere (though this would be illogical, in our opinion).

If you plan to apply for aid, we highly, highly, highly (repetition deliberate and heartfelt) recommend that you submit the FAFSA by November 1 so that we have as much time as possible to help you figure out how to make a Berry education affordable for your family.

Regular Decision (RD): Still need some time to figure out where you want to apply? Or maybe you’d like us to consider your first semester grades before we make an admission decision? No problem. Just like the other decision rounds, we (strongly) encourage you to submit your FAFSA by the application deadline to receive full consideration for scholarships and financial aid.

Need more information? Please see frequently asked questions (FAQs)

My application is submitted! What’s next?

Waiting is one of life’s less pleasant occupations. Please know that while you’re sitting mournfully by the mailbox, we’re reviewing your application, reading your essay, taking our time to get to know you and imagining you as a member of this community.

We take this work seriously and do it carefully. Which takes time.

While you wait, keep busy, keep working hard, do good in your community (these are the things that Berry students do every day).

If you just can’t keep Berry off your mind (it’s a challenge, we realize), you are welcome to come see us.

• Visit Campus (and take a tour)
• Attend an Information Session
• Observe a Class
• Schedule an Overnight Visit

We also welcome you to get to know your admission counselor by calling the office or sending an email. We’re especially interested to hear if you have received an honor, award or recognition since submitting your application.

You might also spend some time on Viking Web. It’s an easy way to check on the status of your application and the platform you might use as a student at Berry.