Admissions Requirements and Process: Berry has three different options for applying (see chart and explanations below): Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. The application process includes Transcripts, Test Scores, and an Essay. Optional items are: Counselor Recommendation, Teacher Recommendation, and a Why Berry essay, detailing why you are interested in attending. Students who are interested in applying can do so on the Common App or through Berry's website.
| Admission Option | Type | Application Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | Binding | November 1 | Begins December 1 |
| Early Action | Non-binding | November 1 | Begins December 15 |
| Regular Decision | Non-binding | January 15 | Begins February 15 |
Early Decision (ED) is for you if you are completely committed to Berry and promise to attend Berry if offered admission. You may only apply Early Decision to one college or university, and a signed Early Decision Agreement is required for consideration of your application to Berry. Early Decision also requires submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the November 1 deadline. If you’re only 90% sure you want to be here (not 100%), then we recommend you apply Early Action.
Early Action (EA) is the decision timeline most of our students choose and will ensure that you are considered for the full range of Berry’s scholarships. If you are excited about Berry and want to be notified of your admission decision beginning in mid-December, apply by November 1 under Early Action. We highly highly highly (did we say highly? J) recommend that you submit the FAFSA by November 1 as well so that we can guide you through the financial planning for your college education.
Regular Decision (RD) is for you if you need a bit more time to decide where you’d like to end up. Perhaps you’d like for us to see your first semester senior grades before we make an admissions decision. If you meet our Regular Decision deadline, you will be notified of your admission decision beginning in mid-February. Just like the other decision rounds, we strongly encourage you to submit a FAFSA by the application deadline to receive full consideration for scholarships and financial aid.
Scholarships: Berry has both Academic and Need-Based Scholarships, which include their talent, performing arts, and community opportunities. They are dedicated to making college more affordable, so check out this link for a full list of what they have to offer!
Majors/Minors: There are 45 majors and 40 minors at Berry to choose from. They also have very pre-professional programs (vet, med, dental, law, and pharmacy) that are strong, especially their pre-vet and pre-med! Business and International Business are two majors that they have seen growth, which is also seen through their MBA opportunity after they graduate with a Bachelor's degree.
Unique Opportunities/Other Info: Berry has study abroad for international business, nursing, and education. There's also an opportunity through the Honors college to study in Glasgow, Scotland! The Honors College accepts about 60 students each year, and provides additional events and spaces on campus for those students.
Berry has also done a great job with on-campus jobs, with most students working 8 hours a week. This is a great opportunity for students to show responsibility and initiative.
Berry was founded on Christian principles, and that is shown through their involvement with religious activities on campus (which are optional).
Some fun activities they have each year are the Marthapalooza (after founder Martha Berry), where students have a late-night carnival after Mountain Day, which is in October. They also have a Vegas weekend, where a Casino Night, along with other activities, such as a dance, take place in February.
Visiting: Berry has both Open House events and Individual visits for students to come see their campus. Once admitted, they also have Decision Berry and Berry Bound, which are programs so you visit Berry for an overnight (Decision) or a day (Bound) to see campus, meet other admitted applicants, and experience what life is like at Berry College!
