Transfer
Transfer Admissions - Process and Standards
A transfer applicant is considered to be anyone who has obtained a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and who has attempted college course work beyond high school. College-level credits earned at regionally accredited institutions are evaluated and accepted as credit toward graduation from Mount Mercy. However, because some majors require a minimum grade point average, course work is evaluated according to departmental requirements. Please consult individual department information included in this Catalog.
Applications may be obtained from the Office of Admissions, Mount Mercy University, 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-4797, 319- 368-6460 or 800-248-4504, or online at www.mtmercy.edu . Admissions files are reviewed on a rolling admission basis prior to the first day of classes. A completed admission file includes:
- Application for undergraduate admission
- Transcripts from all previous institutions of higher education attended. Updated transcripts need to be sent prior to actual enrollment if the student applies for admission while enrolled at another institution
- Official high school transcripts/equivalent (for applicants who have not earned an associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university)
- All required documents that constitute a completed admission file should be received by the Office of Admissions at least two weeks prior to the start of classes.
In accordance with an articulation agreement with Kirkwood Community College, Associate of Arts or Associate of Science graduates, who have at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, will be automatically accepted for admission.
Mount Mercy reviews all files on an individual basis. While specific courses are not required for admission, the transcripts will be evaluated to ensure that a strong college curriculum has been successfully completed. Strong consideration will be given to applicants who have a cumulative transfer grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) from an accredited institution.
However, a variety of additional factors are considered (the quality and nature of the courses taken, strength of the personal statement, intended major, student motivation, personal circumstances, etc.).
Admissions Committee
The Admissions Committee will review all admission files for students who do not meet the minimum admissions standards. Students, who demonstrate strong potential and motivation for undergraduate success, may be admitted to Mount Mercy by providing additional information to the Admissions Committee for use in the evaluation process (most recent transcripts of college-level work, personal statement, letters of recommendation, personal interview, etc.). Some students may be admitted to Mount Mercy with conditions, which must be satisfied during their first year at the institution in order to remain an enrolled student at Mount Mercy. Conditions and specific recommendations will be determined on an individual basis by the Admissions Committee.
Offer and Acceptance of Admission
An offer of admission to Mount Mercy is contingent upon the student maintaining a satisfactory record and completing class requirements (official transcript to be sent upon completion of the semester). Mount Mercy reserves the right to withdraw its offer of admission when information is received that indicates the student no longer meets the minimum admission standards.
A $200 deposit will be required to confirm attendance at Mount Mercy. The deposit will be used to reserve the student’s place at course registration and will be credited toward the student’s tuition and housing account.
Residency Requirements
Mount Mercy has a two-year residency expectation. Students must live in campus housing during their first four semesters of full-time university attendance. Students may be exempt from this requirement if: living with parents; if “independent” status with regard to federal financial aid regulations; or if they turned 21 years old before July 1st preceding their second year. An exemption request must be filed with the institution, and approved, in order for the exemption to be made.
International Admissions
Applications for international undergraduate admission may be obtained from the Office of Admissions, Mount Mercy University, 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-4797, 319-368-6460 or 800-248-4504, or online at www.mtmercy.edu . Admissions files are reviewed on a rolling basis.
All required documents listed below must be on file by the following deadlines:
Fall Semester – August 1st
Spring Semester – January 2nd
Transfer International Admissions
For consideration as an international transfer student, a completed file must include:
- Application for undergraduate admission with a personal statement
- All official college and/or foreign university transcripts translated into English and evaluated by a foreign credit evaluation agency (college-level GPA of 2.50 or equivalent required)
- Official high school transcripts translated into English by a foreign credit evaluation agency (for applicants who have not earned an associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university)
- Official scores from standardized tests that will be considered for admissions decisions include:
- TOEFL (550 PBT, 213 CBT, 79 IBT)
- IELTS (6.5)
- STEP Eiken (Grade 1)
- ACT (20)
- SAT (940)
- Certificate of Finance or letter/affidavit from the bank certifying funds are available