First Year Student

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.mtmercy.edu.

First-Year (Freshman) Admissions Process and Requirements

A First-Year (Freshman) applicant is considered to be anyone who has yet to graduate from high school, homeschool, or its equivalent.  Applications may be obtained online at www.mtmercy.edu. Mount Mercy is a test-optional institution which means that students are not required to submit standardized test scores in order to be considered for admission but can submit scores if they feel it will strengthen their application to the institution.  Admissions files are reviewed on a rolling admission basis prior to the first day of classes.  Students applying for admission must submit the following in order to be considered and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the start of classes*:

  • Application for undergraduate admission
  • Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • (Optional) Composite score of at least 20 on the ACT (1030 SAT) with sub-scores of 17 or higher
  • Class rank in the top half of graduating class (if school provides rank)

Mount Mercy evaluates all files on an individual basis. Each entering student needs to be a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent.  Since the application is a self-reporting application, official transcripts (high school and college if applicable) are not required for initial review but will be required for verification before a student is allowed to enroll. Students applying to Mount Mercy are strongly encouraged to complete the following coursework in high school:

  • Four years of English
  • Three years of Mathematics
  • Three years of Social Studies
  • Three years of Science

*Students who do not meet the published standards are still welcome to apply for admission consideration.  A variety of additional factors are also considered (the quality and nature of the courses taken, the sub-scores earned on the standardized test, extracurricular and community involvement, strength of the personal statement, motivation, personal circumstances, etc.) to ensure that the students admitted to the institution are those who are the best fit for Mount Mercy and whose preparation and experiences suggest that they have the best likelihood of succeeding here.

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. (Could include but are not limited to: most recent transcripts, 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 University is contingent upon the student maintaining a satisfactory record and completing graduation requirements – as noted on the final high school transcript (official transcript to be sent upon completion of the diploma). Mount Mercy reserves the right to withdraw its offer of admission when information received after the original admission decision indicates the student no longer meets the minimum admission standards.

A $200 deposit will be required to confirm attendance at Mount Mercy. This must be received prior to a student registering for orientation.  The deposit is used to reserve the student’s place at course registration and will be credited toward the student’s tuition.

Residency Requirements

Incoming freshmen are expected to live in campus housing during their first six semesters of full-time university attendance.

Students may apply for an exemption from this requirement if:

  • are living with parents within a 30-mile radius of campus
  • are classified with “independent” status with regard to federal financial aid regulations
  • if they turned 21 years old before July 1st preceding their enrollment year

An exemption request must be filed with the institution, and approved, in order for the exemption to be made.