First Year Student

First Year Student Admission Process and Requirements

A First-Year 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 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 basis.  Students applying for admission must submit their application for undergraduate admission at least two weeks prior to the start of classes in order to be considered. The Admission Committee evaluates all applications on an individual basis. Strong consideration will be given to applicants with the following:

 

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
• Class rank in the top half of graduating class (if provided)

Students who do not meet posted criteria may be required to submit a personal statement and transcripts. If you are required to submit a personal statement, information will be sent to you by email. If you have questions, please contact your counselor or the admission office at admission@mtmercy.edu.

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 can enroll. Specific courses are not required for admission, but you’re encouraged to complete the following high school coursework:

• 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 and may be asked to submit additional information for review.  

*

The following science and math courses are recommended for students interested in nursing or pre-health majors: Science courses should include biology, chemistry, physics, and any AP-level science courses offered. Math courses should advance at least through algebra II (nursing majors) and at least through pre-calculus (pre-health majors).

Admissions Committee

The Admissions Committee will review all admission files for students who do not meet the minimum published admissions standards or whose application materials warrant closer examination. 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 review process. (Could include but not limited to: most recent transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, personal interview, etc.). Any admission conditions and/or course recommendations will be determined on an individual basis by the 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 University reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission if new information emerges following the original admission decision that indicates the student no longer meets the institution’s academic or behavioral standards, or if, in the judgment of the Admissions Committee or Director, the student is no longer considered a suitable fit for the University community.

Students will accept their admission offer through their student portal.