First-Year Applicants

You are considered a first-time, first-year student if you are a current high school senior, have a high school equivalency diploma, or haven't attended college since graduating from high school.

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The Whole You

At Champlain College, we want to know you as a whole person, not just a transcript or list of achievements. And because we are a test-optional school, you can choose whether or not to include standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT in your application. We know you’re more than just a number.

Have Questions?

Our Admissions team is here to help. Call, email, or live-chat all your questions, big and small.

How to Apply

We’ve tried to include everything you need to know in the steps below, but we know questions come up.

If at any point along the way, you would like support, please reach out to our Admissions team.

  • You can apply to Champlain College using the Common Application or the Champlain College Application. Both are free. Regardless of which you choose, all applications are considered equally. Please do not submit more than one application for admission.

    Common Application
    Champlain College Application

  • Required Documents:

    High School Transcripts

    An official copy of your high school transcript is required. Your school counselor can submit a transcript via: Common App, Parchment, or Scoir.

    If you prefer to fax or mail your documentation, you may do so at:

    Fax
    (802) 860-2767

    Mail
    Attn: Admissions Operations
    163 South Willard Street
    Burlington, VT 05402

    Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

    One recommendation should be from your school counselor and the other recommendation should be from someone who can best highlight your academic potential.

    Mail
    Attn: Admissions Operations
    163 South Willard Street
    Burlington, VT 05402

    Other Supporting Materials

    Test Scores (optional)
    Champlain College is a test-optional institution. Please indicate on your application whether you would like us to consider your standardized test scores (SAT and/or ACT).

    • For College Board SAT, use code 3291
    • For ACT, use code 4298 

    Portfolio (depending on major)
    If you are applying to the Animation, Creative Media, Filmmaking, Game Art, Game Design, or Graphic Design & Visual Communication majors, please send us your portfolio.

  • If you are applying to the Animation, Creative Media, Filmmaking, Game Art, Game Design, or Graphic Design & Visual Communication majors, please send us your portfolio.

    View Portfolio Requirements

  • You can request a one-on-one interview with their Admissions Counselor. The interview is your chance to tell us more about yourself and your application, and it is also an opportunity to ask questions about Champlain College. Interviews are an optional part of the application process and will be considered part of your Admissions application if you choose to participate.

Application Deadlines

Application Type Application Dates Decision Release Date*
Early Decision November 15, 2024 December 16, 2024
Early Action December 15, 2024 January 3, 2025
Regular Decision January 3, 2025 January 15, 2025
Transfer Rolling Rolling
Spring Regular Decision Rolling** Rolling

All deadlines are 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Decisions are released online only. To view your decision, sign into your Application Dashboard. Don’t have a one? Create your account.

*Decision release dates are contingent on receiving all requisite application materials by the stated deadlines, including transcripts and portfolios, if required.
**Certain majors are not eligible for Spring enrollment.

Need more information? We’re here to help!

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Waiting for a decision?

Monitor the status of your application and determine if you have any outstanding requirements using the Application Dashboard. Need an account? Create one using the email address you used to apply.

Credit for High-School Students

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Credit by Exam

Champlain accepts credit from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) tests.

  • CLEP Exam: Requires a minimum score of 50 or better.
  • AP Test: Requires a score of 3 or better.

High-School Dual Enrollment

Vermont’s Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students to earn college credit while still in high school or during the summer after they graduate. Eligible students may take two college courses tuition-free at designated Vermont colleges, allowing them to experience college-level academics.

Pre-College Summer Programs

Champlain College offers a variety of pre-college summer programs for high school students looking to gain hands-on experience in a variety of exciting and in-demand fields. Some programs also allow you to earn transferable college credits.

Open House Events

Every season is beautiful in Vermont, which means there’s never a bad time to attend an Open House at Champlain College. And it’s the best option if you truly want to know what it’s like to be a student at Champlain.

All of our Open House events give you the opportunity to

  • learn about majors and programs directly from faculty, deans and current students
  • explore the Champlain campus and city of Burlington including the lakefront and Church Street, and
  • get guidance from our Admissions and Financial Aid staff on what to expect when you apply.

Open House events include campus tours, information sessions, complimentary lunch, and more!

Upcoming Events

See All Admissions Events

More Inside How to Apply

  • Benefits of Early Decision 

    If you’ve taken the time to get to know us and you know this is where you can thrive, applying Early Decision is the best way to indicate to our Admissions team that you are all in for Champlain.

Become Champlain Ready

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