Tag Archives: PUC requirements

Five Commonly Asked Admissions Questions

Leave a reply

Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions of your life. Like most seniors, you will likely apply to a variety of colleges before deciding where you plan to spend the next four years. It can be a lot to keep track of, and each college can have a slightly different process. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions during PUC’s admissions process. Reach out to PUC’s team of admissions counselors if you have additional questions or need clarification on anything!

Is there an application fee?

No! Our application is always free and can be found online at puc.edu/apply. It’s simple and should take less than 10 minutes to fill out.

What are PUC’s admissions requirements?

For first-time college students (aka incoming freshmen), you need to submit the following:

  • Submit one letter of reference, written by someone who knows you but isn’t a relative
  • Send in your transcripts; unofficial copies are fine, but you will need to eventually submit an official copy, showing graduation
    • Have secondary-school (high school) graduation, or its equivalent, with an unweighted core GPA of at least 2.5

For more information about admissions requirements, visit puc.edu/admissions.

Does PUC require test scores?

A little different than most state and public schools, we don’t require test scores for admission for first-time college students, with the exception being for admission on academic probation and for international students.

The only real deadline for submitting test scores is the first day of school, as they are required to begin classes. However, waiting until then to submit your scores can impact what classes you’re able to register for, as test scores are used for placement into Math and English classes. This could also negatively impact how much financial aid you qualify for since PUC’s merit scholarships are based on either GPA or test scores. The sooner you send in your test scores, the better! You might even consider retaking the ACT or SAT.

For transfer students, test scores are only required for students who have not successfully taken the equivalent to College Algebra or English 101.

PUC accepts both the ACT and the SAT. PUC’s school codes are 0362 (ACT) and 4600 (SAT).

How long does it take to receive a decision letter?

As soon as we receive the necessary documents, your application will be reviewed for acceptance. If you are accepted, you will receive an email within 1-2 days, with an official letter following in the mail several days later.

What can I do once I’m accepted?

Celebrate! You deserve to be proud of your accomplishment. Then, it’s time to get back to work, doing all sorts of fun things like submitting your health forms, registering for your fall classes, finalizing your housing plans, and getting financially cleared. Visit puc.edu/alreadyaccepted and talk with your admissions counselor to see what you can start working on once you’re accepted.

We have a team of five amazing admissions counselors ready to help you throughout the application process with any questions that you have along the way. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with one now!

Learn About PUC’s International Requirements

Leave a reply

PUC 5

There’s a lot to keep track of when applying to a college, and the process can be even more confusing if you’re an international student. We talked with Mr. Craig Philpott, the Director of Admissions, about some of the most frequently asked questions our department receives regarding international admissions to hopefully make the process more clear. 

1. What documents do international students need to submit for acceptance to PUC?

International students will need to submit the following –

  • Official transcripts showing high school graduation and official documents from all colleges attended (if any).
    • All college documents will also need to be submitted to World Education Services (WES) for independent verification/translation and evaluation for transfer credit.
  • One exam score showing the current level of English skill to verify qualification to study in English at the college level.
  • One reference; written by someone who knows the applicant but is not related to them.
  • Regarding finances, international students will need to verify that their family or sponsor has a minimum amount on deposit in an international bank to cover one full year of travel,tuition, and expenses. Currently the required amount is $47,295 USD.

2. What standardized tests do international students need to take?

If available, international students should take the SAT or ACT. If these aren’t available, they will need to verify English language skill level through a recognized English exam like the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. In each case the official scores need to be provided to PUC directly from the exam organization.

PUC 1

3. What are the visa requirements for international students?

The F1 student visa is the required visa. The college will provide the required I-20 document, letter of admission, and other documents required to apply for the F1 visa only after the student has fulfilled all requirements for admission.

4. What scholarships does PUC offer for international students?

International students are eligible for the merit scholarships of PUC as published for all high school students or transfer students. PUC does offer one scholarship specific to international students; learn more at http://www.puc.edu/admissions/finance.

5. Are there any jobs on campus for international students?

Yes, PUC international students may qualify for campus employment after they apply for and receive a US social security number. Information about jobs on campus can be found at http://www.puc.edu/puc-life/student-employment/home.

PUC 2

6. Are international students required to declare a major?

Yes, all international students must declare a major before they are accepted to PUC. Choosing “undecided” as the major does not fulfill the requirements of the US government for issuing student visa documents.

7. What academic support is available to international students at PUC?

International students at PUC are eligible for all regular academic support as offered through the Teaching and Learning Center of the college. PUC does not offer an ESL language learning/immersion program and thus all international students must verify they can accomplish college level work in the English language.

Throughout the application process, we encourage you to contact the Admissions Office with any questions you might have at admissions@puc.edu or 800.862.7080 option 2.

PUC 3

How PUC Uses Test Scores

Leave a reply

There are many things students need to keep track of when applying to college. There are transcripts to be sent in, references to be requested, tests to take and potentially essays to write. These days, the average student applies to nine schools, and that’s a lot of requirements to keep track of. Below are five common questions our office receives from students wondering how PUC handles test scores.

“When does PUC need my test scores?”

A little different than most state and public schools, we don’t require test scores for admission for first-time college students, with the exception being for admission on academic probation and for international students.

The only real deadline for submitting test scores is the first day of school, as they are required to begin classes. However, waiting until then to submit your scores can impact what classes you’re able to register for, as test scores are used for placement into Math and English classes.

For transfer students, test scores are only required for students who have not successfully taken the equivalent to College Algebra or English 101.

“What test does PUC require – the ACT or the SAT?”

PUC accepts both the ACT and the SAT.

“What’s the minimum test score PUC accepts?”

Only international students must reach a certain minimum score for either the ACT or SAT; a score of 15 or higher on the English section of the ACTs, or a score of 380 or higher on the Critical Reading section of the SATs. (Please note, PUC also accepts scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, MELAB and iTEP for international students. Visit the Apply page of our website to learn more.)

“What scholarships does PUC offer for high test scores?”

PUC uses test scores for several scholarships for incoming freshmen, including our highest scholarship, the Maxwell Scholar Program worth $15,000 each year. Five winners can receive it, and five runners-up receive $12,000 per year. One of the requirements is having a minimum score of 26 on the ACTs or a 1700 on the SATs, in addition to leadership experience, Christian service, and a GPA of at least a 3.5.

The President’s and Dean’s Scholarships are other scholarships available to incoming freshmen and can be awarded based on high test scores (or high GPA). For the President’s Scholarship, worth $10,000 per year, students need a minimum score of 29 on the ACTs or a 1900 on the SATs. The Dean’s Scholarship requires a minimum of 26 on the ACTs or a 1700 on the SATs and is worth $9,000 per year. Both scholarships are renewable with a 3.5 GPA.

You can read more about the requirements for these scholarships by visiting the Finance page of our website. (Please note, the Maxwell Scholar Program cannot be combined with either the President’s or Dean’s Scholarships.)

“Why should I retake either test?”

With the New Year around the corner, there’s still plenty of time to take the ACTs or SATs, or retake them if you aren’t satisfied with your score. I know it doesn’t sound like the most fun to take a standardized test again since it’s several hours of your time, but as you’ve seen, there’s serious scholarship money available for students who do well on these tests.

Below is a list of all upcoming test dates and registration deadlines for both the ACTs and SATs.

Upcoming test dates

For more information about the ACTs, including information about late registration deadlines and fees click here.

For more information about the SATs, including information about late registration deadlines and fees, click here.

Our six Enrollment Counselors are ready to help if you have questions about applying to PUC! Call our office at 800.865.7080 option 2 Monday-Thursday from 8 AM – 5 PM, and Friday from 8 AM – 1 PM to get connected with a Counselor. You can also email us at enroll@puc.edu or chat with us on our website (business hours only).

Editor’s note: This is dated material and does not necessarily reflect how the student financial services office at PUC and the financial process currently operates. Please contact your financial counselor for more information.