First-Year Students

Students may begin the application process any time after August 1 of their senior year in high school. In order to be considered for admission, students should submit the following materials to the Admission Office, The College of Idaho, 2112 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, Idaho 83605:

  • An application for admission.
  • An official high school transcript that includes all work from the 9th grade to the date of application (see note on official transcripts below). Upon graduation, a final transcript must be submitted. GED scores may be presented in lieu of an official high school record provided the average score is 500 with no sub-score below 450.
  • A transcript of any college work attempted.

Note on official transcripts: Transcripts are official only when mailed directly from the school to The College of Idaho or delivered in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution to the Admission Office.

  • Official ACT or SAT test scores.*

Applicants have the option of becoming a test-optional candidate and not submitting their ACT of SAT test scores for admission and financial aid purposes.  In lieu of ACT or SAT test scores applicants electing to be test-optional will be required to answer additional essay prompts that will be sent to the applicant once an applicant indicates they are electing to be test optional on their application.  Once a student chooses to be either test optional or to apply under traditional methods they may not switch their decision.  *The College will accept ACT/SAT test scores as official if they are printed on the high school transcript, sent directly from ACT/SAT to The College of Idaho in electronic or paper form; or if the ACT/SAT paper scores are faxed directly from the high school to the College. Scores printed from the Internet are not official scores, so will not be used to award financial aid. Special allowances may be made for international students.

In addition, a short essay/personal statement and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor are required.

Students who have graduated from high school at least two years prior to their anticipated date of enrollment and do not have ACT or SAT scores should consult with an admission counselor about test scores and counselor/ teacher evaluation requirements.

A personal interview and campus visit are highly recommended.

While there is no required pattern of high school study necessary for admission, the following combination is strongly recommended:

  • English: 4 years
  • Language: 3 years
  • History and Social Science: 4 years
  • Laboratory Science: 3 years
  • Mathematics: 4 years

Application Deadlines

The Early Action I deadline is November 21. Applicants  who submit all of their application materials by the Early Action I deadline will be informed of their admission decision by mid-December and will qualify for early consideration of scholarships and financial aid.

The Early Action II deadline is January 13. Applicants who submit all of their application materials by the Early Action II deadline will be informed of their admissions status by mid-February and will be considered for qualify for consideration of scholarships and financial aid.

The Regular Decision deadline is February 15.  Applicants who submit all of their application materials by the Regular Decision will be given priority in the regular admission and financial aid process. Notification  of admission will be by mid-March

Admitted students responding with their  enrollment deposit  of $300 on or before May 1 are guaranteed a place in the class.