Admission

Application Procedure

An applicant who wishes to apply for admission to Rhodes may do so any time after the end of his/her/their junior year in high school. Applicants may apply using the Common Application (www.commonapp.org). No application fee is required for first-year or transfer students.

Admission to Rhodes is competitive.

In addition to the application for admission, first-year applicants must submit an official high school transcript, a secondary school report, a teacher evaluation, and a midyear report (Regular Decision only). Applicants may provide standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) which can be self-reported. In addition to submitting the same application supporting documents as all other first-year applicants, home-schooled applicants are strongly recommended to participate in an interview with an admission counselor and may submit the results of two SAT Subject Tests from areas other than English or Mathematics. The deadlines for submitting the application for admission and all supporting documents are referenced in the following Early Decision Plans, Early Action Plan, and Regular Decision Plan sections. Please note that all accepted applicants are automatically considered for competitive scholarships. Transcripts and other documents required for admission become part of the permanent file of an enrolled student and cannot be returned or legally copied for the student or parent.

The College is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and endorses the principles contained in the Association’s Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission.

Admission Selection Process

Academic Record. An applicant's academic record is of primary importance in the admission selection process. Applicants must complete sixteen or more academic units in high school, including at least four years of English, two years of the same foreign language (classical or modern), two years of laboratory science and two years of history or social science. Furthermore, applicants are expected to have completed the mathematics course sequence Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II or their equivalent. A fourth year of high school mathematics, including trigonometry and advanced algebra is especially important for students who plan to study mathematics, natural science, computer science, economics or business administration. Applicants with slightly different high school curricula may be considered only if their records in other respects clearly indicate readiness for Rhodes’ program of study. Applicants are expected to have received or be in the process of receiving a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Special note is taken in the decision making process of honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, Option International Baccalaureate, accelerated or enriched courses. Applicants who have taken college-level courses and wish to receive credit at Rhodes for those courses should refer to “Transfer Credit” in the Requirements for a Degree section of this catalogue.

Standardized Test Scores. All applicants for admission have the option to submit standardized test scores, either ACT or SAT. If planning to apply with a test score, it is advisable for the applicant to take the test in the junior year as a means of adjusting to this type of examination or for Early Decision, Early Action, or Early Admission purposes. Any applicant who intends to submit scores as a Regular Decision applicant should take the test no later than December of the senior year so that their scores will be available to the Admission Committee by January 15. At the time of application, scores may be provided in the secondary school record, self-reported by applicants or received from the testing agency. Test application forms may be obtained from high schools or by registering for them online at www.collegeboard.org (SAT) or www.act.org (ACT).

Supporting Documents. Additional supporting documents will be considered when deciding on an applicant's admissibility to the College. These documents include a listing of extracurricular involvements, leadership positions or summer experiences, an application essay, a secondary school report, and a teacher’s evaluation.

Applicant Interest. A visit to the Rhodes campus (in addition to other demonstrations of interest) can be a deciding factor in making an admission decision. Interest may also be demonstrated by meeting with an admission officer locally, virtually or personally corresponding with the Office of Admission. An applicant's ability to pay may be a deciding factor when considering applicants who rank within the lowest range of admissible students.

The Vice President for Enrollment has the discretion to deny any application to Rhodes College.

Applicants who wish to appeal their admission decision may do so by writing to the Vice President for Enrollment requesting reconsideration.

Campus Visit and Personal Meeting

A campus visit is the best way to experience life at Rhodes. Applicants are encouraged to visit between Monday and Friday so that, in addition to a personal meeting with an admission representative or information session and a campus tour, they may attend a class and meet faculty (during the academic year). 

Virtual visits allow applicants to experience a campus tour, information session, and a meeting with an admission counselor, coach, or faculty member while being remote. The Office of Admission is open year round from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and on select Saturdays.

Prospective applicants and applicants may arrange a campus visit online at www.rhodes.edu/visit. Questions concerning a campus visit may be addressed to our Campus Visit Coordinator at 1-800-844-5969 or, locally, 901-843-3700.

Early Decision Plans

Applicants who are certain they want to attend Rhodes may wish to take advantage of either Early Decision I (ED I) or Early Decision II (ED II). Under these plans, the applicant must submit an application for admission, high school transcript (including grades for the first marking period of the senior year), secondary school report, letters of recommendation, and the Early Decision Agreement form by November 1 for Early Decision I or January 15 for Early Decision II. Standardized test scores may be submitted by the applicant for consideration. The applicant may apply to other colleges, but not under any other Early Decision Plan. If accepted and provided adequate financial assistance, the applicant agrees to withdraw all applications submitted to other institutions, file no additional applications, and enroll at Rhodes.

Typically, Early Decision applicants who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Office of Financial Aid by November 1 for Early Decision I and November 15 for Early Decision II in order to determine eligibility for non-federal financial assistance as well as for federal and/or state financial assistance. For the 2023-24 academic year, Early Decision I applicants will be required to submit the CSS Profile Light given the delayed launch and availability of the FAFSA. Applicants interested in receiving federal and state financial aid must submit the FAFSA.

Under the Early Decision Plans, the College agrees to render a decision on admission by November 15 for Early Decision I and February 1 for Early Decision II. Admitted applicants who are applying for need-based financial aid and have submitted the FAFSA will be contacted by the Office of Financial Aid concerning their request by December 1 for Early Decision I and February 1 for Early Decision II.

Early Decision is a binding agreement, designed for applicants for whom Rhodes is their top college choice. If accepted under the Early Decision Plan (and provided with financial assistance considered adequate by the applicant), the applicant is expected to submit the required deposit (as explained under Enrollment Deposit) by December 1 for Early Decision I and February 15 for Early Decision II. Offers of admission and financial aid to accepted applicants who do not enroll at the college will be rescinded.

If a decision on the application cannot be reached, the applicant will be notified that the application will be deferred and guaranteed unbiased consideration under Regular Decision.

Early Action Plan

Applicants who wish to know of their admission decision earlier in the year but are not prepared to make an enrollment decision prior to May 1 may wish to apply under our Early Action Plan. Early Action is an excellent option for applicants who are comfortable presenting their application earlier in the process.

Under this plan, the applicant must submit an application for admission, high school transcript, secondary school report, and letters of recommendation by November 15. Optional standardized test scores, if submitted, must also be provided by November 15. 

Early Action applicants who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Office of Financial Aid by November 15 in order to determine eligibility for non-federal financial assistance as well as for federal and/or state financial assistance.  Early Action applicants will be required to submit the CSS Profile Light given the delayed launch and availability of the FAFSA. Applicants interested in receiving federal and state financial aid must submit the FAFSA.

Under the Early Action Plan, the Office of Admission will render an admission decision by January 15. Applicants will be notified of any scholarships and/or need-based aid they are eligible to receive by January 15. Admitted students have until May 1 to submit their enrollment deposit.

For various reasons, the Office of Admission may choose to defer an application to Regular Decision. The applicant will be notified that the application will be deferred and reconsidered under Regular Decision.

Regular Decision Plan

Under this plan, applicants must submit an application for admission, high school transcript, secondary school report, and letters of recommendation by January 15. Optional standardized test scores, if submitted, must be provided by January 15.

Regular Decision applicants who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 15.  

Under the Regular Decision Plan, the Office of Admission will render an admission decision by April 1. Applicants will also be notified of any scholarships and/or need-based aid they are eligible to receive by April 1. Admitted applicants have until May 1 to submit their enrollment deposit.

Early Admission Plan

High school students who wish to enroll at Rhodes as degree-seeking students prior to completion of their secondary schooling may apply under the Early Admission Plan. This option is provided for those students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and motivation in secondary school and are ready to experience the challenges of a college education earlier than normal.

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must submit an application for admission, a high school transcript including grades for five semesters of course work, a secondary school report, a teacher’s evaluation, SAT or ACT test scores, and have a personal meeting with an admission representative. Successful applicants will have satisfied Rhodes’ general admission requirements, including the academic units requirements outlined under “Admission Selection Process” above. Normally, it will be necessary for an Early Admission applicant to enroll at a local college or university in the summer prior to their enrollment at Rhodes in order to fulfill any academic requirements.

Early Admission applicants must normally have the support of their secondary school counselor and of their parents or caregivers in order to be considered for admission under the plan.

Deferred Enrollment

Applicants who have been admitted for admission and wish to delay their enrollment at Rhodes for a semester or a year may request Deferred Enrollment by writing the Dean of Admission. The letter requesting Deferred Enrollment must indicate the length of time requested for deferral, the reason for requesting the deferral, and the proposed actions of the applicant during the time of the deferral. The Dean of Admission will respond to the deferral request in writing. If deferred enrollment is granted, the applicant must submit a nonrefundable $1,000.00 enrollment deposit to the Office of Admission. Applicants who have been admitted from the wait list are typically not offered deferred enrollment. The Vice President for Enrollment may waive the increased enrollment deposit in certain cases.

Admitted applicants requesting deferral who have been awarded one of the College’s competitive scholarships or fellowships may retain the award. 

Deferred applicants may not enroll in additional high school course work or in more than two college courses for credit in any one semester/term during their time of deferral. Doing so nullifies their admission and scholarship offers (if any) and requires new admission and scholarship decisions to be rendered. Applicants wishing to enroll in college courses are advised to consult with the Office of Admission to ensure credit will transfer to Rhodes.

Admission of Transfer Students

Rhodes welcomes applications from students who wish to transfer from other accredited colleges or universities. Applicants who have enrolled in more than two courses in any one semester or term at another college or university are considered transfer students. Applicants who have not graduated from high school, but have taken college course work, are not considered transfer students.

A transfer applicant should go to www.commonapp.org to access the Common App online for transfer students. The applicant should have official transcripts from his/her/their secondary school and all postsecondary institutions attended sent directly to the Office of Admission. Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional. Unofficial copies of transcripts and score reports may be accepted by the Office of Admission for review purposes, although official copies must be sent before an admitted applicant enrolls. Transfer applicants must submit a college instructor evaluation, a College Official’s Report and a personal letter explaining the reason(s) for wanting to transfer to Rhodes. Transfer applicants who have previously applied for admission to Rhodes may complete a Reapply Form in lieu of the Common Application and submit a final high school transcript, college transcript, College Official's Report and explanation of why they wish to transfer to be considered for admission.

Transfer applicants applying for January entrance must also submit a Mid-Semester Grade Report (available on www.rhodes.edu) containing grade estimates from their professors. Admission and scholarship decisions are made in the context of both the secondary and post-secondary academic record. Prior college work is evaluated in light of Rhodes’ established degree requirements. Transfer applicants whose prior work is not compatible with a Rhodes degree program may find it necessary to extend their college career in order to complete all requirements for a degree.

Rhodes’ admission policy is to only consider transfer applications from students who are in good standing at the last institution attended. Those under academic or disciplinary suspension are not encouraged to apply to Rhodes until eligible for readmission to the suspending institution.

Transfer from an unaccredited college requires a more thorough analysis of academic credentials. If accepted, the applicant will be placed on probationary status for one academic year and will be expected to maintain a record satisfactory to the Faculty Standards and Standing Committee. Prospective applicants coming from colleges not accredited by a regional accrediting agency may find the acceptance of transfer credit to be very limited.

For more information regarding the transfer of credit, see “Transfer Credit” in the Requirements for a Degree section of this catalogue.

Admission of International Students

Rhodes encourages international students living both abroad and in the United States to apply for admission. International students are those individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents (resident alien status) of the United States.

In addition to those documents required of all first-year or transfer applicants, international applicants must have the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Duolingo English Test (DET) forwarded to the Office of Admission from the appropriate testing agency. The English Proficiency exams are not required for native English-speaking applicants or if English is the primary language of instruction for at least two years of secondary school. International applicants may apply as test-optional and choose not to submit SAT or ACT scores but must still submit TOEFL/IELTS/DET scores, as applicable. All transcripts must include a certified English translation. International applicants who have studied at other colleges or universities must have official transcripts from those institutions sent to Rhodes.

All international applicants must submit the Rhodes Financial Supplement. It serves as the Certification of Finances which is required for issuance of a student visa from the United States government. International applicants may be eligible and competitive for merit-based scholarships ranging from US $12,000 to $40,000.

Rhodes strives to meet the demonstrated financial need of admitted international applicants. Need-based financial aid for international applicants (non-U.S. citizens) is determined from the Rhodes Non-Citizen Financial Supplement. Aid is awarded in the form of grants or "gift" aid, which varies in dollar amounts according to each applicant's demonstrated financial need. Admitted international applicants may also be considered for on-campus student employment.

Admission of Special Students (Non-degree Candidates)

Applicants who give evidence of sufficient academic ability may be admitted as special students to a course of study not leading directly to a degree, but allowing them to pursue that work for which they are best prepared and/or which they particularly need. Special students may enroll in no more than two classes, or for no more than eight credits per semester. Special students who wish to audit classes are limited to taking one course per semester.

Special students are not eligible to live in the residence halls or participate in intercollegiate athletics, fraternity or sorority membership, or other extracurricular activities. In addition, special students are not eligible for any Rhodes or federal financial aid funds. Directed Inquiries are not ordinarily available to special students. Should a special student subsequently become a degree candidate, credits earned while a special student are applicable towards the degree sought.

The deadline for submission of a special student application, including most recent transcript from high school or college, is two weeks prior to the beginning of a new semester/term.

Special student admission material is submitted only once. Students who have attended Rhodes as a special student and wish to continue their studies as a special student should report directly to Rhodes Express and register for classes during the first three days of a new semester/term.

Special students who have enrolled in two or more courses at another institution must reapply for special student status through the Office of Admission. A student seeking readmission as a special student will normally be held to the same academic standards as full-time, degree-seeking students at Rhodes.

Special students are held to the same standards of academic progress regarding academic probation and suspension as degree-seeking students.

Readmission of Students

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn from the College and have taken two courses or less in any one term at another institution, and students who have been academically suspended from Rhodes and wish to return, must apply for readmission through the Faculty Standards and Standing Committee.

Returning students, including those who have already graduated from Rhodes, must complete an Application for Readmission (obtained from the Registrar’s Office) which requests current information about the student, including an account of activities and educational experiences during the absence from Rhodes. In many cases interviews with the Dean of the Faculty and the Dean of Students will be necessary to complete the readmission process. Students seeking to be readmitted must initiate their requests at least two months prior to the beginning of a new semester.

Students who have voluntarily withdrawn from Rhodes and have taken more than two courses in any one term or semester at another institution are considered transfer students. These students must apply for readmission to Rhodes through the Office of Admission submitting the required applications and supporting documents.

Rhodes High School Scholars Program

Rhodes allows high school students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and motivation to begin their college work while completing their secondary school course of study. Such a student may enroll in up to two courses per semester at Rhodes.

To be eligible for consideration to the Rhodes High School Scholars Program, an applicant must complete an admission application; have scored at least 1140 on the SAT Critical Reading and Math tests or 25 on the ACT; rank in the upper one-fifth of his/her/their class;  have taken a very demanding course load, have a positive high school recommendation; and have a personal interview with an admission representative.

Course fees per credit hour are the same as Special Student tuition (see “Special Fees and Deposits” in the Expenses section). Financial aid is typically not available for students participating in the program. Participation in the High School Scholars Program will require coordination of the student’s college and high school course schedules. The Office of Admission will gladly assist the students, teachers, and counselors with these arrangements.

Advanced Placement

Rhodes will typically grant course credit to entering students who score either 4 or 5 on a College Board Advanced Placement examination. Those who score 3 on an Advanced Placement examination may enroll in advanced course work if the relevant department recommends it. 

Cambridge Pre-U, Cambridge A and AS Levels, International Baccalaureate, and Option International Baccalaureate Degree Programs

Rhodes recognizes the Cambridge Pre-U, A-Level and AS-level exams, International Baccalaureate, and Option International Baccalaureate academic programs and welcomes for review the submission of scores on these examinations. Course credit is typically granted for examinations on each of these programs passed with sufficiently high scores: M3 or higher in Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject: C or higher in Cambridge A and AS levels:  5, 6 or 7 in IB Higher Level; 13 or higher in OIB. An IB score of 4 may qualify a student for advanced course work, subject to review by the appropriate academic department. 

A maximum combined total of thirty-two (32) credits may be earned through Advanced Placement, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, and Option International Baccalaureate examinations.

Advanced Placement, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, and Option International Baccalaureate credit may not be used to satisfy Rhodes’ Foundation requirements except for scores in English and, in certain subjects, scores of 5 on AP exams, D3 or higher on Cambridge Pre-U exams, 6 or 7 on IB higher-level exams, and 16 or higher on Option International Baccalaureate exams. All students must take the Rhodes placement test in the appropriate language to determine proficiency and placement, including students who took an AP language exam in that language. For more information about Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credit, go to this Transfer Credit Equivalencies Chart.

An applicant, who has successfully completed advanced secondary school education, including the British Advanced Level Examinations, the French Baccalaureate, the German Abitur, or the equivalent, may receive some advanced standing or transfer credit at Rhodes for that work. Such credit is not granted, however, until the applicant has enrolled at Rhodes, at which time his/her/their credentials will be reviewed by the Registrar and the academic departments in which the credit(s) will be applied.

Enrollment Deposit

In order to reserve a place in the class, all admitted applicants must submit a non-refundable $500.00 enrollment deposit to the College. Mailed deposits must be postmarked no later than our deadline of May 1 (December 1 for Early Decision I; February 15 for Early Decision II; June 15 for transfer students). The deposit is not an extra charge but is credited to the student’s account and deducted from other expenses. The balance of the first tuition, fees, room and board payment is due in early August. The College cannot guarantee that a residence hall room will be available unless this balance is paid at that time.

Orientation and Registration

All new students are expected to attend the Open Rhodes Orientation program during the summer prior to enrollment and to be present for Welcome Week, which immediately precedes the opening of the College. Orientation is designed to acquaint new students with the traditions, ideals, academic expectations, and regulations of Rhodes and to give them an opportunity to plan their courses of study in consultation with members of the faculty. During Orientation and Welcome Week, new students will also meet with the representatives of various student organizations, take placement tests, receive instruction in the use of the library, participate in social events and attend discussions with administrative officers of the College. Additional information about the Open Rhodes summer orientation program is available online at https://rhodes.edu/admission-aid/admitted-students/summer-orientation.

A complete medical examination and record of immunization are required of all full-time new students. This medical examination should take place prior to matriculation. The results of the examination along with immunization records, recorded on a form provided by the College, must be on file in the College Student Health Center before registration. Failure to provide the form may result in not being permitted to register and not being provided medical services until the form has been received. In the case of insufficient or missing medical data, the student may be granted provisional registration. Proof of health insurance is required of all students. A copy of your insurance card will be requested with the completed Health Form. Failure to provide proof of insurance may result in not being permitted to register and will result in not being provided medical services.

Additional Information

Office of Admission business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (Central Time). Additional information is available upon request. Contact:

Office of Admission
Rhodes College
2000 North Parkway
Memphis, Tennessee 38112-1690
Telephone: 901-843-3700 or toll-free 1-800-844-5969
Fax: 901-843-3631
E-mail: adminfo@rhodes.edu
Online: rhodes.edu/admission