Navigating Arcadia University Admissions: Understanding GPA and Academic Requirements

Arcadia University, a private institution located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, welcomes a diverse body of students each year. Understanding the university's GPA requirements, alongside other academic standards, is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a detailed overview of these requirements to help applicants prepare a strong application.

Arcadia University Admissions: An Overview

The university's acceptance rate of 80.2% suggests that while not highly selective, applicants should still aim to meet or exceed the average academic scores of admitted students.

GPA Expectations

The average GPA at Arcadia University is 3.33. This indicates that Arcadia accepts below-average students. While it's alright to be a B-average student, mixing in some A's can significantly improve your chances.

Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT

Arcadia University is test-flexible, meaning that while they publish average SAT and ACT scores, you can choose whether or not to submit your scores. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1070, while the 75th percentile is 1265. The average ACT score is 28, with the 25th percentile at 26 and the 75th percentile at 30.

Aiming for a 1070 on the SAT or a 26 on the ACT or higher will substantially increase your chances of admission.

Read also: Arcadia University Fees

Holistic Review

Keep in mind that Arcadia University conducts a holistic review of applications. This means that admission decisions rely not only on GPA and SAT/ACT scores but also on the difficulty of your coursework, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

Academic Standing and GPA Maintenance

Once enrolled, students must maintain a certain GPA to remain in good academic standing.

GPA Requirements for Good Standing

As a student in the Graduate Program in Counseling, maintaining a grade point average of 3.30 is essential to remain in good standing.

Grading System at Arcadia University

Most courses at Arcadia University are graded using the conventional letter system:

A: Excellent quality of performance
B: Good
C: Satisfactory
D: Poor but passing
F: Failure

Departments have the option of grading the senior seminar or practicum S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory). S carries credit.

Read also: Your Guide to Arcadia University

Repeating Courses

With the approval of the adviser, the department, and, when relevant, the chair of the department in which the course is taught, students who have received a grade of “C-” or below in a course can repeat the course without additional credit if it is essential to their major or career goal. The higher grade would be used for GPA computation and would be considered the final grade for the course. A course can be repeated only once. Repeating examinations or completing additional work may not raise a permanent course grade. All final grades, including Fs, remain a permanent part of the student’s record. Courses receiving a S or P grading designation could not be repeated for a higher grade. Repeating examinations or completing additional work may not raise a permanent course grade.

Incomplete Grades

In circumstances such as illness or personal emergency, a grade of “I” (Incomplete) may be approved by the Division of Student Success if the student is unable to finish the course requirements by the end of the term. No more than two Incomplete grades may be received in a given semester. Instructors must submit an “Incomplete Grade Request” form to the Registrar’s Office for approval. In the case of an incomplete, the instructor determines the date for completion of the work, but this date may not be later than three weeks into the semester following the one in which the Incomplete was given.

Grade Appeals

The Grade Appeal process applies only to the final grade of a course. The student should first try to resolve the matter with the course instructor within ten working days of when the final grade is posted and officially available to the student. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the student may file an appeal with the Department Chair or Program Director as applicable (typically Program Director for graduate students; Chair for undergraduates), indicating in writing the grounds for the appeal; this appeal must be filed within twenty working days of when the final grade is posted and officially available to the student. The criteria for consideration of altering an instructor’s final grade are one of the following: grading calculation error; grading unfairness. The Program Director or Department Chair (as applicable) will review relevant materials from the student and instructor, make a decision, and notify the student and instructor of the decision. A student unsatisfied with this resolution may file an appeal with the Dean of the College or School, indicating in writing the grounds for the appeal of the Program Director/Department Chair determination; this appeal must be filed within ten working days of the Program Director/Department Chair’s decision. The criteria for consideration of altering an instructor’s final grade are one of the following: grading calculation error; grading unfairness. The Dean will review relevant materials from the student, instructor, and Program Director/Department Chair. The Dean will then make a decision and notify the student, instructor, and Program Director/Department Chair of the decision.

Pass-Fail Option

Students may elect to take a limited number of courses on a pass-fail basis in place of traditional grading. Under the pass-fail option, students are graded P (passing) or F (failing). Full-time sophomores, juniors and seniors in satisfactory academic standing may take one elective course pass-fail each semester. Part-time students who have completed a minimum of 30 credits may take one elective course pass-fail for each additional set of 15 credits of Arcadia University coursework. Requests for pass-fail grading must be made no later than the end of the third week of classes. Such a request may be withdrawn by students at any time prior to one week after the mid-semester date.

GPA Calculation

Grade points earned for a course are determined by multiplying the number of academic credit hours by the grade point value of the grade received. The grade-point average (GPA) is determined by dividing the total grade points by the total number of course credits for which the student has been enrolled. A minimum 2.0 cumulative and major GPA is required to graduate from the University. A+ grades may be recorded on student transcripts but are calculated into the GPA as 4.0. Courses graded S and those taken under the pass-fail option are not computed in the GPA. Thus, a student receiving one S and three Cs, or one P and three Cs, would have a GPA of 2.0.

Academic Warning, Notice, and Dismissal

Students are carefully evaluated for successful academic progress each semester so that support can be implemented as needed. When certain thresholds related to GPA and credits earned are passed, a student may move away from satisfactory academic standing and be placed on Academic Warning, Academic Notice, or be dismissed from their major or from the University. Each of these outcomes results in engagement between the students and their advisers so that the best steps can be taken by the students to return to satisfactory academic standing.

Consideration of students’ academic standing includes semester, cumulative, and/or major GPA and the number of credits they have accumulated towards graduation. The categories of cumulative credits earned include, 1) 1-32 credits, 2) 33-60 credits, 3) 61-90 credits, and 4) more than 90 credits. For transfer students, all credits, including transfer credits and Arcadia University credits, count towards the total credits.

In addition to GPA, students must make adequate progress toward their degree to maintain satisfactory academic standing. To support successful progress, students will be reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee if they have an excessive number of course withdrawals and/or failures (e.g. grades of F) each semester for two consecutive semesters. Excessive number of course withdrawals and/or failures is defined as 50% or greater of the student’s course load each semester. After this review, students may be offered academic support or possibly be academically dismissed from the University if they are not making adequate progress toward degree completion.

Dismissal: <1.50 (cumulative GPA) For any student past their first semester.

In addition to the circumstances described above, students must remain in satisfactory academic standing in order to participate in varsity sports, be an officer of a student organization, a class officer, or a senator in Student Government.

Any student who moves off of satisfactory academic standing has options to improve their status and depending on the severity of the situation may be contacted by a professional advisor that would lead a team of staff/faculty to support the student in attempting to return to satisfactory academic standing.

Although students on Academic Warning or Academic Notice are given the opportunity to achieve satisfactory standing, they are on notice that they could become academically dismissed from their major or the University. Students may be continued on Academic Warning or Academic Notice for a subsequent semester, but they must show progress or they may be academically dismissed from their major or the University. If a student is academically dismissed from the University or from the major, they may request reconsideration by either submitting an explanation in writing of why the dismissal should be reconsidered to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Success.

A student may request reconsideration of an Academic Dismissal from the University decision. Such a request must be submitted in writing and received by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Success.

In addition to GPA, students also must be making adequate progress toward the degree to have satisfactory academic standing. Therefore, students who have an excessive number of course withdrawals for two consecutive semesters will have their records reviewed by the Academic Standing Committee. Excessive number of course withdrawals is defined as 50% or greater of the student’s course load. After review, a student may be academically dismissed from the University if it is determined that they are not making adequate progress.

Academic Honors

The Dean’s Distinguished Honor List and Dean’s Honor List recognize students who have attained high GPAs during the previous term. “Term” is defined as a semester for full-time students (12 earned credits or more) and the previous 12-month period (including summer) for part-time students. Part-time students must have earned a minimum of 12 credits during the previous 12-month period to qualify for either Honor List. Students are placed on the Dean’s Distinguished Honor List with a term GPA of 3.90 to 4.0.

Seniors with a 3.60 average in courses in their major and a 3.00 cumulative average are eligible to be considered for departmental honors. Those with outstanding records are graduated cum laude (3.67 cumulative average), magna cum laude (3.78) and summa cum laude (3.90). All undergraduate Arcadia University coursework is included in consideration for graduation honors.

Additional Considerations for Admission

Beyond GPA and standardized test scores, Arcadia University's Graduate Program in Counseling (GPC) has specific requirements and considerations.

Graduate Program in Counseling (GPC) Admission

Arcadia’s Graduate Program in Counseling is committed to welcoming students who represent various identities and intersectionalities. According to the GPC’s accrediting body (MPCAC), “Entrance requirements should reflect the responsibility that the program has to the public. Applicants must submit one official transcript from each college, university, or professional school attended. Applicants’ experience working with others (e.g., jobs, volunteer positions, internships, etc.) is considered. Applicants are encouraged to discuss these experiences in their essay (see #6) or upload a resume with their application. As part of the application, completion of two brief essays is required. Applicants can also complete an optional scholarship essay if they wish to be considered for a financial award. Each essay should be no longer than 250 words. Three letters of recommendation are required from writers who have professional (not personal) relationships with the applicant. Applicants must attend an interview with several program administrators and faculty. Interviews are by invitation only and typically take place virtually. International applicants should visit our International page for detailed information on admission requirements and application procedures. Official results from the TOEFL or IELTS are required for all students for whom English is a second language except for non-native speakers of English who hold degrees or diplomas from post-secondary institutions in English-speaking countries (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand). Of note, the admissions requirements for other programs (dual degrees, advanced study options, and the early entry program) differ slightly from the requirements above.

Application Deadlines

Applicants who submit their applications by the deadlines listed below, will receive priority. However, the Counseling program will accept applications on a rolling basis, as long as seats remain in courses.

Regular Decision: Applicants seeking regular admission for the fall semester should complete their applications by January 15.
Early Decision: Early decision is designed for applicants who hope to secure a seat in the GPC for the fall semester, in advance of the regular decision admission process.
Early Entry: The Early Entry MA Counseling Program allows students in their junior year of undergraduate studies (across all majors) to apply to take up to three graduate counseling courses during their senior year.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Counseling program offers a limited number of scholarships ($1,000 to $5,000) based on applicants’ merit and commitment to multiculturalism in counseling. A one-course discount is offered to all individuals admitted to the MAC program who previously earned an undergraduate or graduate degree conferred by Arcadia University. The Counseling program offers several paid Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions each year, pending the availability of funding and open positions. Prospective students are encouraged to share their interest in pursuing GA positions during in-person interviews. Other forms of employment may be also available to graduate students across the University. Students may apply for employment upon acceptance and registration. Graduate students are eligible to borrow through the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan programs provided they are taking at least 6 credits per semester (in the summer, 6 credits overall summer sessions combined satisfies this requirement).

Transfer Students

Transfer credit is granted for college-level work completed at another accredited institution if the course content is comparable to that offered at Arcadia University or appropriate for the degree program. Credit will not be granted for courses in which grades below “C-” are earned. To qualify for a degree, students transferring from another college or university must fulfill the Arcadia University Curriculum and departmental requirements, either by transfer credit or by courses completed at Arcadia University. Students are required to complete at least half the credits for their major and concentration at Arcadia University, although more may be required for certain majors or concentrations. Students also are required to complete at least half the courses for a minor at Arcadia University, although more may be required for certain minors. Assignment or exemption for English composition is determined by performance on the Arcadia University Writing Inventory or by a transfer credit evaluation. Arcadia University degree candidates who enroll for courses at other accredited institutions may transfer credit provided that prior approval for the specific course or courses has been secured from the faculty adviser and the Registrar. To be granted transfer credit, students must earn a grade of “C-” or above. To qualify for a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, students must fulfill the departmental requirements for the certificate. New schools and programs are periodically added to this list. Generally, students must complete the equivalent of the final three semesters of coursework at Arcadia University for the bachelor’s degree.

Additional Academic Policies

Attendance

The academic program at Arcadia University is organized mainly around classroom experiences. Thus, attendance is important. Arcadia University students accept the responsibility for attending scheduled meetings of their classes and completing their assignments on time. Each instructor has the responsibility of making clear to students his or her expectations concerning class attendance. In cases of prolonged absences because of illness or other unavoidable circumstance, the likelihood of the student’s being able to make up the work missed will be determined through consultation between the Vice Provost of the Division of Student Success and the instructors concerned. Arcadia University recognizes individual student choice in observing religious holidays that occur during regularly scheduled classes. The semester does not officially end until the last examination is completed. Examinations must be taken as scheduled except in cases of illness or other unavoidable reasons. Final critiques in art are considered examinations and are scheduled during examination week. Exceptions may be made only by petition no later than the Wednesday after mid-semester. The purpose of the evaluations is to give a student a sense of how he/she is doing from the instructor’s perspective.

Withdrawal and Leave of Absence

Notification of withdrawal from the University must be given in writing. Forms for this purpose are available in the Registrar’s Office. The University may, on recommendation of the University physician, request a student to withdraw for reasons of health. A full-time or part-time undergraduate student or graduate student who encounters unforeseen emergency circumstances, may apply for a leave of absence during the current semester, provided the leave period is 15 weekdays or less. Students who need to request a leave of absence should complete the Request for Leave of Absence Form (“LOA Form”) available on the Registrar’s webpage. Students granted a leave of absence continue to be charged the regular tuition rate and any financial aid, as originally allocated, will remain the same (for information about other fees please contact the business office). Should the student not return within the specified period indicated on the LOA Form, they will be required to officially withdraw from the University and should immediately contact the Registrar’s Office to complete a withdrawal form. Meeting individually with professors and completing missed coursework due to a leave of absence is solely the responsibility of the student. An approved leave of absence does not guarantee that a s…

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