Navigating Admissions at Hampton University: A Comprehensive Guide
Hampton University, a historically Black university (HBCU), welcomes applications from prospective first-year and transfer students who aspire to become leaders in various fields, including arts, business, education, engineering, health, journalism, law, medicine, and the sciences. The university values students who demonstrate honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility. This article provides a detailed overview of Hampton University's admission requirements, covering undergraduate and graduate programs.
Undergraduate Admissions
Holistic Review Process
Hampton University employs a holistic approach when reviewing applications, focusing on academic achievements, leadership potential, and ethical values.
Academic Requirements for High School Students
High school students applying to Hampton University should complete the following coursework:
- Four units of English
- Three units of college-preparatory mathematics
- Two units of foreign language
- Two units of social science
- Two units of natural sciences
The university encourages applicants to pursue the most rigorous academic programs available, including at least five academic courses each year, and to enroll in AP, IB, and honors courses whenever possible.
Test-Optional Admission Policy
Students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.6 (unweighted) or who rank in the top 10 percent of their class have the option to apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. However, these students are encouraged to submit at least one recommendation from a teacher in a core subject area.
Read also: Hampton University Tuition
The following applicants are required to submit standardized test scores:
- Home-schooled applicants
- Students attending schools outside the United States
- Students seeking merit-based scholarships
If an applicant submits both ACT and SAT scores, the university will use the most favorable score, based on a mix and match of the highest Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math scores.
Freshman Application Requirements
To apply for admission, prospective students must submit the following:
- A completed online application
- A non-refundable application fee of $60.00
- An official high school transcript
- Standardized test scores (if not applying under the Test Optional Policy)
- One letter of recommendation from a high school guidance counselor or teacher
- An essay via the Common App
Acceptance Rate and Academic Performance
Hampton University's acceptance rate is 62.2%, indicating that it is moderately selective. Successful applicants typically have a GPA around 3.1. While the university recommends that you take the SAT or ACT, students can get in with a B average with some A's mixed in. The 25th percentile SAT score is 840, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1220. The average ACT score is 22, with the 25th percentile at 15 and the 75th percentile at 22.
Achieving a high SAT/ACT score, such as 1220 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT, can significantly increase the chances of admission.
Read also: A Closer Look at Hampton's Campus
Transfer Students
Transfer applicants must submit:
- HU Transfer Application
- Official college transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Course descriptions and/or syllabi for all courses requesting transfer credit
- Portfolio (for Architecture applicants seeking placement beyond first year)
Students who have earned a cumulative 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all college courses receive the highest consideration for admission.
The application deadline for transfer students is:
Fall semester: March 1
Spring semester: October 15
Read also: Cost of Attending Hampton
Internal Transfers
Students from other HU majors wishing to transfer into Engineering, Architecture, or Aviation must meet the following:
- Minimum HU GPA of 2.5
- Completion of Algebra II or Pre-Calculus
- For Architecture: portfolio required only if entering beyond 1st-year studio
Academic Programs and Student Experience
Hampton University offers a wide array of academic programs, including:
- Architecture
- Art & Design
- Business
- Communication
- Design
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Finance/Accounting
- Government/Political Science
- Health Science
- Liberal Arts
- Music
- Nursing
- Performing Arts
- Science
- Social Science
- Technology
- Visual Arts
The university provides various opportunities for student engagement, such as:
- Athletics
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- Greek Life
- Historically Black College and University (HBCU) experience
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- Military/Veteran Services
- On-Campus Housing
- ROTC Program
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
Core Requirements
Every Hampton University student must attain core competencies prior to graduation, including:
- Critical thinking skills
- Ethics
- International diversity
- Information and technology literacy
- Quantitative reasoning
- Oral and written communication
- Scientific reasoning
Campus Life
Hampton University provides a vibrant campus life with various activities and resources for students.
- Housing: First-year students are required to live on campus unless their permanent address is within a 10-mile radius.
- Transportation: Students are allowed to bring cars on campus once they have earned 60 credits or more which is typically their junior year.
- Class Size: The average class size is about 20-25 students per classroom. The student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1.
- Curfew: The freshman class is required to have a curfew. On Sunday-Thursday curfew is at 11:00pm and Friday and Saturday curfew is 1:00am. The freshman class stays on curfew for approximately 4- 6 weeks.
- Student Enrollment: Hampton University has approximately 3,200 students currently enrolled.
- Resources: The Student Success Center provides support services to all students, with a special focus on freshmen.
Visiting Hampton University
Hampton University offers in-person and virtual tours. You can also sign up for a live Q&A session with an admission counselor Tuesday-Thursday from 4pm-4:30pm.
Hampton also offers a program called Summer Bridge for freshmen who are accepted provisionally into the university. Freshmen who may not have met Hampton’s requirements for full acceptance into the university can be granted the opportunity to complete 2 summer courses. If the freshman completes those courses successfully, they will be granted full acceptance into the university and be able to start classes in the fall. This program is by invitation only.
Graduate Admissions
Hampton University offers various master's and doctoral degrees. To apply, prospective graduate students must submit:
- A completed application
- A $50 non-refundable fee
- An official transcript from each college/university attended
- A personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- A resume (for Counseling and Certificate in Sport Leadership applicants only)
- Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or IELTS (for applicants whose native language is not English)
Deadlines for Admission
- March 1: Early Admission for Entering Fall Semester
- July 1: Entering Fall semester deadline. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a case-by-case basis after this deadline.
- November 21: Entering Spring Semester
- January 15: Physical Therapy Program (PT Applicants ONLY - PTCAS Application HU PT Applicants ONLY)
- May 1: Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD Applicants ONLY - CDSCAS Application HU CSD Applicants ONLY)
- April 15: Entering Summer Session
Additional Requirements for Specific Degree Programs
- 5-Year Master of Business Administration: Completion of the bachelor’s program at Hampton University’s JTG School of Business in Business Administration and permission of the Department Chair.
- M.S. in Marine and Environmental Science Program: Three letters of recommendation (instead of the standard two) and a resume.
- M.S. in Medical Science Program: Official test scores of the MCAT or DAT.
- M.S. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework in Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Legal Issues for Entrepreneurs, permission from the Chair of the Department, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.
- M.A. in Counseling Program: Resume.
- M.T. (Master of Teaching) in Education Program: Only current Hampton University students pursuing an education degree can apply.
- M.S. and Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science or Planetary Science Programs: Three letters of recommendation (instead of the standard two).
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program: In addition to your PTCAS application you are required to complete an application to the Graduate College.
- M.A. in Communicative Sciences & Disorders Program: In addition to your CDSCAS application you are required to complete an application to the Graduate College.
- Certificate Programs: Sport Leadership Certificate requires a bachelor’s degree, an official transcript, a resume, Duolingo English Test/TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable), two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
To receive financial aid from Hampton University, students should apply after October 1st of each year preceding the award year. The priority consideration date is February 15th. The Office of Admission awards merit-based scholarships to entering freshmen that range in value from $5,000- $25,000 per year.
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