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Admissions
Sterling’s programs are designed for those who are academically prepared for college studies, eager to embrace the demands of Sterling College, and willing to participate in all aspects of the curriculum. Our applicants include high school and home-school students, transfer students, adult students, and international students.
Visiting the College
A visit is the best way for you to gain a sense of the Sterling College experience. An interview is highly recommended in the admissions process although not required. It is important for you to make sure Sterling College is a good choice, given your interests and educational goals.
During a weekday visit during the academic year, you will talk with an admissions counselor, tour the campus with a student, and attend a class. We also invite you to join us for a meal in our dining hall. Summer visits are welcome but consist only of a tour and an opportunity to talk with an admissions counselor.
Open Houses are scheduled throughout the year. On these occasions, you will gather with faculty and students for discussion about Sterling’s academic programs and student life. You will tour the campus, enjoy a meal in the dining hall, and attend a financial aid and admissions workshop. Visit Days consisting of a campus tour and an informational presentation on admissions and financial aid are also available throughout the year.
We can help visitors locate a variety of excellent inns, restaurants, and bed & breakfasts close to the College. We are accessible by car, air, rail, or bus. Regularly scheduled flights arrive at Burlington International Airport. Amtrak train service is available to Montpelier, Vermont. Bus service is available to Montpelier and Burlington, Vermont. Pick-up from Montpelier or Burlington can sometimes be arranged by appointment.
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Admission Requirements
We evaluate each applicant individually and assess a range of academic and personal information. Academic preparation and achievement play an important role. Successful candidates for admission generally have completed a college preparatory high school curriculum including:
- four years of English
- three to four years of mathematics
- two to three years of science, at least two laboratory sciences
- three to four years of history or social science
- Successful transfer candidates also have a solid college grade point average.
The Admissions Committee looks most favorably upon applicants who express enthusiasm for experiential learning, in addition to intellectual curiosity and drive and desire to shape ones own education.
We offer admission to first-year and transfer students who we feel are a good fit—students who will support our mission, prove to be academically engaged, and become successful members of the Sterling community. Prospective students are encouraged to initiate personal contact with admission counselors or others in the Sterling community. Schedule a visit to campus, write, call, or send an e-mail to make known your level of interest in attending Sterling College. An admissions interview is highly recommended.
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Admission Options and Deadlines
Sterling College offers two admission plans for first-year students interested in enrolling in the fall, namely Early Action and Regular Decision. See additional details below for transfer applicants and spring enrollment. Admission to Sterling College is made without regard to race, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, color, gender, or sexual orientation. Early Action Admission—December 15 deadline for a decision by January 15.
High school seniors applying for the fall semester who wish to receive an early response to their application may apply Early Action. A completed application must be on file on or before December 15. Early Action applicants will be notified of a decision on or before January 15. Students not accepted under Early Action will be reviewed again under regular admission. Early Action applicants who submit the FAFSA prior to March 1 will receive priority financial aid packaging.
Regular Decision Admission—February 15 deadline for a decision by April 1.
First-year students applying for the fall semester must submit a completed application by February 15. Applicants will be notified of a decision on or before April 1. Submit the FAFSA by March 1 for financial aid packaging in April.
Transfer Student Admission
Transfer students applying for the fall semester should submit a completed application by April 1. Applicants will be notified of a decision on a space available basis. Submit the FAFSA as early as possible for timely awarding of financial aid.
Spring Semester Admission
First-year and transfer students applying for the spring semester should submit a completed application as soon as possible or by December 1. Eligible applicants will be admitted on a space available basis.
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Applying for Admission ~ Apply Now!
An admission application is complete when we have received the following:
- Completed application form with $35 application fee
- High school transcript or equivalent
- Two essays
- Two letters of recommendation
- College transcript (transfer applicants only)
- Admissions interview (optional)
- SAT/ACT scores (optional)
- TOEFL scores (international applicants only)
Home-Schooled Applicants
A number of home-school students apply for admission each year. Home-school students may submit a portfolio of educational and life experiences in lieu of a diploma or equivalency. Students should submit documentation of completion or expected completion of a home-school curriculum per their state standards. Home-school students who attended a secondary institution at some point between 9th and 12th grade must also submit their official secondary institution transcript.
Transfer Applicants
Transfer students must submit official transcripts from any college or university previously attended. Sterling College welcomes applications from transfer students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The College works closely with transfer students to maximize the transfer of credit without compromising academic integrity. Transfer students will receive a credit evaluation upon acceptance. Those interested in transferring are encouraged to call the Admissions Office for more details.
Adult Learners
An applicant who has been away from formal education and is at least 24 years of age is considered an adult learner. Adult learners should consider submitting a resume in addition to required application materials.
International Applicants
International students whose second language is English are required to submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). An acceptable score is 500, or 173 on the Computer Based TOEFL. There may be an option for individualized English study as part of a student’s program of study. International students should submit original transcripts/mark sheets with the required English translations, along with a completed Sterling College application. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid and must submit a Certification of Finances to verify their ability to pay for their education. Institutional financial aid is available for international students.
Visiting Students
Students from other colleges who do not wish to earn a degree from Sterling College, but would like enroll at the College for a course, semester, or year are welcome. Non-degree students interested in enrolling in a course should contact Laurie Laggner, Registrar, at extension 102. Students wishing to study-away at the Center for Northern Studies should contact Pavel Cenkl at extension 140. Students interested in participating in a Global Field Study through Sterling College should contact Erik Hansen, Director of Global Field Studies, at extension 128.
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Admissions Policies
Waiting List
The waiting list is reflective of our increasing selectivity and our need to guard against shortfalls in enrollment. Applicants who are placed on our waiting list should consider themselves viable candidates whom we feel are a good fit for Sterling College. Wait listed applicants are asked to notify us of their intent to remain on the waiting list. We do not rank our wait list and applicants who chose to stay on the waiting list will be reevaluated. If we determine available space in the entering class, we will notify applicants choosing to remain on the waitlist—usually after May 1, but before the end of June.
Accepting the Offer of Admission
To accept the offer of admission and secure a space in the entering class, students must submit a completed Candidate Reply Form, Registration Form, and $500 deposit on or before May 1. Note that deposits are non-refundable.
Deferring the Offer of Admission
Accepted students wishing to defer admission may do so by submitting a written request to the Director of Admissions and a $500 enrollment deposit, which is non-refundable. Enrollment may be deferred for up to one year given successful completion of any academic coursework attempted during that time.
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Articulation Agreements
Sterling College honors articulation agreements with particular colleges and organizations. Students transferring from other colleges should contact the Admissions Office to learn more about our transfer policy.
Transfer Agreement with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
Students who transfer to Sterling College after participating in a NOLS semester-long program may fulfill the following core requirements:
- NS207 Ecology (3 credits) through NOLS Biology
- AS100 Tools & Their Applications (1 credits) through NOLS Skills Practicum
- SS105 Experiential Education I (3 credits) through NOLS Skills Practicum and Risk Management
- SS110 Experiential Education II (2 credits) through NOLS Environmental Ethics
Note that the above example assumes NOLS courses have been taken for credit through the University of Utah and completed with a grade of C or better.
Transfer Agreement with Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO)
Sterling College will waive requirements and/or grant credit to students who hold a current certification from SOLO in AWFA, WFR, and WEMT courses. SOLO courses will transfer to Sterling College as follows:
| SOLO AWFA -- |
Advanced Wilderness First Aid (2 credits) |
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| SOLO WFR -- |
Advanced Wilderness First Aid (2 credits) |
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Wilderness First Responder (2 credits) |
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| SOLO WEMT -- |
Credit in Applied Sciences (up to 8 credits) |
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and course waivers for |
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Advanced Wilderness First Aid and |
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Wilderness First Responder |
Transfer Agreement with
An articulation agreement has been established to facilitate the transfer of Greenfield Community College graduates to Sterling College. This agreement is designed to enable Greenfield Community College graduates to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Conservation Ecology, Outdoor Education and Leadership, Sustainable Agriculture, or the Self-Designed major at Sterling College.
Greenfield Community College graduates possessing an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts/Environmental Studies/Human Ecology or Liberal Arts/Environmental Studies/Natural Resources are eligible for admittance to Sterling College as Juniors under specific terms. Greenfield Community College students are encouraged to speak to their Transfer Coordinator or contact the Sterling College Admissions Office for details concerning the articulation agreement.
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Questions About Admissions Please contact us if you have any questions about Sterling College.
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