Preparing to Apply

Are you planning to apply to SPU? Here are some tips for how to stand out as an applicant.

Looking for more feedback on what we look for in our applicants? Your admissions counselor would love to connect with you and answer all your questions.

We consider your:

Mission fit. We look for students who are energized by our vision to engage the culture and change the world. We evaluate this by your essays, interview (optional), and recommendations.
Academic fit. We want to make sure that you’ll succeed in SPU’s challenging academic environment. For this, we look at test scores, essays, recommendations, and grades and grade trend. At the minimum, complete your high school graduation requirements. In order to be a competitive applicant, we recommend:

Recommended high school course sequence

4 years English

Learn more about the writing ("W") competency requirement, including what any AP, CLEP, IB exams, and college level writing courses can fulfill.

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3 years math

3 years science

Including both lab & physical science.

1 year the arts

3 years foreign language

Students who enter with 3 years of a foreign language will have already completed the competency requirement needed for SPU graduation.

Ways to set yourself apart:

Take college-level and college prep classes, like Advanced Placement, IB and dual-credit programs like Running Start
Well-written, memorable essays that showcase your strengths, unique experiences and goals
Extracurricular involvement
Visit campus and meet us in person.

Apply

Preparing to Apply

We consider your:

Recommended high school course sequence

4 years English

3 years math

3 years science

2 years social science

1 year the arts

3 years foreign language

Ways to set yourself apart: