Preparing for Vanguard

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Tips on preparing for college decision and getting through the admissions process at Vanguard University

Admission Procedures

  • Complete the Application with the $45 application fee.
  • Send High School Transcripts
  • Send Standardized Test Scores
    VUSC recommends a score of 910 (combination of math and verbal) on the SAT tests and a 19 Composite score on the ACT tests.

More details on admissions procedures.

Application Deadlines

VUSC operates with a rolling admissions system and will accept and approve applications for admission throughout the year. However, applications received after July 31 for the Fall semester or after November 30 for the Spring semester may not be processed completely in time for registration, requiring the student to defer application to the following semester.

Preparing for College

You will have a lot going on your senior year—applying to colleges, senior-level classes, and saying good-bye to high school. The schedule and tips below will help you stay focused and avoid senioritis!

August

  1. If you have not taken the SAT or ACT or, if you desire to retake them, register immediately for the fall examinations. See your high school counselor for materials or visit the College Board website.
  2. Develop a list of your top college choices. Try to narrow the field down to no more than 5.

September

  1. Write practice essays for entrance to VU and other schools.
  2. Start filling out your application for admissions to Vanguard. VU’s priority deadline for the application for admission is December 1.
  3. Analyze application instructions to see what information is required and all due dates (e.g., SAT/ACT test scores, deadlines, essays, recommendations, etc).
  4. Schedule an appointment with your high school counselor to see if you are on track on the college application process.
  5. Attend Christian college fairs and other college night programming offered by your school.
  6. Register for Pre-VU. Check the VU website often for updates on this event.

October/November

  1. Begin collecting tax return information for FAFSA. Your parents will need to have this information when filing for aid.
  2. Continue to visit colleges. Come for many of the VU campus visit activities if you have not done so.
  4. Give Academic Reference to one of your teachers and give Pastoral Reference to one of your pastors at your church. Make sure you give them sufficient time to complete the forms.

December/January

  1. Complete the FAFSA on, or as soon after, January 1 as possible. *Vanguard University’s federal school code is 001293
  2. Mail the FAFSA January 1 if you have not completed it online or as soon as possible after this date. Some states have special tuition assistance plans whose deadlines vary. Inquire from state education agencies. Make certain your forms are in by the stated deadlines of the colleges. Cal Grant Deadline is March 2 for California residents. GPA Verification Form must also be submitted by March 2. High school counselor verifies. Give them plenty of time to complete!

February/March

  1. Stay in a dorm and attend classes before making your decision— especially your top choices! This will be an important part of the decision making process.
  2. Submit your Cal Grant application and GPA verification by March2!!! Absolutely no exceptions. Your FAFSA must also be submitted by March 2 and this is VU’s priority deadline for applying for financial aid as well.
  3. Don’t get burned out! You are heading towards the finish line, so make sure you keep up with your studies and allow yourself time to relax.

April

  1. Complete any remaining applications. Remember, though Vanguard University has a rolling deadline, priority for housing and financial aid is given to those who apply early.
  2. Compare colleges that have accepted you. Weigh all of your options against your academic, social, spiritual, and financial needs. Then pray about it!
  3. Attend Pre-VU. Come visit our campus for a whole day and go to chapel, tour the campus, eat in the dining commons, attend a class and hang out with current students.
  4. Write a polite note declining admission to colleges where you have been accepted but will not be attending. Colleges appreciate this.

May/June

  1. Deposit for schools are due.
  2. Take AP exams, usually in May. Even if you don’t plan to skip a year of college, top AP scores can help you bypass prerequisites for some college courses.
  3. Graduation! Celebrate! This is a milestone in your life— you’ve earned it!