FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Q&A: Admissions

Q: How do I get admitted into the School of Communications at Elon?

A: Students are admitted to Elon University, not to the School of Communications. What you designate as your intended major has no bearing on whether you are admitted to Elon. The most important factors in the admissions decision are the academic record (courses taken, grades attained, class standing) followed by SAT or ACT scores. Elon also considers the guidance counselor evaluation, extracurricular activities and involvements, the student's personal statement, and the student's potential to contribute positively to our campus environment.

Q: Many schools don't let freshmen take Communications courses and instead have special entrance requirements later on. Does Elon?

A: No. We believe students should enjoy their chosen major from the start. Freshmen can get involved in student media and volunteer to produce weekly newscasts for student television. Freshmen also can take our Communications in a Global Society class; you will need to earn a C- or better in that course and also in Media Writing in order to progress to the rest of our curriculum.

Q: Are scholarships available?

A: Yes, the university provides Presidential Scholarships to qualified applicants. In addition, the School of Communications will designate four Communications Fellows to receive special Fellows scholarships.

Q: What courses transfer to Elon from other schools?

A: The registrar's office designates which courses taken elsewhere will count toward an Elon graduation. Coursework in the arts and sciences such as math, English, history and the sciences normally transfer in, as does the introductory communications course taken at another college or university.

Q: I'm curious. What would you consider the key indicators for a career in Communications?

A: You said the magic words when you began "I'm curious." To succeed in a communications career, you first need curiosity about the world you live in. Do you ask lots of questions? Do you probe under the surface? If so, then that curiosity needs to grow into knowledge so that what you communicate will have depth, context and accuracy. Being a good writer is important because clear and logical writing reflects a clear and logical mind. Of course, hard work is necessary, with a generous dose of creativity. Finally, you need a strong sense of who you are and what values you hold, so that when you face temptation to do wrong, you will have the courage to do right. These are six ingredients for succeeding: curiosity, knowledge, writing, hard work, creativity, values.