Freshman Applicants

At Bear University, we prepare students for lives of purpose. We give students the tools they need to become confident, capable and caring professionals who outsmart, outperform and outlast their competition. With this competitive advantage, our graduates go on to change the world.

Whether you want to make the world a better place through a career in health care, business, public service or even the arts, Bear University will help you plan your path—and seize your future.

Your classes and extracurriculars will prepare you for a real career, real contributions and real life. You may enter looking to take on the world, but you will emerge prepared to dominate your future.

Deadlines for 2021 Entering Class

  • Nov. 1, 2020 Early Decision Fall 2021 Semester
  • Feb. 1, 2021 Dual Admission Fall 2021 Semester
  • Mar. 1, 2021 Regular Decision Fall 2021 Semester
  • Nov. 1, 2021 Dual Admission Winter 2021 Semester

Admission Process

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply to Bear University.

Freshman applicants may apply using our streamlined

Big Blue Application or the

Common App.

One letter of recommendation from a teacher is required, but you may submit up to a total of three letters. The letters can be completed online through the Common App Teacher Evaluation form, or you can submit the letter(s) in the supplemental items area of the Big Blue Application.

Paper letters of recommendation may be emailed to your admission counselor or mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Bear University
1234 College Avenue
Anywhere, U.S. 12345

Your guidance counselor will need to submit your transcripts and recommendation. They can do so electronically through Naviance, SENDedu or the Common App, or by mail using the address above. If you’re applying with the Common App, your counselor should also complete the School Report and submit it with your transcripts and school profile.

For more detailed instructions, see the Resources for Guidance Counselors page.

If you’re curious about how AP and IB credits transfer, visit Transfer Evaluation Services for Undergraduate Students .

Send Verification of Compliance and Completion of Home Education Program. It should include a copy of a teacher’s evaluation or district confirmation, or verification of a passing score on the state student assessment test, administered by a certified teacher.

Due to testing challenges related to COVID-19, undergraduate applicants for the 2021-22 admission cycle may choose to have their application reviewed for admission with or without the submission of SAT or ACT scores.

Test-Optional FAQs

Applicants who choose to have their application reviewed with test scores can self-report SAT and/or ACT score(s) on the application for admission. Upon enrollment to Bear University, official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency using the following information:

ISAT Code: 0000
ACT Code: 0000

Bear University superscores both the SAT and ACT, so if you take the exam more than once, you must submit all of your test scores to ensure we have your best and highest composite scores on record. Bear currently considers only the critical reading and math scores for the SAT. For the ACT, Bear does not utilize the optional writing section.

Meet Our Student Admission Ambassadors

Freshman Class Profile

  • A-/B+ Average Weighted High School GPA
  • 1070–1280 Average SAT Superscore (Combined)
  • 21–30 Average ACT Superscore (Composite)
  • 14,000 Number of Applicants
  • 60% In State
  • 35% Out of State
  • 5% International
  • 1,500 Number Enrolled

Why Bear University

Here, you’ll have access to all the resources of a large public research university—and the personalized attention that makes you feel like part of a tight-knit community. This combination is why we’re nationally recognized for excellence and why our alumni outcomes can’t be beat.

Explore campus and see yourself at Bear University

11011 West Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: (804) 741-8965

Ready to transform your institution?