First-Year Application Process
Thank you for your interest in applying to Berry! We’re excited to work with you and your family throughout the admission process. This page is your resource for more information on process and timelines. And if you ever feel lost, don’t hesitate to reach out!
First Step: Check Your Dates
| Application Term | Admission Option | Application and Materials Deadline | Notification Date | Deposit Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Early Action | Nov. 1 | Begins Dec. 1 | May 1 |
| Fall 2025 | Regular Decision | Jan. 15 | Begins Mar. 1 | May 1 |
| Spring 2025 | Regular Decision | Nov. 1 | Rolling | Dec. 1 |
While making notes of all these dates, we also highly recommend reading up on our application terms and admission options further down the page so you can pick the option that makes the most sense for you!
Next Step: Choose Your Application
The Common Application
Both applications are free and treated equally in the application process.
Submit Your Additional Materials
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In addition to your application, the following materials are required to complete your application file. Because we can’t make an admission decision without these items, your file will be considered incomplete until we receive them.
- Official High School Transcript(s)
- Personal Essay - Your personal essay is your opportunity to demonstrate the experiences and contributions you would bring to the Berry community. We are looking for original content (written by you) that represents your unique perspective. We recognize that the process of crafting an essay you are excited to share might involve working with someone you trust or even tools like artificial intelligence. We welcome the use of outside resources to aid in brainstorming, revision, and feedback, but it is unacceptable for these resources to generate your written work.
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The following items are not required (but are more than welcome):
- SAT and/or ACT results (we will accept a PDF of your score report)
- Berry’s SAT Code: 5059
- Berry’s ACT Code: 0798
- Counselor/Teacher Recommendation (available within the application)
- "Why Berry” essay
- Resume (recommended length: 1 or 2 pages)
- SAT and/or ACT results (we will accept a PDF of your score report)
Standardized Testing is Optional
Our holistic review process focuses on your admission application, your academic performance as indicated by your school transcripts, your extra-curricular engagement and a personal essay. These four factors will continue to matter most while helping us fulfill our historical mission to provide access to a world-class education for students from all backgrounds.
If you have taken the ACT or SAT, we still encourage you to submit your scores to Berry. Submitted test scores (or a lack of test scores) will not negatively impact your admission and will not be used in awarding merit-based scholarships.
*Some external or state-funded scholarship programs (like Georgia’s HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarships) may require scores for consideration, so make sure you’re aware of any limitations before you decide not to test.
Application Terms and Admission Options
Most new first-year students enroll at Berry beginning in the fall semester after they graduate from high school. We have two admission options for the fall start term.
Early Action (EA): Completing your application file (yes, we mean the application PLUS required materials) by the November 1 early action deadline means you will hear our admission decision before the end of the fall semester and ensures that you are considered for the full range of Berry’s scholarships. Early Action admission offers are non-binding, which means you can be admitted and still choose to go elsewhere (though this would be illogical, in our opinion).
If you plan to apply for aid, we highly, highly, highly (repetition deliberate and heartfelt) recommend that you also submit the FAFSA and other scholarship applications by the January 15 priority date so that we have as much time as possible to help you figure out how to make a Berry education affordable for your family.Regular Decision (RD): Still need some time to figure out where you want to apply? Or maybe you’d like us to consider your first semester grades before we make an admission decision? No problem. Apply by January 15 for our regular decision option. We (strongly) encourage you to submit your FAFSA by the February 15 financial aid deadline to receive full consideration for scholarships and financial aid. Please note that we may not be able to consider you for admission or need-based aid if you miss the application deadlines.
A handful of new first-year students will wait until the spring semester (which typically begins in early January) to enroll. You’ll need to submit your application and materials by November 1 and follow the Spring Regular decision timeline. We recommend working closely with your admission counselor to determine whether a spring start makes the most sense for you as a new first-year student. Deferral of admission or a gap term during which you take courses for college credit may change your eligibility for admission or financial aid.
Need more information? Please see frequently asked questions (FAQs)
My application is submitted! What’s next?
Waiting is one of life’s less pleasant occupations. Please know that while you’re sitting mournfully by the mailbox, we’re reviewing your application, reading your essay, taking our time to get to know you and imagining you as a member of this community.
While you wait, keep busy, keep working hard, do good in your community (these are the things that Berry students do every day).
If you just can’t keep Berry off your mind (it’s a challenge, we realize), here are some things you can do to stay connected and informed.
- Start by getting familiar with your MyBerry portal! MyBerry is a one-stop shop for all your admission needs. You can identify any outstanding admission requirements, view your admission decision, learn about scholarship and financial aid details, plan your next visit to campus, and so much more.
- Get to know your admission counselor by calling the office or sending an email. We’re especially interested to hear if you have received an honor, award or recognition since submitting your application.
- Come visit us! We have tons of options for in-person visits. And if you’re not quite ready to make the trip to campus, you can check out our virtual tour.
Are you a homeschool student?
If you didn't attend a traditional public or private high school, you may have some additional questions about the process. Our FAQ page has a section for Homeschool students with information you might find helpful.
Can I enroll with a High School Equivalency Certificate (GED)?
An applicant who presents a valid High School Equivalency Certificate and General Education Development test scores in lieu of a high school diploma may be considered for admission.