Freshman Admission

We expect to see a record of academic success and consider factors such as the context of your school, the difficulty level in your courses and trends in your grades. We consider the varying academic environments at different schools, as well as your extracurricular involvement.

We look for completion of the Advanced Studies Diploma for Virginia public schools or demonstrated success in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, honors or similarly advanced work in a college preparatory curriculum.

We use the cumulative GPA provided by your high school. If your school does not use a 4.0 scale, we recalculate your GPA based on a 4.0 scale. The middle 50 percent high school GPA range for our freshman class is 3.5–4.0 (4.0 scale).

Are your grades consistent year to year? Did you have a rocky start in ninth grade? Have your grades improved each year? Or are they on a downward slope? If there is a glaring inconsistency in your grades, we encourage you to give an explanation in the additional information section on the Common Application.

We accept the SAT, ACT or CLT (Classical Learning Test). We use the most favorable score when making an admission decision. Your SAT is based on a super score of your highest Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math scores. Your ACT score is based on your highest composite, and your CLT score is your total score.

Students may choose to apply without submitting standardized test scores.

We only consider class rank if it is provided by your high school.

We also seek students with demonstrated leadership ability, a commitment to service and pride in their communities, exemplary talents, and diverse life experiences. Recommendations, essays and interviews allow the admission committee to recognize these personal qualities.

• Essay: An essay or personal statement is required by either online application option, with additional short-answer essay questions for applicants interested in the President’s Leadership Program and/or Honors Program.
• Recommendations (strongly encouraged): Send 1-3 recommendations, preferably from your school counselor and core-subject teachers.
• Personal interview (strongly encouraged): An interview is a great opportunity to distinguish yourself as an applicant and demonstrate your interest in Christopher Newport. Interviews are available to seniors June–March and last about 30 minutes. Interviews are required for President's Leadership Program and Honors Program scholarship consideration.