Application Checklist

First-Year Students

If you are applying as a first-year student, the following are the required components of your Brandeis application:

  • Completed Common Application accompanied by the Brandeis Supplement, which includes a personal statement or essay. Learn more about the Common Application.
  • Official copies of all high school transcripts and/or GED certificate.
  • Official copy of SAT I scores or the official ACT scores with writing in lieu of all SAT test scores.
  • Official transcript(s) of any course(s) taken at the post-secondary school level.
  • A letter of recommendation from a teacher who has instructed you in a core academic course.
  • A School Report and a letter of recommendation from a secondary school official.
  • If you are applying as an Early Decision I or Early Decision II applicant, a completed Early Decision Agreement Form.

International Students

If you are an international student, the following are additional required components of your Brandeis application:

  • Marks from national exams. If the original document is not in English, please submit both the original document and an English translation.
  • If English is not your native language, you should submit results from either the TOEFL or IELTS.
  • An additional teacher recommendation. (This means that, as an international student, you are required to submit two teacher recommendations and one letter of recommendation from a secondary school official.)
  • Financial documentation:
    • If you are applying for financial assistance, you must submit:
      • CSS Profile or International Financial Aid Application
    • If you not are applying for financial assistance, you must submit:
      • Certification of Finances for International Students

Transfer Students

If you are applying as a transfer student, the following are the required components of your Brandeis application:

  • Completed Common Application accompanied by the Brandeis Supplement, which includes a personal statement or essay. Learn more about the Common Application.
  • Official copies of your final high school transcripts and/or GED certificate.
  • Official college transcript(s) from all post-secondary school institutions that you attended.
  • A letter of recommendation from an academic professor who has instructed you in a core academic course.
  • A College Official’s Report from all colleges/universities you have attended as a degree-seeking student.
  • Mid-Term Report (strongly recommended for all students currently enrolled in college courses, but not required)
  • International transfer candidates who do not speak English as a first language are required to submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Financial documentation:
    • If you are a domestic student applying for financial assistance, you must submit the CSS Profile, FAFSA, and tax returns for both you and your parent(s)
    • If you are an international student applying for financial assistance, you must submit the CSS Profile or International Financial Aid Application
    • If you are an international student not applying for financial assistance, you must submit the Certification of Finances Form
  • $55 application fee
SAT and ACT scores are recommended for transfer applicants, but they are not required

Transitional Year Program

If you are applying to the Transitional Year Program (TYP), review the applying to TYP Webpage.