First-Year Students • Georgian Court University
You're about to become a Lion.
You've spent four years working toward this. At Georgian Court, we don't just process your application — you get a dedicated admissions counselor, a clear plan, and a team genuinely invested in getting you here.
Open House for Prospective Students
Get to know your GCU family, interact with students and counselors, and explore campus. Fall Fest Open House: Saturday, October 17 & Saturday, November 14. Join an Open House →
64/36
% female / male (undergraduate)
20
states represented
32%
first-generation college students
345
student-athletes, 16 NCAA D-II teams
Getting Started
Do you apply as a first-year student?
If you're a traditional high school student, earned some college credit while still in high school, or completed an associate degree during high school, you're a first-year applicant — even if you've technically already earned some credits.
The line that matters: if you've accumulated 24 or more transferable college credits after finishing high school (and before enrolling here), you'd apply as a transfer student instead.
See the Transfer Students page
Holistic Review
What we look for.
Georgian Court takes a holistic approach — no single number decides your future here. We look at your high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores (optional — GCU is test-optional, though we recommend submitting strong scores), your application essay, letters of recommendation if provided, and a resume, if you have one.
| Recommended Profile | General Applicants | Nursing Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | 3.2+ (4.0 scale), college-prep curriculum | Same, plus a B or better in HS biology w/ lab, chemistry w/ lab, and Algebra I |
| English | 4 units | 4 units |
| Foreign language | 2 units, one language | 2 units, one language |
| Mathematics | 2 units | 2 units, including 1 unit of Algebra |
| Laboratory science | 2 units | 2 units — one biology, one chemistry |
| History | 2 units | 2 units |
| Electives | 4 units | 4 units |
16 academic units total either way — this is a recommended profile, not a hard cutoff. Admission is competitive but individualized.
When to Apply
Rolling admission, with three priority dates.
Georgian Court reviews applications on a rolling basis, all year long — but hitting a priority date means an earlier decision and earlier access to your financial aid package. Missed all three? We still review applications after — early is always better, but it's never too late to start.
November 15
Earliest review, earliest decision
December 15
Still plenty early for fall planning
January 15
Final priority date before rolling review
The Process
Five steps to becoming a Lion.
Submit Your Application
Apply free online at georgian.edu/apply.
Send Your Transcripts
Official HS + any college transcripts, sent directly to Admissions. Homeschooled? Self-certified transcripts work. GED/HiSET accepted in place of a HS transcript.
GCU Office of Admissions, 900 Lakewood Ave. Lakewood, NJ 08701
Send Test Scores (Optional)
If submitting, send officially. College Board code: 2274. ACT code: 2562.
GCU Office of Admissions, 900 Lakewood Ave. Lakewood, NJ 08701
Interview, If Needed
Occasionally we'll request a quick interview to complete your file — we'll let you know once your documents are in.
Confirm Your Spot
Accepted? Secure your place with a $250 nonrefundable deposit — priority May 1 fall / Jan 1 spring. This is also what opens the door to on-campus housing.
Get Ahead
Earn credit before you even start.
AP Credit
Score a 3 or higher on a College Board AP exam, and you could walk in with college credit already on the books — up to 30 credits, awarded exam by exam.
IB Credit
Earned an IB Diploma with a 30+ overall score? GCU offers up to 30 credits (sophomore standing), awarded exam by exam.
Seal of Biliteracy
We're proud of students who've earned it — the Seal itself doesn't carry direct credit, but a recognized exam like CLEP, the NYU Language Proficiency Exam, or BYU FLATS can get you there.
Extra Support When You Need It
You're never figuring it out alone.
PATHS — Personalized Academic Transition & Holistic Support
Some incoming students are identified for PATHS based on their high school record and application data. If PATHS is part of your acceptance, you'll meet your dedicated PATHS coach at Blue & Gold Day and commit to two hours a week for your first academic year — one hour with your coach, one more from a menu of support (Writing Center, peer tutoring, TRIO-SSS, EOF counseling, or Graduate Student Mentoring). It's designed around one thing: helping you land on your feet.
Where You'll Belong
Two schools, one community.
School of Business, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences
Accounting • Biology • Business Administration • Chemistry • Communication • Criminal Justice • Early Childhood Education • English • Finance • Graphic Design • History • Interdisciplinary Studies • Mathematics • Marketing • Psychology • Sport Management • Visual Art • and more
Visit this school
Hackensack Meridian Health School of Nursing & Wellness
Nursing (A.B.S.N., B.S.N., R.N. to B.S.N., DE-M.S.N.) • Social Work • Exercise Science, Wellness & Sports • Health Sciences • Health Profession Studies • and more
Visit this school
Why Georgian Court
Six reasons Lions choose The Court.
Strong Outcomes
Our graduates earn $10,000 more than expected 10 years after graduation (College Scorecard).
Affordability
100% of full-time freshmen receive financial aid — most in the form of scholarships and grants.
Committed Community
A 12:1 student-faculty ratio means committed faculty and academic support actually know you.
Diversity
A genuinely mixed community — first-generation, Pell-eligible, and international students all find their place here.
Values-Based Education
Learn and live our Mercy values of respect, justice, compassion, service, and integrity.
Campus & Location
A National Historic Landmark campus, minutes from the Jersey Shore and an hour from NYC and Philly.
Questions Along The Way?
Your admissions team is here to guide you.
Call on your team for help with the application, connecting to a financial aid counselor, or anything else on your mind.
Daniel Gallen
