Spring Enrollment for First-Year Students

Our Angle on First-year Spring Enrollment

While most prospective first-year students apply to Denison University intending to enroll during the fall semester, we are pleased to offer interested students the opportunity to begin their Denison experience in the spring semester. Denison’s spring enrollment program allows students the chance to pursue a gap semester. Many students who chose a spring enrollment path may use their time to travel, participate in service, athletic, or artistic programs, spend time with family, practice some self care, complete an internship or job experience, read all of Proust, or many other noble pursuits.

The Application Process

Our admission deadlines remain the same regardless of preferred semester start, and Denison releases admission decisions for both fall and spring semester students at the same time — rolling from November through February for Early Decision applicants and by April 1 for Regular Decision applicants.

How do I indicate my preference? It’s simple. When completing the application, students can select the term they prefer to start their college experience. Additionally, students can update their semester start preference through the enrollment preferences form in their applicant portal after their applications have been submitted. Note that the preference a student indicates has no impact on a student’s admissibility to Denison. While we strive to achieve student preference, we cannot guarantee that a student will be admitted for their preferred semester start.

Spring Enrollment FAQ:

How are students selected for spring enrollment?

We typically have far more qualified candidates than we have space for on campus each fall. Spring enrollment allows us to enroll some of those highly qualified students who may otherwise not have been able to join our community.

Am I more likely to be admitted if I indicate a spring enrollment preference?

The preference you indicate on your application or through the enrollment preferences form in your applicant portal has no impact on your admissibility. Students who would consider a spring semester start at Denison, if a fall start is unavailable due to space limitations, should indicate that preference. Otherwise, students should indicate that they would only like to be considered for a fall or a spring start, as appropriate.

What should I do during the fall semester?

We know that for many students this break in school is unexpected. While you are welcome to pursue almost any activity, we encourage you to consider taking courses at a college local to you to keep your mind sharp and help ensure a seamless transition to Denison in January. Other popular options include travel, service, work, and independent study. Many students combine several of these options, but how you spend your time is up to you. The only restriction is that you may not enroll at another college as a degree-seeking student in the fall.

Can I take college courses in the fall prior to coming to Denison?

Yes. We actually encourage you to consider taking classes at a college local to you in the fall before enrolling at Denison in January. If you plan to take classes in the fall, we ask that you have your courses pre-approved. You can do this by contacting the Denison Office of Admission with an indication of the courses you plan to take so that we can ensure credit transfer through the Office of the Registrar.

Denison is pleased to provide pre-approval of transfer credit and to offer faculty advising on your course selection. To discuss taking courses elsewhere in the fall, please reach out to us at admission@denison.edu, and we will coordinate the review and approval of courses elsewhere.

Will I be able to study abroad later during my time at Denison?

Absolutely. Most Denison students study abroad in their junior year, and spring enrollment students are no different - you can plan a study abroad trip with your academic advisor that fits into your academic plans.

Can spring admission students participate in 4 years of NCAA athletics?

Yes, all students have four years of NCAA eligibility, including those who begin at Denison as first-year students in the spring semester.

Will I be able to join student organizations and campus activities?

Yes! Denison is a campus highly engaged in activities and co-curriculars.

Please note, there are credit requirements as it pertains to greek involvement. Therefore, students who enroll at Denison in the spring, would need to wait to begin sorority/fraternity recruitment in the next academic year.

Is there an orientation for students enrolling in the spring?

Yes! You will receive information regarding spring orientation later in the fall.

Will I make friends?

Students who begin at Denison in the spring not only enroll with a cohort of other spring students, but they immediately enter our residential community with the entire student body.

Will there be space for me in a residence hall in January?

Denison is a fully residential campus, meaning all of our students are required to live on campus for all four years, including students who enter Denison in the spring.

When will I graduate?

Students must earn 126 credits in order to graduate, along with their general education and major requirements. That can be accomplished over any number of semesters. Students who enter Denison in the spring are certainly able to graduate 7 semesters later with careful planning. One option is to enroll at Denison with existing college credit earned from AP or IB examinations. Alternatively, students can complete a few extra courses during the academic year, or they can enroll in summer courses and transfer those to credits to Denison. There are many options available.

I have more questions. Who should I contact?

We are here to help you with all admission related questions. Find the admission counselor responsible for working with students from your area or contact us at admission@denison.edu or by phone at 740-587-6276.