First-Year Application | Chapman University
Source: https://www.chapman.edu/admission/undergraduate/how-to-apply/first-year/index.aspx
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:09
First-Year Application | Chapman University
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First-Generation Applicants
Applicants with Disabilities
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Missing Items
»
How to Apply - First Year Students
Please review the information below for application deadlines, options and instructions
for applying to Chapman University.
To receive application updates, be sure to
stay in touch
.
First-year application deadlines
Spring 2026 deadline
All applications to start in the spring are due by
October 15, 2025
. Applications received after October 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.
Fall 2026 deadlines
November 1, 2025
is the deadline for:
Early Action (non-binding)
Early Decision (binding)
Film and Television Production
(priority)
Dance
(priority)
Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy Experience (APEx) Program
(priority)
Screen Acting
(priority)
Theatre Performance
(priority)
Writing for Film and Television
(priority)
January 15, 2026
is the Regular Decision deadline for all programs.
Applications for programs with priority deadlines will still receive full consideration
if received by the Regular Decision deadline. Applications received after the Regular
Decision deadline will be considered late and reviewed on a space-available basis.
Application options
There are three options for applying to Chapman:
1) Early Action (EA) is a non-binding early deadline
. Decision notifications are sent in late December for most programs, and are then
sent on a rolling basis through the beginning of February.
EA applications are due November 1, 2025.
EA applicants may apply to other Early Action colleges.
Binding Early Decision and Early Decision II program applicants to other schools can
also apply Early Action to Chapman.
2) Early Decision (ED) is a binding early deadline
. Decision notifications are sent in late December. This option is appropriate only
if you are sure Chapman is your first choice.
ED applications are due November 1, 2025.
Binding means you must commit to enroll at Chapman if admitted to your first-choice
major. (You will not need to commit to enroll if you are admitted to your second-choice
major.)
ED applicants looking to apply for need-based financial aid must
submit their FAFSA
.
ED applicants cannot apply Early Decision to other institutions.
ED applicants can apply EA to other colleges, but must withdraw those applications
if admitted to Chapman.
3) Regular Decision (RD) is a non-binding deadline
. Decision notification for RD is in mid-March.
RD applications are due January 15, 2026.
RD applicants may apply ED or EA to other institutions.
You can view complete spring and fall deadlines for RD below, under “First Year Application
Deadlines."
Early Application considerations
You can learn more about applying Early Action or Early Decision, including which
is the best option for you, on our Early Application Options page.
Visit Early Application Options page
Application steps and requirements
Follow the steps below to apply as a first-year student to Chapman University. Please
only submit the university’s required documents.
Step 1: Complete and submit
The Common App
and Chapman University Questions.
Within the Common App you will self-report your courses and grades. If we determine
additional information is needed, you may be asked to provide a transcript. Students
can upload a copy of their transcript in their Application Status Page.
If you accept admission to Chapman, you will be required to submit official final
high school transcripts before your first semester begins.
You can use
Common App's FAQs section
if have questions about adding/submitting your courses and grades.
Chapman University Questions are submitted along with your Common App. You can learn
more about Chapman University Questions on our
Application Tips page
.
Chapman University has a
test-optional admission process
. This means most applicants can choose if they want their SAT or ACT scores reviewed
with their application. For those submitting scores, we will accept:
Self-reported scores via the Common App’s “Testing” section.
Official scores sent directly from College Board or ACT. If you wish to send official
scores directly from CollegeBoard or ACT, Chapman’s Testing Code for the SAT is 4047;
for the ACT it is 0210.
Toggle Section
Additional Information on Test Scores
You can learn more about the
test-optional admission process here
.
For those selecting to have their test scores reviewed with their application:
Official scores are not required for review of your application. We will require official
scores to be sent after a student has been offered admission and an enrollment deposit
is made.
Chapman will superscore the SAT, but not the ACT. Superscoring is when the highest
score from each section of the test is used for review, no matter if the individual
scores are from one test sitting or multiple sittings.
Chapman has no preference for which test the student takes, but we encourage you to
list/send scores from all tests taken. We will only utilize the scores that put students
in the most competitive position in our applicant pool.
Chapman still requires official TOEFL/IELTS scores for international applicants.
Chapman does not require SAT Subject Tests.
Chapman Admission policy on ChatGPT and AI tools
At Chapman University, we understand the appeal of ChatGPT and AI tools for writing
assistance, but we trust in your abilities to create thoughtful and genuine essays.
If you choose to utilize these resources,
we ask that it be used to support your essay and not write it for you
.
Step 2: Submit letter(s) of recommendation via the Common App
Request at least one letter of recommendation from one of your teachers through the
"Recommender" section on the Common App.
Chapman only requires one letter of recommendation, but will review up to two letters.
If you are applying to a talent major and need to submit a
Creative Supplement
, we recommend submitting an additional letter through the Common App (two letters
total), with one from someone that can speak to your creative abilities. While this
isn't required, it is highly encouraged.
Step 3: Submit the Common App School Report form
Ask your counselor (or school official) to submit the Common App School Report form.
Your counselor may also submit an attached letter of recommendation, although it is
not required.
Step 4: Pay the application fee (Fee waiver available for eligible applicants)
You must submit the $70 non-refundable application fee via the Common App, or select
the fee waiver option if you meet the Common App fee waiver guidelines.
Step 5: Submit the Creative Supplement/department requirements (for specific majors)
Applicants to academic majors within the colleges/departments below must also submit
a Creative Supplement:
College of Performing Arts
Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
Department of Art (excluding Art History)
You can only submit your Creative Supplement after submitting your Common App. Visit
our
Creative Supplement page
for more information.
Our Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy Experience (APEx) Program also has additional requirements.
View the
application information on the Pre-Pharmacy website
for specific details.
Toggle Section
Additional Steps for International Students
All international applicants must submit an International Supplement Form. This form
is available after submitting your application. You can access it in your Application
Status Page.
For non-native English speakers, proof of English proficiency is required in one of
the following ways:
Minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT (with balanced sub scores)
Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with balanced sub scores)
Minimum Duolingo English Test score of 115
Chapman’s Testing Code for the TOEFL is 4047
More information for international applicants, including English proficiency waivers,
is available on our
International Students webpage
.
Fall 2026 Notification Timelines
First-year applicants to Fall 2026 should expect decisions based on their major and
notification plan, though timeline is subject to change:
All Early Decision applicants
: mid-December
Early Action Film & Television Production applicants
: mid-February
Early Action College of Performing Arts Program applicants
: notifications begin in late December and are released through mid-March
All other Early Action applicants
: mid-December to mid-January
Regular Decision applicants
: mid-March
Admission Decisions Explained
First-year fall applicants will receive one of six different decisions. Learn about
the various options on our Admission Decisions Explained page.
Visit Admission Decisions Explained
Applying for Financial Aid
Please visit our
Applying for Financial Aid
page for more information on submitting your FAFSA and financing your Chapman education.
Recommended Classes for High School Students
Recommended classes for students (similar to A-G requirements for University of California/California
State University schools):
English: 4 years
Math: 3-4 years (business and science majors should take classes through pre-calculus,
at a minimum, and aim to take 4 full years of math as major preparation)
Science: 2-3 years (science majors should try to take 3-4 years of science as major
preparation; at least two courses should be a lab science)
History/Social Science: 2-3 years
Foreign Language: 3-4 years
Arts/Electives: 2-3 years
These courses can make you a stronger candidate for admission at Chapman University.
However, if these recommendations are not completed, you will not be disqualified
for admission. We would like to see that your high school curriculum and course rigor
supports the major to which you have applied. You will want to check with other institutions
to which you are applying to check if their recommended/required courses are different.
How we can help
We are happy to help as you consider Chapman and work on your application:
Introduce yourself to your counselor
. They would love to hear from you and can answer many of your questions.
Visit Chapman
.
We offer ways to connect on campus or from wherever you are.
Meet us at your high school
. Our counselors will be making virtual high school visits throughout the fall. If
we're coming to your school, we'll send you an invite (as long as you've
joined our interest list
).
You can also use our
program finder
to help find the right major/minors for you.
Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age,
disability, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, religion, military
status, or veteran’s status in its admissions policies or administration of its educational
programs, including scholarship and loan programs, under Title IX of the Educational
Amendments of 1972 and under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Questions, concerns, or complaints may be directed to Colleen Wood, Title IX Coordinator
at
titleix@chapman.edu
, phone (714) 997-6721, Argyros Forum Room 101, or to the Director, US Department
of Education, Washington, DC, 20201.
Note: any questions relating to the admission process should be sent to
admit@chapman.edu
First Year
Test-Optional
Early Application Options
Creative Supplement
Application Tips
Application Review Process
Missing Items
Admission Decisions Explained
Home-schooled Students
FAQs
Contact Admission
Email us:
Email General Admission
Email Transfer Admission
Email International Admission
Call us:
(714) 997-6711
Text us:
(714) 942-5474
Send your documents:
Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Follow Us on Social Media
Follow us on social media for tips, news and updates about applying to Chapman University:
Admission Instagram
Admission YouTube
Admission Facebook
Chapman TikTok
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Virtually explore Chapman in this student-led tour through our Orange Campus. You'll
be able to visit classrooms, hang-out spots, our residence life area and much more!
Start the Tour
Back to top
Back to top
©
Skip to main content
Skip over carousel to next section
Off
Undergraduate Admission
First Year Application Instructions
Admission
Undergraduate Admission
Graduate Admission
Non-degree Seeking Students
Contact the Office of Admission
Activating Your Chapman Account
Undergraduate
Undergraduate Admission
How to Apply
Financing
Academics
Student Life
College Counselors
Visit Opportunities
Contact Us
Request Information
How To Apply
First-Year Students
Transfer Students
Test Optional
Creative Supplement
Application Review Process
Application Tips
First-Generation Applicants
Applicants with Disabilities
FAQs
Missing Items
»
How to Apply - First Year Students
Please review the information below for application deadlines, options and instructions
for applying to Chapman University.
To receive application updates, be sure to
stay in touch
.
First-year application deadlines
Spring 2026 deadline
All applications to start in the spring are due by
October 15, 2025
. Applications received after October 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.
Fall 2026 deadlines
November 1, 2025
is the deadline for:
Early Action (non-binding)
Early Decision (binding)
Film and Television Production
(priority)
Dance
(priority)
Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy Experience (APEx) Program
(priority)
Screen Acting
(priority)
Theatre Performance
(priority)
Writing for Film and Television
(priority)
January 15, 2026
is the Regular Decision deadline for all programs.
Applications for programs with priority deadlines will still receive full consideration
if received by the Regular Decision deadline. Applications received after the Regular
Decision deadline will be considered late and reviewed on a space-available basis.
Application options
There are three options for applying to Chapman:
1) Early Action (EA) is a non-binding early deadline
. Decision notifications are sent in late December for most programs, and are then
sent on a rolling basis through the beginning of February.
EA applications are due November 1, 2025.
EA applicants may apply to other Early Action colleges.
Binding Early Decision and Early Decision II program applicants to other schools can
also apply Early Action to Chapman.
2) Early Decision (ED) is a binding early deadline
. Decision notifications are sent in late December. This option is appropriate only
if you are sure Chapman is your first choice.
ED applications are due November 1, 2025.
Binding means you must commit to enroll at Chapman if admitted to your first-choice
major. (You will not need to commit to enroll if you are admitted to your second-choice
major.)
ED applicants looking to apply for need-based financial aid must
submit their FAFSA
.
ED applicants cannot apply Early Decision to other institutions.
ED applicants can apply EA to other colleges, but must withdraw those applications
if admitted to Chapman.
3) Regular Decision (RD) is a non-binding deadline
. Decision notification for RD is in mid-March.
RD applications are due January 15, 2026.
RD applicants may apply ED or EA to other institutions.
You can view complete spring and fall deadlines for RD below, under “First Year Application
Deadlines."
Early Application considerations
You can learn more about applying Early Action or Early Decision, including which
is the best option for you, on our Early Application Options page.
Visit Early Application Options page
Application steps and requirements
Follow the steps below to apply as a first-year student to Chapman University. Please
only submit the university’s required documents.
Step 1: Complete and submit
The Common App
and Chapman University Questions.
Within the Common App you will self-report your courses and grades. If we determine
additional information is needed, you may be asked to provide a transcript. Students
can upload a copy of their transcript in their Application Status Page.
If you accept admission to Chapman, you will be required to submit official final
high school transcripts before your first semester begins.
You can use
Common App's FAQs section
if have questions about adding/submitting your courses and grades.
Chapman University Questions are submitted along with your Common App. You can learn
more about Chapman University Questions on our
Application Tips page
.
Chapman University has a
test-optional admission process
. This means most applicants can choose if they want their SAT or ACT scores reviewed
with their application. For those submitting scores, we will accept:
Self-reported scores via the Common App’s “Testing” section.
Official scores sent directly from College Board or ACT. If you wish to send official
scores directly from CollegeBoard or ACT, Chapman’s Testing Code for the SAT is 4047;
for the ACT it is 0210.
Toggle Section
Additional Information on Test Scores
You can learn more about the
test-optional admission process here
.
For those selecting to have their test scores reviewed with their application:
Official scores are not required for review of your application. We will require official
scores to be sent after a student has been offered admission and an enrollment deposit
is made.
Chapman will superscore the SAT, but not the ACT. Superscoring is when the highest
score from each section of the test is used for review, no matter if the individual
scores are from one test sitting or multiple sittings.
Chapman has no preference for which test the student takes, but we encourage you to
list/send scores from all tests taken. We will only utilize the scores that put students
in the most competitive position in our applicant pool.
Chapman still requires official TOEFL/IELTS scores for international applicants.
Chapman does not require SAT Subject Tests.
Chapman Admission policy on ChatGPT and AI tools
At Chapman University, we understand the appeal of ChatGPT and AI tools for writing
assistance, but we trust in your abilities to create thoughtful and genuine essays.
If you choose to utilize these resources,
we ask that it be used to support your essay and not write it for you
.
Step 2: Submit letter(s) of recommendation via the Common App
Request at least one letter of recommendation from one of your teachers through the
"Recommender" section on the Common App.
Chapman only requires one letter of recommendation, but will review up to two letters.
If you are applying to a talent major and need to submit a
Creative Supplement
, we recommend submitting an additional letter through the Common App (two letters
total), with one from someone that can speak to your creative abilities. While this
isn't required, it is highly encouraged.
Step 3: Submit the Common App School Report form
Ask your counselor (or school official) to submit the Common App School Report form.
Your counselor may also submit an attached letter of recommendation, although it is
not required.
Step 4: Pay the application fee (Fee waiver available for eligible applicants)
You must submit the $70 non-refundable application fee via the Common App, or select
the fee waiver option if you meet the Common App fee waiver guidelines.
Step 5: Submit the Creative Supplement/department requirements (for specific majors)
Applicants to academic majors within the colleges/departments below must also submit
a Creative Supplement:
College of Performing Arts
Dodge College of Film and Media Arts
Department of Art (excluding Art History)
You can only submit your Creative Supplement after submitting your Common App. Visit
our
Creative Supplement page
for more information.
Our Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy Experience (APEx) Program also has additional requirements.
View the
application information on the Pre-Pharmacy website
for specific details.
Toggle Section
Additional Steps for International Students
All international applicants must submit an International Supplement Form. This form
is available after submitting your application. You can access it in your Application
Status Page.
For non-native English speakers, proof of English proficiency is required in one of
the following ways:
Minimum TOEFL score of 80 iBT (with balanced sub scores)
Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with balanced sub scores)
Minimum Duolingo English Test score of 115
Chapman’s Testing Code for the TOEFL is 4047
More information for international applicants, including English proficiency waivers,
is available on our
International Students webpage
.
Fall 2026 Notification Timelines
First-year applicants to Fall 2026 should expect decisions based on their major and
notification plan, though timeline is subject to change:
All Early Decision applicants
: mid-December
Early Action Film & Television Production applicants
: mid-February
Early Action College of Performing Arts Program applicants
: notifications begin in late December and are released through mid-March
All other Early Action applicants
: mid-December to mid-January
Regular Decision applicants
: mid-March
Admission Decisions Explained
First-year fall applicants will receive one of six different decisions. Learn about
the various options on our Admission Decisions Explained page.
Visit Admission Decisions Explained
Applying for Financial Aid
Please visit our
Applying for Financial Aid
page for more information on submitting your FAFSA and financing your Chapman education.
Recommended Classes for High School Students
Recommended classes for students (similar to A-G requirements for University of California/California
State University schools):
English: 4 years
Math: 3-4 years (business and science majors should take classes through pre-calculus,
at a minimum, and aim to take 4 full years of math as major preparation)
Science: 2-3 years (science majors should try to take 3-4 years of science as major
preparation; at least two courses should be a lab science)
History/Social Science: 2-3 years
Foreign Language: 3-4 years
Arts/Electives: 2-3 years
These courses can make you a stronger candidate for admission at Chapman University.
However, if these recommendations are not completed, you will not be disqualified
for admission. We would like to see that your high school curriculum and course rigor
supports the major to which you have applied. You will want to check with other institutions
to which you are applying to check if their recommended/required courses are different.
How we can help
We are happy to help as you consider Chapman and work on your application:
Introduce yourself to your counselor
. They would love to hear from you and can answer many of your questions.
Visit Chapman
.
We offer ways to connect on campus or from wherever you are.
Meet us at your high school
. Our counselors will be making virtual high school visits throughout the fall. If
we're coming to your school, we'll send you an invite (as long as you've
joined our interest list
).
You can also use our
program finder
to help find the right major/minors for you.
Chapman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age,
disability, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, religion, military
status, or veteran’s status in its admissions policies or administration of its educational
programs, including scholarship and loan programs, under Title IX of the Educational
Amendments of 1972 and under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Questions, concerns, or complaints may be directed to Colleen Wood, Title IX Coordinator
at
titleix@chapman.edu
, phone (714) 997-6721, Argyros Forum Room 101, or to the Director, US Department
of Education, Washington, DC, 20201.
Note: any questions relating to the admission process should be sent to
admit@chapman.edu
First Year
Test-Optional
Early Application Options
Creative Supplement
Application Tips
Application Review Process
Missing Items
Admission Decisions Explained
Home-schooled Students
FAQs
Contact Admission
Email us:
Email General Admission
Email Transfer Admission
Email International Admission
Call us:
(714) 997-6711
Text us:
(714) 942-5474
Send your documents:
Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Follow Us on Social Media
Follow us on social media for tips, news and updates about applying to Chapman University:
Admission Instagram
Admission YouTube
Admission Facebook
Chapman TikTok
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Virtually explore Chapman in this student-led tour through our Orange Campus. You'll
be able to visit classrooms, hang-out spots, our residence life area and much more!
Start the Tour
Back to top
Back to top
©