Aerial view of students near campus library with large sidewalks and statue of Abraham Lincoln

How to Apply

Did you know that applying to Centre is not only easy but also completely free?

Whether you’re ready to begin your Centre journey or looking for more information about the transformative experiences waiting for you here, we’ve got the information you need to know about the application process, admission requirements, and key timelines.

January 16, 2024: Centre is still accepting applications. Apply now or reach out to an admission counselor for more information.

Apply Now Explore Admission Requirements

Preliminary Application

If you have a strong interest in Centre and want to receive early admission information, fill out our quick Pre-Application, which asks for some basic information, including an unofficial copy of your transcript and a short list of your activities or areas of interest.

By completing our Pre-Application, you’ll receive an early prediction of your admission decision and the likelihood of being selected for a merit scholarship in our official application process. 

It’s a great way to feel more confident about your college options! 

  • We accept Pre-Applications through November 15. You will hear from us about a week after submitting your Pre-Application.
  • Pre-Application results include estimates for merit scholarships only. 
  • For more information on financial aid options, contact your admission counselor after completing the Pre-Application form or estimate your cost using one of our tools.
  • The preliminary application does not replace the official application. To be formally considered for admission to Centre, you must apply using the Common App, which is free! 

Complete the Pre-Application 

The preliminary application period for fall 2024 has expired. The fall 2025 period will open in July 2024.

More in How to Apply

Darkened aerial photo of campus with the Common App logo

Applying to Centre is simple and free

Apply With the Common App

Apply to Centre through the Common App, which helps students streamline the admission process to more than 1,000 colleges and universities all at once. Applying to Centre is completely free!

Apply with the Common App

WHEN TO APPLY

Centre offers three application deadlines. Choose the option that’s best for you.
Yellow text of November 15 with green background

EARLY DECISION (Binding)

If we're your clear first choice, this plan is for you.

Yellow text of December 1 on green background

EARLY ACTION (Nonbinding)

If you apply early, you get your notification sooner. (International applicants will receive their notification in mid-February.)

Yellow text of January 15 on green background

REGULAR DECISION (Nonbinding)

This is the last deadline for the upcoming fall semester.

Important Dates & Timelines

These are the deadlines to consider for starting your Centre experience. Submit financial aid application forms by the deadline of your chosen admission plan. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a supplemental Centre Aid form are required to be considered for financial aid.
 

Application Plan Admission Application Deadline Notification Priority Financial Aid Deadline Aid Notification
Early Decision November 15 January 1 January 15 Early February
Early Action December 1 Mid-January February 1 Early March
Regular Decision January 15 Mid-March February 1 Early March
Student riding bike and student walking on campus near the flame statue

Is Early Decision Right for You?

If Centre is your top college pick, Early Decision may be the best fit for you. Early Decision candidates receive admission and award notifications earlier than non-binding applicants.

Access Early Decision Agreement Form

More About Early Decision

Students who apply to Centre under Early Decision fall under a small applicant pool that numbers in the hundreds. This means the admission staff has more time to really get to know you and to make certain that both you and Centre are a right fit. We’ll also evaluate you based upon your own merits rather than in competition with and in comparison to other applicants. The major benefits of applying Early Decision include learning if you’ve been admitted to Centre earlier than all other applicant types and how much it will cost you to attend. 

Students who apply and are admitted Early Decision to the College will be awarded the Front and Centre Scholarship worth $20,000 ($5,000 per year). In addition, students receiving a merit scholarship may stack this $5,000 annual award. Some restrictions apply regarding combining the Front and Centre Scholarship with premier and special talent scholarships.

Myth #1: Students who apply Early Decision can “slack off” in their academic work during the second semester of their senior year. 
Truth: Selective colleges can and do withdraw admission offers from a student if his or her academic performance declines significantly.

Myth #2: Students diminish their chances of receiving academic scholarships on the theory that since they are already committed to a college, it will have less incentive to award them scholarships as an inducement to enroll. 
Truth: This is not true at Centre. A student who would have received an academic scholarship in the Early Action or Regular Decision processes will be awarded one in Early Decision.

Myth #3: Students who require need-based financial aid should not consider applying for Early Decision. 
Truth: At Centre, we are committed to providing students who apply Early Decision with the same amount of aid that they would receive if applying via Early Action or Regular Decision.

  • Do your homework and know why you are applying to a particular school, especially if you plan to apply Early Decision.
  • Do not give in to pressure to apply Early Decision to a school simply for the sake of applying Early Decision.
  • Be honest with yourself: If you are not yet ready to commit, then do not apply Early Decision to any school.
  • Do not apply Early Decision as a strategy to “get in.”
  • If you are applying for need-based financial aid in Early Decision or any application program, have a conversation about what your family can reasonably invest in your college education.

What Makes Us Different

50+

Majors and Minors

85%

Of Students Participate In A Study Abroad Experience At Least Once

#24

Nationally Ranked For Most Accessible Professors

Students walking through buffet line for food at multicultural ball

THE VALUE OF A GLOBAL EDUCATION

International Applicants

If you’re an international student, you can join our student-centered, supportive community where you’ll benefit from challenging academics and personalized attention.

Apply as an International Student
Two female students participating in a lab dissecting

FIND SUCCESS AT CENTRE

Transferring Students

If you’re a transfer student in good standing with your previous institution, consider applying to Centre. Learn about our policy on transfer credits, admission criteria, and more.

Apply as a Transfer Student
Professor teaching outside in small outdoor amphitheater classroom while students watch

RETURN TO CENTRE TO FINISH YOUR DEGREE

Readmission Students

If you were previously enrolled as a Centre student and are seeking readmission to the College, contact the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for readmission information.

Contact Academic Affairs

 

Launch Experience

Four Students walking across campus in the spring, Old Centre in the background with graduation banners

JOIN US IN DANVILLE

Visit Centre

The best way to get to know our campus is to visit us in person! Sign up for an information session, get an on-campus tour, or attend an Open House event.

Visit Centre
Student walking on sidewalk near campus building in spring

HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

Financial Aid

Having access to the college of your choice is everything. We want to help make that happen. Explore our merit-based and need-based financial aid as well as those offered by the state and federal levels and beyond.

Learn about Financial Aid

Contact