Freshman Admissions FAQ

Applications for deaf and hard of hearing freshman, transfer students, and students applying to the hearing undergraduate program are accepted on a rolling basis, and we accept applications up until the day classes begin.

If interested in applying for the Honors Program, priority applications must be in by February 15, 2024, to be considered for extra scholarship funds.

Students applying for the Bachelors’ in Interpretation (BAI) program must submit applications by March 1, 2024.

See Applying for Admission for more important deadlines and other information about everything you need to submit.

Timing of admissions decisions varies. In best case scenarios, it could take as little as 48 hours post-application, but in most cases, it takes a little longer. We are committed to reviewing each application holistically.

We conduct an individualized holistic review of each applicant, and this takes some time to complete. We recognize that students would like to receive a decision on their application as soon as possible, and we appreciate your patience. Please know that our timeline is designed to ensure careful consideration of each applicant.

Merit based scholarships are awarded based on GPA and test scores, and are awarded automatically.

To be considered for scholarships, you should apply for admission and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Include the Gallaudet code as you fill out your FAFSA, and our Financial Aid Office will get the information they need to consider you for scholarships and financial aid sent to them automatically.

Check out the resources on our scholarship page! You can also contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Yes. Test scores, including superscores if tests are taken more than once, are part of our holistic application review process.

We offer many opportunities to get the $50 application fee waived. Submit your application before December 1st, attend a virtual or in-person open house, or participate in our Youth Programs events to get your application fee waived. If you qualify for none of the above scenarios, contact your admissions counselor, and they will work with you.

The Admissions Portal will always have the most up to date information for you.

Gallaudet academic advisors will work closely with you from the first day of your first semester to help you coordinate an academic plan with your career goals. We encourage all students to choose a major by the spring of their sophomore year, but you may choose a major as early as when you first enroll as a student at Gallaudet. You may also double major or create your own major.

Our General Studies core courses will introduce you to many different fields and prepare you with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills you need for any profession or graduate study. Gallaudet academic and career advisors will also work with you to help you explore career options.

Our classes are small, and our professors use a variety of teaching techniques and technology to engage students. We provide extensive support to deaf and hard of hearing students who are new to American Sign Language. Most students say that learning ASL helps them communicate much better and understand more of what is taught in class.

We offer a summer immersion program, called JumpStart:ASL for students before their first semester, as well as interpreting and other communication access services in the classroom.

The Office of Career Success (OCS) and each academic department offer extensive internship opportunities. OCS holds job fairs on campus and works throughout the United States and internationally to develop connections with employers. We offer pre-law, pre-medicine and pre-MBA programs, as well as assistance with graduate school admissions through each academic department.

Yes, please go here.

We offer a Math Center and English Center as well as tutoring and study assistance. Contact Tutorial and Instructional Programs for information.

Course selection and registration begins in June for the fall semester.

Gallaudet is a global community, home to more than 1,000 undergraduate and 500 graduate students from across the United States and throughout the world. Half of our undergraduates identify themselves as part of a traditionally underrepresented group in higher education. We welcome and celebrate all types of diversity.

Everything! As a bilingual university, we work to ensure that student organizations, athletic teams, performance opportunities, campus events, academic opportunities and student services are accessible with direct, visual communication. Gallaudet brings together deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students, faculty and staff to create one of the most vibrant campus communities in the world.

All first-year students and many upperclass students live on campus. View our different residence halls here.

It’s beautiful! Come visit in person.

The capital of the United States offers unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities and an exciting social scene-and Gallaudet is right in the heart of it. Learn more here.

You need to bring specific things. Please refer to the Residence Life page to learn more about what to bring.

Please see information on the Undergraduate Student Orientation page.

You will have Bison Leaders (BL) who will help you during your first week at Gallaudet University’s Bison Orientation. Bison Leaders will make sure that Gallaudet will be your home away from home.

Yes. We strongly encourage you to take the placement tests online before arriving onto campus. You will receive an email at your Gallaudet email address with more information.

All first-year and second-year students are required to live on campus.

To find out about roommate and dorm assignments, please contact Residence Life and Housing.

No. For reasons of health and safety, no pets are permitted in the residence halls or on the Gallaudet campus. Service animals may be permitted on campus. If you plan to bring your service animal, contact the Assistance Animal Accommodation Coordinator for policy information and registration via e-mail. You can review the Administration and Operations Manual policy on Service Animals.

Yes. Cars are allowed on campus. All cars must be registered with the Department of Public Safety where you will be issued a parking permit. You must provide proof of insurance. Please visit Parking on Campus for more information.

There are many different and convenient ways of getting around the Washington, D.C., area. All three major airports that serve the DC area have a public transportation option to commute to and from Gallaudet, and nearly all other locations are accessible via the DC Metro system.

Gallaudet University is within walking distance of the nearest Metro station, and also provides shuttle bus services to the nearest Metro stations, and there is a public bus stop at the front of Gallaudet University. From campus, you can use Capital Bikeshare, ZipCar (if you are at least 21 years old), or easily walk to trendy H Street and the Atlas District areas.

The Department of Public Safety has an escort service, and will send an officer to escort you to where you need to go on campus.

Yes, DC is very much a big city, and with life inside a densely populated metropolitan area, there are off-campus occurrences that may not be the norm elsewhere. All of us have lived here as students, and as alumni, we are able to pass on some wonderful advice on staying safe. We recommend utilizing a buddy system when walking off campus to and from unfamiliar places, especially late at night. The Gallaudet Department of Public Safety collaborates closely with the Metropolitan Police Department to ensure that students are safe on campus, and the relationship is a positive and successful one.