Direct Admission FAQ
FAQ
What is the College Board Direct Admissions Program?
College Board’s Direct Admissions program simplifies the college admission process for high school students like you. Participating students can receive a preliminary offer of admission from a participating college. The program is currently offered for free to remove the complex pieces of the college application process that can often be a barrier. If you opt in and do not receive an offer from an institution, you can apply directly during the traditional application cycle.
Is the program new this year?
College Board launched Direct Admissions in the fall 2023 for National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program awardees graduating in the class of 2024. Learn more about the awards. Students who participated in the 2023-24 program and said it was a quick and easy process.
Am I eligible to participate?
The Direct Admissions program is currently available to any high school senior in the graduating class of 2025 that opts in.
Can I see a list of participating institutions?
The list of participating institutions is available to students in the profile when they opt in. College Board is working directly with nonprofit higher education member institutions to secure a wide variety of institutions.
How can colleges and universities provide an offer without information from a college application?
The program’s short profile eliminates many requirements that make college applications lengthy while giving colleges the information they need to make an informed decision. Students will be asked to share the information below without disclosing any personally identifiable information to participating colleges.
GPA
Preference for in-state versus out-of-state campuses
Campus environment preference (e.g., private, public, HBCU)
Major of interest
Extracurricular passions
Colleges they’re interested in receiving offers from
Each institution is responsible for evaluating the information to extend offers that meet their criteria and the school’s needs. Colleges will not have access to students’ race or ethnicity.
Students agree to the use of certain limited information they have already provided to College Board including zip code, college entrance exam score ranges, gender, and high school.
Does this program cost money? Do I have to pay a fee for any preliminary offers?
No, there are no fees to participate.
If I receive an offer, am I automatically enrolled in the college?
No. A preliminary offer from a college is not binding on the student and means you are automatically enrolled in a college. Students always have the choice to accept a preliminary offer. If you receive an offer you’re interested in, you will be asked to share information with the specific institution directly. We recommend students evaluate offers by exploring what the institution has to offer, how it aligns with their career and major interests, and the financial costs.