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Freshman Application Instructions

Kean believes admission to the University through standardized test scores is not a good indicator of the success of our students. Test-optional admission provides access to students who have achieved academic success in the classroom, regardless of standardized test scores. 

Below you will find important dates and application instructions to help guide you through the application process including more information regarding test-optional admission for freshman applicants. For international applicants, get started here. 

Important Dates and Deadlines – Fall Enrollment

January 1: Early Action Deadline – Students who submit and complete their Early Action application by January 1 are guaranteed an admissions decision by January 31. Other benefits to accepted early action applicants are priority advisement,  registration, placement testing appointments, housing selection, and financial aid packaging.

March 1: Preferred FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Deadline.

March 1: Priority Application Deadline for the Program for Academic Support Services Providing Opportunities to Remarkable and Talented Students (PASSPORT).

April 30: Preferred Application Deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis thereafter.

May 1: National Decision Day - Preferred Tuition Deposit Deadline.

May 1: Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program Application Deadline (Fall semester admission only).

Application Instructions

STEP 1: Complete a Kean University Online Application

Kean University is also a member institution of The Common Application.

STEP 2: Submit Payment

You will have an opportunity to pay the application fee of $75 directly through the online application. Once you've completed the application, submit both the application and the application fee.

If you prefer to pay by mail, please send a check payable to Kean University to the address listed below in Step 3.

STEP 3: Send Supporting Documentation

Is your school a Naviance partner? If so, please note the following: all academic and supplemental documents need to be submitted through Parchment regardless of whether you apply through the Kean online application or Common App. This will ensure all documents are received on time.

We are excited to announce that we have recently partnered with Self-Reported Academic Record (also known as SRAR) to provide an alternative experience and opportunity for freshmen students to complete their application. Through SRAR, you will be able to create a self-reported electronic transcript with details regarding your high school career. Completing a SRAR report will be equivalent to submitting your high school transcript and will bring you one step closer to completing your application.

You can enter your class history, grades, in-progress schedule, weighted and unweighted GPA's (if applicable), and even rank! 

Upon submission of your Kean University application, you will receive an email with a personalized link to create your Kean SRAR report. If you already have a SRAR report, you can log in and add Kean University to receive your information. 

You can also visit SRAR and create an account and report by visiting: https://srar.selfreportedtranscript.com/

All applicants are required to submit an official high school transcript to be considered for admission. The transcript must indicate 16 college preparatory courses including (4) English, (3) Mathematics, (2) History, (2) Lab Sciences, (2) years of the same foreign language and (3) approved electives in social studies, science or mathematics. 

STANDARD ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Prospective students will need to submit an official high school transcript upon graduation to enroll at Kean. If you are a student considering admission into any one of the following programs, please make note of any additional application items that are required for submission.

TEST-OPTIONAL ADMISSION

Kean University has extended its test-optional admissions process through the Spring and Fall 2023 semesters to support prospective first-year students coping with disruption to the SAT and ACT testing schedules due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Submitting standardized testing scores from the SAT and/or ACT is now optional. Those interested in submitting test scores can order an official score report to be sent directly to Kean from The College Board or ACT for consideration. Please include Kean's College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) number 2517 when submitting your scores. While there is no penalty to students who choose not to send their test scores, there are some exceptions, and the following students are required to submit test scores:

  • Home-school students
  • GED applicants

The Office of Admissions uses alternate indicators to evaluate college preparedness, including but not limited to courses taken, grade point averages, class rank and essays provided by the students. If you are admitted to the University and choose to enroll, you may still be required to take a series of placement tests. To learn more about scholarship eligibility, click here.

Standardized testing scores submitted from the SAT and/or ACT will be used for the sole purpose of admission, scholarship, placement test exemption, and/or program qualification consideration. Of note, Kean will super score the SAT and ACT, taking the highest level score of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math (M) sections on your SAT and the highest composite score of the ACT.

    Additional Documents

    The items below are recommended for most applicants, but are required for SAT test-optional applicants:

    • Two (2) letters of recommendation from either a teacher, counselor, employer and/or coach, etc.
    • Personal essay (1-2 pages) expressing your educational and professional career goals
    • List of your high school activities and/or work experiences, indicating any leadership positions held

    Learn more about how to submit your supporting documentation items here. 

    Special Program Information

    Educational Opportunities Fund (EOF): This program provides access to higher education to educationally and financially disadvantaged students, as defined by the Commission on Higher Education, Educational Opportunity Fund. Students are admitted via an alternate admission category and are eligible to receive a state-funded Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grant. If you are interested in applying for this program, please complete the application instructions above (selecting EOF when completing the online application). For additional information about EOF, click here.

    SUPERA - Spanish Speaking Program: was established in 1972 as an initiative to provide access to higher education to Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. Through this program, the students are offered college courses in Spanish during the first two years of their curriculum. If you are interested in applying for this program, please complete the application instructions above (selecting Spanish Speaking Program (Supera) when completing the online application). For additional information about Supera, click here.

    Entry Program Into College (EPIC): This program is for students age 22 and older that have been away from formal education for over five years. The EPIC program enrolls both freshmen and transfer students. Students in the EPIC program will begin their studies on a part-time schedule (enrolled in up to 11 credits per semester) until the successful completion of 18-24 credits, at which point they will have the option of attending full-time. If you are interested in the EPIC program, please complete the application instructions above (selecting EPIC when completing the online application). For additional information about EPIC, click here. 

    Admissions Appeal Request

    Requests for reconsideration of the Kean University Undergraduate Admissions Application must be presented in writing to appeals@kean.edu. Please include updated transcripts and a statement detailing why you believe your admission decision should be reconsidered.