Applying and Getting In
Why should a DMACC student consider transferring to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ?
Because you are intellectually motivated. Because you want a rigorous academic experience. Because you want to make a significant contribution to the world. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ can help you with that. We offer an exceptional academic experience, a lively and diverse community, and a college experience that is personal in scale and international in scope. You will be challenged here, in the best of ways. Professors will expect thorough research, thoughtful analysis, and creative thinking. You, with your adviser, will be responsible for co-creating your own personalized curriculum, and you will graduate well-prepared for advanced study or the career of your choice. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ alumni are international leaders in science, music, public service, law, medicine, business, engineering, and more. And, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ ranks in the top 10 of all U.S. institutions for the proportion of its graduates who earn Ph.D.s.
What kind of student does 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ look for?
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals who collectively reflect the diversity of the United States, including students from varied ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic experiences, as well as international students from more than 50 countries. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students share a passion for life, intellectual curiosity, and a lively interest in the world and each other. If you're interested in joining this energetic and close-knit community, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is for you.
What are the minimum requirements to successfully transfer to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ from DMACC?
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is a highly selective institution, so most successful candidates for admission will have attained the following minimum requirements:
- 3.0 or higher GPA
- No grade below a B-
- High grades in most recent courses
- Study in mathematics through Calculus 1
- English 105 and 106
- In addition, we look favorably on active community involvement, employment, and/or college-based activities outside the classroom
Do I have to wait until I've completed two years at DMACC to apply and see if I'm accepted?
No! Due to a special agreement between DMACC and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, any DMACC student in good standing can chart a path to transferring to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
Are all qualified DMACC students eligible to apply for transfer to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ?
Yes, students from any DMACC campus or learning center are eligible to apply for transfer. However, space is limited and not all those who meet the minimum requirements are guaranteed admission. Generally speaking, the stronger a candidate's academic record, the greater the likelihood of admission.
Will my classes from DMACC be accepted for credit at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, or will I need to repeat some classes?
Upon admission to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, the Office of the Registrar will determine which courses from DMACC (and any other college/university you attended) will transfer to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. The transfer of credit is evaluated based upon the educational quality of the institution(s) you attended; the comparability of the nature, content, and level of credit earned to what 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ currently offers; and the appropriateness and applicability of the credits earned to the programs offered by 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. In addition, some of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's majors and concentrations have additional specific course requirements and may not permit DMACC classes to satisfy these requirements. If you have specific questions regarding DMACC credit transfer, please contact the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Registrar by email or by phone (641-269-3450).
If I transfer before I've completed my degree at DMACC, can I transfer the credits I earn at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ back to DMACC to receive my associate degree after I've left DMACC?
Yes. Per DMACC procedure, up to the last 10 credits can be waived by applying for an exception with the Registrar. DMACC will grant credit for select 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ courses, enabling transfer students to graduate with both a 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ bachelor's degree and a DMACC associate degree. Please contact DMACC credentials staff, 515-964-6647, for more information.
The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ/DMACC Preview Program
What are the benefits of being in the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ/DMACC Preview Program?
Up close and personal interaction with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ during your time at DMACC. This will help you see if 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is a good fit for you and help you lay the groundwork for transferring. The program may include:
- Personal meetings with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ staff including:
- The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Registrar to discuss course selection, transfer credits, and a potential major
- Interim Assistant Dean of Academic Success Kate Ferraro to discuss academic support and student life at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
- Transfer Admission Coordinator Christian Morris who can help you navigate the transfer application process
- A 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ financial aid counselor to help you see how a 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ education is affordable
Cost and Financial Aid
Can I afford to attend 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ?
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ bases financial aid packages (need-based financial aid) on your family's financial need. We meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without the use of loans, as calculated using information from the .
Find out more about the types of aid available, including what forms are required to apply, on our Financial Aid Office's website.
Campus Living
Where is 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ? Can I commute from Des Moines?
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is located approximately 50 minutes east of Des Moines, directly off of I-80 (exit 182). At 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, learning happens both in and out of the classroom and much of the intellectual life of the College happens outside the classroom environment. Because we believe that our students have a much richer experience living on or near campus, we expect students to live on campus unless granted an individual waiver. Students are also expected to attend full time once they are accepted (part-time enrollment is not permitted).
What kind of support is available in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ if I'm married or have a family?
51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's residential system incorporates a range of housing options. If you are accepted to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as a nontraditional student and need housing other than what is offered on campus, we will work with you to find suitable arrangements near campus so you can still engage fully in the life of the College. The community of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is also fortunate to have excellent child care available at the , a full-service community-supported facility offering preschool and child care with programs for infants through fourth grade. Other community resources, including housing, healthcare, schools, and recreation, can be found at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research.
Transition Support for Transfer Students
Since most students begin as first-year students, do you have any special support for those who transfer in later?
At 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, the student/faculty ratio is 9:1, allowing all students to develop close relationships with professors. Like other students, you will have a faculty adviser who will work with you throughout your time at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ to plan a program of study -- helping you balance the cultivation of existing interests with the discovery of new ones. However, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ also recognizes that transfer students often have different questions, at different times, than students who matriculate as first-year students. For this reason, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers a special orientation to transfer students as well as support throughout the year as needed.
More Information
How do I learn more?
On both the DMACC and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ campuses, there are people on staff who can answer questions about this exciting partnership. At DMACC, please direct any questions to your academic adviser (515-244-4226). At 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, please contact the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Registrar (641-269-3452), with any questions you may have.