Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Keuka College?

Keuka College is a small, liberal arts college located on the picturesque shores of Keuka Lake, in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes region. We are an independent, four-year, residential, coeducational college with a strong emphasis on career and pre-professional education. Learn more on our About Keuka College page.
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What makes Keuka competitive?

Keuka is the national leader in experiential, hands-on learning. At the heart of our commitment to experiential education is Field Period, a 140-hour off-campus program that students complete each year. Similar to an internship, it provides our students "real world" experience before they graduate from college. It's common for a Keuka senior to have a two-page resume upon graduation.
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When is the best time to apply for admission to Keuka?

Mid-November through early December to receive the fullest consideration for admission and special grant opportunities. However, we have a rolling admissions policy at Keuka, which means that applicants are evaluated as soon as their applications are complete and enrollments continue until the class is filled.
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How do I apply for Admission to Keuka College and what do I need to get in?

Once you have decided to apply for admission to Keuka College, we require the following:

New freshman

  1. A completed Application for Undergraduate Admission.
  2. Application fee of $30 (please make all checks payable to Keuka College or submit credit card number).
  3. Supporting documentation to support your optional personalized choices - measures and talents that best represent your talents and aptitudes.
  4. Official high school transcript with GPA.
  5. Writing sample (at least one required):
    - response to one of our essay questions,
    - graded high school English composition, or
    - creative writing submission/published composition.
  6. At least one letter of recommendation provided by a school official (teacher, guidance counselor, principal, etc.).

Transfer students

Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. In addition, all transfer applicants must submit:

  1. A completed Application for Undergraduate Admission.
  2. Application fee of $30 (please make all checks payable to Keuka College or submit credit card number).
  3. Supporting documentation to support your optional personalized choices - measures and talents that best represent your talents and aptitudes.
  4. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended.
  5. Writing sample (at least one required):
    - response to one of our essay questions,
    - graded English composition, or
    - creative writing submission/published composition.
  6. At least one letter of recommendation provided by a school official (professor, administrator, etc.).

International students

International applicants must submit an Application for Undergraduate Admission (as outlined above) as well as TOEFL (Test of English as a s Foreign Language) exam scores. Additionally, international applicants must submit a Declaration of Financial Status. [top of page]

Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?

Keuka does not require standardized test scores for admission. Since many students prefer to be evaluated by measures other than test scores, we give them the opportunity to choose how they would like to be evaluated for admission and scholarship opportunities.

The Keuka application includes an essay question. What should my essay be about?

  1. Field Period is the heart and soul of Keuka's commitment to experiential, hands-on learning. It gives students a chance to match what they learn in the classroom to the "real world." During Field Period, students spend 140 hours each year learning what it takes to be successful after college. In your essay, imagine you are designing a Field Period to complete before your first day at Keuka College. Tell us: What kind of organization would you seek to join during this Field Period internship? What would you study? What would you hope to learn?

  2. What events in your life (for example, things that have happened to you in your home, school, work, family, or neighborhood) do you think have prepared you to become a valuable member of the Keuka College community.

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Who should write my letters of recommendation?

Guidance counselors, teachers, coaches, and work supervisors are terrific choices. We require at least one, but feel free to provide more from others who may know you in different contexts and situations. [top of page]

Is an interview required?

No, but it usually helps. An interview will push along your application process. It also will allow you to better understand what Keuka is about and allow us to better understand who you are. [top of page]

What are the average test scores at Keuka?

What is the code for Keuka College on Standardized Tests?

The following codes will help you throughout the admissions and financial aid process.

How much does it cost to attend Keuka College?

There are a variety of factors involved.  Visit our Cost to Attend Keuka College page. [top of page]

How do I apply for financial aid?

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after Jan. 1 as possible . The financial aid office will then prepare a competitive award from a combination of sources. [top of page]

What classes should I take in high school to prepare for Keuka?

We recommend taking challenging classes, such as college-level math and science, and a foreign language. This will not only help you get admitted to college but help you develop a work ethic that will be useful throughout your college career and beyond. [top of page]

Do I have to know what I want to major in when I come to Keuka?

No, you have until the end of your sophomore year to declare a major. In the meantime, the core curriculum,( courses that expose you to the variety of disciplines at Keuka) and your Field Period experiences will build a firm foundation for further study and lifelong learning. [top of page]

How do I get to Keuka College?

Click here for directions to Keuka College. [top of page]