Admission Requirements

Start your journey at Christopher Newport, where you’ll be challenged, supported, and inspired every step of the way.

Whether you're drawn to our nationally-ranked programs, close-knit campus community, or stunning facilities, applying to CNU is the first step toward an extraordinary college experience. We’re here to guide you through the process and help you discover how you can thrive as a Captain.

How to Apply

• Submit the online application, including:
  • Essay
  • $65 non-refundable application fee or fee waiver
• Submit your most recent official high school transcript. Paper transcripts are accepted, but we encourage electronically submitted transcripts. 
• Have your SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores sent directly to Christopher Newport (unless you choose to apply test-optional).
  • SAT code 5128
  • ACT code 4345
• If applying Early Decision, submit the Early Decision Agreement with required information. 

While the following aren’t required, we suggest you do some (or all) of the items below to make the most of your application.

1. Submit teacher evaluations in a core subject (English, social studies, foreign language, mathematics or science). Note: The Common Application requires that students request a teacher recommendation when completing the application. However, we will review your application without a teacher recommendation.
2. Schedule an admission interview.
3. Schedule a campus visit.
4. Have your school counselor submit a School Report Form electronically through the application website. (Paper forms are accepted, but we encourage online submission through Common Application or Naviance.)
5. Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by March 1, if applicable.

Test Optional 

Christopher Newport was one of the first public universities in Virginia to offer test-optional admission, and many of our admission offers are made each year to students who choose not to submit standardized test scores. Our holistic review process takes many factors into consideration, and applying test-optional requires that we place more emphasis on other credentials.

In response to testing hardships, we’ve made the application process more flexible by removing the minimum GPA and class rank requirements for students applying without test scores.

Many students still choose to submit standardized test scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT) and/or the Classic Learning Test (CLT) to bolster their admission and scholarship applications.