High School Preparation Requirements

High School Courses
Candidates for admission must complete at least 16 units of college preparatory courses, but most applicants have more than 20. Non-traditional college preparation is also considered. The following studies are recommended:

• English - Four years; skill and practice in expository writing are very important.
• Mathematics - Three or more courses, including elementary algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra at a minimum.
• Foreign Language - At least two, preferably three or four years of the same language.
• Laboratory Science - Three or four courses of biology, chemistry, physics, or physical science.
• Social Science - Three or more years, including government, United States history, and European, modern, or world history.
• Academic Electives - Two or more additional courses selected from the five areas listed above.

Advanced Placement
Candidates who take Advanced Placement Examinations offered by the College Board may apply for credit toward graduation and for advanced placement in certain subjects. Scores of 4 or 5 usually earn a full year's credit. Credit and/or advanced placement for scores of 3 are determined by individual college departments. Scores below 3 earn no credit or advanced placement.

International Baccalaureate Program (IB)
Randolph-Macon accepts scores of 5 or above on higher level examinations in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program for credit. Credit for other scores is determined by individual college departments.  Contact the Admissions Office for more information.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Randolph-Macon awards credit for satisfactory scores on selected CLEP Subject Examinations. For more information, contact the Admissions Office.

Dual Enrollment
High school students who have enrolled in college-level (dual enrollment) courses may qualify for college credit at Randolph-Macon. In order for course credit to be accepted at Randolph-Macon you must earn a grade of C- or higher in a dual enrollment course taken through an accredited two-year or four-year institution. The course must be comparable to one offered at R-MC.  Incoming students may receive a maximum of 75 semester hours through transfer credits (including AP, IB,and CLEP credits).

Early Entrance
Students who wish to enter college after their junior year of high school should have a strong academic record and recommendations from a school official indicating both social and academic maturity. An interview is required for Early Entrance.