Aerial view of students near campus library with large sidewalks and statue of Abraham Lincoln

How to Apply

Did you know that applying to Centre is not only easy but also completely free?

Whether you’re ready to begin your Centre journey or looking for more information about the transformative experiences waiting for you here, we’ve got the information you need to know about the application process, admission requirements, and key timelines.

Apply with the Common App  Apply with the Coalition for College Application Admission Requirements Deadlines and Important Dates

ghe preliminary application period for fall 2024 has expired. The fall 2025 period will open in July 

Darkened aerial photo of campus with the Common App logo

Applying to Centre is simple and free

Apply With the Common App

Apply to Centre through the Common App, which helps students streamline the admission process to more than 1,000 colleges and universities all at once. Applying to Centre is completely free!

Students walking around campus between classes

Apply With the Coalition for College App

The Coalition Application partners with over 150 colleges and universities that are dedicated to providing substantial financial aid and fostering diversity and inclusion. It too is completely free.

When to Apply 

Centre offers four application plans. Choose the option that’s best for you.

blue background with yellow text "November 1"
EARLY DECISION I (Binding)

Students who complete their Early Decision I applications will receive priority notification. If we’re your clear first choice, this plan is for you.

 


 

blue background with yellow text "November 15"
EARLY ACTION (Non-binding)

If you apply early, you get your notification sooner.

 

 

 

blue background with yellow text "January 15"
EARLY DECISION II (Binding)

For those who need additional time to settle upon Centre as your top choice, but would still like to participate in the early decision process, you are invited to apply by the Early Decision Round II application deadline.

 

 

blue background with yellow text " February 1"
REGULAR DECISION (Non-Binding)

This is the final deadline to apply for the Class of 2029.
 

Important Dates & Timelines

These are the deadlines to consider for starting your Centre Experience. Submit financial aid application forms by the deadline of your chosen admission plan. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile are required to be considered for financial aid.
 

Application PlanAdmission Application DeadlineAdmission NotificationPriority Aid DeadlineAid NotificationDeposit Deadline
Early Decision INovember 1December 1*December 10Early JanuaryDecember 15
Early ActionNovember 15Late December*December 15Late JanuaryMay 1
Early Decision IIJanuary 15February 15*January 15Late FebruaryMarch 1
Regular DecisionFebruary 1Mid-MarchFebruary 1Late MarchMay 1

*International applicants will receive their notification in mid-February.

Student riding bike and student walking on campus near the flame statue

Is Early Decision Right for You?

If Centre is your top college pick, Early Decision may be the best fit for you. Early Decision candidates receive admission and award notifications earlier than non-binding applicants.

More About Early Decision

Students who apply to Centre under Early Decision I or Early Decision II,  enter into a small applicant pool that numbers in the hundreds. This means the admission staff has more time to really get to know you and to make certain that both you and Centre are a right fit. We’ll also evaluate you based upon your own merits rather than in competition with and in comparison to other applicants. The major benefits of applying Early Decision include learning if you’ve been admitted to Centre earlier than all other applicant types and how much it will cost you to attend. 

Students who apply and are admitted Early Decision to the College will be awarded the Front and Centre Scholarship worth $20,000 ($5,000 per year). In addition, students receiving a merit scholarship will receive this $5,000 annual award in addition to their merit scholarship. Some restrictions apply regarding combining the Front and Centre Scholarship with premier and special talent scholarships.

Myth #1: Students who apply Early Decision can “slack off” in their academic work during the second semester of their senior year. 
Truth: Selective colleges can and do withdraw admission offers from a student if his or her academic performance declines significantly.

Myth #2: Students diminish their chances of receiving academic scholarships on the theory that since they are already committed to a college, it will have less incentive to award them scholarships as an inducement to enroll. 
Truth: This is not true at Centre. A student who would have received an academic scholarship in the Early Action or Regular Decision processes will be awarded one in Early Decision.

Myth #3: Students who require need-based financial aid should not consider applying for Early Decision. 
Truth: At Centre, we are committed to providing students who apply Early Decision with the same amount of aid that they would receive if applying via Early Action or Regular Decision.

  • Do your homework and know why you are applying to a particular school, especially if you plan to apply Early Decision.
  • Do not give in to pressure to apply Early Decision to a school simply for the sake of applying Early Decision.
  • Be honest with yourself: If you are not yet ready to commit, then do not apply Early Decision to any school.
  • Do not apply Early Decision as a strategy to “get in.”
  • If you are applying for need-based financial aid in Early Decision or any application program, have a conversation about what your family can reasonably invest in your college education.

What Makes Us Different

50+

Majors and Minors

79%

Of Students Participate In A Study Abroad Experience At Least Once

#22

Nationally Ranked For Most Accessible Professors

Students walking through buffet line for food at multicultural ball

THE VALUE OF A GLOBAL EDUCATION

International Applicants

If you’re an international student, you can join our student-centered, supportive community where you’ll benefit from challenging academics and personalized attention.

Man taking notes in class wearing glasses

College Credit in High School

AP and Dual-Credit Equivalency

Receive Centre course credit from recognized dual-credit courses and exams taken in high school.

Two female students participating in a lab dissecting

FIND SUCCESS AT CENTRE

Transferring Students

If you’re a transfer student in good standing with your previous institution, consider applying to Centre. Learn about our policy on transfer credits, admission criteria, and more.

Professor teaching outside in small outdoor amphitheater classroom while students watch

RETURN TO CENTRE TO FINISH YOUR DEGREE

Readmission Students

If you were previously enrolled as a Centre student and are seeking readmission to the College, contact the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for readmission information.

Four Students walking across campus in the spring, Old Centre in the background with graduation banners

JOIN US IN DANVILLE

Visit Centre

The best way to get to know our campus is to visit us in person! Sign up for an information session, get an on-campus tour, or attend an Open House event.

Student walking on sidewalk near campus building in spring

HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE

Financial Aid

Having access to the college of your choice is everything. We want to help make that happen. Explore our merit-based and need-based financial aid as well as those offered by the state and federal levels and beyond.