Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Shimer College! Shimer was founded in 1853, with a mission to provide higher education to students based on their ability, rather than past educational background. Today, that mission expresses itself in Shimer's commitment to serve bright students who crave a rigorous, intellectually stimulating liberal arts education.

Apply to Shimer

We will waive your application fee if you apply by Feb. 15th, 2010!

HOW WE ADMIT STUDENTS 

Shimer is committed to equal educational opportunity and will consider the application of any individual who has the potential to perform well in a College environment. It is Shimer’s policy to actively seek a diverse student body unified by its commitment to a common educational endeavor.

Shimer admits students for both the fall and spring semesters. Students are usually informed of admission decisions within four weeks of completion of all admission requirements.

Transfer students are welcome at Shimer College. Normally, a maximum of 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) will be transferred toward a degree at Shimer. Classes that are most likely to count toward a Bachelor's degree will come from areas of study in the Liberal Arts – The Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. The Dean of the College will be happy to assess transcripts for prospective students.

There is no minimum grade-point average or minimum test score required for admission to Shimer College. Rather, the writing samples and other personal contact are the primary criteria used by the Admission Committee to make its evaluation.

Applicants are strongly advised to take either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the examination sponsored by the American College Test Program (ACT). Early Entrants are required to submit either the ACT or the SAT for admission.

The essay portion of the Shimer application asks the applicant to provide an analysis of his or her academic experience and offers the opportunity to demonstrate creative talent. These essays are major criteria in determining candidacy for admission.

Students for whom English is a second language may be required to submit TOEFL scores as part of their application for admission to Shimer.

VISIT SHIMER

Shimer's curriculum is founded upon original source readings or "Great Books," defined at Shimer as texts that are “classic in any age.” Students who visit to observe a Shimer class frequently describe a kind of “eureka” experience of finally finding a place with the stimulating intellectual environment they have been seeking. We're glad you found us, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Visit Shimer

Shimer College
3424 S State Street
Chicago, IL 60616
In Illinois (312) 235-3500
Toll Free (800) 215-7173