Applying to Founder’s College
The process to apply for Founder’s College is straightforward. Our dedicated admission team is available to assist you at every stage of the process, so feel free to reach out with any questions.
The 2025 application for admission will become available on August 15, 2024.
What We’re Looking For
We’re excited to welcome our first group of students who will help us create the culture and set the tone for the new College.
Founder’s College students will be engaged learners who are open-minded, caring, reflective, inquirers, and risk-takers. We ask students to bring their “authentic self” to the College.
A strong candidate for admission to Founder’s College will:
- Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5–3.0
- Demonstrate financial need
- Live in the central Indiana area and wish to commute to college
- Demonstrate perseverance and grit in meeting their educational goals
High School Coursework
We recommend that Founder’s College applicants complete the following courses as part of their high school curriculum for the best chance of admission. These coursework guidelines are aligned with the Core 40 diploma, ensuring you’re well-prepared for success at Founder’s College:
English: 4 years (8 credits)
Mathematics: 3 years (6 credits)
Laboratory Science: 3 years (6 credits)
Social Studies/History: 3 years (6 credits)
World Language: 2 years of the same language (4 credits) preferred
Students with a high school diploma equivalent, such as a GED, may also be considered for admission to Founder’s College.
Application Checklist
Here’s a summary of what you’ll need to apply. The Founder’s College admission team must have all of the following items before application review can begin.
Students applying to Founder’s College must complete an online application. Other supporting materials can be added after submitting the online application.
The 2025 application for admission will become available on August 15, 2024.
As a part of the online application, students will be asked to respond to two (2) short answer writing prompts. Your response to each prompt should be no more than 200 words.
- What makes Butler’s Founder’s College the ideal match for your academic journey and future goals?
- Outside of your academic pursuits, what other experiences highlight your motivation and values? These could include community involvement, work experience, participation in clubs, or affiliations with organizations.
Request that your school counseling office or registrar send us your official high school transcript electronically. Include all high schools previously attended. Transcripts should reflect coursework completed through your junior year.
When you list your school counselor/registrar information in your application, we’ll automatically send an email request for these materials on your behalf.
The School Report is a supporting document that should be completed by your high school counselor and commonly accompanies the transcript and high school profile. The report provides an overview of your high school, including coursework and rigor of curriculum available. This counselor recommendation will include information about your academic performance and assess your potential for success at Founder’s College.
We know you’re more than standardized test scores—that’s why we’ve made them optional.
If you choose to apply with standardized test scores, you can submit them in three different ways: submit self-reported scores on the application for admission, submit official scores directly from testing services, or ask your high school to send an official transcript, if your high school includes test scores on its transcripts. We accept the SAT (code 1073) or the ACT (code 1180).
If you self-report your scores, you are required to have official scores sent from the testing service or provided on an official transcript from your high school by July 1.
Think of the résumé as a chance to provide us with a summary of your activities and interests. It doesn’t need to be fancy—you are welcome to submit a simple list! Include your high school activities, clubs, hobbies, and community engagement. And—don’t forget—work and family responsibilities can be important to share as well.
While this is not a requirement, there may be instances where you’d like to have letters of recommendation submitted by your supporters. These letters are often submitted by teachers, but may also be from your school counselor or other non-academic recommenders like coaches, employers, or mentors. These individuals provide insight into your success in the classroom, but can also offer an overview of your interests and activities outside of the classroom.
FAFSA Requirement
To be considered for admission to Founder’s College, applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the Priority Application Deadline of February 15, 2025. Demonstrating a high level of financial need through the FAFSA is a prerequisite for admission to Founder’s College. Your application for admission will not be reviewed until your completed FAFSA is on file.
Use Butler’s school code when filing: 001788.
Most foreign citizens are not eligible for federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education, and cannot file the FAFSA. There are, however, some instances in which noncitizens may be eligible for federal government aid. Visit studentaid.gov for more information.
If you are unable to file the FAFSA, please contact our Admission team.