FAQs for Prospective Students

Q: I've heard that Salem College has an excellent adult education program. A friend of mine was accepted by Salem even though grades were not her top priority when she went to college the first time. I was happy to learn of her acceptance and pleased that Salem would consider her. Now I'm hoping Salem will accept me. What do I need to do to have Salem consider my application?

A: Salem is more interested in the person that you've become as opposed to who you were. Everyone deserves a second chance. Therefore, we look at your commitment to your goal, your interest in learning, and your desire to expand your horizons. The interview is an important part of the application process. We often spend at least an hour together, talking about your goals and interests, your dreams and, yes, your fears. We know that it can be scary to return to school, especially when you have other life responsibilities.

Q: Tell me about the Fleer Center Adult Education. Is it part of the whole Salem degree program? If so, why is it a separate program and who is eligible to apply?

A: The Martha H. Fleer Center for Adult Education is the Salem College department which assists, admits and advises adult men and women who are interested in taking individual courses or pursuing a degree plan at Salem.  Therefore, when adult applicants are accepted, they become Salem College students. Those who enter Salem through the Fleer Center must be at least twenty-three years of age. There is no upper limit. In fact, in the last few years we have graduated several students in their seventies. One of our recent 70-year-olds is now in graduate school.

Q: I've never been to college; I work full time and am the single parent of three children. Will Salem consider my application?

A: Yes. While some of our adult students have been to several other colleges, others have never been to college before entering Salem.  The Fleer Center specializes in supporting adult students with work and family obligations.

Q: Salem is my first choice. I know there are other schools with adult education programs, but I have heard such good things about Salem's commitment to its students. How long do I have to wait to hear if I am accepted?

A: As soon as we have received your application, admission fee, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essay, we set up an admission interview. Usually, you will know within a week if you have been accepted into the program. In a few instances, an applicant has received confirmation of acceptance immediately after the interview. Since Salem does not require test scores for adult students, you do not have to wait for tests to be taken or scores to be returned.

Q: If I have attended another college, will Salem accept my course credits?

A: Salem will consider any academic course credits from a regionally accredited college or university. Your transcripts will be evaluated and a report will be sent to you indication which courses will be accepted. Some adults enter Salem needing only ten courses in order to complete their degree.

Q: Who will my classmates be if I am accepted to Salem College?

A: They will be students of all ages, backgrounds, races, and religions. Salem is a diverse community of individuals from many cultures. Students range in age from eighteen to eighty.

Q: What is the average size of a class at Salem?

A:The ratio of students to faculty is 13:1, that is, thirteen students to one professor. While some classes may have more than thirteen students, others will have fewer. Consequently, at Salem your professors get to know you.