• Admissions Decisions
  In examining the credentials of applicants, admissions personnel consider the applicant’s previous high school academic records, college grade point averages, standardized test scores, extra-curricular activities, Christian experience, commitment and character.
• Christian Commitment
  Since the stated purpose of Philadelphia Biblical University is to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world, it is important that the values of the applicant be in harmony with those of the University. To determine whether the applicant can benefit from the programs and environment of the University, three areas are reviewed:
  
1. Conversion- It is expected that students at the University have professed faith in Jesus Christ as personal Savior. Applicants are asked to submit a statement concerning their personal testimony.
2. Lifestyle- To be comfortable in the University environment, the applicant's life-style should reflect Christian principles. To assist in the evaluation of the applicant's qualification in this respect, a confidential character reference from a pastor or Christian leader is required. Applicants must also submit a concise statement describing their family background, Christian walk and vocational goals.
3. Beliefs- Since a major segment of the University curriculum is devoted to the study of Bible content and doctrine, it is important that the applicant understand the theological perspective of the University. Every applicant receives a copy of the University's Statement of Faith and an explanation of the University's position concerning some contemporary issues. For the sake of mutual understanding, applicants are given the opportunity to comment on their agreement/disagreement with the doctrinal statement. Acceptance, however, is not conditional upon agreement.
• Academic Ability
  The ability to perform successfully in the University's academic environment is judged by the student's previous educational experience and test scores.
  
1. Previous Educational Experience-
   The University requires that applicants have a high school diploma representing a minimum of 15 units. The University recommends that 12 of these units be distributed in the following manner: English, 4; social studies, 3; foreign language, 2; science, 2; mathematics, 1. An official high school transcript must be submitted.

Home-schooled students are also encouraged to apply. A transcript of subjects studied and grades, including a cumulative grade point average, should accompany the application. Home-schooled students should also send SAT or ACT test results. Information regarding these tests is available through local high school guidance offices or the PBU Admissions Office. If the home-schooled student chooses to take the General Educational Development (GED) tests, please forward a copy of the GED diploma and an official statement of the test scores. Home-schooled students must send proof of graduation at the completion of their senior year unless they have submitted the GED results.

Applicants who hold a high school equivalency diploma on the basis of the GED tests are also considered for admission. An official transcript of secondary school work completed, a copy of the GED diploma and an official statement of the test scores must be submitted.

Applicants seeking to transfer from another institution are required to submit a transcript from the higher education institutions previously attended and a transfer reference form from an appropriate official of the institution, if feasible.


2. Grades- Three factors are considered in relation to the applicant's high school grades: (1) the overall grade point average; (2) the applicant's class rank and the school size; (3) the grade pattern from the freshman to senior year.

It is normally expected that the applicant should rank in the upper half of the high school class and have a 2.0 or above grade point average (on a 4.0 system).

Transfer students are also expected to have attained at least a 2.0 GPA in previous college work.

3. Test Scores- All applicants, including transfer students, are required to submit SAT or ACT test scores. The University's minimal standard is a combined score of  920 on the SAT test or a composite score of 19 on the ACT test. Occasionally students with scores under these minimal standards may be accepted provisionally on the basis of grades. This acceptance may be conditional upon participation in the University's AIMS (Assistance in Mastering Studies) program. Additional departmental requirements are listed under the various programs.  Average SAT scores for students who entered PBU in fall of 2006 are as follows:
   

   	Verbal	Math
   	534	516
   TOTAL			1050


Applicants exempt from this test requirement include those who have earned a bachelor's degree, transfer students with more than 60 credits, those who request non-matriculant status, and auditors.

Applicants for whom English is a second language and who demonstrate deficiencies in English must take the TOEFL examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board or the SAT. This includes both those who enter the United States on a student visa (I-20) and those who have immigrated to the States. The University requires a minimum score of 520 for acceptance.

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