Admissions FAQs

FAQs for:

• Freshmen Students
• Adult First-Time Students
• Transfer Students
• Elder Scholars

All FAQs

1. How can I visit the Hilbert campus?
2. How do I get to Hilbert?
3. How big are your classes?
4. How do I apply as a freshman?
5. How do I apply as an adult student?
6. How do I apply as a transfer student?
7. When should I apply?
8. When and how do I register?
9. Do I need my ACT or SAT results to submit an application?
10. What are your freshman requirements?
11. Is an interview required for the admission process?
12. How long does it take to find out an admissions decision?
13. Do I have to start classes in the fall semester?
14. Can I obtain college credit at Hilbert while still attending high school?
15. What is the Advanced College Credit Program?
16. What is the Hilbert Honors Program?
17. What are your adult student requirements?
18. Will I be eligible for financial aid as an adult student?
19. Do you have special agreements with two-year colleges?
20. What is the two-year college transfer guarantee?
21. If I'm still attending another college, when should I submit my application to Hilbert?
22. Will I be eligible for financial aid as a transfer student?
23. What is the Elder Scholars Program?
24. What types of program options are available?
25. Will I have to take exams or complete written assignments for the courses I take?
26. What other benefits are there to the program?
27. I haven't attended college in many years. Why should I participate in this program?
28. How can I get more information?

1. How can I visit the Hilbert campus?
There are several ways to visit the campus.

• Sign up for one of Hilbert's Visit Nights held throughout the year. A complete schedule is available online.
• Contact the admissions office at 716-926-8780 or 1-800-649-8003 and we will set up a campus tour for you.
• For a quick glimpse at Hilbert, try out our online virtual tour.

4. How do I apply as a freshman?
Complete an application (there's one available online) and send it with your $20 application fee, an official high school transcript to Hilbert College, Office of Admissions, 5200 South Park Ave., Hamburg, N.Y. 14075. More detailed instructions are available by going to our Instructions for Freshman Applicants section.

5. How do I apply as an adult student?
Complete an application (there's one available online) and send it with your $20 application fee, a copy of your high school transcript or a GED certificate, and test scores to Hilbert College, Office of Admissions, 5200 South Park Ave., Hamburg, N.Y. 14075. More detailed instructions are available by going to our Instructions for Adult Applicants section.

6. How do I apply as a transfer student?
Complete an application (there's one available online) and send it with your $20 application fee, college credentials, including transcripts, to Hilbert College, Office of Admissions, 5200 South Park Ave., Hamburg, N.Y. 14075. More detailed instructions are available by going to our Instructions for Transfer Applicants section.

7. When should I apply?
Hilbert has a rolling admissions policy, which means that applications are accepted year round. Early action on your part increases the opportunity to receive financial assistance beyond federal/state sources. We strongly urge you to complete the FAFSA/TAP Applications as soon as possible so eligibility for financial aid can be determined.

8. When and how do I register?
Before you may register for classes, you must be admitted to Hilbert and meet with your academic advisor in your department. Courses offered and registration times for each semester are available online, or in a printed copy circulated by the college. You may also contact the admissions office at 716-649-7900 or 1-800-649-8003 to obtain a copy.

9. Do I need my ACT or SAT results to submit an application?
No. We accept applications without test results. However, this delays processing your application so be sure to have your information forwarded as soon as possible.

10. What are your freshman requirements?
Admission is based upon past academic performance, demonstrated ability and personal characteristics. All students must provide transcripts proving the reciept of a high school/college degree, or its equivalency (GED). 

11. Is an interview required for the admission process?
No, we do not require an interview.  In some cases, however, an interview or pre-admissions testing may be recomended.

12. How long does it take to find out an admissions decision?
Usually within two weeks after all documents are submitted.

13. Do I have to start classes in the fall semester?
No, you may begin your studies during the spring semester or summer session. Some courses, however, are offered only during certain semesters.

14. Can I obtain college credit at Hilbert while still attending high school?
Yes, our Early Admissions Program permits eligible high school students to take courses for college credit at Hilbert either during the summer between their junior and senior years or while simultaneously registered in high school. The program combines your senior year at high school with your freshman year at college. To find out more, contact the admissions office.

15. What is the Advanced College Credit Program?
Students who have completed their junior year in high school and high school seniors may apply for the program, which permits high school students to begin taking courses for college credit at Hilbert during the summer after their junior year in high school.

16. What is the Hilbert Honors Program?
The Hilbert Honors Program is designed to offer an enriched educational experience for top college students. While we are looking for students who represent the highest caliber of academic excellence, we are also looking for those students whose life choices outside of the classroom demonstrate leadership skills, social commitment, or artistic interests. You can learn more about the Honors Program by clicking here or by contacting Amy Smith, Ph.D., director of the Honors Program, at 716-649-7900, ext. 354.

17. What are your adult student requirements?
Admission is based upon past academic performance, demonstrated ability and personal characteristics.  All students must provide transcripts proving the reciept of a high school/college degree, or its equivalency (GED). 

18. Will I be eligible for financial aid as an adult student?
Yes, there are various types of federal, state, and college and private aid available. Hilbert also offers scholarships specifically for adult learners. To learn more about your financial aid options, contact the Office of Student Finance.

19. Do you have special agreements with two-year colleges?
Yes, Hilbert has established transfer articulation agreements with more than two dozen two-year public and private colleges throughout New York State and one Canadian institution.

20. What is the two-year college transfer guarantee?
If you are a transfer student and continuing in the same field of study at Hilbert, you are assured of completing a four-year degree in two years of full-time study. Specific courses will be recognized so you won't have to repeat any courses. You may even receive a Transfer Articulation Scholarship. Additional information is available from our admissions office.

21. If I'm still attending another college, when should I submit my application to Hilbert?
We recommend you begin the application process 2-3 months prior to your first term at Hilbert. We will evaluate your application based upon your completed coursework. A letter about your admission to Hilbert will be sent to you within 2 weeks of receiving all application materials. If you are still enrolled in and planning to take more classes at your current school, that's okay. But you will need to submit a final transcript showing all of your coursework when it becomes available.

22. Will I be eligible for financial aid as a transfer student?
Federal regulations prohibit the transfer of financial aid from one institution to another, so we suggest you contact the Office of Student Finance as soon as possible for specific information

23. What is the Elder Scholars Program?
The Elder Scholars Program is an inter-generational, academically oriented program designed to draw retirees age 50 and older into the learning environment with college-level course participation and other activities, like informal book discussions and a speaker series targeted to seniors. The program's most distinctive element is the link between elder scholars with Hilbert's Honors Program students, which is accomplished through regular interaction in formal and informal settings.

24. What types of program options are available?
Three levels of participation are available at different annual costs, giving elder scholars a choice in how they want to participate in the program. More information about what is offered at each level is available by going to the Levels of Participation section.

25. Will I have to take exams or complete written assignments for the courses I take?
No, elder scholars are not required to do either.

26. What other benefits are there to the program?
You will have complete access to college facilities and will participate in theme-based discussion groups, lectures, and campus clubs.

27. I haven't attended college in many years. Why should I participate in this program?
The Elder Scholars Program is a natural fit for those who have not been in a classroom in many years because it allows you to tailor the program to your needs. From the courses to the roundtable discussions, you make selections based on your interests and participate in the program level that's right for you. And even better, you have the opportunity for regular interaction with some of Hilbert's best students where you can serve as a mentor and really make a difference in their lives.

28. How can I get more information?
You will find more information about the Elder Scholars Program by contacting Amy Smith, Ph.D., director of the Honors/Elder Scholars Program, at 716-649-7900, ext. 354, asmith@hilbert.edu