How to Apply to Centenary
Students can click one of the links below to create your account and submit your free application. If you have application questions, please text 318.386.3311.
How to Apply
Submit our FREE application today! When you apply to Centenary, you are automatically applying for merit scholarships!
Application Checklist
High School Transcript
A high school transcript should be mailed or sent electronically from the high school to Centenary College.
Essay
Essay (choose one topic below):
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- Saint Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” How has traveling impacted your education or how do you hope it will in the future?
- Why Centenary? What has made Centenary stand out to you amid your college search process.
The essay should be a minimum of 250 words.
ACT or SAT Score
American College Test (ACT) and/or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) results should be sent directly to Centenary College from the testing service (we will also consider scores that are listed on an official high school transcript as official). Please send all test scores; Centenary will use your superscore for scholarship consideration.
- ACT Code for Centenary: 1576
- SAT Code for Centenary: 6082
Letter of Recommendation (required for test-optional applicants)
A Letter of Recommendation should be sent directly to Centenary from a high school teacher or counselor. This is required for students who apply Test-Optional, meaning you have opted out of submitting ACT or SAT scores. Students must have a 3.25 core high school GPA to apply test-optional and be considered for admission. Students who apply with test scores are not required to submit a letter of recommendation.
Additional Materials
A personal resume is strongly preferred.
- Your resume can include extracurricular activities, work experience, community involvement, and volunteer/service activities or projects in order of importance to you (in the past 3 years). Include leadership positions and/or major accomplishments/awards.
A personal interview is strongly preferred.
- A personal interview with your admission counselor gives your counselor the opportunity to learn more about you. Click here to contact your counselor.
Dates & Deadlines
| Deadline | date | Preferred Deposit Date |
| Early Action | December 1 | May 1 |
| Regular Decision | February 15 | May 1 |
| Rolling Admission | After February 15 | May 1 |
Admission Requirements
Admission to Centenary is selective, with applicants being evaluated on strength of academic curriculum, trends in academic grades, standardized test score results (ACT or SAT), personal essay, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and leadership experiences. Students are encouraged to present a minimum 3.0 core academic GPA and a 22 ACT superscore (or 1100 SAT) to show college readiness, strengthen their application, and maximize scholarship eligibility. However, all students who meet the minimum requirements for the Louisiana TOPS Scholarship—a 2.5 TOPS GPA and a 20 ACT composite score (or 1000 SAT) —will be considered for admission and academic scholarships. Students who apply test-optional must have a 3.5 core academic GPA to be considered for admission. Applicants who fall below these standards may still be considered for conditional admission based on a holistic review of their admission application.
High School Requirements
Prior to making the transition to Centenary, students are expected to take college preparatory and advanced coursework in high school. Most candidates for admission have participated in accelerated academic programs, or have enrolled in additional academic units (when available). All candidates for admission as full-time students are expected to have graduated from an accredited high school or have received their General Education Diploma (GED) prior to enrollment at Centenary.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete a minimum number of units in certain academic subjects:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of math (algebra I and II, geometry, or equivalents)
- 3 units of social science
- 3 units of natural science (at least two with lab, when available)
- 2 units of foreign language (in the same language)
Admission Policies
College Credits Taken in High School
Click here for a detailed description of dual enrollment, advanced placement, IB, and Clep courses that Centenary College will accept for college credit.
Test Optional Admission
Students must have a minimum 3.5 core recalculated GPA to qualify for admission as a test-optional applicant. Students who apply without ACT or SAT scores will be required to submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or high school counselor. Applicants' cumulative core GPA, academic rigor, essay, letter(s) of recommendation, resume, and interview will be evaluated to determine if a student will be accepted test-optional.
Conditional Admission
Students who have below a 2.5 core recalculated GPA and/or a 20 ACT or 1020 SAT will be evaluated for admission through our Conditional Admission policy. Applicants cumulative core GPA, academic rigor, ACT or SAT scores, essay, letter(s) of recommendation, and committee interview will be evaluated to determine if a student will be accepted conditionally. Conditional admits will be required to take an August Bridge course (this will be in place of our Centenary in Paris), complete a set number of credit hours in their first semester, have regular meetings with our learning comment staff, and obtain a minimum 2.0 GPA by the end of the first semester.
How to Apply FAQs
How do I apply to Centenary College of Louisiana?
Students can apply for free using either the Centenary application or the Common Application. After submitting the application, students can track materials and admission updates through their applicant portal found at www.centenary.edu/portal.
Is there an application fee?
No. Centenary does not charge an application fee for undergraduate admission.
Is Centenary College of Louisiana test optional?
Yes. Students may apply with or without SAT or ACT scores. Students applying test optional must submit a letter of recommendation and have at least a 3.5 core unweighted GPA.
How does test-optional admission actually work?
Test-optional admission allows students to apply to Centenary without submitting standardized test scores. We will evaluate applicants holistically based on factors such as GPA, coursework, extracurricular involvement, essays, and other application materials. Students at Centenary are required to have a 3.5 core GPA to be considered for test-optional admission.
What GPA do you need to get into Centenary?
Competitive applicants typically complete strong college preparatory coursework and demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and personal motivation. We prefer that students meet the minimum GPA to qualify for TOPS but at least a 3.0 is optimal for scholarship consideration.
When should students apply to maximize scholarship opportunities?
Students are encouraged to apply by the December 1 Early Action deadline because earlier applicants receive priority consideration for scholarships and competitive programs.
What materials are required for the application?
Most students submit:
- Free online application
- High school transcript
- Essay
- SAT/ACT scores for test considered applications
- Optional letter of recommendation (required for test-optional)
- Optional resume
- Optional interview
Can students apply before taking the ACT or SAT?
Yes. Students may begin and submit their application before official test scores are received.
Does Centenary superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes. Centenary accepts the superscore for ACT and SAT for admission and scholarship consideration.
Will Centenary use my best ACT/SAT or most recent test?
Centenary uses your best ACT or SAT score for admission and scholarship consideration. We will also superscore the ACT and SAT.
Can students earn college credit before enrolling?
Yes. Students may receive credit for AP, IB, CLEP, and dual enrollment coursework completed during high school. Visit this link for more information on college credits earned in high school.
What makes Centenary different from larger universities?
Centenary combines small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, leadership opportunities, and strong graduate school outcomes in a personalized liberal arts environment. The college also offers unique programs such as Centenary in Paris for first-year students.
How do I send my official transcript to Centenary?
Your official transcript must be sent to Centenary directly from your high school. Most high schools have a way you can request your transcript online. It can be emailed to admission@centenary.edu, sent through an electronic transcript service, or mailed to us at: Centenary Admission Office 2911 Centenary Blvd. Shreveport, LA 71104
How do I send my letter of recommendation?
Your letter of recommendation should come directly from your recommender. The easiest way to submit your letter of recommendation is to click "Add Recommender" on the recommendations section of your online application. You can also have them email your letter directly to admission@centenary.edu. A letter of recommendation is required for test-optional applicants.
Additional Application Info
Dates & Deadlines
Our Early Action Deadline is December 1 and Regular Decision Deadline is February 15. Apply early for the most scholarship opportunities!
Scholarships & Financial Aid
When you complete your admission application along with the FAFSA, you're eligible for a wide variety of merit and need-based scholarships and grants.
AP, CLEP, DE, & IB Credit
Earn college credit for Dual Enrollment, CLEP, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate courses taken in high school.
Annual Security & Fire Report Notification
Annual Security & Fire Report Notification
The Centenary College Annual Security and Fire Safety report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Centenary College and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes information and institutional statements concerning campus security, such as information concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Department of Public Safety or by visiting the website. Click here to learn more.
If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains this information, you can stop by the Centenary Square building at 102 E. Kings Hwy., Suite 214A, Shreveport, LA 71104 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 318-869-5759.
Contact Info
Office of Admission
2911 Centenary Boulevard, Shreveport, LA 71104
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