Admissions
What supporting documents do students need after submitting their initial app?
CES and TR. If Pre-Nursing or pursuing athletics, then they will need an SAT/ACT.
What are the top 5 majors at VU? How many majors do you have?
1. Business Admin 2. Psychology 3. Kinesiology 4. Communication 5. Biology
39 degree programs
What percentage of students live on campus?
apprx 60% live on campus and apprx. 40% commute
When do students find out about their academic scholarship?
At the time they are admitted!
Do you guys have chapel requirements?
Yes! We have over 100 chapel opportunities each semester for students to get involved.
Chapel, floor bible study, campus-wide events (guest speakers, cultural chapels put on by clubs), etc.
What links do you give to potentially-interested students?
Very interested seniors: www.vanguard.edu/applynow and discount code
What are the benefits of small class sizes?
Professor mentorships: One-on-one help with classes, spiritual mentors, internships, letters of rec for jobs/grad school.
Classes are not impacted. Can graduate on time
Can you bring a car on campus as a freshman?
Yes! Only $120 per semester
What are the freshman scholarship levels?
$6,000-$25,000!
What are different volunteer opportunities?
Local: Volunteer with foster youth, homeless outreach, senior citizens, etc.
Global: Outreach trips and Summer of Service. Teach english in Thailand. Share the gospel in Tanzania, etc.
Our deadline is Early Action. When a student applies to a college for an Early Decision deadline, it is a binding commitment that they will attend that institution and withdraw their applications from all other colleges if they are admitted. For VU, you are not required to attend the university if you are accepted under Early Action, however, Dec. 1 is when the most generous academic scholarships are available to students!
I want to be a teacher. What programs do you offer?
That depends on what you want to teach! We have an Integrated Teaching Education Program for elementary school teachers through our Liberal Studies major. If you want to teach a subject to middle/high school students, then you should select the major that corresponds to that subject. VU also offers ITEP for single-subject programs such as English Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry!
How many clubs do we have on campus? Name some examples.
125 on campus clubs and intramural sports. VU offers cultural clubs, interest-based clubs, and academic clubs.
El Puente, First 2VU, SAO, TOT, APIC, BSU, Live2Free, Surf Club, Hiking Club, Kinesiology Club, Delight, The Forum, House of Prayer, SACNAS.
How many students receive financial aid?
98% of all undergraduate students receive financial aid.
100% of all incoming freshmen received financial aid for Fall 2020.
Do you have to be Christian to apply?
Vanguard University encourages applications from students who desire an education which integrates Christian faith, learning and living; provides intellectual challenge and growth; and encourages spiritual commitment.
No, you do not have to be a Christian to submit an app. If you put "No" under accepted Christ on your app, then we will likely call you for a follow-up conversation. We do have chapel and bible requirements, so we want you to make sure you are comfortable with that if you come to VU!
Are SAT/ACT scores required?
While test score submission is optional, all freshmen applicants are encouraged to submit available SAT or ACT scores. Multiple test score submissions are superscored. SAT or ACT test scores are required for Pre-Nursing and athlete applicants and for consideration for the freshman Presidential Centennial top academic scholarship.
Do you have an Engineering program?
Yes, we have an engineering physics program. It's an interdisciplinary program that includes foundations of physics, engineering, and mathematics. The program includes research and internship experience, and our engineering lab also has a 3D printer!
What are 3 campus-wide events VU has?
HvZ, Mock Rock, Pit Pride, Mr./Mrs. VU, Harvest Party, GEO Week
What types of talent scholarships do you offer?
VANM, ATHL, and musical theatre
Are you guys religious? What does it mean when you are a Christian school?
Here at Vanguard, we integrate faith and learning. Our mission is to equip each student with a spirit-empowered life of Christ-centered leadership in service. We also offer chapel opportunities, and each student will take 5 Bible classes. We have a diverse spiritual climate, and there are over 24 denominations reflected in our student body. If you are looking to grow in your faith, then VU could be a great fit for you!
Are you test optional or test blind?
Vanguard is test optional.
Test Optional: When a student submits an SAT/ACT score, Vanguard will look at it as part of the application and admission decision
Test Blind: When a student submits an SAT/ACT score, the university will not consider it as part of the application and admission decision
I want to apply for Pre-Nursing, but there are no SATs available in my area. What can I do?
At this time, VU does require an SAT or ACT for admissions purposes. However, I encourage you to submit your initial application and supporting docs (TR and CES). Keep looking for SAT/ACT dates that may open up in your area or surrounding cities.
What are the different types of dorms on campus?
Laguna/Huntington: freshmen towers. Just received a $3.2 MILLION dollar renovation! Catalina/Newport/Balboa: living room with adjoining rooms & kitchenette. Vanguard Centre: our university apartments located right outside campus!
All our dorms feature private bathrooms
When do I need to submit the FAFSA by?
While the FAFSA is not required for admission to VU, the FAFSA can help you and your family with financial aid. For CA students, March 2nd is a strict deadline to receive state-based aid for the FAFSA. For non-CA residents, there is no deadline to submit the FAFSA.
What is Vanguard's stance on homosexuality?
As a Christian, we are called to love all God's people, and all students who want a Christian-based education are encouraged to apply to Vanguard. That being said, Vanguard University abides by our statement of faith, and our students adhere to a student code of conduct. I encourage you to read our statement of faith, and we would be happy to connect you with our campus pastor if you have additional questions.