A written account of college recruiting visits to Cambridge High School Campus for those that can’t attend
By The Compass Center at Cambridge High School
School: Mercer University
Date of Visit: September 18, 2013
Admissions Rep. Name: Chris Rodriguez
Email: rodriguez_ca@mercer.edu
Telephone: (478) 301-2076 Macon (678) 547-6068 Atlanta (678) 492-2916 Cell
Last year’s Freshman Profile:, Average high school GPA 3.7, Avg SAT 1180-1200, Avg ACT 26
GPA -How is it calculated? GPA is weighted and calculated using core classes only. It is a 4.0 scale. Honors classes receive
.5 more points, and AP classes receive .75 more points
ACT/SAT (written portion? Super score?) They super score for both the SAT and the ACT. The ACT writing portion is not
required.
Rigor/What are the average AP requirements? Although there are not AP specific requirements, AP courses are
considered when calculating the GPA for both scholarships and admissions at Mercer in that these classes receive extra
weight in the GPA calculation. Since AP classes receive additional points, one would be at a disadvantage without AP
courses. A minimum GPA of 3.3 is the baseline for acceptance at Mercer. The Engineering School requires a minimum for
Math of SAT 560 and ACT 24.
Most popular majors at this school: Biology, Chemistry, pre-med, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical fields
Special successes the school is known for: Mercer offers a guaranteed admissions program to freshman for some graduate
schools and school of medicine that meet certain requirements. Examples are Pharmacy, PA program, physical therapy. It
is an accelerated program, which requires maintaining a 3.0 GPA and some work experience, and cuts one year off of the
regular curriculum timeline.
Scholarships: Georgia offers a Scholarship for Engineering Education (SEE) that gives $3500/year. For every one year a
student takes this scholarship, they must give back one year of work in an engineering profession in Georgia. There is also
an Engineering Specific Scholarship that Mercer awards. To be eligible for this scholarship, student’s counselor must
recommend the student, and the application is due in November. Students are selected to come to an Engineering day at
Mercer where they will see all of the projects and works of current engineering students. This year, this event is held on
Nov 15. On this day, all eligible students will take a standardized test. The score on this test will determine the level of
scholarship that the student receives for the engineering scholarship.
Most Mercer students receive some scholarship money. Last year, out of 275 students, 40 full tuition scholarships were
offered. Go to Merceraid.com for details regarding scholarships at Mercer.
What is the Total cost of Attendance for in-state/out of state? Although the annual tuition is $32,000 for undergrad
programs, the average student pays $9000 per year since most students receive scholarship money.
When are scholarship deadlines? Must apply by Nov.1 to be eligible for the Presidential Scholarship. Applicants should
have a baseline of SAT 1300, ACT 29. Dec 7/8 is the competition/interviews for the Presidential Scholars. If one does not
apply by Nov 1, the most scholarship money that can be earned is $20,000.
Upcoming on-Campus visit dates not to be missed? October 19..Open House campus tours, guest speakers, information
sessions, football game September 28- Health and Sciences Day at Atlanta campus … October 15 and November 5- Mercer
Day & Night..for seniors only…stay overnight with a freshman host & tour campus …Feb 22- Pre-law day
Is there a “Scholar Day” for Honors bound students? Applications for Presidential scholar should be turned in by Nov 1.
Also, they have a rolling admissions process with limited spots in their honors program. The earlier you turn in the
application, the better chance you have for securing a spot in their honors program should you qualify. This year, the
honors program is limited to 70 spots.
When are application deadlines? The application process is rolling… no deadlines except for with scholarships.
Is an essay required for all decision options? Not required on ACT.
What does this school look for in each “round” of decisions: there are no rounds to admissions. It is a rolling admissions
process. Deadlines only apply to scholarship applications.
NCAA Criteria/Is this school Division I, DII, etc. All sports are division 1 except football. Football has been brought back
this year. They just completed a new stadium this year. Next year, they anticipate football will be Division 1. Athletic
scholarships are available
Do freshmen live on campus? Yes. Freshman are also allowed to have cars, and parking is free
What is the total undergraduate enrollment? 2500. The freshman ratio to teachers is 13:1. Classes average 20 students
Other facts:
Greek Life- 17 organizations
125 Different student organizations
Club sports and Intramurals – Mercer ranked 7th in country for largest percentage of student participation in
club/intramural sports