Local high school students secure college admission before senior year begins

For 24 local high school students, the college search became one less thing to worry about before their senior year even began. 

Radford University welcomed prospective students and their families to campus Aug.7 for a special early admission event, allowing rising high school seniors to apply, learn more about the university and, for those who qualified, receive their admission decisions in person. 

Attendees could apply to Radford on site, hear an admissions presentation and explore campus on a guided tour. 

The goal was to give motivated students an early start to the college admission process and the peace of mind that comes with knowing where they stand as they begin their senior year. 

“We wanted to offer this opportunity to allow motivated seniors to get this checked off their list of senior priorities and have less stress,” said Sarah Tate, associate vice president and director of undergraduate admissions. 

The event comes as Radford University continues expanding efforts to make the college admission process more accessible. The university recently announced that it will directly admit students who have earned at least a 3.0 overall high school GPA and completed college-ready mathematics coursework. 

Radford also offers direct admission to its nursing program for qualifying students, providing those interested in one of the university’s most popular programs an opportunity to secure their place early. 

“Our admissions process is one of the most accessible in the state, with direct admission,  including to our nursing program and no application fee,” Tate said. 

Radford opened its application for fall 2027 on Aug. 1, beginning the next admission cycle before the current fall class arrives on campus. For students who attended the early admission event, that meant an opportunity to begin senior year with a major milestone already behind them. 

It also created a memorable moment for students, families and the Radford staff members who were there to celebrate with them. 
“It is truly a magical moment to be with a student, and sometimes their family as well, when they get into college for the first time,” said Emily Ewoldt, director of campus visit experience. “I’m so happy Radford can be a part of that.” 

The early admission event is part of Radford University’s broader commitment to simplifying the college-going process, creating welcoming opportunities for prospective students and helping them find their place at Radford.