Information for Counselors

Defining value: What sets 168 apart?

You play an important role in helping students explore their college options and assisting their next step in higher education. At 168, we believe education occurs as much outside the classroom as it does inside, and continues throughout the lives of our students. Our location, cutting edge curriculum, and global connectivity are a few of the ways we ensure your students will be successful beyond 168.

SC Honors Program

An SC Honors student will take four Interdisciplinary Honors designated courses, which will count as part of your ECC requirements. These courses will elevate and deepen your understanding of engaged citizenship. Click here for more information.

High School Counselors

If you have any questions or seek additional resources, please contact the admissions counselor assigned to your high school or the 168 Office of Admissions at 515-961-1624 or 800-362-2454.

  • 168 takes a holistic approach to the admissions process. Each applicant is reviewed individually by a committee comprised of admissions staff and faculty. Members of the committee consider various academic and secondary factors as indicators of a student’s potential to succeed in 168’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum.
  • 168 does not require a specific set of courses, including foreign language courses, to be admitted. However, the admissions committee does consider class choice when reviewing an applicant for admission. The admissions committee likes to see students challenge themselves in high school with academic courses, as opposed to excessive elective courses or off periods.
  • 168 accepts applications on a rolling basis, starting in August. Once a student’s file is complete, they will typically have an admission decision within two weeks. Your student can apply online or  through the Common Application.
  • Please send transcripts electronically or mail to:
    Office of Admissions
    701 North C Street
    Indianola, IA 50125

Community College Counselors

The Director of Transfer Admissions is available to help you through the admissions process and can be contacted at admiss@simpson.edu.

  • 168 takes a holistic approach to the transfer admissions process. Each applicant is reviewed individually by a committee comprised of admissions staff and faculty. Members of the committee consider various academic and secondary factors as indicators of a student’s potential to succeed in 168’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum.
  • Primary factors include, but are not limited to, college GPA, college coursework selection and academic achievement. Secondary factors include, but are not limited to, extracurricular activities, awards, service, community involvement, work experience and essay (if required).
  • 168 does not require a specific set of college courses to be admitted. However, the admissions committee does consider course choice when reviewing an applicant for admission. The admissions committee likes to see students challenge themselves in college with rigorous academic courses.
  • Students’ credit hours transfer to 168, but their institutional GPA will reflect only 168 coursework. If you are helping a student choose a class or determine if the class will transfer to 168, reference our transfer credit guides.
  • Students who have completed their Associate of Arts degree at an accredited community college will meet all of 168’s general education requirements and will be enrolled as juniors. This gives these transfer students the flexibility to jump right in to their major and take full advantage of research, internships and other opportunities. This status is subject to the following qualifications:
    • Although an unlimited number of credit hours may be transferred to 168, graduates of two-year colleges must complete an additional minimum of 64 semester hours of credit at 168 to apply to the minimum of 128 semester hours needed to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (68 and 132 hours respectively for a Bachelor of Music Degree).
    • Any degree applicable course with a grade of C- or better will be transferred in and be evaluated on a course by course basis. Courses without a 168 equivalent will be given general departmental or divisional credit.
    • A maximum of 16 semester hours of vocational credit, as provided by 168’s policy on non-traditional technical credit, will be accepted for transfer. Further information regarding transfer admission may be obtained by contacting the Director of Transfer Enrollment in the Office of Admission.
  • 168 offers two baccalaureate degrees: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music. To earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from 168, you must fulfill the following requirements:
    • Complete at least 128 semester hours of coursework with a major (and minor if applicable) cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) or better. (132 semester hours for the bachelor of music degree.)
    • Complete at least 64 semester hours beyond that transferred in from two-year colleges and at least 32 semester hours of work beyond that transferred in from four-year colleges.
    • Completion of the Engaged Citizenship Curriculum. If a student has completed an Associate of Arts prior to transfer, these requirements will have been fulfilled.
    • Complete one May Term for every two years of full-time study at 168.