VUnited Scholars Admissions

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Villanova seeks candidates with intellectual curiosity and a strong interest in pursuing careers and independent living, all while residing on campus with the Villanova community and learning in an inclusive Catholic environment. VUnited students are highly motivated, with diverse learning challenges and other special needs.

Applying to the VUnited Scholars program at Villanova is highly competitive with a very limited number of spots. We encourage all applicants to thoughtfully complete the application process and adhere to all requirements and deadlines.

To be accepted into the program, students:

  • Have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability.
         Intellectual disability is defined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act
         is a student
              (A) with a cognitive impairment, characterized by significant
              limitations in - 
                      (i) intellectual and cognitive functioning; and
                      (ii) adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and
                       practical adaptive skills; and 
              (B) who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for a free appropriate
               public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education
               Act [20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.].
        
  • Typically hold a GED, Diploma or Certificate of Completion.
  • Be at least 18 years old and no older than 24 years old before August 31st of the academic year.
  • Be able to live in student housing with limited support.
  • Have basic safety skills in unsupervised settings.
  • Have support from family and a personal desire to gain necessary skills for self‐determination, independent living and employment.
  • Be able to independently navigate the Villanova University campus.
  • Manage unsupervised time independently.
  • Navigate moderate social or executive functioning challenges independently.
  • Recognize appropriate social and physical boundaries.
  • Manage, basic health, medicine and hygiene needs independently.

     

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

FALL 2025 DATES AND DEADLINES

Fall 2025 Cohort Application dates 

September 2024

Application Opens

January 31, 2025

Deadline to Apply with all Materials

February
20-21, 27-28,
2025

Final Candidacy Day - Selected students will shadow a current VUnited Scholars student and have lunch. The Admissions Team will meet with parents/guardians while students are shadowing.

March 21, 2025

Decisions Released

April 11, 2025

Accepted Students' Day

May 1, 2025

Deposit Due

 

Occasionally space may become available over the Summer, please inquire cps.info@villanova.edu if the application is re-opened.