05/01/07

Effective spring quarter 2008, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic will raise its entering grade-point average (GPA) by one-tenth of a point each year, until the entering GPA reaches 3.0 in 2012. The GPA is currently 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

The proposal to increase the entering GPA requirement initiated from faculty recommendations and from several discussions in meetings of the college’s Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness Committees. The increased admission standards were also discussed extensively with student representatives, academic deans, and the Enrollment Services office, and they reflect the rising qualifications needed for students to be academically successful at Sherman. The first incremental increase in spring 2008 will bring the required entering GPA to 2.6.

"Our goal in adopting this policy is to attract students who are adequately prepared for the rigor of the academic program at Sherman College,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Jon Schwartzbauer, DC. “It is only appropriate that the requirements associated with admission to Sherman College be aligned with the expectations students will encounter when they enter the doctor of chiropractic program."

Increasing the entering GPA requirement specifically addresses an objective of the college’s Strategic Plan to “increase student quality in the recruitment process by using indicators of student success to evaluate candidates.”

Included in the college’s definition of student success are (1)
completing the doctor of chiropractic degree program in 14 quarters and (2) passing all four parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ tests before graduation.

College officials believe increasing the entrance requirements will result in better-equipped students who are able to thrive within the chiropractic program. In addition, the change should result in increased retention and graduation rates.

Sherman College will continue to monitor the effect of entering GPA on educational outcomes and if necessary, will adjust admission policies accordingly.

[Sherman College of Chiropractic]