Admission of Freshman Students* Update Delete



For priority processing and scholarship consideration, applications of incoming freshmen should be submitted by March 1 for the fall semester. There is no priority deadline for the winter or summer semesters. Applications will no longer be accepted for the fall, winter, or summer semester upon the first day of classes.

Applicants for regular admission as freshmen (less than 24 college credits) must satisfy one of the following four conditions at the time of enrollment:

Regular Acceptance

  1. Graduate from an approved secondary school with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) in major subjects,** and have a minimum composite ACT (American College Test) of 18 or an SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) of 960 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Math).
  2. Pass the General Education Development (GED) test with a minimum score of 150 on each section and a total score of at least 650 overall, and have a minimum composite ACT (American College Test) of 18 or an SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) of 960 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Math). Each GED applicant must have an official transcript of his or her grades and credits sent to the Admissions Office from the high school most recently attended.
  3. Pass the HiSET test with a minimum score of eight in each subtest, two on the essay, and a total scaled score of 62, and have a minimum composite ACT (American College Test) of 18 or an SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) of 960 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Math).
  4. Applicants who have completed their high school education in a home school setting must have an ACT (American College Test) minimum composite test score of 18 or an SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) of 960 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Math), and submit a portfolio which must include the following documents:
    • If the student participated in or completed a course of study through a correspondence school, the student must submit an official transcript from that school. If the student was taught partially or completely within the home, then it will be necessary to create a transcript of class work of the entire high school experience. Include course description, when the course was taken, as well as grade achieved. For example, "Algebra I: Fall, 2017, B+, 1 unit". The home school transcript must show the graduation date and be signed and dated by one of the parents.
    • A written statement reflecting on the value the student received from his or her home school experience.

*Those planning to enter professions such as business, computing, education, journalism and communication, nursing, music education, or religion should also consult the respective school for any additional admission requirements.

**Major subjects: English, mathematics, natural science, religion, social science, and foreign language.

Probationary Acceptance

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for regular acceptance will be considered for admission on academic probation as outlined below.

  1. Grade point average (GPA) not lower than 2.25 (on a 4.00 scale).
  2. Minimum composite ACT (American College Test) not less than 16 or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) not less than 880 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Math).
  3. GED minimum score of 145 on each section and total score of at least 580 overall.
  4. HiSET minimum score of eight in each subtest, two on the essay and total scaled score not less than 45.

Applicants admitted on academic probation are expected to attend a one-week summer intensive followed by an approved SmartStart class. Alternative options are offered on a case-by-case basis for fall and winter semesters. Academic probation allows a maximum enrollment of 13 credit hours.

Students will be reviewed by the Academic Review Committee at the end of the semester at which time they will either be placed on regular standing, remain on probation, or be academically dismissed.

Applicants wishing to request additional consideration of their admission decision may appeal to the Admissions Committee. Appeal should be made in writing to applications@southern.edu

Subjects Required for Admission

Applicants to freshman standing must have, at the minimum, the following subjects in their secondary program:

  1. Three units of English, excluding journalism and communication.
  2. Two units of mathematics, one of which must be algebra. If Algebra 1 has not been taken, MATH 081 must be taken to make up for this deficiency.
  3. Two units of science. A college class in biology, chemistry, or physics must be taken in addition to general education science requirements if this condition is not met.
  4. Two units of social studies.
  5. Two units in a foreign language are required for a B.A. degree. If deficient, one year of a foreign language at the college level will be required.
  6. Computer competency is strongly recommended.