Admission of First-Time in College Students (Freshmen) Update Delete


Policy Proposal
Workflow Step: President's Council Approval, President's Council

Individuals planning to enter professions such as business, computing, education, journalism and communication, nursing, music education, physical therapist assistant, religion, or social work should also consult the respective school for any additional admission requirements.

Applicants for regular admission as first-time in college status, or with less than 24 college credits, must satisfy one of the following conditions at the time of enrollment. If an applicant has taken college classes during high school as dual enrollment, they will still be considered a First-Time in College (Freshmen).

Application Process

  1. Submit a completed and signed application
  2. Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee
  3. Submit required documents

Deadlines

All required documents should be submitted by the following priority deadlines.

Applicant Type

Fall Semester

Winter Semester

U.S. Citizens, Canadian Citizens, and U.S. Permanent Residents

Application: July 1

Application: December 1

International Students

Admitted: June 1

I-20: July 1

Admitted: November 1

I-20: December 1

Required Documents

  • High School Record:
    • Transcript from an accredited high school with a minimum of 6 semesters (3 years) of completed courses with credits, grades, and cumulative GPA.
    • Home School transcript, with a minimum of 6 semesters of completed credits, showing courses taken, credits and grades earned, and cumulative GPA. The transcript must be signed by the learning coach.
    • GED College-ready certificate, HiSet Exam.
    • Official academic credential from an equivalent overseas secondary school (if high school completed outside of the United States or Canada).
  • Official copy of the ACT and/or SAT exam scores. (While some students may be exempt from submitting test scores for admission purposes, test scores are required for placement in certain programs and courses.)
  • Official Final High School transcript with official grades and graduation date.
    • Official transcripts must be sent directly from the high school to Southern. Original sealed transcripts delivered by a parent or student from the high school may be accepted as official. Electronic transcripts are also accepted.

Regular Acceptance

  • High School - GPA only: Earn a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of a 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale) in major subjects*.
  • High School - GPA and Test Scores: Earn a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) in major subjects* with a minimum ACT Composite score of 18 or SAT Total score of 960.
  • Home School: Earn a minimum high school GPA of 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale) in major subjects* with a minimum ACT (American College Test) composite test score of 18 or an SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) of 960 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, Math)
  • General Education Development (GED): Pass with a minimum score of 150 on each section and a total score of at least 650, and have a minimum ACT composite of 18 or an SAT Total of 960. 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.
  • HiSET: Pass 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).

Probationary Acceptance

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for regular acceptance will be considered for admission on academic probation. Acceptance on probation is only available for applicants applying for the Fall semester. First-year in college students admitted on probation are required to attend our JumpStart program that begins in July.

  • High School: Earn a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of a 2.250 (on a 4.00 scale) in major subjects*, or
  • GED: Earn a minimum score of 145 on each section and a total score of at least 580 overall, or
  • HiSET: Earn a minimum score of eight in each subtest, two on the essay, and a total scaled score of at least 45

And

  • Test Scores: Earn a minimum ACT Composite score of 16 or SAT Total score of 880.

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. 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. An appeal should be made in writing to applications@southern.edu

*Subjects Required for Admission

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

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

  1. Four units of English, excluding journalism and communication.
  2. Three units of mathematics, one of which must be algebra.
  3. Three 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.

Tennessee Residents

The state of Tennessee offers several financial aid programs to help eligible students pursue their higher education goals. These programs include the Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, and Tennessee Student Assistance Award, among others. To ensure that only eligible students receive state financial aid, the state of Tennessee requires all applicants to submit proof of residency. Additionally, applicants must also provide official transcripts for all college classes taken at other colleges or universities (including dual enrollment classes). Failure to complete the verification process may result in the cancellation of your state financial aid award.