UNDERGRADUATE
ADMISSIONS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Francis Marion
University encourages all qualified
students to apply for admission. Equal educational opportunities are offered to
students regardless of race, sex, religion, color, or national origin.
CAMPUS TOURS – Campus tours for
prospective students are offered through the Admissions Office at 11:30
a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday. From Sept. 1 until May 31, tours are also offered on the second
and fourth Saturday of every month. Appointments should be made for all tours.
OPEN HOUSES – The University
hosts several open houses each year for prospective students and their
families. Dates are publicized in the media and posted on the FMU website or
may be obtained by calling the Office of Admissions.
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ADMISSION TO THE
UNIVERSITY
All prospective students
must submit a completed application and a $30 nonrefundable application fee.
Students must also submit official transcripts from high school and all
colleges (if any) attended. Appropriate test scores must also be submitted.
Test scores must be printed on the transcript or sent directly from the testing
agency.
Admission decisions at Francis
Marion University
are made on a rolling basis, which means that as soon as a prospective
student’s file is complete, he or she will be notified of their admission
status. If the prospective student is currently enrolled in high school or
another postsecondary institution, tentative admission may be granted. A final
decision will be made upon receipt of final grades and/or proof of high school
graduation. Students are encouraged to apply at least six months prior to the
intended date of enrollment. Students must also be accepted to the University
before they will be considered for housing assignments or academic scholarships.
Withholding information or providing false information to the University can
result in a student’s application being rejected, admission rescinded, or
dismissal from the University.
Acceptance is valid for one
academic year, provided there is no enrollment at another institution. If the
admitted student enrolls at another institution, he/she must reapply to FMU.
Provisionally admitted students who defer enrollment must reapply.
FMU accepts SAT and ACT
test scores. The University also administers an institutional SAT (ISAT) to
incoming students who have not taken the SAT in high school or who need to
improve their scores. Scores from the ISAT can be used only at FMU and cannot
be transferred elsewhere. The ISAT cannot be used to qualify for the LIFE
scholarship. The cost for the test is $35. Prospective students should call the
Office of Counseling and Testing to schedule an appointment. The University
accepts credit for Advanced Placement, CLEP, International Baccalaureate, and
life experience. Please see the Academic Information chapter in this catalog
for more information about these programs.
Admissions categories
and their specific requirements are listed on the following pages.
The University reserves
the right to make admission policy and fee changes.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR
ADMISSION
The following are
requirements for general admission to the University.
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FRESHMEN
First-time freshman
applicants will be evaluated on successfully completed college preparatory
courses, high school gradepoint average, and SAT or ACT sores. Special talents
and other relevant factors, including extracurricular activities and service to
community, will enhance an application but not overcome a poor academic record.
In addition to the application
and application fee, freshman applicants should submit official high school
transcripts including test scores (SAT or ACT) and indicating successful
completion of the following college preparatory courses:
1. High school diploma
or its equivalent and satisfactory high school record, successful completion in
high school of the following college preparatory courses:
English 4 Units
At least two courses
containing strong grammar and composition components, at least one in English
literature, and at least one in American literature (completion of college
preparatory English I, II, III, and IV will meet these requirements).
Mathematics 3 Units
Including Algebra I and
II, geometry is strongly recommended as the required third unit, and a fourth
unit is strongly recommended.
Laboratory Science 3
Units
At least one unit each
of two laboratory sciences chosen from biology, chemistry, or physics, a third
unit from the same field as one of the first two.
Foreign Language 2
Units
Two units of the same
foreign language.
Social Science 3
Units
One unit of
U.S./American history is required. 1/2 unit each of economics and government is
strongly recommended.
Academic Electives 4
Units
Four college preparatory
units must be taken from three different fields selected from computer science,
English, fine arts, foreign languages, humanities, laboratory science,
mathematics above the level of Algebra II, and social sciences. It is suggested
that one unit be in computer science which includes programming and one unit in
fine arts.
Physical Education or
ROTC 1 Unit
2. Acceptable official
scores on the SAT, ACT, or ISAT.
3. Proper completion of
all application material and recommendation from the high school.
NOTE: Students who do
not meet these criteria may apply and will be considered on an individual
basis.
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PROVISIONAL ADMISSION
There are three types of
Provisional Admission to the university. The programs are listed below.
1. Comprehensive
Achievement Program (CAP) The Comprehensive Achievement Program is a
provisional enrollment program designed to increase the success rate of certain
new students by providing additional support and assistance in the first year
of college. Students who do not meet standards for regular University freshman
admission, but who show strong potential for success, may be recommended for
this program.
Students in the
Comprehensive Achievement Program sign a Pledge of Intent to enroll in and
successfully complete a minimum of 24 academic credits with a 2.0 GPA by the
end of their first year (12 months) of enrollment. After meeting these
requirements, a student’s enrollment status will no longer be provisional, and
he or she will be fully admitted to the University.
Students are required to
complete University Life during the first semester of enrollment. If the grade
received is not at least a C, then the course must be retaken the next semester
that it is offered and completed with at least a C. They must also enroll in
the appropriate math and English courses each semester (exclusive of summer
terms). CAP students are encouraged to meet regularly with their academic
advisers, study two to three hours for each one hour spent in class, limit
their employment to no more than 16-20 hours per week, and attend classes
regularly. A variety of resources, such as the Tutoring
Center, Counseling and Testing
Center, Mathematics Lab, and Writing
Center, are available to assist
students in excelling academically.
The appeals policy for
the Comprehensive Achievement Program (CAP) is on file in the Office of
Provisional Programs. The Comprehensive Achievement Program is being phased
out.
2. Course Deficiency:
First-time freshmen who are missing one required high school course, provided
it is not in English or math, may be admitted to the University on a
provisional basis. Students must successfully complete a college course in the
area in which they are deficient during the summer session prior to their first
semester of enrollment or during their first year of attendance. Students
missing more than one required course will not be admitted.
3. Students may also be
admitted through the Admissions Appeals process. Students who are denied
admission to the University must write a letter of appeal to the committee. The
committee meets monthly.
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TRANSFER STUDENTS
Transfer applicants must
submit an application, the required $30 application fee, and have official
transcripts sent from high school as well as each college attended. Test scores
are not required for applicants who have earned at least 22 hours of
college-transferable work. A 2.0 cumulative college GPA is required.
From Other
Postsecondary Institutions
Students must be
eligible for readmission to the institutions they last attended. Students with
unsatisfactory academic records or conduct at other institutions are considered
only if there are extenuating circumstances and/or time intervals (such as
military or work experience) that would give clear evidence to the Admissions
Office that admission is warranted. Students who wish to appeal to the
committee should submit a completed Request for Admission Review Form available
from the Office of Admissions.
Students transferring
fewer than 22 hours will be required to submit SAT or ACT scores along with
high school transcripts. Credit for previous college work will be awarded by
the Registrar at Francis Marion
University.
The maximum amount of
credit acceptable upon transfer is 65 semester hours from institutions
accredited as junior colleges or two-year institutions. Transfer students are
reminded of Francis Marion
University’s residence requirements,
which stipulate that at least the last 36 semester hours of course credits must
be taken in residence at Francis Marion
University within five calendar
years preceding the date the degree is granted. Also see residence requirements
for students pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Transfer Students Who
Previously Attended FMU
Former FMU students who
transfer to another institution while eligible to continue at FMU may return to
FMU provided that they earned a 2.0 GPA on all college-transferable work since
leaving FMU. They must complete an application for admission.
Associate of Arts or
Associate of Science Transfer Policy
Students who earn an
Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree from a regionally or
nationally accredited college or University are eligible to transfer directly
from the degree granting institution to FMU.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students
must be proficient in English and academically proficient students in their own
countries before they are accepted to FMU. The course of study must include
course selections from English, history, mathematics, and science, and the
application must include appropriate test scores. International students should
attain the educational equivalent of an American high school diploma to be
considered for admission to FMU. Further information about these requirements
can be obtained from the educational system in the applicant’s own country or
from the Office of Admissions at Francis
Marion University.
The following steps must
be completed in order for international students to be considered for admission
to FMU:
1. Application Form – The student must
submit a completed application for admission. The principal or headmaster of
the school the applicant now attends or last attended must answer all questions
on the application form in the designated areas. The application form must be
accompanied by a $30 non-refundable application fee.
2. Financial
Certification – An applicant must provide proof of his or her ability to
pay expenses. This support can come from the applicant’s family or sponsor. The
cost of attendance changes annually. Please call the Admissions Office or check
the website for current information. This sum includes tuition, room, food,
books, and miscellaneous expenses. The University requires an official
statement from a bank, employer or sponsor or some other official affidavit of
support. Financial certification must be sent to the University before an I-20
can be sent to the student. The student can expect to use one-half of the total
each semester. Financial certification should come directly from the source. No
facsimiles will be accepted.
3. School Records – An applicant
should request a transcript or certificates of satisfactory study from each
institution attended. Examples of this include “A” or “O” levels,
baccalaureate, bachillerato, Reifezeufgnis, or other school certificates. These
records should include an English translation of the subjects studied, grades
received in those subjects, and degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned. An
explanation of the school’s grading system should accompany the transcripts. To
be considered official documents, all transcripts must come directly to FMU
from the educational institution attended. No facsimiles will be accepted.
4. Test of English as
a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – The TOEFL is required of all international students
except those whose native language is English. An acceptable TOEFL score of at
least a 500 (173 on the computerized version) is required.
Information about the
TOEFL can be found at many schools or at U.S.
embassies, consulates, or offices of the United States Information Service. If
information is not available in the applicant’s country, it can be obtained by
writing to TOEFL, Box 6161, Princeton,
New Jersey 08541-6161, USA.
In some instances
students who are transferring from other postsecondary educational institutions
in the United States
may be accepted for admission to Francis
Marion University
without TOEFL scores. This could occur if the student has a high verbal score
on the SAT and/or acceptable grades on freshman English courses at the
institution from which the student is transferring.
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TRANSIENT STUDENTS
Admission to undergraduate
courses for one semester or summer session may be granted to students from
other colleges and universities whose courses of study have been approved by
their academic deans or registrars. Transient students must complete an
undergraduate application for admission, and transient permission from the
student’s home institution must be received in writing by the FMU Office of
Admissions prior to enrolling.
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CONCURRENTLY ENROLLED HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS
High school students who
want to take one or more FMU courses must:
• Be currently enrolled
in high school.
• Submit an Application
for Admission to FMU and the $30 application fee.
• Have scores of at
least 900 on the SAT or PSAT, composite scores of at least 19 on the ACT, or place
into specific courses with appropriate FMU placement test scores.
• Submit a
recommendation from high school counselor.
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TEACHER CADETS
Teacher Cadets must
submit an application for admission along with a recommendation from the high
school that is based on the Center for Education Recruitment, Retention, and
Advancement (CERRA) criteria for eligibility in the Teacher Cadet Program.
Admission will be for EDUC 290 only. The $30 application fee will be waived.
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HONORS STUDENTS
The Honors Program at Francis
Marion University
gives gifted students in all majors the opportunity to work with the faculty in
small and stimulating classes, engage in interdisciplinary study that
synthesizes knowledge from different disciplines, and achieve their full
intellectual potential. Participants in the Honors Program are encouraged to
take an active role in the learning process and to be active learners, critical
thinkers, and contributing members of today’s global society.
Initial eligibility for
the Honors Program is determined by SAT scores. A minimum score of 1100 on the
SAT qualifies an entering student for the Honors Program. Second-semester
freshmen must earn an overall grade point average of 3.0 in order to become or
remain eligible for the Honors Program. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors must
earn an overall grade point average of 3.25 in order to become or remain
eligible for the Honors Program.
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FORMER FMU STUDENTS
Students who have not
attended continuously one or more semesters (fall or spring) and have not
attended another postsecondary institution since leaving Francis
Marion University
must reapply by submitting an application for admission, which may be obtained
in the Office of Admissions.
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ADULT STUDENTS (DEGREE SEEKING)
Francis Marion
University encourages individuals
who are not of traditional high school age or background, including adult
students and military veterans, to pursue educational programs leading to the
undergraduate degree.
Students who are at
least 25 years old, regardless of the length of time they have been out of
school, and who do not meet freshman or transfer admissions requirements are
eligible for consideration under the Adult Student Admission Policy.
Students applying under
this policy must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must demonstrate
academic preparedness in mathematics and English.
Students demonstrate
preparedness in mathematics by meeting one of the following requirements:
1. Three years of
college preparatory mathematics in high school, including Algebra I and II and
Geometry.
2. One college-level
mathematics class with a grade of C or better.
3. Placement into the
math required for their program or higher on the FMU mathematics proficiency
exam.
Students demonstrate
preparedness in English by meeting one of the following requirements:
1. Four years of
college-preparatory English in high school.
2. One college-level
English course with a grade of C or higher.
3. Placement into
Freshman Composition I on the FMU English placement exam.
Adult students must
submit the following:
1. Completed
application.
2. Proof of high school
diploma or its equivalent. 3. Official transcripts from high school and all
colleges attended.
4. $30 application fee.
5. Letter of intent,
which includes work and public service experience. Relevant experience will be
considered by the Admissions Office.
Adult students may
receive academic credit for life experience by CLEP or foreign language
examinations.
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HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS
Francis Marion
University recognizes home schooling
as an alternative to traditional high school. Home-schooled students are
required to meet regular standards for admission. In order for college
preparatory work to be considered, home schools in South
Carolina must be recognized by one of the state’s Home
School Supervisory Associations. Home-schooled applicants from out of state
will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and should document home-school
affiliations from their home state.
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NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS
In order to apply for status
as a non-degree seeking student, the applicant must submit an application and
proof of high school graduation or its equivalent. Non-degree seeking students
wishing to change their enrollment status to
degree-seeking must meet
University admission requirements.
No more than 30 semester
hours earned as a non-degree seeking student may be applied toward a degree.
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VETERANS
Applicants who are
veterans must meet applicable University admission requirements.
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SENIOR CITIZENS
South Carolina
law authorizes state-supported colleges and universities to permit legal
residents of South Carolina who
are 60 years old or older, if neither such persons receive compensation as
full-time employees, to attend classes for credit or non-credit on a space
available basis without the required payment of general University fees. While
the application fee and general University fees are waived for these persons,
all other fees must be paid.
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ORIENTATION
Francis Marion
University recognizes that the
choice to attend college is one of the most important decisions a person can
make. The University also recognizes that this decision has an impact upon a
student’s entire family. In response to this unique time in the life of a
student and his/her family, parents and/or guardians are encouraged to attend
FMU’s Orientation Program with their students. Each program includes
information regarding academic advising and registration. Students and their
families have an opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, and students during
this orientation. Information sessions are also provided to assist students as
they prepare for the transition from high school to college. The Orientation
Program is required for all new freshmen and transfer students, and there is a
fee for participating.
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