Undergraduate Admissions

The Office of Recruitment and Admissions

Alex Thomas, Executive Director
Carnegie Hall 
478-825-6520

Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is to recruit, admit, and serve an eligible, diverse student population regionally, nationally, and internationally. It embraces the University’s commitment to attain the quality of students who are able to matriculate and graduate. The Office of Undergraduate Admission also maintains the integrity of the admissions process; thus ensuring efficient and systematic evaluation of credentials and excellent service every time to every student and stakeholder.

Vision Statement

The vision of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is to become a leader in the promotion of best professional practices and services to students.

Values

Sincerity

• The Office of Undergraduate Admissions seeks to treat students, parents and other external audiences with honesty and transparency, presenting an accurate portrayal of the University’s application processes. Students will understand the value FVSU places on academic excellence, leadership, civic responsibility and diversity.

• The Office of Undergraduate Admissions works diligently to ensure that every student leaves the FVSU campus with a positive impression of the institution and its staff.

Integrity

• The Office of Undergraduate Admissions demonstrates consistency and fairness in the application review process so that every application is given equitable treatment, while at the same time recognizing the unique educational/extracurricular opportunities and life experiences of all students.

• In turn, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions expects every student to reciprocate by taking ownership over the application process. Students are responsible for 1) completing and submitting the application, 2) fully disclosing all of the information necessary for its assessment, and 3) signing the application affirming the accuracy of said information.

• The Office of Undergraduate Admissions embraces differences and diversity of all types, including but not limited to: racial, ethnic, religious, geographic, socioeconomic, gender, and sexual orientation. Likewise, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions seeks students who will appreciate and contribute to the vast diverseness of the FVSU campus through their talent, academic strengths, backgrounds, creeds, and personal experiences.

Service

• The Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers the highest level of service and professionalism to students, their families, and other educational professionals, ensuring that all questions and concerns are addressed promptly and thoroughly. All types of interactions with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions should generate a stronger connection to the FVSU campus community and instill confidence in a student’s decision to apply to and/or attend the University.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions at FVSU respects the personalized nature of each student’s college search and appreciates the unique challenges and stresses they face at varying stages of the process.

 Applying For Admissions

All prospective students must complete an Application for Admission and submit a non-refundable $20 application fee. Applicants must also submit supporting documentation needed to provide a proper evaluation for the applicant. Test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency (College Board and ACT). All transcripts must be official copies. After evaluations, the applicants will receive a notification email and letter from the Office of Admissions informing them of their admissions status or any supporting documentation needed to complete the application.

A completed application packet includes the following documents:

• Application
• $20 application fee (At times the application fee may be waived.)
• Official transcripts
• SAT or ACT scores (if necessary)
• Immunization Form

Upon graduation, high school students must submit their final high school transcript with the graduation date before full acceptance is granted. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.  Admission requirements are subject to change at any time based on policies from the Board of Regents and University System of Georgia.

Undergraduate Admission Categories & Requirements

Traditional Freshman Requirements

Students who have (or will have) graduated from high school in the past five years and never enrolled in a college or university, unless during joint enrollment in high school

Students applying for freshman admissions to FVSU must meet the following criteria.

• GPA-2.25 (as calculated only on the Required High School Curriculum courses)
• Test Scores (only the following sections are required for admissions purposes)
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 480, and Math 440
  • ACT English 17 or Reading 17 and Math 17
• Meet ALL RHSC Requirements for graduation
• Earned High School Diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)

 Verification of Lawful Presence

Effective Fall Semester 2011, as mandated by state law, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) requires Fort Valley State University to verify the lawful presence of all incoming students who pay in-state tuition. According to your current tuition classification, you are required to submit a legible copy of ONE of the following to prove your lawful presence in the United States.

• A certified US birth certificate showing the applicant was born in the US or a US territory. (Photocopies are not acceptable.)
• An approved FAFSA form or other documentation demonstrating eligibility for federal financial aid
• Copy of a current US passport.
• Copy of a current driver’s license issued by the state of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
• Copy of a US certificate of naturalization.
• Copy of a US certificate of citizenship.
• A US certificate of birth abroad issued by the Department of State or a consular report of birth abroad.
• A current, valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form I-151 or I-551).
• Current ID issued by the State of Georgia or approved states with the REAL ID symbol
• Current Military ID (service member only, not dependent). The ID must be presented in person.
• An F, J, or M visa
• Applicants who are naturalized citizens, immigrants or non-immigrants will be verified through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) Program.

  The required documentation must be submitted prior to the 1^st day of class as scheduled on the academic calendar for the semester in which you will enroll. If we do not receive the required documentation, your tuition classification will be changed to out-of-state status. After registration you will be responsible for the out-of-state tuition balance.

  All documents except the U.S. Birth Certificate can be submitted by the following methods:

• Emailing scanned copies to admissions@fvsu.edu.
• Mail to:

  Office of Recruitment and Admissions

  Fort Valley State University

  1005 State University Drive

  Fort Valley, GA 31031

 Required High School Curriculum

Completion of the USG’s Required High School Curriculum (“RHSC”) requirements and graduation from a high school accredited by a regional accrediting association (such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) or the Georgia Accrediting Commission or from a public school regulated by a school system and state department of education.

Students applying to any institution must present credit for sixteen (16) specified units. Students who graduate from high school in 2012 or later must present credits for seventeen (17) specified units

The 16 (17 for students who graduate in 2012 or later) specified USG units are:

• MATHEMATICS: Four (4) units of Mathematics, including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. For students who graduate from a Georgia Public School in 2012 or later, the 4 units of Mathematics must include a course at the level of Math 3 or higher.

• ENGLISH: Four (4) units of English which have as their emphasis grammar and usage, literature (American, English, World), and advanced composition skills.

• SCIENCE: Three (3) units of science, with at least one laboratory course from the life sciences and one laboratory course from the physical sciences. Students who graduate in 2012 or later must have four (4) units of science. Georgia Public high School graduates must have at least one (1) unit of biology, one (1) unit of physical science or physics, and one (1) unit of chemistry, earth systems, environmental science, or an advanced placement science course.

• SOCIAL SCIENCE: Three (3) units of social science, with at least one (1) course focusing on United States studies and one (1) course focusing on world studies.

• FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Two (2) units in the same foreign language emphasizing speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Two (2) units of American Sign Language may be used to satisfy this requirement.

In addition to these minimum requirements, students are encouraged to take additional academic units in high school to improve their probability for admission and success.

 Freshman Index

Effective Fall semester 2011, presidents of state and two-year colleges at their option shall require one of the following: a) submission of SAT/ACT test scores and meeting of the Freshman Index, as described below; or b) a minimum high school grade point average (HSGPA) and mandatory placement testing in lieu of SAT/ACT test scores for admissions. A designated score on the Freshman Index (“FI”), which is based on a combination of a student’s SAT I or ACT assessment scores and high school grade point average (HSGPA).

The Freshman Index Calculation is:

FI = 500 x (HSGPA) + SAT Verbal/Critical Reading + SAT I Math (or)

FI = 500 x (HSGPA) + (ACT Composite x 42) + 88

The minimum FI required for admission to FVSU is: 1940

The minimum FI required for limited admissions to FVSU is: 1790

In addition to the FI, students must have a minimum SAT I Verbal score of 430 and Mathematics score of 400 (or ACT equivalent) for admission to a university (research, regional, or state) and are required to exempt or exit learning support (“LS”) in the areas of deficiency. Students meeting the minimum FI requirements are not guaranteed admission.

 Test Scores

Evaluation of Freshman Applicants

• Compute high school grade point average (2.25) /freshman index (if below 2.25) (Official Transcript required).  Grade point average is calculated by using the highest 16 CPC units or 17 Carnegie Units (Georgia Required High School Curriculum effective 2012 graduating class)
• Verify SAT/ACT Scores-SAT: Evidence-Based Reading &Writing-480/Math-440 (since 2016); or Reading 430/Math-400 (prior to 2016) or ACT: English -17 / Math-17
• Record GPA (Freshman Index), SAT/ACT scores, Graduation Test results, CPC deficiency, and decision with evaluator’s signature and date on application.
• Update record in Banner.
• Generate letter for notification to applicant.

Special Admissions

Students may also be admitted as freshmen based on other evidence of college readiness. Following are modified or additional requirements for specific groups of applicants.

Limited Freshman Applicant

In recognition of the fact that a limited group of students do not meet established standards but does demonstrate special potential for success, the BOR has created other categories of admission that institutions can use.

FVSU limited admissions requirements are as follows:

• 16 CPC or 17 RHSC units
• FI of 1790 or more
• Minimum testing scores:

SAT: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing-480/Math-440 (since 2016); or Reading 430/Math-400 (prior to 2016) or ACT: English -17 / Math-17

Presidential Exceptions Applicant

Under the limited admissions provision, presidents of USG institutions may grant exceptions to the BOR minimum freshman admission requirements if the student shows promise for academic success in college. Institutions can use multiple measures, such as interviews, portfolios, and records of experiential achievements for considering students in this category.

Students who are admitted under the Presidential Exception option should be included in the maximum number of Limited Admissions allowed for an institution.

Even under very special and rare circumstances when institutions have extensive evidence that a student has potential for success despite not meeting USG requirements, institutions must demonstrate that the student meets at least one of the following:

  High school diploma from an accredited or approved high school as specified in BOR Policy 4.2.1.1, Freshman Requirements (certificate of attendance or special education diplomas are not acceptable) GED

Evaluation of Special Applicants

• Compute high school grade point average
• Calculated FI (if GPA below 2.25)-Official Transcript required).
• Verify SAT: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing-24/Math-440 (since 2016); or Reading 430/Math-400 (prior to 2016) or
• ACT: English -17 / Math-17. Verify receipt of Recommendation Forms or additional information for proof of college readiness.
• Verify acceptable English Placement Index (EPI) and Math Placement Index (MPI)
• Record GPA (Freshman Index), SAT/ACT scores, Graduation Test results, CPC deficiency, and decision with evaluator’s signature and date on application.
• Update record in Banner.
• Generate letter for notification to applicant.

  Addressing RHSC Deficiencies

  Students admitted in the Limited Admission category, including Presidential Exceptions, who have RHSC deficiencies shall be required to satisfy those deficiencies by subject area in the following manner:

  English and Mathematics

  Students with fewer than the four required units of English or mathematics are required to take the Accuplacer (computer-adaptive college placement test) sections administered by a USG institution or a comparable placement examination approved by the BOR. Based on his or her scores, the student will exempt Learning Support (LS) or be placed in the appropriate LS course in English and/or reading and/or mathematics.

  Institutions may use comparable scores for students transferring from Commission on Colleges (COC) accredited Technical College System of Georgia institutions. See BOR Policy 3.3.5, Collaboration Between the USG and the Technical College System of Georgia.

  Science, Social Science, and Foreign Language

  Students with fewer than the required number of units in an area are required to take additional for-credit courses selected from the appropriate area of the USG Core Curriculum. The course(s) must be in the specific content area in which the student is deficient. Students who have completed only one year of American Sign Language are considered deficient and are required to take courses in a foreign language to satisfy the deficiency.

  The college credit courses used to satisfy RHSC deficiencies will count as degree credit, but the hours earned will not count toward a student’s degree program. The student must earn a “C” or better in each of these courses.

  Students who accumulate 30 or more semester hours of college-level credit in the institution before completing all RHSC requirements may not register for other courses, unless they also register for the appropriate deficiency course or courses.

  Institutions may petition the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of the USG for permission to offer a Learning Support (LS) course for students admitted with RHSC deficiencies in the sciences and social sciences that would serve as an option to taking additional college-level courses in science and social science for no degree credit. This might be a co-requisite LS experience when science and social science courses are taken in the core.

Alternative Requirements for Home-Schooled Students and Graduates of Non-Accredited High Schools

Applicants from home schools or graduates of non-accredited high schools may validate the Required High School Curriculum in an alternative way. SAT or ACT scores and satisfactory documentation of equivalent competence in each of the areas at the college-preparatory level may be used in lieu of the FI and Required High School Curriculum unit requirements.

A student whose SAT Composite (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing plus Mathematics) (or ACT equivalent) score is at or above the average SAT score of the previous year’s fall semester first-time freshmen admitted to the USG institution to which he/she is applying, and who has completed the equivalent of each of the areas as documented by a portfolio of work and/or other evidence that substantiates completion of the Required High School Curriculum qualifies, for consideration for admission.

Students in this category must also meet the minimum SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing requirement and the minimum SAT Mathematics requirement (or ACT equivalent) for the institution to which they apply.

Applicants who achieve designated scores on each of the following SAT II Subject Tests in an area will be considered to have demonstrated equivalent competence and do not need to submit additional documentation in that area: English Writing, Literature, Math IC or Math IIC, American History & Social Studies, World History, Biology, and one of the following: Chemistry or Physics.

Students admitted in this category with satisfactory documentation of competence in all areas will not be counted in the institution’s Limited Admissions (including Presidential Exceptions) category. Those with qualifying SAT I scores and documentation of partial completion of the Required High School Curriculum may be admitted on the same basis and with the same conditions as other students with deficiencies.

 Limited Admissions Restrictions

Institutions are restricted by sector to a maximum number of students who may be admitted in this category. The number of traditional freshmen students who can be granted Limited Admissions for the entire academic year will be no more than the following percentages of the institution’s annual first-time freshman headcount enrollment.

Research Universities Up to 7 percent

Regional Universities Up to 15 percent

State Universities Up to 20 percent (FVSU)

State Colleges* Up to 33 percent

*State Colleges that elect to require test scores for admission are required to adhere to the limited admit percentage.

Non-traditional freshmen and transfer students are not to be included in the Limited Admissions percentage allowed for each institution, nor will these groups be included in determining the base.

Course Credits for International Baccalaureate Diploma Completion

System-wide Implementation Guidelines

In recognition of the fact that a strong predictor of college success is a rigorous high school curriculum, USG institutions will award academic credit for appropriate courses in the USG core curriculum for corresponding subject areas in a completed International Baccalaureate (“IB”) Diploma Program in which the student obtained designated end of course assessment scores.

Both Standard Level (college preparatory) and Higher Level (college comparable) courses will be considered for credit in a completed Diploma Program, as the program does not allow students to take all Higher Level courses. Higher Level end- of-course assessment scores of four or more and Standard Level scores of five or better suggests that the IB Program work is comparable to a college course.

The course credit schema in the table below will be used system-wide, with allowances made for variable credits in each category to account for labs, and on occasion, for depth of material covered in the IB Program subject area that may be comparable to more than one college level course.

The particular courses for which students receive college credit may vary from institution to institution, depending on what courses the institution offers. Determinations of course comparability will be made by the respective departments. Institutions shall, however, attempt to have consistency across the USG on common numbered core courses.

The total college course credits awarded for IB assessments may not exceed 24.

All institutions shall have a widely disseminated policy governing the award of course credits for IB assessments. The policy will apply to both resident and non-resident students.

Institutions will collect data on IB students, analyze the data, and recommend revisions to the policy if warranted.

A student may opt not to accept credits if he/she sees that acceptance of credits may disadvantage him/her. Further, if a student believes that the assessment of his/her work from the IB Diploma Program and subsequent awarding of credits for such is in error, he/she may file an appeal with the appropriate department chair and request a re-assessment. As with other academic matters, if the issue is not satisfactorily resolved at the department level, the student may then appeal to the dean of the respective college, with a final appeal to the vice president for academic affairs, whose decision in the matter will be final.

Individual Institution Implementation Guidelines

Along with the system-wide policy, individual institutions may choose to offer additional benefits. After the appropriate core courses are credited, if the student (diploma completer) has additional acceptable IB assessment scores (4 or better for HL, 5 or better for SL) that have not been awarded course credits, individual institutions may award credit for other lower-division courses outside of the core for up to a maximum of 24 credits (total).

Institutions may choose to award other benefits to diploma completers as well (e.g. early registration, parking pass, etc). If that is the case, details will be available on the institution’s website.

Institutions may choose to award credit to students who did not complete the diploma program but were awarded a certificate for completion of a specific subject area for Higher Level courses with an assessment score of 4 or better.

 Non-Traditional Applicant

A Non-Traditional Applicant is one who has not attended high school within the previous five (5) years, and is a recipient of a high school diploma from an accredited high school as specified under BOR Policy Manual Section 4.2.1.46; or has satisfactorily completed the GED. Applicants should not have attended college OR, if attending college, should have earned fewer than 30 semester hours of transferable credits. GED recipients who would have graduated from high school 5 or more years ago are eligible for admission under this category. 

Non-Traditional Applicant requirements are as follows:

• Submit Final High School Transcript or GED Transcript/Score Report
• Submit College Transcript (showing less than 30 earned hours)
• Meet required score for the Accuplacer Placement Examination (if applicable)
• SAT/ACT Test scores are not required

Non-traditional freshmen who have within the past seven (7) years posted the following test scores: SAT: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing-480/Math-440 (Since 2016) or Reading 430/Math-400 (Prior to 2016); or ACT: English -17 / Math-17 are exempt from the placement test.

Non-Traditional Transfers

Non-traditional transfer students are defined as individuals who at the time of intended enrollment meet all of the following criteria:

• Have been out of high school at least five years or whose high school class graduated at least five (5) years ago; and,
• Have earned thirty (30) or more transferable hours of college credit

A non-traditional transfer student can be admitted, if his/her transfer GPA is below the transfer 2.0. These students do not count against the number of Limited Admissions allowed for transfer students at that institution. Institutions should require placement criteria as appropriate.

Evaluation of Non-Traditional Applicants

• Compute high school grade point average and receipt of high school diploma( from accredited high schools) or GED
• Verify College transcript (if applicable) and college credit hours to determine non-traditional freshman or transfer status
• Verify 16 or 17 RHSC units for placement of courses deficiency purposes
• Verify passing Accuplacer score(s) needed for admissions/placement exit.
• Record GPA (Freshman Index), SAT/ACT scores, Graduation Test results, RHSC deficiency, and decision with evaluator’s signature and date on application.
• Update record in Banner.
• Generate letter for notification to applicant.

 GED Applicant

An applicant who has earned a General Education Diploma (GED) and whose graduating class has

• Graduated within the past five (5) years OR
• Has been out of high school for five (5) years or more

GED applicants whose high school class has graduated in the past five (5) years are required to submit:

• SAT or ACT Test scores meeting the FVSU minimum requirement
• SAT II Subject exam in 4 subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies (specific test will be selected by the student) meeting minimum score of 400+
• GED Official Score Report showing passing exam date
• Accuplacer scores (if needed)

GED applicants whose graduating class has been out of high school for five (5) or more years are required to submit:

• GED Official Score Report showing passing exam date
• Accuplacer placement scores (if needed)

Evaluation of GED Applicants

• Verify earned GED by Exam Pass date
• Verify SAT/ACT and SAT II Subject exam scores met minimum requirement (if needed)
• Verify passing of COMPASS score(s) needed for admissions/placement exit
• Record GED Test Scores, SAT/ACT/SATII scores, Accuplacer Scores, RHSC deficiencies, and decision with evaluator’s signature and date on application
• Update record in Banner
• Generate letter for notification to applicant

 Dual Enrollment - Admission of High School Students

The USG recognizes the need to provide academically talented high school students with opportunities for acceleration of their formal academic programs. This recognition has led to the development of three organized programs:

• A dual enrollment program in which a student, while continuing his/her enrollment in high school, enrolls in a course(s) for both high school and college credit.

The minimum admissions standards for the dual enrollment, joint enrollment, and early admissions programs have been developed to allow certain students to receive both high school and college credit for some courses.

To participate in one of these options a student must be enrolled in a public or private secondary high school that is regulated by a school system and state department of education or accredited by one of the following:

• A regional accrediting association (such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)
• The Georgia Accrediting Commission
• The Georgia Private School Accrediting Council (GAPSAC)

Dual Enrolled/Joint-Enrolled/Early Admit (MOWR) Admission Requirements

The BOR has established the following admission standards for accelerated learning; however, each institution has the authority to establish higher and additional admission requirements.

• Minimum SAT: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing-24/Math-440 (since 2016); or Reading 430/Math-400 (prior to 2016), or the following Accuplacer scores: Reading - 63, Write Placer - 4, Elementary Algebra - 67.
• Minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 as calculated by the institution for admission purposes
• Written consent of parent or guardian if the student is a minor
• Evidence in the transcript that student is on track towards the completion of the USG RHSC requirements and high school graduation.

USG Institutions may have more restrictive requirements for high school juniors; however, establishing such higher requirements may not preclude high school juniors from participating in these programs.

Evaluation of Dual-Enrolled/Joint-Enrolled/MOWR Early Admit Applicants

• Compute high school grade point average (3.0) Official Transcript required. Grade point average is calculated by using the highest 16 CPC units or 17 Carnegie Units (Georgia Required High School Curriculum effective 2012 graduating class)
• Verify SAT: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing-24/Math-440 (since 2016); or Reading 430/Math-400 (prior to 2016 or ACT: English -17 / Math-17
• Verify receipt of consent form to participate in program (parental/counselor)
• Record GPA (Freshman Index), SAT/ACT scores, Graduation Test results, CPC deficiency, and decision with evaluator’s signature and date on application.
• Update record in Banner.
• Generate letter for notification to applicant.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit for Dual Enrollment, Joint Enrollment and Early Admission Students

Freshman seeking admission to a USG institution can expect that the college credit earned at a COC-accredited institution prior to high school graduation will be considered as transfer credit if the prospective student meets the USG institution’s regular admission requirements.

 Homeschooled Students

Homeschooled students may be considered for joint enrollment if they are enrolled in Non-traditional Educational Centers that are recognized by GAPSAC or by state departments of education. Students attending non-accredited home school programs or non-accredited high schools may also be eligible to participate in joint enrollment opportunities if they meet all general admission requirements for dual enrollment and have validated their on-track Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) units according to the policy of the institution to which they are applying. Institutions are encouraged to include information about joint enrollment requirements for students from non-accredited home school programs or non-accredited high schools in their catalog and on their web sites.

 Admission of Students with Outstanding Scores

Students who demonstrate very high academic ability by achieving a composite SAT Composite (Verbal/Critical Reading plus Math) score in the upper five percent (5%) of national college-bound seniors according to the most recent report from the College Board and who show other evidence of college readiness may be admitted under this section. An ACT score which is equivalent to this SAT score may also be used.

Institutions must carefully evaluate such students to determine their ability to benefit from college coursework. Students must satisfy any Required High School Curriculum deficiencies in areas other than English or mathematics through college coursework.

Students admitted in this section will not count in an institution’s Limited Admissions exceptions.

 Admission of Students with Disabilities

Because the core curriculum of each institution requires students to complete college-level courses in English, mathematics, social science, and science, all students must complete the Required High School Curriculum in these areas. Students with disabilities that preclude the acquisition of a foreign language may petition for admission without this requirement according to procedures established by the USG.

Students with disabilities are expected to meet the sector’s minimum SAT or ACT score requirements, but should request the appropriate testing accommodations from the agencies administering the SAT or ACT.

 Admission of Auditors

Students who submit evidence of graduation from a high school, as specified in Required High School Curriculum section of this manual, or a GED certificate may register as auditors. Under extraordinary circumstances, the president may waive the requirement of high school diploma or equivalent. Students registered as auditors shall be required to pay the regular tuition and fees for enrollment

 Transfer Applicant

A transfer student is any student seeking admission as a degree-seeking student and who has completed transferable coursework. Students with 30 or more transferable hours must meet transfer admission requirements. Students with fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours are required to meet freshman admission requirements. Students who have completed 30 or more transferable hours, regardless of the date of high school graduation, may be admitted under transfer admission requirements. This includes students who have earned college credit through dual enrollment, early college, or examination (AP or IB).

Institutions must give priority consideration to students transferring from another USG institution who meet transfer standards higher than the USG policy standards. Transfer students must receive the same consideration as native students in determining program admissibility.

To receive priority consideration for transfer admission, students should meet the following criteria:

Transfer hours are defined as hours that would be acceptable by the receiving institution according to the USG’s and the receiving institution’s prevailing policies. Excluded are institutional credit courses, RHSC deficiency makeup courses, and vocational courses. These hours should include transferable hours earned at all postsecondary institutions attended.

Transfer GPA is defined as the Grade Point Average calculated on all transferable hours (see definition of transfer hours) plus all attempted but unearned hours at regionally accredited institutions in courses applicable to transfer programs at the receiving institution.

Applicants with more than 30 transferable semester hours must meet all of the prevailing LS requirements and RHSC deficiency make-up courses applicable before transferring.

Students who have earned a career associate degree may apply for admission to a program leading to the baccalaureate degree within the same area according to the institution’s criteria for admission for the program. Students with an earned career associate degree will not be held to RHSC requirements.

Limited Transfer Admission

Students who do not meet FVSU/USG requirements may be considered for admission under Limited Admission. Institutions may admit up to 10% of all transfer students as Limited Admission students. The base of this percent is the number of unduplicated headcount new transfer students admitted over the previous fiscal year. This Limited Transfer Admission category is separate from the freshman Limited Admissions category.

Transfer students admitted as Limited Admissions students, including Presidential Exceptions who have RHSC deficiencies documented from another USG institution, shall be required to satisfy those deficiencies by subject area in the same manner as defined for Limited Admission Freshmen.

Transfer Applicant requirements are as follows:

• Submit Final High School Transcript or GED Transcript/Score Report
• Submit College Transcript (showing less than 30 earned hours)
• Meet required score for the Accuplacer Placement Examination (if applicable)
• SAT/ACT Test scores are not required

Evaluation of Transfer Applicants

• Verify regional accreditation status of transferring institution.
• Review transcript for preliminary course selection to compute 30 transferrable hours
• Compute college grade point average 2.0 (Official Transcript required)
• Record GPA, decision, evaluator’s signature and date on application
• Update record in Banner
• Prepare Preliminary Transfer Statement Form for Registrar’s Office evaluation and student notification of courses used to compute the required 30 transferable credit hours
• Generate letter for notification to applicant. If accepted, attach copy of Preliminary Transfer Statement to acceptance letter and send copies of statement and transcripts to Registrar and Academic Advisor.

 International Applicant

An international student is someone who has not been granted or does not have US citizenship or permanent US residency. In order for these students to study in the US, they must obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. Students seeking an F-1 or J-1 visa must complete the items below for Undergraduate Admissions to FVSU.

International Applicant Requirements are as follows:

• Submit Final High School Transcript as evaluated by Transcript Service an independent evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES). 
• Submit College Transcript as evaluated by Transcript Service an independent evaluation service that is a member of NACES (if applicable).
• Financial Affidavit of Support and Bank Statement
• Official Scholarship Award Letter (if applicable)
• Grant-in-Aid Form with Specific Dollar Amount Awarded (if applicable)
• Official Government Sponsorship Certificate (if applicable)
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores 

SAT/ACT Test scores Minimum SAT: Reading-24/Math-440 (new format) or Reading 430/Math-400 (old format) or ACT: English - 17 / Math-17.

• SAT/ACT Test scores - Minimum SAT: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing-24/Math-440 (since 2016); or Reading 430/Math-400 (prior to 2016)  or ACT: English-17/Math-17.
• Photo Page of Passport
• Health Examination Form
• Certificate of Immunization (Must be provided)

U.S. Federal law requires all of the above items in bold to be in the applicant’s file and the applicant has been admitted into Fort Valley State University prior to the issuance of the I-20.

 English Proficiency and Transfer Students

Students who are non-native speakers of English, who transfer from an institution of higher education outside the U.S. where English was not the language of instruction, are required to submit a TOEFL, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score or another approved method of establishing English language proficiency along with their foreign credentials.

The minimum and recommended scores acceptable for admission:

*Institutions and departmental programs within the institution may set higher minimum test scores for admission.

English and Math admissions criteria, including the SAT or ACT, and placement criteria are required for international students.

Institutions may develop procedures to determine whether there is a need for placement in Learning Support English and/or ESL courses for students who meet the minimum English Proficiency requirements. An academically admissible applicant with credentials from another country who meets the minimum English Proficiency requirements (as indicated by an approved method for determining English Proficiency described above), but could benefit from supplemental English language instruction may be admitted to a degree program on the condition that the student will receive the supplemental English language instruction in a System-approved program . If a student does not meet the minimum English Proficiency requirements (as indicated by an approved method for determining English Proficiency described above), then the student cannot be granted regular admission. If an institution has an approved English-as-a-Second Language program then the student can be referred to and admitted into that program.*  Programs of English-as-a Second Language used under this provision must be approved by the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer.

*Please note that for these cases for F-1 students, the English-as-a-Second Language program must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) via an I-17. The Form I-20 for this type of case must be issued reflecting English Language Study.

Institutions and departmental programs within the institution may set higher minimum test scores for admission.

Students who are non-native speakers of English and who are transferring from an accredited institution of higher education inside the U.S. may be required to retake the TOEFL if their English proficiency cannot be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the admitting institution.

 Evaluation of International Applicants

• Examine credentials for authenticity and appropriateness for degree sought (“A” Level)
• Verify TOEFL scores (220) for persons whose native language is not English
• Review Affidavit of Financial Support for authenticity and availability of sufficient funds
• Record GPA, decision, evaluator’s signature and date on application
• Update record in Banner
• The acceptance letter is generated by International Admissions Specialist and then issue I-20 form.

 Persons Aged 62 or Over

Pursuant to the provisions of the Georgia Constitution, the USG establishes the following rules with respect to enrollment of persons 62 years of age or older in USG programs. To be eligible for enrollment at FVSU under this provision such persons:

• Must be residents of Georgia, 62 years of age or older at the time of registration, and shall present a birth certificate or other comparable written documentation of age to enable the institution to determine eligibility.
• May enroll as a regular or auditing student in courses offered for resident credit on a “space available” basis without payment of fees, except for supplies, laboratory or shop fees.
• Shall meet all USG and FVSU undergraduate or graduate admission requirements. However, institutions may exercise discretion in exceptional cases where circumstances indicate that certain requirements such as high school graduation and minimum test scores are inappropriate. In those instances involving discretionary admission institutions will provide diagnostic methods to determine whether or not participation in Learning Support will be required prior to enrollment in regular credit courses. Reasonable prerequisites may be required in certain courses.
• Shall have all usual student and institutional records maintained. However, institutions will not report such students for budgetary purposes.
• Must meet all USG, institution, and legislated degree requirements if they are degree-seeking students.
• May not enroll in dental, medical, veterinary, or law schools under the provisions of this policy.

 Policy for Classification of Students for Tuition

Each University System school shall verify the lawful presence in the United States of every student applying for in-state tuition. Only those students verified to be lawfully present in the United States and meet Georgia domicile requirements per Policy 4.3.2, may be classified as in-state.

Methods for verifying lawful presence are listed below. Student may provide copy of one of the following:

• A Certified U.S. Birth Certificate showing the student was born in the U.S.
or a U.S. territory. A photocopy is not acceptable.  The original document must be presented and copy will be made in the Office of Enrollment Services.
• A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N‐550 or N‐570).
• A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N‐560 or N‐561).
• A U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (DS‐
1350) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS‐240).
• A current U.S. Passport.
• A current Driver’s License issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008.
• A current ID issued by any state that utilizes the “Real ID” procedures for documenting lawful presence at issuance.

• A current military ID (service member only, not dependent) Documented using the Confirmation of Review of Military ID Worksheet. A photocopy is not acceptable.

• A current, valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form I‐151 or I‐551

The following rules are adopted by the University System of Georgia for determining residency for tuition purposes and are subject to periodic change by Board action.

United States Citizen Students

Independent Student An individual who is not claimed as a dependent on the federal or state income tax returns of a parent or United States court appointed legal guardian and whose parent or guardian has ceased to provide support and rights to that individual’s care, custody and earnings.

• An independent student who has established and maintained a domicile in the State of Georgia for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term shall be classified as “in-state” for tuition purposes.
• No student shall gain or acquire in-state classification while attending any postsecondary educational institution in this state without clear evidence of having established domicile in Georgia for purposes other than attending a postsecondary educational institution in this state.

Dependent Student An individual under the age of 24 who receives financial support from a parent or United State court appointed legal guardian.

• A dependent student shall be classified as in-state for tuition purposes if such dependent student’s parent has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term and (a) the student has graduated from a Georgia high school; or (b) the parent claimed the student as a dependent on the parent’s most recent federal or state income tax return.
• A dependent student shall be classified as in-state for tuition purposes if such student’s United States court appointed legal guardian has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term, provided that such appointment was not made to avoid payment of out-of-state tuition and the U.S. court-appointed legal guardian can provide clear evidence of having established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term.

If the parent or United States court appointed legal guardian of a dependent student currently classified as in-state for tuition purposes establishes domicile outside of the State of Georgia after having established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia, such student may retain his or her in-state tuition classification as long as such student remains continuously enrolled in a public postsecondary educational institution in this state, regardless of the domicile of the such student’s parent or United States court-appointed legal guardian.

Noncitizens

A noncitizen student shall not be classified as in-state for tuition purposes unless the student is legally in this state and there is evidence to warrant consideration of in-state classification as determined by the Board of Regents. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or other eligible noncitizens as defined by federal Title IV regulations may be extended the same consideration as citizens of the United States in determining whether they qualify for in-state classification. International students who reside in the United States under nonimmigrant status conditioned at least in part upon intent not to abandon a foreign domicile shall not be eligible for in-state classification.

Financially Self-Sustaining Income Students

To establish financial self-sustaining income status, an independent student must meet the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines stated below. Most recent year’s income tax returns may be submitted to substantiate financial self-sufficiency status. If income is less than poverty guideline amounts, student must provide supporting documentation of the other sources(s) of financial assistance

Examples:

• A student earning less than $10,000 a year but living with his/her grandmother who does not charge rent or utilities may be considered for in-state classification provided he/she provides documentation of the support, as well as other documentation demonstrating that domicile in Georgia has been maintained for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes.  As with all cases, in this example it would be important to consider the student’s reason for coming to the state, whether domicile has been established and whether the student was claimed as a dependent on his or her parent’s non-Georgia taxes.
• A student filing a Georgia income tax return showing an income of $1,500 for the last reported year does not earn an income sufficient to be considered self-sufficient.  The student is probably receiving financial support and the source of the support must be considered.

Current HHS Poverty Guidelines

Out-of-State Tuition Waivers

Under certain conditions a nonresident of Georgia may be granted an out-of-state tuition differential waiver for in-state tuition.  Qualifying students must be able to provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S.  Waivers are as follows:

1. Academic Common Market. Students selected to participate in a program offered through the Academic Common Market.  Student must meet residency requirements as determined by the state of their home institution in order to participate.
2. Presidential Waiver.  There are three categories of Presidential waivers; Academic, International and Athletic . Athletic waivers are limited to 1/3 of the total number of waivers. Institutions will have until Fall 2018 to accomplish this. The number of waivers will be determined as 2% of the previous Fall semester’s enrollment. Students who are eligible for more than one category must choose which category they are applying for and will remain in that category until their studies at FVSU are complete or they become eligible to be classified as legal residents of the state. Applications for Presidential Waivers will not be reviewed for eligibility until the admissions process is complete. Students admitted on a conditional basis (limited admission) are not eligible for a Presidential Waiver. Failure to maintain the specified level of academic performance shall result in the student being placed in a two-semester probationary period for waiver purposes. The student shall be eligible to maintain a waiver during this probationary period but shall be ineligible for the waiver if the student is not able to achieve the specified GPA during the first probationary term or is mathematically unable to meet the required GPA by the end of the probationary period. Academic Category: 3.0 HS GPA from a USG recognized high school program and a minimum 450CR/500M/19ACTE/21ACTM for traditional students. Non-traditional students must exempt learning support requirements. 2.5 transfer GPA and exemption from learning support requirements for students with less than 30 transferable (semester) hours. Transfer students with more than 30 transferable hours must have completed ENGL 1101 or its equivalent and the appropriate Area A Math course. Students who receive the Academic Waiver must maintain a 2.5 GPA. International Category: 3.0 HS GPA or its equivalent for incoming freshmen international students and a minimum 450CR/500M/19ACTE/21ACTM. GPA may be validated by SAT/ACT score. (500CR/500M/21ACTE/21ACTM). Students who receive the International Waiver must maintain a 2.5 GPA. Athletic Category: 2.0 HS GPA or its equivalent. Conditionally admitted students are not eligible for the Athletic Waiver. Students applying for the Athletic waiver must meet all categories of the SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) to include Quantitative and Qualitative requirements. Transfer students must have a 2.0 GPA.
3. University System Employees and Dependents. Full-time employees of the University System, their spouses, and their dependent children.
4. Full-Time School Employees. Full-time employees in the public schools of Georgia or Technical College System of Georgia, their spouses, and their dependent children. Teachers employed full-time on military bases in Georgia shall also qualify for this waiver.
5. A copy of the applicant’s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): The registration booklet for the SAT-I may be ordered from the College Board ATP, AN6200, Princeton NJ 08451-6200 USA. Be sure to specify that you need the “international edition.” NOTE: The SAT is required for traditional students only.
6. Career Consular Officials. Career consular officers, their spouses, and their dependents who are citizens of the foreign nation that their consular office represents, and who are stationed and living in Georgia under orders of their respective governments.
7. Military Personnel. Military personnel, their spouses, and their dependent children stationed in or assigned to Georgia and on active duty. The waiver can be retained by the military personnel, their spouses, and their dependent children if (a) the military sponsor is reassigned outside of Georgia, and the student(s) remain(s) continuously enrolled and the military sponsor remains on children active military status; (b) the military sponsor is reassigned out-of-state and the spouse and dependent children remain in Georgia and the sponsor remains on active military duty; or (c) the active military personnel and their spouse and dependent children who are stationed in a state contiguous to the Georgia border and who live in Georgia.
8. Border State Residents. Residents of Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.  Must be domiciled in the qualifying bordering state  for 12 consecutive months prior to the start of classes.
9. Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservists. Active members of the Georgia National Guard, stationed or assigned to Georgia or active members of a unit of the U.S. Military Reserves based in Georgia, and their spouses and their dependent children.
10. Students Enrolled in University System Institutions as Part of Competitive Economic Development Projects.  Students who are certified by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development as being part of a competitive economic development project.
11. Students in Georgia-Based Corporations. Students who are employees of Georgia-based corporations or organizations that have contracted with the Board of Regents through University System institutions to provide out-of-state tuition differential waivers.
12. Students in ICAPP_® Advantage. (http://www.icapp.org/) programs.
13. International and Domestic Exchange Programs. Any student who enrolls in a University System institution as a participant in an international or domestic direct exchange program that provides reciprocal benefits to University System students.
14. Economic Advantage. As of the first day of classes for the term, an economic advantage waiver may be granted to an independent non-citizen possessing a valid employment-related visa status who can provide clear evidence of having relocated to the State of Georgia to accept full-time, self-sustaining employment.  Relocation to the state must be for employment reasons and not for the purpose of enrolling in an institution of higher education.  These individuals would be required to show clear evidence of having taken legally permissible steps toward establishing legal permanent residence in the United States and the establishment of legal domicile in the State of Georgia.  Independent non-citizen students may continue to receive this waiver as long as they maintain a valid employment-related visa status and can demonstrate continued efforts to establish U.S. legal permanent residence and legal domicile in the State of Georgia. A dependent non-citizen student who can provide clear evidence that the student’s parent, spouse, or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian possesses a valid employed-related visa status and can provide clear evidence of having relocated to the State of Georgia to accept full-time, self-sustaining employment is also eligible to receive this waiver.  Relocation to the state must be for employment reasons and not for the purpose of enrolling in an institution of higher education.  These individuals must be able to show clear evidence of having taken legally permissible steps toward establishing legal permanent residence in the United States and the establishment of legal domicile in the State of Georgia.  Non-citizen students currently receiving a waiver who are dependents of a parent, spouse or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian possessing a valid employed-related visa status may continue to receive the waiver as long as they can demonstrate that their parent, spouse, or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian is maintaining full-time, self-sustaining employment in Georgia and is continuing efforts to pursue an adjustment of legal domicile in the State of Georgia.
15. Recently Separated Military Service Personnel.  Members of a uniformed military service of the United States who, within 12 months of separation from such service, enroll in an academic program and demonstrate an intent to become domiciled in Georgia.  This waiver may also be granted to their spouses and dependent children.  This waiver may be granted for not more than one year.
16. Vocational Rehabilitation Waiver.  Students enrolled in a University System of Georgia Institution based on a referral by the Vocational Rehabilitation Program of the Georgia Department of Labor.
17. Non-Resident Student.  As of the first day of classes for the term, a non-resident student can be considered for the waiver under the following conditions:
    1. Students under the age of 24.
       • If the parent, or United States court-appointed legal guardian has maintained domicile in Georgia for at least twelve (12) consecutive months and the student can provide clear and legal evidence showing the relationship to the parent or United States court-appointed legal guardian has existed for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term.  Under Georgia code, legal guardianship must be established prior to the student’s 18th birthday; or
       • If the student can provide clear and legal evidence showing a familial relationship to the spouse and the spouse has maintained domicile in Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term.
    2. Students 24 years of age and older.
       • If the student can provide clear and legal evidence showing a familial relationship to the spouse and the spouse has maintained domicile in Georgia for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term.

This waiver can remain in effect as long as the student remains continuously enrolled.

If the parent, spouse, or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian of a continuously enrolled nonresident student establishes domicile in another state after having maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for the required period, the nonresident student may continue to receive this waiver as long as the student remains continuously enrolled in a public postsecondary educational institution in the state, regardless of the domicile of the parent, spouse or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian.

Please visit our website at  https://www.fvsu.edu/admissionforms for all residency applications and forms.