Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Austin Peay State University welcomes applications from all qualified students regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, or cultural background.  Admission to APSU is based on a number of factors depending upon assessment results and previous educational experience.  The university’s admission requirements have been developed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the APSU faculty and the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Applicant credentials must indicate a reasonable chance of success in completing academic work at APSU.  Your previous record of academic preparation, academic performance, test scores, and other considerations determine your admission decision.  The APSU Office of Admissions with approval of the APSU administration has the authority to make exceptions to admission requirements on a limited basis when, in the professional judgment of the director of admissions, special circumstances and offsetting strengths of a particular application file warrant such exceptions. 

Additional testing for a more accurate assessment of an applicant’s ability to succeed or to qualify for study at APSU or for placement in university courses may be necessary.  The application file must be complete for such testing and the testing must be scheduled prior to registration.  If the completion of the application file does not occur to permit testing, it may be necessary to update your application to a future semester.

Admission is a selective process and meeting deadlines or minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.  All applicants should review admission standards in advance of applying in order to understand the likelihood of acceptance.  Approval for admission is valid only for the term specified at the time of acceptance.  Changes in the semester of entry can be made via a written request to the Admission Office.  Changes which occur in the applicant’s record after admission but before enrollment require a new review of the admission application.  After twelve months, all documents are purged and destroyed and the entire application process, including credentials, must be repeated. 

Admission to APSU as an undergraduate student does not automatically admit the individual to special or professional programs such as teacher education and nursing.  However, admission to the university precedes admission to any university program.  Separate application processes are required for formal admission into professional programs, and such admission decisions are generally made after a prescribed amount of coursework has been completed with satisfactory grades by the applicant.  Details of program admission requirements are found in the section of this bulletin which outlines degree program requirements.

Admission to the university is a prerequisite for any other program admission or scholarship award.  Applicants should submit an application packet that includes all required credentials (such as transcripts and test scores) by established deadlines.  The university reserves the right to require that applications not submitted by published deadlines be processed for the following term.  The following dates are tentative until registration dates are confirmed. 

All applicants for admission to APSU will be placed into one of four admission categories:  Unconditional Admission, Conditional, Admission by Exception, or Admission by Alternative Standards.  Completion of 14 high school units (specified by the Tennessee Board of Regents) is required.  During initial enrollment, students admitted with deficiencies must complete a plan for removing deficiencies within first 30 hours of enrollment.  (See Appendix B for a list of courses to be taken to remove high school deficiencies.  Courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)

UNCONDITIONAL

Applicants who have satisfactorily met these requirements may achieve unconditional admission to Austin Peay State University.

Under 21 Years of Age (at the time of enrollment)

·        One of the following assessments is required:

o       ACT composite score of 20 or higher, or

o       SAT cumulative score of 940 or higher (Critical Reading and Math), or

o       High school cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), or

o       GED score of 450 or higher (45 prior to January 2002) with a passing notation, and

·        One of the following:

o       Meet all 14 required high school unit requirements, or

o       ACT composite score of 26 or higher, or

o       SAT cumulative score of 1170 or higher (Critical Reading and Math), and

·        In addition, students must have:

o       No more than one ACT sub score of 18 or less in English and Math, and

o       No more than one SAT sub score of 460 or less in Critical Reading and Math.

21 Years of Age or Older (at the time of enrollment)

·        Proof of high school graduation (excluding a Special Education Diploma or minimum GED average score of 450 (45 prior to January 2002) with a passing notation, and

·        COMPASS assessment with no more than one sub score that requires enrollment in enhanced core (English and Mathematics).

APSU Athletic Scholarship Recipients

·        Satisfy NCAA standards for student athletes who are qualifiers under Division I guidelines.

CONDITIONAL 

Students who do not meet full admission requirements but have met the TBR high school unit requirement and who have achieved an ACT composite of 19 or a high school cumulative GPA of 2.75, or who have ACT sub scores in mathematics and English of 18 or below, or SAT sub scores of 460 or less in Critical Reading and Math.

Under 21 Years of Age (at the time of enrollment)

·        Meet all 14 required high school unit requirements, and

·        One of the following assessments:

o       ACT composite score of 19 or higher, or

o       SAT cumulative score of 900 or higher (Critical Reading and Math), or

o       High school cumulative GPA between 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), or

o       GED score of 450 (45 prior to January 2002) with a passing notation, and

·        One of the following:

o       More than one ACT sub score of 18 or less in English and Math, requiring enrollment in enhanced core mathematics and English; or

o       More than one SAT sub score of 460 or less in Critical Reading and Math, requiring enrollment in enhanced core mathematics and English.

21 Years of Age or Older (at the time of enrollment)

·        COMPASS assessments require placement in two or more enhanced core courses, and

·        One of the following:

o       Proof of high school graduation, or

o       GED score of 450 (45 prior to January 2002) with a passing notation.

Conditionally admitted students are admitted on probation.  These students may enroll in no more than 13 hours of approved courses and must achieve a 1.50 cumulative GPA and complete all required academic strengthening programs during the first semester of enrollment.  Students whose ACT math and English scores are below 19 must successfully complete in a regular and consistent manner all enhanced core courses, developmental reading, or remedial studies in which they are required to enroll.  Conditionally admitted students will be limited in enrollment to courses which do not require completion of enhanced core classes, developmental reading, and remedial studies as a perquisite.  Conditionally admitted students may not enroll in on-line courses.  Students who fail to meet these requirements will be academically suspended for one full semester (excluding summer).

BY EXCEPTION (Under 21 Years of Age only as allowed by TBR Policy 2:03:00:00) 

Students who have not satisfactorily completed all of the 14 TBR high school units may be admitted as follows: 

·        ACT composite score of 21 or higher, or

·        SAT cumulative score of 980 or higher, or

·        High school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), or

·        GED score of 450 (45 prior to January 2002) with a passing notation, and

·        No more than two high school unit deficiencies (to be completed within first 30 hours of enrollment), and

·        No more than one placement in enhanced core (mathematics or English).

ALTERNATIVE STANDARDS (as allowed by TBR Policy 2:03:00:00 and Guideline No. A-015) 

For freshman applicants under 21 years of age only who meet no other category of admission but have special abilities or circumstances that merit consideration in the admissions process.  Applicants must submit a portfolio that contains:

·        A handwritten 1-2 page essay stating academic goals and describes special abilities and circumstances that merit consideration, and

·        Two statements of support from academic professionals who can document academic performance in the classroom and special abilities and circumstances that merit consideration. 

The portfolio must be submitted with the application for admission and will be reviewed by the University Admissions and Standards Committee to determine admission status.  Students admitted by alternative standards are admitted on probation and must meet the same requirements as conditionally admitted students.

HIGH SCHOOL UNIT REQUIREMENTS

            Subject Area                                                                                       Required Units

            English                                                                                                             4

            Visual and/or Performing Arts                                                                      1

                Required for students who graduated

    in 1993 or thereafter

            Mathematics                                                                                                    3

                Must include 2 units from algebra

    and one unit advanced math or

                3 units from integrated math sequence.

            Natural/Physical Science                                                                                2

                        One from Group A

            Social Studies                                                                                                   1

            United States History                                                                                      1

            Foreign Language                                                                                             2 (same language)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Applications for both the main campus and the Fort Campbell campus are made to the Office of Admissions (Austin Peay State University, P.O. Box 4548, Clarksville, TN 37044.)  Applicants for both campuses are encouraged to submit an application on line at https://apweb.apsu.edu but may submit an application by mail.   The application file is complete and ready for review with receipt of the following:

·        A completed Undergraduate Application for admission to Austin Peay State University, and

·        A $15 nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online by credit card or by check or money order to Austin Peay State University; fee is not required for active-duty military; cash payments will be accepted in person only in the Admission Office or Business Office), and

·        All academic credentials, including complete official transcripts from each secondary school, college or university attended, regardless of credit earned must be mailed directly from those institutions to the Office of Admissions (unless the applicant is a transfer student who graduated prior to 1989).  A special education diploma or a high school certificate is not acceptable.

·        Official scores on at least one standardized test (typically ACT or SAT; standardized test scores are required for all freshman applicants under the age of 21, except active duty military members), and

·        Official GED scores if there is no high school transcript.

·        Students from other colleges and universities may apply for transient status and may be admitted to APSU for one semester/term.   Documentation of good academic standing by a letter or by a transcript is required.

·        Military—both active duty and veterans are required to submit documents for military credit prior to enrollment.  The following documents should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from the issuing agency except for form DD 214.

                                    Branches                                Documents Needed

                                    Army                                        AARTS transcript or DD  Form 295

        Air Force                                 Comm. College Air Force transcript or DD Form 295

                                    Army National Guard            AARTS transcript or NGB Form 22

                                    Navy                                        DD Form 295 or SMART transcript

                                    US Marine Corp                      ITSS MATMEP or SMART transcript

                                    US Military Reserves             Enlistment contract 4-1 or 4-2 or DD Form 2586

                                    Veterans (Retired                     DD Form 214 Member Copy 4 or other forms with

                                           characterization of service

·        All males between the ages of 18 and 25 living in the U.S. must have registered with the Selective Service system.      

OTHER CATEGORIES OF ADMISSION

Transfer Students

Transfer students from regionally accredited Colleges and Universities—must be in good standing with the (not suspended from) last institution attended. Transfer students having attended only non-regionally accredited institutions are considered new students.   Policies on the transferability of credits may be found in Academic Policies of the University Bulletin.  Students are in good standing as long as their grade-point average is equal to or greater than the minimum listed below:

                  Quality Hours Attempted                                              Minimum Grade Point Average

                        12 - 29                                                                                       1.50

                        30 - 47                                                                                       1.80

                        48 - 65                                                                                       1.90

                        66 and above                                                                           2.00

Transfer applicants having attempted less than 12 quality hours at another college or university are considered for admission based on Freshman Applicant admissions criteria. 

Good standing indicates only that the student is meeting the minimum standard for retention at the University.

Transfer students must submit:

o       Official transcript(s) from all previous colleges/universities attended must be sent from the institution to the APSU Office of Admissions.  Failure to identify all institutions attended (whether or not credit was received) is cause for dismissal from the university, and

o       Evidence of high school graduation--official high school transcript mailed directly from the high school to the Office of Admissions, or External Diploma Program, or a minimum GED score of 450 (45 prior to 2002) and no sub score lower than 410 (40 prior to January 2002).  (Special education diplomas or high school certificates of attendance or not acceptable.)  The exceptions to this requirement is for students who graduate from high school or receive a GED prior to 1989 and are transferring 12 or more traditional semester hours.

Early Admission of Freshmen

This category of applicants includes students entering APSU full-time, prior to completion of high school diploma requirements, and beginning after junior year.  Freshman applicants for early admission must submit:

·        Admission application and separate early admission application, and

·        High school cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and

·        One of the following:

o       ACT composite score of 22 or higher, or

o       SAT cumulative score of 1020 or higher, and

·        Recommendation of high school principal or guidance counselor and consent of parent(s) or guardian(s), and

·        Written statement from high school principal specifying college courses that will be substituted for remaining high school courses needed for high school graduation.

·        Concurrent Enrollment—students attending APSU while still enrolled in high school

o       Dual Enrollment—both high school and college credit awarded for courses taken

§         Admission application and separate early admission application, and

§         Must have completed sophomore year with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.2 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and

§         One of the following:

·        ACT composite score of 22 or higher, or

·        SAT cumulative score of 1020 or higher, and

§         One of the following:

·        ACT sub-scores of 19 or higher (English and Math), or

·        SAT sub-scores of 460 or higher (Critical Reading and Math), and

§         Recommendation of high school principal or guidance counselor, and

§         Written parental or guardian approval, and

§         Approval by high school of university credits received.

o       Joint Enrollment—university credit only--credits earned do not apply go high school diploma

§         Admission application and separate early admission application, and

§         Must have completed sophomore year with a cumulative high school GPA of 3.2 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and

§         One of the following:

·        ACT composite score of 22 or higher, or

·        SAT cumulative score of 1020 or higher, and

§         One of the following:

·        ACT sub-scores of 19 or higher (English and Math), or

·        SAT sub-scores of 460 or higher (Critical Reading and Math), and

§         Recommendation of high school principal or guidance counselor, and

§         Written parental or guardian approval.

Home School

Transcripts of home school applicants must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the students would have otherwise attended.

International Students

All international applicants must file their applications and submit certified copies of official transcripts, certificates, diplomas and degrees translated to English well in advance of the semester for which they seek admission. Transfer students from foreign non-immigrant institutions must also provide a course-by-course equivalency performed by an educational credential agency. The Office of Admissions handles application procedures for all international students. For information, call (931) 221-7661 or write to the Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 4548, Clarksville, TN 37044 or visit the Web site at www.apsu.edu.

·        English Language proficiency.  All international applicants are also required to submit proof of proficiency in the English Language. TOEFL exam scores required: A minimum score of 500 on the paper based; a minimum score of 173 on the computer based or a minimum score of 61 on the internet based TOEFL Exam is required of applicants whose native language is not English. TOEFL scores are valid for two years. Courses completed at another U.S. institution may be used in lieu of standardized examination scores. Evidence of financial resources sufficient to pay expenses including out-of-state tuition and fees while a student is at the University must be submitted.  Exchange students who are non-degree seeking students at the University do not require a TOEFL score and/or entrance examination; however the home university is required to closely scrutinize and send students with English proficiency to Austin Peay State University.

·        Medical.  All international students applying for admission pursuant to a J or F visa shall submit thirty (30) days from the first day of classes a certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis. Failure to submit such certification shall result in denial of admission or discontinued enrollment. In the event that a student has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be conditional upon the determination by a licensed physician that further enrollment is not a risk to others and upon the student's compliance with any prescribed medical treatment program.

International students may opt to have the screening for tuberculosis done through Boyd Health Services. Contact must be made with the Boyd Health Services personnel within two weeks of the first day of classes (which will allow for completion of the process within thirty (30) days of the first day of classes).

·        Medical and hospitalization insurance.  All international applicants and students with J or F visas must have and maintain medical and hospitalization insurance as a condition of admission and continued enrollment at APSU. Students with J visas also must carry adequate medical and hospitalization insurance for spouses and dependents. Proof of medical and hospitalization insurance must be provided to the Boyd Health Services.  International students will automatically be enrolled in the TBR Student/Scholar Health & Accident Insurance Plan unless documentation of adequate coverage is provided. Automatic enrollment in the Plan shall not take place later than the time of class registration, and the cost of the coverage will be added to the student's registration fees. For the purposes of this policy, adequate medical and hospitalization insurance coverage shall mean that the student's coverage meets or exceeds the level of coverage provided to participants in the TBR's Student/Scholar Health & Accident Insurance Plan.

All international students born after 1956 shall provide proof of two immunizations with the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines, which were administered on or after the year of birth to the Boyd Health Services. A student will be prevented from registering for classes until this requirement is met.

·        Fort Campbell.  International students may neither enroll in nor attend classes held at Fort Campbell, KY.

·        Permanent Residents Alien.  Permanent Resident Aliens must submit front and back copies of their Permanent Resident Alien Card. In addition, all non-immigrants must provide proof of status including copies of their visa.

All international students will receive information concerning any special requirements for admission from the Office of Admissions. Boyd Health Services will provide the Office of Admissions with information concerning policy requirements, associated approximate costs which could be incurred, and what would be considered acceptable certification of freedom from tuberculosis, proof of adequate medical and hospitalization insurance, and proof of two immunizations with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

Applicants who are eligible for non-degree admission include:

                                    Transient Students

A student who is currently enrolled and in good standing at other regionally accredited colleges and university may apply to attend APSU as a transient student and may be admitted to the University for one semester/term. This intent must be included in the application for admission; the home college must submit to the Office of Admissions a letter stating that the student is in good standing.  An official transcript may be requested if needed to document the completion of any prerequisites required for enrollment in the course(s). Transient students remaining at Austin Peay will need to re-apply for admission and resubmit a letter of good standing or an official transcript for a subsequent semester/term.

Persons Not Previously Enrolled in College

Academically Talented/Gifted: High school students who meet the following criteria as specified in Chapter 395 of the Public Acts of 1983 which states

Academically talented/gifted students enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 in public or private high schools in Tennessee may with the recommendation and approval of the high school principal and the Director of Admissions may enroll in and receive regular college degree credit from a Tennessee post-secondary institution if such a student has a grade point average equivalent to 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and if such placement is a part of the student's planned Individual Education Program (IEP) as established by the high school multi-disciplinary team process.

Persons with College Credit but Not a Degree

Persons who earned credits but not a degree at another regionally accredited college/university and who are eligible for readmission to the last institution attended. Those who do not meet the readmission standards of the last institution attended may be admitted on scholastic probation for one semester with approval of the APSU Admission and Standards Committee if they meet APSU admission requirements.   Applicants who do not meet APSU admission requirements will also be denied admission in this category. 

Persons with a College Degree or Certificate

Persons who have a degree or certificate equivalent to the highest degree or certificate offered by a regionally accredited college or university in a particular field but who wish to take additional courses.

Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons

Totally and permanently disabled persons and persons 65 years of age or older may enroll in classes and pay no fees other than a service fee in the amount authorized by the Tennessee Board of Regents. In the case of disabled persons, the institution may require an affidavit or certificate of disability from a physician or from the agency compensating the disabled person. Admission under this provision may be limited or denied based on the availability of space in the individual classroom.

Adult Special Students

Students 21 years of age or older who are not interested in earning a degree from the University may apply for admission as an Adult Special Student by so indicating on their application for admission. Requirements include high school graduation or a minimum GED average score of 450 (45 prior to January 2002), and sub scores no lower than 410 (40 prior to January 2002). An official high school transcript or GED score must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.  A Special Education Diploma or High School Certificate is not acceptable.

Transfer and readmit applicants must submit a transcript from the last college or university attended. Students who have been suspended from other colleges or universities are not eligible to enroll as Adult Special Students.

Adult Special Students will be limited to enrolling for a maximum of 24 semester hours of credit. Adult Special Students are not allowed to register for college - level mathematics or English unless appropriate portion of the assessment test (COMPASS) is taken. Adult Special Students are also not allowed to register for college – level courses for which they lack the required prerequisites.  Adult Special Students who later decide to seek a degree from the University must submit all academic credentials and satisfy all admissions requirements. Applicants who are denied regular admission will be denied admission as a Special Student for the same semester.

Auditors

Students, with an instructor’s permission, may elect to audit a course.  The students will pay the regular fee per credit hour and receive regular instruction in the course (including tests and examinations, if the student wishes.)  A grade of “AU” will appear on the transcript unless the student makes arrangement with the instructor to receive a grade.  No credit is awarded for an audited course even when a grade is received.

Readmission to APSU

Students seeking readmission to APSU main campus must resubmit an application for admission if  they have missed one semester (excluding summer) and submit every transcript from all institutions attended since last attending APSU whether or not credit was earned.  Students wishing to apply for readmission to APSU Center @ Fort Campbell must resubmit the application and transcript(s) after missing two terms. 

PROGRAMS WITH SPECIAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Schools of Business, Education, and Nursing; Medical Technology, Radiologic Technology and Social Work have additional requirements for admission.  Students wishing to enter these programs should consult with the schools or departments offering the programs.  Admission requirements may change due to availability of institutional resources and/or changes in state licensure requirements.

IMMUNIZATIONS

The State of Tennessee requires all new and readmitted full-time students to provide proof of two immunizations with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines, which were administered on or after the first year of birth. A student will not be allowed to register for classes until this requirement is met. For additional information, contact Boyd Health Services at (931) 221-7107.

The State of Tennessee mandates that each public or private postsecondary institution    provide information concerning hepatitis B infection to all students entering the institution for the first time. Those students who will be living in on-campus housing for the first time must also be informed about the risk of meningococcal meningitis infection. Tennessee law requires that such students complete and sign a waiver form provided by the institution that includes detailed information about the diseases. The information concerning these diseases is from the Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association. The law does not require that students receive the vaccination; however, the law does require students to provide a signed copy of the waiver form to APSU, Boyd Health Services, P.O. Box 4655, Clarksville, TN 37044 or fax to (931) 221-7388.

RESIDENCY

A student’s residency classification is made at the time of admission in accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents regulations.  Tennessee residents are classified as in-state.  Also classified as in-state are military personnel stationed in Tennessee or Ft. Campbell, their spouses and dependents, and residents from the Kentucky counties of Christian, Logan, Todd, Trigg, Allen, Calloway, and Simpson, and part-time students employed full-time in Tennessee.  APSU Regulations, in accordance with TBR Policy 3:05:01:00, for Classifying Student In-State or Out-of-State for the Purpose of Paying Fees and Tuition may be found in the campus bulletin.

APPEALING ADVERSE ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

Applicants who are denied admission to APSU may appeal the decision as follows:

Freshman Admission:  Written formal appeals of the University’s admission decision may be filed with the Office of Admissions for consideration by the University Admission and Standards Committee.  The decision of the committee is final.

Transfer Admission:  Formal appeals of the University’s admission decision for transfer applicants may be filed with the Office of Admissions for consideration by the Director of Admission.  The decision of the Director may be appealed to the University Admission and Standards Committee.

Residency classification .  New and returning students may submit the Application for Residency form to the Office of Admissions before enrolling; continuing students may submit an appeal of current status to the Office of the Registrar (main campus) or the Information Window at Austin Peay @ Fort Campbell for Fort Campbell terms.  The appeals committee meets only once each term during the week prior to the beginning of classes.

MISREPRESENTATION OF ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

It is a Class A misdemeanor to misrepresent academic credentials.  A person who commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials, who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing that such person: 

·        Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education;

·        Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees for diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or

·        Has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one (1) or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

         ACT Tests:                                                     American College Testing Program

                                                                                    P.O. Box 4065

                                                                                    Iowa City, IA 52243-4063

                                                                                    319-337-1270

                                                                                    www.actstudent.org

                                                                                    APSU’s Institutional ACT Code:  3944

SAT Tests:                                                     The College Board Headquarters

                                                                                    45 Columbus Avenue

                                                                                    New York, NY 10023

                                                                                    212-713-8000

                                                                                    www.collegeboard.com

                                                                                    APSU’s Institutional SAT Code:  1028

Undergraduate Application:                        Located in the Office of Admissions

                                                                          931-221-7661

                                                                                    http://go.apsu.edu

                                                                                    $15 fee

COMPASS Placement Exams:                      APSU’s Testing Office

                                                                                   931-221-6269

TOEFL Exams:                                               TOEFL Services

                                                                                    P.O. Box 6151

                                                                                    Princeton, NJ 08541-6151

                                                                                    USA

                                                                                    609-771-7100

                                                                                    APSU Institutional TOEFL Code:  1028

Dual or Joint Enrollment Forms:                  High School Counselors Offices or

                                                                         APSU Admissions Office