Admission Requirements

The University of Charleston seeks to enroll students who possess the potential and motivation to take full advantage of our unique curriculum, be successful academically, and contribute to the University community. Admission is based on academic records, evidence of leadership and community involvement, and demonstrated personal qualities of the applicant.

A visit to campus, scheduled with the Office of Admissions, is strongly recommended for all applicants.

Admission Criteria:
Standardized Tests
Special Admission Requirements
General Freshman Admission Requirements
Home School Admission Requirements
General Transfer Admission Requirements
International Student Admission Requirements
Admission by Academic Contract
Special Student/Non-Degree Admission
Audit Admission
Transient Student Admission
High School/University Dual Enrollment
Regular Non-Degree
Readmission

Standardized Tests
Results of the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) are required for certain classes of applicants and/or for certain degree programs, as described below.

Most individuals take the ACT or SAT on a national testing date. However, the University of Charleston is authorized to administer the ACT Residual Test to applicants who need test results to complete their application to the University of Charleston. Such results may be used only at the University of Charleston. ACT Residual Test results from another institution will not be recognized for admission to the University of Charleston.

Special Admission Requirements
Some programs, most notably Health Sciences, Education, and Pre-Pharmacy, have special admission requirements. Applicants should consult program descriptions in the UC Catalog for a complete description of any special or additional requirements specific to the program or programs in which they are interested.

General Freshman Admission Requirements
A student applying for general freshman admission may submit an application any time after the completion of six semesters of high school. Minimum admission requirements are:

• Minimum 2.25 academic grade point average (on a 4 point scale); or GED score of 500 (50 if taken prior to 1/1/2003).
• Minimum composite ACT score of 19 and/or SAT I score of 900 on the re-centered SAT; the writing sample sections of the ACT and SAT will not be used to determine admissions status, but may be used to determine placement.
• A record of active participation in school or community organizations or events throughout high school.
• A commitment to achieving a college degree.
• Results of the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are required of those who graduated from high school (or should have graduated, for those who earned a GED) within five years or less of the time of application. These tests are also required for all students seeking admission to a health sciences program, and they may be requested of others.

Applicants must submit the following documentation for consideration by Admissions staff:

• Completed Undergraduate Application for admission;
• $25 application fee;
• Official secondary school records documenting completion of at least 15 units of academic courses with grades indicating intellectual ability and promise;
• High school transcripts and official GED results with an average score of 50 (prior to January 1, 2003) and 500 or more on the new test (after January 1, 2003), if applicable;
• Recommendation from guidance counselor if applicant is currently in high school. (This is only necessary for dual enrolled students, not graduating seniors looking at Fall enrollment.)
• Essay is highly recommended but is not required.

Classes in English, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and foreign languages are considered by the University of Charleston to be academic courses. Applicants accepted by the University of Charleston must submit proof of graduation to the University’s Office of Admissions before they will be allowed to enroll.

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Home School Admission Requirements
The University of Charleston makes every effort to accommodate the special circumstances of home school students during the admissions process. Minimum admission requirements are:

• If you are under the umbrella of a diploma-granting organization, you will need to submit evidence of the coursework completed and your level of performance;
• In absence of such a document, you will need a detailed portfolio comprised of a breadth of work you have completed to help us evaluate your level of preparation for college-level work (e.g. research project, resume, reading list, community service, athletic and/or artistic endeavors, and study abroad)
• Official transcript from an accredited university or college (if applicable)
• AP tests (if applicable)
• ACT/SAT test scores
• Essay
• 3 letters of reference
• An on-campus interview

General Transfer Admission Requirements
Applicants who have earned 12 or more college-level credits (generally, courses numbered 100 and above) at another institution, have a minimum 2.25 grade point average (on a 4.0 point scale) and are in good standing at the institution last attended must submit the following documentation for consideration by Admissions staff:

• Completed Undergraduate Application for admission;
• $25 application fee;
• Official transcript from each college previously attended.

Applicants who have earned fewer than 12 college level credits must also submit the documentation required of general freshman applicants.

Applications for transfer admission will be reviewed anytime during the student’s college experience. Applicants who are accepted at the University of Charleston must submit a final official transcript to the Office of Admissions before enrollment.

Transfer applicants who have been accepted for admission will have the opportunity to review the evaluation of his or her transcript before an enrollment deposit is required. Only courses earned from a regionally accredited college or university will be considered for transfer. Only courses with earned grades of "C" or better will transfer unless a transfer agreement exists between the University of Charleston and another institution. No grades are recorded for courses accepted in transfer. A student’s grade point average at the University of Charleston will be based only upon credits earned at the University of Charleston.

International Student Admission
International student applicants must follow the requirements for general freshman or transfer admission, depending on the desired enrollment status.

In addition, residents of non-English speaking countries must submit scores on the College Board’s Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Inquiries and requests for TOEFL application forms should be addressed to TOEFL, Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey, 08541, USA. http://www.toefl.org/

Students may substitute the IELTS exam for the TOEFL.

A minimum score of 500 for the paper-based test (PBT)  / 173 for the computer-based test (CBT) / 59 for the internet-based test (IBT) / 5.0 for the IELTS is generally required for admission unless the student has demonstrated competence in English while attending an American institution. The University of Charleston determines such competency. Students will be required to take Social Science (SSCI) 110 Cross-Cultural Seminar as a part of their curriculum.

Residents of non-English speaking countries will also take tests of oral and written English when they arrive on campus. Those judged to need remediation will be required to enroll in ESL courses.

Though American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results are not required of international students, applicants should submit the results if they have taken either test. These results will help Admissions staff make an informed decision about acceptance.

Proof of adequate financial resources to support study in the United States is required. An official statement specifying these resources is required before an international student may gain entry into the United States for study.

Admission by Academic Contract
Applicants whose credentials do not meet the admission requirements of the University of Charleston, yet who demonstrate the ability to be successful in a university environment may be offered Admission by Academic Contract. The contract, which must be signed by the student and parents or guardian as appropriate, will limit the student to a maximum of 14 credits of prescribed courses during his or her first semester. If, at the conclusion of the first semester, the student has achieved a grade point average of 2.0 or higher, the contract will be terminated. If the student does not achieve a 2.0 grade point average, the student will be subject to the University of Charleston’s probation and dismissal policies.

Special Student/Non-Degree Admission
Students who wish to pursue academic courses for purposes other than a University of Charleston degree can be admitted to the University as special students. Such students must be in good academic standing in all previously attended institutions, and are subject to all academic rules and regulations of the University of Charleston. Special students should possess the requisite academic background for college-level work. A maximum of 15 credit hours may be accumulated as a special student unless the Office of Admissions makes an exception based on individual circumstances. If a special student later applies to be a degree student he or she must complete the application process for general or transfer admission, whichever is applicable. To obtain permission to enroll as a special student or a non-degree student, applicants contact the Office of Admissions. One of the following statuses may be granted: