Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirements and Procedures

New Freshmen 

In order to qualify for admission to the University of Southern Indiana, new freshmen students are considered for acceptance based on their high school GPA and curriculum, standardized test scores, and other evidence of the applicant’s potential for academic success.

Each freshman applicant is reviewed on an individual basis. Grade point average and standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) serve as the primary criteria. USI recommends that students take the following courses while in high school:

• Four years of English
• Three to four years of science (minimally, one laboratory science)
• Three years of social science
• Three to four years of mathematics
• Three to four additional academic electives

Transcripts recording any coursework completed while in high school that could be considered for college credit including university level/dual credit courses, Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or International Baccalaureate (IB), should be submitted with the Application for Undergraduate Admission.

Admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance into a specified area of study, department, or college. Further information about the requirements of major programs and/or colleges may be obtained from the respective academic department. 

Homeschooled Students

The University of Southern Indiana welcomes applications for University admission from homeschooled students. Homeschooled students have been part of the academic community for many years and the University recognizes the important contributions that these students make both in the classroom and as a part of student life on the campus. The University makes a deliberate effort to accommodate the special circumstances of homeschoolers in the admission process.

Applicants for admission who have not fulfilled a college preparatory curriculum are considered for admission on an individual basis. Grade point average, curriculum, standardized test scores (SAT, ACT), and other evidence of the applicant’s potential for academic success are considered in the admission decision.

Qualified homeschooled students are eligible for consideration of institutional scholarships. Homeschooled students applying for academic scholarships are evaluated on the same basis as all other students. Grade point average and standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) serve as the primary criteria.

Homeschooled Transcripts

The University understands that the academic transcripts of homeschooled students may differ from those of public and private high school students. Homeschooled transcripts are required for admission to the University and they should include:

• An assessment of academic performance (letter grades, percentages), including an explanation of any applicable grading scale
• A list of all high school equivalent courses taken, and the timeframe in which the courses were completed (year and semester)

If students have completed course work concurrently at a college or university, include official transcript(s) from the institution(s) with your application for admission.

Admission of homeschooled students to the University of Southern Indiana does not guarantee acceptance into a specific program of study, department, or college. Further information concerning the academic requirements of major programs and/or colleges may be obtained from the respective academic department.

Standardized Test Scores

Students applying for freshman admission are required to take either the SAT or ACT (exceptions to this requirements can be made for students 21 years old and older – see Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information). These tests should be taken prior to application to the University.

It is recommended that beginning freshmen should take one of these examinations in the latter part of the junior year or early in the senior year in high school. Each applicant should consult his or her high school guidance office for detailed information on test dates, test centers, registration forms, registration periods, and deadlines. This information also may be obtained by visiting www.actstudent.org or www.collegeboard.com. If a student already has taken one of the required tests and the University of Southern Indiana was not designated to receive the results, he or she should do one of the following: (1) contact the National Testing Center and request the scores be sent to the University, or (2) request that the high school send the test scores to USI Undergraduate Admissions. A student who did not take the SAT/ACT while in high school should contact ACT or SAT for test registration information.  Students transferring from another university might be required to take either test. Check with Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

Transfer Students

In evaluating applications for transfer admission, academic performance at each college attended is considered.  If the applicant has less than 24 transferable hours, they will also be required to submit final high school transcripts and may also be required to submit either the ACT or SAT exam scores.

A student desiring to transfer from another accredited college will need to submit an application for admission and official transcripts from each college attended. A transfer student should have a minimum cumulative average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and be in good standing at the institution from which he or she is transferring. Transcripts from any and all previous colleges/universities must be submitted for review.

Transfer Credit Policy

Course credits earned from regionally accredited* colleges and universities will be accepted as transfer credit subject to the following guidelines in USI’s Transfer Credit Policy:

• Only courses taken while a school is regionally accredited will be accepted.
• Only courses with grades of C- or better will transfer. Grade point averages do not transfer.
• Credit from quarter-system schools are equal to two-thirds credit at USI.
• Orientation and remedial courses will not be accepted for transfer credit.
• Competency or proficiency credit earned at another college or university will not be accepted as transfer credit.
• Noncredit courses earned at previous colleges or universities will not transfer.
• Transcripts from international institutions must be an official copy (not a photocopy). If records are in a language other than English, the student may also be required to provide an English translation and course-by-course evaluation report from an acceptable evaluation agency. This report will then be reviewed to determine acceptable transfer credit.
• Even though credit hours are transferable, the transferred hours may not necessarily apply toward a particular degree program. The applicability of credits toward a particular degree, as well as Core 39, can be determined in counsel with the appropriate departmental advisor.
• Effective summer 2015, new freshmen, new transfer students, and readmitting students are not limited on the number of credits that can transfer to USI. However, to receive a USI degree, all baccalaureate students must complete at least 30 credit hours at USI, 39 hours of upper-division courses, all Core 39 (general education), and major requirements for their plan of study. Associate degree students must complete at least 18 credit hours at USI, Core 39 (general education) coursework required for the program, and major requirements for their plan of study.
• For students with transfer work from Indiana colleges/universities, completion of the 30-hour Statewide Transfer General Education Core will impact the number of hours and classes required to complete USI’s Core39 (University Core Curriculum).

A student’s overall transfer grade point average will not be recorded on the student’s transcript. Consequently, a transfer student will establish a grade point average from the University of Southern Indiana based only on courses taken at this University. A transfer student must, however, meet the requirements for continued enrollment which correspond to the sum of the total transfer hours accepted and total hours attempted at this University.

Visit www.usi.edu/registrar/transfer-credit/transfer-credit-evaluation for information about the transfer credit evaluation process performed by the Registrar’s Office after an official transcript is submitted.

Transfer Equivalency Self-Service (TESS)

Transfer Equivalency Self-Service (TESS) is a web-based tool that allows prospective transfer students (and high school students earning dual credit) to discover how coursework taken at other institutions may transfer to USI. TESS also performs a preliminary degree audit to show how these courses may apply to any anticipated major. Prospective transfer students no longer have to submit an application for admission and have official transcripts sent to USI before finding out how their transfer work may be accepted and applied to their major, they can use TESS to do a preliminary self-evaluation at any time – saving time and money!! Get started with TESS by visiting www.usi.edu/registrar/transfer-credit/tess.

Credit for Associate and Occupational Degree Programs

There are several programs at USI for which articulation agreements, allowing transfer of specific courses or blocks of credit, have been developed with other institutions in the area. The Bachelor of Professional Studies program offers graduates with Associate in Applied Science degree programs (such as those offered at Ivy Tech) the opportunity to receive recognition of their studies in the form of a block of credit hours. Students in regionally-accredited associate or occupational degree programs who are interested in obtaining a baccalaureate degree at USI are encouraged to obtain specific information about credit-transfer options as early in their college careers as possible. Other procedures for the recognition of educational experience include credit by examination, departmental examination, Advanced Placement, and CLEP. Additional details about all of these methods for obtaining credit for prior educational experience are available at www.usi.edu/registrar/classes/credit-by-exam.

Tentative Acceptance for Admission

Undergraduate Admissions may offer tentative acceptance for admission to transfer students who have not completed the full requirements for admission by the beginning of the first term of attendance. Transfer students who enter the University without complete credentials for admission will be required to submit the appropriate credentials as a prerequisite to their continued enrollment. Required credentials must be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions within the semester of initial enrollment. Continued enrollment is conditional upon compliance with the admission requirements which were in effect at the time of the student’s initial enrollment in the University.

Non Degree-Seeking Student

A student applying under this category must be 18 years of age or older and must have graduated from a Department of Education-commissioned high school. The pursuit of a degree may not be an immediate objective for the non degree-seeking student. The applicant should complete the regular application for admission. The non degree-seeking student is also required to submit the most recent college/high school transcript. However, if the student later decides to pursue a degree, all pertinent academic documents must then be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for consideration as a degree-seeking student.

Notice of Admission

An application will be acted on promptly upon receipt of all required materials. Applicants will be notified immediately of their admission status.

Step-by-Step Admission Procedure

The student desiring admission should provide the following items:

1. Completed Application for Undergraduate Admission (www.usi.edu/admission/apply-now).
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee or (for high school students) submit fee waiver request
3. Official transcripts from high schools and all colleges/universities previously attended 
4. Submit SAT or ACT scores (not required of transfer applicants with 24 or more transferable credits)
5. When all steps listed above are completed, the applicant’s admission file will be complete; uppn review, the applicant will be notified of the decision on admission to the University. Prior to the beginning of the semester, detailed information relating to orientation, academic advisement, and registration for classes will be communicated to the student.

High School Equivalency Exam

Any individual between the ages of 18 and 22 years of age who is not a high school graduate may be admitted by passing a high school equivalency exam (GED, HiSET, etc.) and an acceptable SAT or ACT score.  Individuals over the age of 22 who have passed a high school equivalency exam may be admitted without providing SAT/ACT scores.

High School Agreement Program

A high school junior or senior may be admitted to the University upon approval from the high school principal or guidance counselor, the student’s parents, and the Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

Required application materials include (1) the high school agreement application and (2) the high school transcript. The final decision on all High School Agreement applicants will be made by the Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

Admission of International Students

International applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. An international student who will enter the U.S. on a nonresident student visa (F-1 or J-1) should apply well in advance of the semester in which the student plans to commence studies. In order to receive consideration for admission the student must submit:

• A completed Application for Admission with application fee (application materials are accessible at www.usi.edu/international/admissions);
• Official results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), APIEL, or IELTS exams. If English is the native language, official results of either the SAT or ACT are required in lieu of TOEFL. *Students who do not meet English proficiency requirements can achieve conditional admission at USI through the Intensive English Program;
• Complete and attested copies of academic records from each high school (with graduation date), college, or university attended. If original academic documents are not issued in English, precise word-for-word English translations are required;

In order to receive a Certificate of Eligibility after being admitted to USI, students must also submit the following:

• Statement of Finances with supporting documentation in U.S. dollars;
• If transferring to USI from another U.S. school or university, submit an International Student Status Form.

Credit may be given for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme coursework, Advanced Placement examinations, or CLEP tests.

Exchange students participating in an established exchange program between their home institution and USI should contact the international office at their institution to apply to the program.

For additional assistance with the application process and information specific to a country, international students should contact a local U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or U.S. Information Service for referral to the closest educational adviser. Information on educational advising centers also is available from the U.S. Department of State web site at www.educationusa.info/centers.php.

Intensive English

An Intensive English Program (IEP) is offered through the Center for International Programs. Upon successful completion of the IEP curriculum and submission of all required documents, qualified students will be admitted to a degree program without submitting a language proficiency test score such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Study Abroad Opportunities

The University offers study abroad opportunities in 60 countries through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), CEA, CIEE, AustraLearn, and cooperative agreements with several other institutions, including the University of Evansville’s Harlaxton College in England. With advance planning, it is possible for students in virtually any major to participate in an international program. Programs offer a variety of experiences, from specialized courses taught entirely in English or short-term programs led by USI faculty to direct enrollment in the international university. Students receive USI credit for the coursework completed during the summer, semester, or academic year.

The University is committed to making study abroad affordable as well as accessible to all students. The costs of some study abroad programs are based on tuition and room and board at USI. Other program fees are based on the costs of the host university or the sponsoring agency such as CIEE. The program fees for all USI-approved study abroad programs are charged through USI, which allows students to apply most forms of scholarships and other financial aid toward those fees. Additional information is available from the Center for International Programs at www.usi.edu/international/study-abroad or 812-465-1248.

Service members Opportunity College

The University is a member of Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a consortium of national higher education associations. As such, it cooperates with the Department of Defense, the Military Services, the National Guard Bureau, and the Coast Guard to help meet the higher education needs of Service members.

Programs for Spouses and Retirees

Special reduced-fee programs are available for spouses of full-time students and for retirees. See the Student Financial Assistance  section for details.

Application Deadlines

An application for admission should be submitted well in advance of the term in which the student plans to enroll. A beginning freshman should complete the admission procedures early in the senior year of high school. The following deadlines have been established for students in order that maximum consideration and assistance can be given to each applicant.

Exception to these deadlines can be made only with special approval of the Director of Undergraduate Admissions.

Credit by Examination

The University’s credit by examination program is designed to recognize superior learning experiences and translate that experience into college credit. It helps students gain recognition for what they know and can do, irrespective of how, where, and when the knowledge was obtained. Credit may be earned through any one of five programs. 

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

USI will grant credit for eligible Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Download information regarding AP exams, the minimum score required to receive credit at USI, and the courses/credit hours to be awarded. An official score report must be submitted directly from The College Board to USI. 

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

USI will grant credit for eligible CLEP examinations. Download information regarding CLEP exam subjects, the minimum score required to receive credit at USI, and the courses/credit hours to be awarded. An official score report must be submitted directly from The College Board to USI.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

USI will grant credit for eligible International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) coursework. Download information regarding IB exams, the minimum score required to receive credit at USI, and the courses/credit hours to be awarded. An official transcript must be submitted directly from IB to USI.

Departmental Examinations

There are several departmental exams through which students can be awarded credit, provided the student demonstrates a level of proficiency satisfactory to the department involved. In order to be eligible for a departmental exam, students must be in good standing and regularly enrolled at the University as a degree candidate. A department may adopt either a standardized examination available to the department from outside the University or may develop the appropriate exam for the subject area. Departmental exams may be written, oral, or both. A fee of $25 is required in advance of taking each examination. No refund is given if the student fails to qualify for credit. For further information about departmental examinations, contact the department involved.

World Languages Departmental Credit

To earn world languages departmental credit if advanced placement is recommended, students must earn a grade of “B” or better in the USI world language course into which they have been placed (ARAB, CHIN, FREN, GERM, JPN, LATN, or SPAN). After completing the course with a “B” or better, the student must visit the World Languages and Cultures department to initiate the Departmental Exam Credit form. A flat fee of $25 is required.  

Students who are a native (or near native) speaker of a language other than English and were educated outside the U.S. where the main language of instruction was not English are not eligible to earn Departmental Exam Credit for courses in their native language. Students who have questions about the applicability of credit earned by departmental exam should speak with their academic advisor before completing the departmental exam credit form.

Additional Policies Concerning Credit by Examination

• Anyone may take examinations for credit; however, only a currently or previously enrolled student of USI may apply granted credit toward a degree.
• A student may not establish credit for auditing purposes; similarly, the student may not take a course for credit if the student has established credit by examination for that course.
• A student may not establish credit by examination for any course in which the student is currently enrolled.
• A student is eligible to receive credit by examination for a lower-level course while the student is enrolled in an advanced course until that semester’s official mid-term date, at which time the student becomes ineligible to establish credit by examination for the lower-level course if the student successfully completes the advanced course. A lower-level course can be either a prerequisite for the advanced course or a course whose content overlaps that of the upper-level course.
• The credit by examination program is designed expressly for the student who intends to earn a degree at USI. The decision on whether the exam credit is transferable remains with the institution to which the student may intend to transfer.
• Upon successful completion of any examination, the student will be offered credit for the equivalent course(s). A letter grade will not be assigned; therefore, the credit will not affect the student’s grade point average.
• After credit is granted to a student through any one of the credit by examination programs, there is no additional charge to the student. Earned credit is recorded automatically on the student’s transcript.
• A request for an exception to the current policy may be made to the department chair responsible for the discipline covered by the exam. Such a request must be reviewed by the dean of the college and the Provost’s Office.
• A maximum of 90 semester hours earned by examination may apply toward a student’s baccalaureate degree, and a maximum of 42 semester hours earned by examination may apply toward the student’s associate degree. For detailed information concerning the credit by examination program, contact the department of your major.

Placement Testing Program

Academic Skills administers math, foreign language, reading, and writing placement tests. Any required placement testing must be completed prior to advising and registration. Photo identification is required to test. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Academic Skills (812-464-1743) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Students with disabilities requesting special accommodations must be registered with Disability Resources (812-464-1961) at least two weeks prior to scheduling an appointment for placement testing.

Mathematics – All students who earn degrees from USI are required to complete the mathematics component of Core 39. Our placement testing procedures are designed to facilitate the transition from high school mathematics to college mathematics. These procedures are based on evidence that shows students who enter math courses at the proper level are more likely to succeed and complete their mathematics requirement(s) in the most expedient manner.

New Students – All students who are not exempt from placement testing (see criteria below) are required to take the mathematics placement test prior to enrolling in a math course at USI. The placement test is designed to determine students’ readiness for college-level mathematics courses and to place students into classes where they can be successful. The placement test results will determine the level of entry-level math course students will be allowed to take; therefore, it is extremely important that students give their best effort on this exam.

Transfer Students – All students entering USI without transfer credit to satisfy the mathematics component of Core 39 must take the math placement test prior to enrolling in a math course. This includes students with associate degrees from other institutions.

Nontraditional Students – Because students who enter courses at the proper level are more successful in college than students who take a course that is too easy or one that is too difficult, the Mathematics department requires all nontraditional students take the placement test. Placement tests do not affect admission to the University; the results of the placement tests are used only to determine the appropriate entry-level math course. Starting in the right course will help students succeed academically, which ultimately will save time and money.

Exemptions from Placement Testing – Some students may be exempt from taking the math placement test based on the following:

• Math SAT score of at least 640 (Old SAT) or at least 660 (New SAT) or Math ACT score of at least 29
• Math SAT score of at least 600 (Old SAT) or at least 620 (New SAT) or Math ACT score of at least 26 AND High School GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

With the assistance of an advisor, students who are exempt from placement testing may select the math course which best meets the requirements of his or her program of study.

World Languages—Placement testing is recommended for students who studied French, German, Spanish, Japanese, or Latin in high school. The language placement test may allow those students to enroll in a course ranging from the second to the fifth semester of language study. Achieving a grade of B or better in the USI course in which they are placed, then completing a Departmental Exam Credit form and paying a $25 fee, earns credit for all preceding courses. Students requesting Japanese or Latin placement should contact the World Languages and Cultures department (812-461-5203); French, German, and Spanish placement tests are given by Academic Skills (812-464-1743).

English—The English department has mandatory placement for all introductory writing courses (GENS 098 , ENG 100 , and ENG 101 ). Placement into an appropriate writing course is determined by a student’s high school rank, GPA, and Critical Reading and Writing SAT or equivalent ACT scores. Transfer students’ English placement will be based upon their transfer credit evaluation.

To place into ENG 101 , students must meet two of the following criteria:

1. High School rank percentile of 51 percent or above, or high school GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale
2. SAT Critical Reading score of 450 or higher (Old SAT) or 25 or higher (New SAT Reading subscore); or ACT Reading score of 19 or higher
3. SAT Writing score of 450 (Old SAT) or 26 or higher (New SAT); or ACT English score or ACT ELA (English Language Arts) score of 19 or higher.

• A New SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section (EBRW) score of 510 or higher will satisfy requirements 2 and 3 above.

Students who do not meet two of these three criteria must write a placement exam prior to registering for their composition courses.

In cases where students submit ACT scores instead of SAT scores, the equivalent ACT scores will be used. In cases where students submit both ACT and SAT scores, the scores that place the student in the higher course will be used. In cases where the student’s data is incomplete, the student will be required to write the placement exam.

Reading—Students are considered reading at the University level and will be exempt from taking a reading course if they meet one of these criteria:

• SAT Critical Reading score of 23 or higher (420 on the previous version of SAT)
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section score of 490 or higher
• ACT Reading score of 17 or higher
• 9+ hours of college credit

Students who have fewer than 9 college credits or do not have an ACT/SAT score will need to take a Reading Placement exam. Reading placement is mandatory, if placed in GENS 151 . Students who place into GENS 151  based on SAT/ACT scores may take the placement test to try for a higher placement.

Screaming Eagles (New Student) Orientation

All new students (freshmen and transfers) are required to participate in Screaming Eagles Orientation. The orientation program focuses on introducing new USI students to the academic policies and support services at USI and facilitating the academic advising and registration process for their first semester. During this program, students meet with staff in their academic area to select courses. Admitted students will receive information from Student Development Programs prior to Screaming Eagles Orientation registration, outlining dates and instructions for participation. Further information may be obtained at usi.edu/orientation. 

In addition, the University offers a welcome week program in which all new students are expected to participate. The fall welcome week program provides further orientation to programs and services offered by the institution; education on developing skills needed to succeed in college; and opportunities to become connected with other students, faculty, and staff at the institution.