Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirements and Procedures

Beginning 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 and is evaluated on the following areas from his/her high school transcript:

• Four years of English
• Three to four years of laboratory science
• Three years of social science
• Three to four years of mathematics

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.

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 or class ranking
• 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

All students applying for admission to the University of Southern Indiana are required to take either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). These tests should be taken prior to application to the University.

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 the USI Office of Admission. 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, factors which will be considered are: (1) academic performance at each college attended; (2) academic performance from high school; and (3) personal qualifications and citizenship. The applicant also may be asked to: (1) have an interview with a member of the Undergraduate Admissions staff; and (2) provide scores obtained on either the ACT or SAT exam.

A student desiring to transfer from another accredited college will need to submit an application for admission, high school transcript, and one official transcript from each college attended. A transfer student should have a minimum cumulative average of C and be in good standing at the institution from which he or she is transferring. An applicant with less than C cumulative average will be reviewed on an individual basis. Under no circumstances will the applicant’s previous college work be disregarded.

Transfer Credit Policy

Course credits earned from regionally accredited* colleges and universities will be accepted as transfer credit subject to the following guidelines:

1. Only courses taken while a school is regionally accredited will be accepted.
2. Only courses with grades of C or better will transfer (minus grades from other colleges and universities will be upgraded to the standard letter grade (ex. B- to B). Grade point averages do not transfer.
3. Orientation courses will not be accepted as transfer credit, nor will coursework from academic departments which have no counterpart in the USI curriculum.
4. Noncredit courses earned at previous colleges or universities will not transfer.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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.

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 from the Registrar’s Office. 

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

Apply for undergraduate admission online at www.usi.edu/admission/apply-now.

   2.  Official transcripts from all high schools and colleges previously attended

   3.  Submit SAT or ACT scores. Students must complete the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or the American College Test (ACT) in order to be admitted to the University of Southern Indiana.

   4.  Pay the non-refundable application fee.

   5.  When all steps listed above are completed, the applicant’s admission will be complete and 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. This information will provide specific dates, times, and places for the orientation, advisement, and registration activities.

GED Test Admission

An individual 18 years of age or over who is not a high school graduate may be admitted on the basis of an achievement test certificate and score report. This certificate may be granted as a result of satisfactory scores on the General Educational Development (GED) test.

NOTE: Applicants who have been schooled in settings other than a commissioned high school and who are less than 18 years of age will be reviewed individually by the director of Admission. Scores from the SAT or ACT are required and completion of the GED test or other high school equivalency test is strongly recommended.

High School Agreement Program

A high school junior or senior who is approaching graduation 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.

A superior high school student may be admitted for the summer sessions between the junior and senior years of high school. Approval must be obtained from the parents, high school counselor or principal, and the director of Undergraduate Admissions.

Required application materials include (1) the high school agreement application and (2) the high school transcript. Applicants who have been schooled in settings other than a commissioned high school and who apply for the High School Agreement Program also must submit scores from either the SAT or ACT nationally standardized testing programs. The final decision on all High School Agreement applicants will be made by the director of Admission.

Admission to College of Nursing and Health Professions Programs

A person seeking admission to dental assisting, dental hygiene, dietetics, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, respiratory therapy, and radiologic and imaging sciences must first be admitted to the University and then to the program. An application must be submitted to the Office of Admission prior to submitting a departmental application to the particular health professions program. For additional information on the health professions programs go to the web site: health.usi.edu or contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions, University of Southern Indiana, 8600 University Boulevard, Evansville, Indiana 47712.

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 international application for admission with application fee (application materials are accessible at www.usi.edu/admission/international-students);
• Official results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), APIEL, or IELTS exams. If English is the native language, in lieu of TOEFL send official results of either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT);
• Complete and attested copies of academic records (in English) from each high school (with graduation date), college, or university attended;
• 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.

Advanced credit may be given for International Baccalaureate higher examinations, British GCE Advanced Levels, 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 English as a Second Language (ESL) program is offered through the department of English. Upon successful completion of the ESL curriculum and submission of all required documents, qualified students will be admitted to a degree program without submitting a TOEFL score.

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 Office of International Programs and Services at 812-465-1248.

Servicemembers Opportunity College

The University is a member of Servicemembers 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 retired people. See the 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 credit by examination program is designed to recognize superior learning experiences and translate that experience into college credit. It helps a student gain recognition for what the student knows and can do irrespective of how, where, and when the knowledge was obtained. Candidates for credit by examination need to contact the department of the specific exam subject.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

The Advanced Placement program is a testing program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). It is a special college-level learning experience of the high school student which can take the form of an honors class, a strong regular course, tutorial, or independent study.

Any high school sophomore, junior, or senior who has participated in the Advanced Placement program (AP) during high school, or has developed an equivalent background through the student’s own initiative, may make arrangements to be tested in any or all of the following 17 areas:

Art, History, English, Physics, Biology, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Calculus, French, Spanish, Chemistry, German, Statistics, Chinese, History, US Government, Economics, Japanese

Tests are given once a year during the third week in May. Participating high schools with Advanced Placement programs may administer their own tests. A student attending a non-participating school may take the qualifying exams at any participating school. The minimum score one must attain to receive credit is three, with five being the highest possible score. For assistance in making test arrangements, write to:

Program Director
College Board Advanced Placement Program
Box 977
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

College Entrance Examination Board SAT II

A student is not required to take the SAT II, but is encouraged to do so while in the junior or senior year of high school. These tests should be taken especially if the student has gained a high degree of proficiency in certain areas. A high school student should contact the high school counselor for registration materials and further information.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

1. General Exams measure achievement in four five basic areas of general education: English composition, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. Credit for successful completion of the general examinations is granted for general education courses. NOTE: A student who has earned 24 credit hours of college credit is not eligible to receive credit for general exams; however, may take subject exams for up to 94 hours of credit. In addition, a student must take the mathematics general exam prior to the official mid-term date of the student’s first college-level mathematics course.
2. Subject Examinations of CLEP To supplement the general examinations of CLEP, the subject examinations cover specific academic areas. The subject examinations which are eligible for credit at the present time are:

• American Government
• American History II (1865-Present)
• American History I (Beginning-1877)
• Analysis and Interpretation of Literature
• Biology, General
• Business Law, Introductory
• Calculus with Elementary Functions
• Chemistry, General
• College Algebra
• College Composition Modular
• Financial Accounting
• Macroeconomics, Introductory
• Management, Introductory
• Marketing, Introductory
• Microeconomics, Introductory
• Psychology, General
• Sociology, Introductory
• Trigonometry
• Western Civilization II (1648-Present)
• Western Civilization I (Ancient-1648)

Registration for the CLEP examinations may be made through the Workforce Certification Center at Ivy Tech at 812-429-9852.

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, the student 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. To earn foreign language credit by examination for high school course work, students must obtain a grade of B or better in the USI foreign language course into which they have been placed by an advisor. A fee of $10 is required for processing. For further information about departmental examinations, contact the department involved.

Additional Policies Concerning Credit by Examination

1. Anyone may take examinations for credit; however, only a currently or previously enrolled student of USI may apply granted credit toward a degree.
2. 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.
3. A student may not establish credit by examination for any course in which the student is currently enrolled.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 (if accepted by the student) is recorded automatically on the student’s transcript.
7. 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 will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the dean, the director of Admission, and the provost.
8. A maximum of 94 credit hours earned by examination may apply toward a student’s baccalaureate degree, and a maximum of 46 credit hours earned by examination may apply toward the student’s associate degree. For detailed information concerning the Credit by Examination program, contact the department appropriate to the exam.

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 the Counseling Center (812-464-1867) 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 one’s best effort be given to 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 Department of Mathematics 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 or Math ACT score of at least 29
• Math SAT score of at least 600 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.

Foreign language—Placement testing is recommended for students who studied French, German, Spanish, Japanese, or Latin in high school. The foreign language placement test allows students who studied a foreign language in high school 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 course in which they are placed earns credit for all preceding courses. Students requesting Japanese or Latin placement should contact the Department of Modern and Classical Languages (812-461-5203); French, German, and Spanish placement tests are given by Academic Skills (812-464-1743).

English—The Department of English 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 percentile 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 three criteria:

High School rank percentile of 51 percent or above
SAT Critical Reading score of 450 or above
SAT Writing score of 450 or 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 – Placement into an appropriate reading course is determined by a student’s Verbal SAT/Reading ACT score. Students who do not have a Verbal SAT/Reading ACT score will need to take a Reading Placement exam. Reading placement is mandatory for both developmental reading courses (GENS 099  and GENS 151 ).

Screaming Eagles Orientation

All new students (freshmen and transfers) to the University will participate in a Screaming Eagles Orientation prior to registering for their first semester of class.  In addition, the University offers a welcome week program in which all new students are expected to participate.  Both programs are designed to assist new students in making the transition to the University. The orientation program focuses on introducing new students to the academic policies and support services at USI, facilitating the academic advising and registration process for their first semester, and preparing students for the first day on campus. During this program, new students will meet with staff in their academic area to select courses. 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. Newly admitted students will receive a mailing from the Student Development Programs several months prior to their first semester, outlining dates and instructions for participation in new student orientation. Further information may be obtained at usi.edu/orientation.

Evening Student Services

To accommodate evening students, certain offices offer evening hours when classes are in session during fall and spring semesters. Contact the individual office for hours of operation. Students who need to see specific faculty or staff members during evening hours should make appointments to do so.