REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

To be admitted to Clayton State University, a student must qualify under one of the admission categories listed below. Applicants in all categories must submit (1) a completed application for admission with immunization form*, (2) the required application fee, and (3) all documents required by the appropriate category under which they are applying.

The admissions application and immunization form may be obtained from the Office of Admissions in the Student Center Building or electronically by accessing the internet (www.adminservices.clayton.edu/admissions/). If you need assistance or have questions about which category applies to you, please contact the Admissions Office and ask to speak with an admissions counselor (770-961-3500) or Clayton State University-info@mail.clayton.edu.

* An application form is in the back of this catalog.

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  Any applicant who graduated from high school within the last five years and who has earned fewer than 30 semester hours (or quarter hour equivalent) of college-level credit must meet the admissions criteria for recent high school graduates.

 Admission Documents

ALL applicants in this category must submit the appropriate documents by the deadline specified for each academic term. The deadline is approximately five to six weeks before classes begin (July 17 for Fall; April 1 for Summer; and Dec. 1 for Spring.) The documents required for admission are as follows:

Important note about official documents: High school and/or college transcripts must be official copies provided by the high school and/or college; student copies are not acceptable. Test scores (SAT I & II, ACT, AP) must be submitted to Clayton State University directly from the testing service or on the official high school transcript; scores provided by the student are not acceptable. In cases requiring the SAT II, the Admissions Office will provide information about which tests are needed and what scores are acceptable.

Clayton State University admission eligibility for recent high school graduates is based on three factors: SAT scores, Freshman Index (FI), and the Georgia College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC).

The Freshman Index (FI) is a combination of high school academic grade point average (HSGPA)* and SAT or ACT scores computed as follows: FI = SATV + SATM + (HSGPA x 500)** (FI is subject to minimum SAT/ACT scores.) For example, the Freshman Index for a student with SAT scores of 510V - 520M and an academic grade point average of 3.00 would be 2,530 (510 + 520 + [3.00 x 500]=2,530).

**The HSGPA is calculated on CPC units only.

** For students who took the ACT, the FI is calculated as follows: (GPA X 500) + (ACT composite X 42) + 88.

The College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) is composed of specified high school courses that prepare students for college-level study. Currently, the CPC requires four years (units) of English, three years of science, three years of mathematics, three years of social sciences, two years of foreign language, and one academic elective. The number of mathematics units required will be increased to four in the year 2001. Questions about the CPC should be directed to high school counselors or to an admissions counselor in the Clayton State University Office of Admissions (770-961-3500).

Some exceptions and substitutions for CPC requirements may be made for applicants who graduated from high school with the official vocational seal and who enter certain career associate degree and certificate programs at Clayton State University. (A student who enters under this provision may not change to a baccalaureate-track program unless the student has completed all of the general education courses in the A.A.S. for his or her major with a GPA of 2.00.) Contact the Office of Admissions for details (770-961-3500).

Provisions for alternate ways to meet the CPC and for making up deficiencies after admission to Clayton State University are explained later in this section. Graduates of home schools or unrecognized high schools and GED holders should pay careful attention to these provisions.

Most recent high school graduates will be admitted to Clayton State University in regular status. A certain number of students will be admitted on limited status as explained under the appropriate heading below.

To qualify for regular admission from Summer 2000 through Spring 2001, a student must meet the following standards:

• Freshman Index of 2000 or higher

• College Preparatory Curriculum (15 units)*
• No deficiencies
• One academic elective is required. (The fourth year of college preparatory math is strongly recommended.)

All students who meet the regular admission standards and who comply with all deadlines and document submission requirements are admitted to Clayton State University. Admission to a selective admission program such as nursing is not guaranteed.

Limited Admission Status

Some students who do not meet regular admissions standards may be granted limited admission. Students granted limited admission who have a FI below 2000 must take Learning Support placement examinations (COMPASS tests) and must enroll in any Learning Support courses specified by placement results. The number of limited admissions is restricted, and meeting the minimum standard does not guarantee admission.

 For 2000-2001, Limited Admission is based on the following minimums:

• Freshman Index of 1800 or higher

• College Preparatory Curriculum

• No deficiencies in mathematics or English.

Students who did not meet CPC requirements by coursework at a recognized high school may meet the requirements by earning the required score on the appropriate SAT II examination(s). This requirement applies to home school students, graduates of unrecognized high schools, GED holders, and graduates of recognized Georgia or out-of-state high schools who did not take the appropriate courses in high school. Contact an admissions counselor in the Office of Admissions for details (770-961-3500).

Students who meet the University limited admissions requirements but do not meet all College Preparatory Curriculum requirements will be required to take one course in each area of deficiency. The approved courses are as follows:

Courses taken to meet CPC requirements cannot be used to satisfy any other curriculum requirements but may count as prerequisites.

Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in CPC deficiency make-up courses during their first term of enrollment. Any students who have not made up their College Preparatory Curriculum deficiencies by the time they have earned 24 semester hours of college degree credit must be enrolled in CPC deficiency courses. Students who have not removed College Preparatory Curriculum deficiencies by the time they have earned 30 hours of college degree credits may not enroll in any college degree courses until all CPC deficiencies are satisfied.

Students otherwise not eligible for admission may be considered for admission if they have SAT I or ACT scores in the upper five percent of national college-bound seniors and show other evidence of college readiness. Contact the Office of Admissions for details.

The non-traditional category is designed for applicants who have been out of high school for at least five years and who have no (or very little) college credit. Non-traditional students are encouraged to consider taking the "Academic Skills Tune-up" or other courses offered in Continuing Education (770-961-3550) prior to applying for University Admission. Applicants in this category do not have to meet the same standards as recent high school graduates and do not have to submit SAT or ACT test scores.

To qualify for non-traditional admission, all four of the following criteria must apply.

1. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited or approved high school or have satisfactorily completed the General Educational Development (GED).

Students admitted in the non-traditional category must take the COMPASS placement test prior to enrolling in any classes.* If the COMPASS indicates the need for Learning Support courses, the non-traditional student will be required to enroll in such courses and must exit Learning Support in accordance with general Learning Support policy (see the Academic Information chapter).**

* Prescreening tests may be required before the student is admitted and given the COMPASS. When this requirement is in effect, applicants are notified.

** Applicants whose Compass scores indicate the need for additional preparation prior to enrolling in Learning Support classes may have their admission deferred pending satisfactory completion of preparation work through Continuing Education at Clayton State University or another approved source. Applicants in this status will be notified.

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All transfer students must submit the following by the deadline established for each semester:

1. Clayton State University application form.
2. Clayton State University immunization form.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended regardless of whether the student has any transferable hours. (Student copies are not considered official.)

Any student who meets the regular status transfer admission standard and complies with all deadlines and document requirements will be admitted to Clayton State University. Admission to selective admission programs such as nursing is not guaranteed and requires separate application form.

A restricted number of transfer students who do not meet the regular standards for admission may be admitted if they show "promise for success" as determined by the Clayton State University Admission Appeals Committee. Applicants may be required to submit essays or documentation in support of their applications. Upon admission, the student may be given certain restrictions.

Important Note: Transfer students who have questions about the evaluation of their transfer work should contact the Registrar’s Office (770-961-5110). Specific concerns about the transfer or degree applicability of core curriculum courses from University System of Georgia institutions should be directed to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (Transfer Ombudsman) 770-961-3538.

  The Freshman Scholar Program offers outstanding high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to accelerate their academic programs by taking courses at Clayton State University. The Freshman Scholar Program includes three options available to qualified high school students:

To be considered for Freshman Scholar admission, a student must submit the following documentation by the deadline for the academic term:

• Freshman Scholar application
• Clayton State University application and immunization form
• official high school transcript(s)
• SAT or ACT scores.

To be admissible as a Freshman Scholar at Clayton State University, a high school junior or senior must meet all of the following requirements:

Students must have an SAT I subscore of 530 verbal (ACT 23E) to enroll in appropriate college courses for English or social studies CPC high school credit. Students must have an SAT I subscore of 530 M (ACT 22M) to enroll in appropriate college mathematics courses for high school CPC credit. (the minimums also apply to courses for which college-level English or math is prerequisite.) Students who do not meet these subscore minimums may take other college-level courses for elective credit if they have at least SAT 430V/400M or ACT 17E/17M.)

Because the Freshman Scholar Program involves close cooperation between Clayton State University and the high school, it is important that students considering one of these options work closely with their high school counselors and/or principals. For further information, students should contact an admissions counselor in the Admissions Office at (770) 961-3500.

A student enrolled in another college or university may apply for admission and enrollment as a transient student. Transient status is usually limited to one term at a time, and enrollment is subject to these requirements and conditions:

All students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways:

Note: Students who show English proficiency with TOEFL scores or ELS Level 109 completion may be eligible for alternate testing for placement tests, exit examinations, and the Regents’ Test.

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All international students must pay the Clayton State University application fee and provide all of the same documents required of U.S. citizens including a completed application for admission form, a completed immunization form signed by a health care provider, and official copies of school transcripts, test scores, certificates, and diplomas.*

Students requiring an F-1 visa to enter the United States:

• Must provide proof that adequate funds are available for educational and living expenses
• Are exempt from the SAT/ACT requirement if the student demonstrates English proficiency as prescribed by the University, has a 2.00 high school GPA, and does not have the opportunity to take the SAT or ACT before entering the US on an F-1 visa.

Permanent residents and applicants in other immigrant/non-immigrant categories must bring their immigration documents to the admissions office. Such documents may include passport, resident alien card, I-94, or EAD.

Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency as outlined in the previous section.

Additional information regarding requirements for International Students is available on the Admissions Website (http://adminservices.clayton.edu/admissions/).

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 Post-baccalaureate Students

Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may be admitted to Clayton State University on a post-baccalaureate basis. Applicants in this category must submit an official transcript from the degree-granting institution. (Applicants in categories b, c, and d below must also submit transcripts from any other institution from which they want Clayton State University to accept credit.)

Post-baccalaureate students may take any courses for which they meet the prerequisites, major restrictions, or other requirements.

Post-baccalaureate students fall into four sub-categories:

Students admitted as auditors enroll in courses but receive no college credit. Auditors must be high school graduates or hold the GED. Auditors must complete an Application for Admission and submit official high school or college transcripts or General Education Development (GED) Test scores. Auditors pay regular fees for enrollment. Students initially admitted as auditors who wish to obtain college credit for courses must seek readmission under another category. Students may not receive credit for courses in which they were registered as auditors unless they repeat the course for credit. (Students who are admitted under other categories may choose to audit certain courses. See Auditing Courses in the Academic Information chapter of this catalog.)

Citizens of Georgia who are 62 years of age or older may attend Clayton State University on a space-available basis without payment of fees (except for supplies, the application fee, and special course fees).

An applicant desiring admission under this classification must meet all regular admission requirements to the University, must be a Georgia resident, and must present proof of age.

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  The orientation program is an important set of activities designed to acquaint new students with the resources available at Clayton State University. The program is tailored for the unique needs of all students, and there are programs for freshmen, transfer students, transients, and families of new students. All new students are encouraged to participate.

During the program, students will have an opportunity to meet faculty and students, become familiar with campus facilities, and be introduced to the wide variety of student services and activities available to the campus community.

At the conclusion of orientation, students will meet with faculty advisors and register for courses.

Orientation details are provided in the student's admission acceptance packet. Call 770-961-3510 for additional information.

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 The readmission process is required prior to registration for any student whose enrollment at Clayton State University has not been continuous except that a student who is enrolled Spring semester may register for Fall semester without attending a Summer session. In other words, if a student sits out for even one Fall or Spring semester, the student must apply for readmission.

Readmission to Clayton State University for former students is a simple and quick process that is handled by the Registrar’s Office in person (STC-214), or on-line (http://adminservices.clayton.edu/registrar/).

Students who were in good standing at the end of their last term at Clayton State University and who have not attended any other college or university during their absence from Clayton State University are guaranteed readmission upon completing the process. (Readmission to the University does not guarantee admission to specific academic programs that have additional requirements and/or space limitations.)

The following additional readmission regulations apply to students who have attended another college or university while absent from Clayton State University and to students who are not in good academic standing:

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 At the time of admission, a student is classified as a resident or a non-resident of Georgia for the purpose of determining fees. The definitions of resident status for this purpose are established by the Policies of the Board of Regents of the University System and do not necessarily parallel other definitions of residency.

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Students newly admitted to Clayton State University under all categories may be subject to entry placement examinations (assessments), which are designed to measure proficiency in critical academic areas. In addition, non-traditional students may be subject to screening tests prior to admission. Students will be notified by the Admissions Office if examinations are required.

Examination results, in conjunction with high school grades and SAT (or ACT) scores, will be used to require or recommend placement in Learning Support courses or other learning experiences.

Testing may also be required at later points in the curriculum for the purpose of evaluating program effectiveness and individual student progress.

 DENIAL OF ADMISSION

A student denied admission or readmission to the University may, upon request, have his or her application reviewed by the Admission Appeals Committee. The committee may recommend the admission of a student on academic probation status if evidence of maturity, motivation, and ability is exhibited.

Students admitted to the University through appeal may be required to take certain courses.

In truly exceptional cases, students who do not otherwise qualify for admission may be admitted by the president of the University if the president has reason to believe that the applicant has special talents that make it likely that he or she will be successful. Requests for presidential exceptions should be sent to the Director of Admissions.