ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
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Non-Native Speakers of English
READMISSION OF FORMER Clayton State University STUDENTS
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ADMISSION OF STUDENTS NEW TO Clayton State University
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 (770-961-3500) or by accessing the internet (www.clayton.edu). 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.
* An application form is in the back of this catalog.
Admission Categories
• Recent High School Graduates (graduation class in the past five years)
• Non-traditional Applicants (graduation class more than five years ago)
• Transfer Students
• Freshmen Scholars (concurrent high school/university enrollment)
• Transient Students
• International Students
• Other Categories (special admission, auditors, age 62 and older)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Admission to the University does not guarantee admission to certain programs that have limited enrollment capacity and/or additional standards. This includes such programs as nursing, dental hygiene, music, and teacher education. Please consult the appropriate chapters of this catalog for full information.
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Any student 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. Check the Clayton State University webpage www.clayton.edu or contact the Office of Admissions for specific dates. The documents required for admission are as follows:
a. Clayton State University application for admission.
b. Clayton State University immunization form.
c. Official transcripts from every high school the student attended. (Note: if a high school transcript is submitted prior to graduation, a final official copy showing the graduation date must be submitted.)
d. Official copy of SAT or ACT test scores.
Additional documentation may be needed as follows:
a. If the applicant has attended any college or university, official transcripts must be submitted.
b. If the applicant graduated from a home school or a school not recognized by Board of Regents’ guidelines, the student must submit SAT II scores.
c. If a high school graduate applicant has not completed the College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) and wants to attempt to meet it by examination, the applicant must submit SAT II scores.
d. If the applicant wishes to receive Advanced Placement (AP) credit, an official copy of AP scores must be submitted.
e. If the applicant holds a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), official documentation of the GED must be provided and the student must submit SAT II scores.
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.
Admission Criteria
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).
* 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, and two years of foreign language in college preparatory classes. The number of mathematics units required will be increased to four in the year 2000. 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.
*The HSGPA is calculated on CPC units only.
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Regular Admission Status
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 1999 through Spring 2000, a student must meet the following standards:*
— Subject to minimum SAT scores of 430v/400m or ACT scores of 17e/17m regardless of HSGPA.
— At least 14 of the 15 CPC units.
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.
*Starting with 2000-2001, no deficiencies will be allowed in any field, and an additional academic unit will be required. (A fourth year of mathematics is strongly recommended.) For 2001-2002, the fourth year of mathematics and two additional academic units will be required.
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 1999-2000, Limited Admission is based on the following minimums: *
— Subject to minimum SAT scores of 380v/360m or ACT scores of 15e/15m regardless of HSGPA.
— At least 13 of the 15 CPC units.
* For 2000-2001 the FI for limited admission will be 1800 with 410v/380m minimum SAT (or ACT equivalent 16/16), and 14 CPC units will be required.
CPC Alternatives
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).
CPC Deficiencies
Students who meet the University admissions requirements (regular or limited) 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:
Science (laboratory): BIOL 1111/1111L, SCI 1111/1111L, CHEM 1151/1151L, or PHYS 1111/1111L.
Social Sciences: SOCI 1101, PSYC 1101, POLS 2201, HIST 1110.
Foreign Language: any course numbered 1001.
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.
Special Exemption for outstanding test scores
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.
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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 by Continuing Education prior to applying for University Admission. Call 770-961-3500 for information. 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. (Non-traditional applicants may submit SAT/ACT scores if they wish.)
To qualify for non-traditional admission, all four of the following criteria must apply.
2. Applicants must have been out of high school for at least five years. (For GED holders, their original high school class must have graduated at least five years ago.)
3. Applicants who have attended college must have earned fewer than 30 semester hours of transferable credit.
4. Applicants who have attended college must either
a) have not attended within the past five years, or
b) have been admitted to their last college as a non-traditional student and be in good standing at that institution.
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. If this requirement is in effect, applicants will be notified.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All transfer students must submit the following by the deadline established for each semester:
d. Any student who has attended another college or university is considered a transfer student. However, transfer students who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours of transferable credit* must also qualify by the recent high school graduate or non-traditional standards explained above and submit all documents as above.
ADMISSION STANDARDS – REGULAR ADMISSION
1. Students transferring to Clayton State University must have a GPA** of at least 2.00.
2. A student transferring 30 or more semester hours* from within the University System of Georgia must have met any CPC deficiency or Learning Support requirements of the sending institution before transferring to Clayton State University.
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.
* Transferable credit excludes institutional credit courses, CPC deficiency make-up courses, and vocational courses unless accepted to apply to a Clayton State University program.
** The GPA is based on all transferable hours plus attempted but unearned hours in courses that would have transferred to Clayton State University if credit had been awarded.
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ADMISSION STANDARDS - LIMITED
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.
POLICIES ON TRANSFER STUDENTS
1. Transfer students who are on academic probation at their previous colleges will be placed on academic probation at Clayton State University. Students who are in good standing at their previous institutions but who do not meet Clayton State University’s standards of academic progress will be placed on academic probation. Students admitted on academic probation must perform under the same academic standards as current Clayton State University students. See Academic Standing in the Academic Information chapter.
2. Students currently on suspension or exclusion from any college or university will not be accepted for transfer admission to Clayton State University until they have been out of school an amount of time equal to Clayton State University’s standards for dismissal. See Academic Standing in the Academic Information chapter.
3. Transfer credit is normally accepted for all college work earned at regionally accredited colleges or universities provided the courses are comparable to the Clayton State University curriculum. A minimum grade of D will be accepted for transfer credit in lower division (1000-2000) courses. A minimum grade of C is required for transfer credit in upper division (3000-4000) courses.
4. A student who has earned a career associate degree (A.A.S., A.A.T., A.S.N., A.S.D.H., etc.) may be admitted to a "2+2" baccalaureate program (B.S.N., B.A.S.) in accordance with the policies in the Technology and Health Sciences chapters.
5. Some programs of study (majors) at Clayton State University will accept only a grade of C or better in all or designated courses in the field. Due to variations in curricula in specific majors (e.g., nursing), courses completed at another institution may not apply to the major at Clayton State University.
6. Some transfer students may be required to participate in the University’s placement examination process and, based on those results, may be required to enroll in Learning Support courses or other learning experiences.
7. Transfer applicants will be screened for previous participation in the University System of Georgia Learning Support program. Previous participants must furnish Clayton State with a complete record of their test performance on all required tests. Students who have not exited an area at the sending institution will be bound by Clayton State University’s Learning Support requirements, and the University may require additional testing to help determine an applicant’s qualifications for admission.
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.
Concurrent High School / University Enrollment
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:
• The Joint Enrollment Program allows outstanding high school students to accelerate their education by earning college credit at Clayton State University. This program enables participants to fulfill high school graduation requirements and, at the same time, acquire fully accredited college credits. Qualified students may enroll in the program at the beginning of any academic semester.
• The Postsecondary Option Program (PSO) offers the same opportunities as the Joint Enrollment Program and is available to both qualified juniors and seniors enrolled in Georgia’s public high schools. Matriculation fees for students electing the PSO program are paid through the Tuition Grant Program. A student wishing to enroll in the PSO program must obtain a Tuition Grant form from his or her high school guidance counselor prior to registering for classes each semester. (This program is not available during Summer Term.)
• The Early Admissions Program allows qualified high school seniors to accelerate their education by enrolling as full-time students at Clayton State University before they actually graduate from high school. Qualified students may enroll in this program at the beginning of any academic semester at Clayton State University.
To be considered for admission to Clayton State University as a Freshman Scholar, a student must qualify as follows:
1. Be at least 16 years of age.
4. Have a minimum combined SAT I score of 1100 with a verbal score of at least 530 and a mathematics score of at least 480 or have an ACT composite score of 24, with subscores of at least 23 on English and 20 on composite mathematics.
5. Be enrolled in high school College Preparatory Curriculum courses and scheduled to complete all requirements by the end of the senior year.
6. Have the recommendation of the high school principal and guidance counselor.
7. Have parental approval.
8. Provide appropriate documentation (Clayton State University Application and immunization form, Freshman Scholar Application, official high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and immunization form) by the deadline for the academic term.
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 am 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:
1. An applicant must complete an application for admission and furnish documentation from the Registrar of the college or university last attended that includes the following:
a. a recommendation for transient admission to Clayton State University,
b. a statement that the student is eligible to return, and
c. a list of recommended courses to be taken at Clayton State University.
2. A transient student who desires to continue as a transfer student at the University must apply through the Admissions Office and meet all transfer admissions policies and requirements.
Non-Native Speakers of English
All students whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways:
1. Submission of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of at least 550 on the paper and pencil test or at least 210 on the new computer-based test.
2. Successful completion of Level 109 at ESL Language Center in Atlanta (404-266-2066).
3. Successful completion of two years of regular high school English courses at an approved or accredited United States high school and graduation from the same high school.
4. Successful completion of one course (minimum of three semester credit hours) in English Rhetoric and Composition at a United States regionally accredited college or university.
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 U.S. 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:
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/).
* Certified translations must be provided for any transcripts, test scores, certificates, or diplomas that are not in English.
Special Students
An applicant already holding a bachelor’s or higher degree who does not wish to obtain an additional degree may seek admission as a Special Student. Such applicants must submit an official transcript indicating the awarding of the bachelor’s or higher degree. Applicants desiring a certificate or degree from Clayton State University must meet admissions requirements for transfer students.
Auditors
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.)
Students 62 Years of Age or Older
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 form, 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.
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.
Call 770-961-3510 for additional information.
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Readmission OF Former Clayton State University STUDENTS
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:
1) Any student who has enrolled in any other college or university while absent from Clayton State University must submit to the Registrar official transcripts from the institution(s) attended. Transcripts must be submitted even if the student does not intend to apply credit to a Clayton State University program. (It is not necessary to resubmit high school records or test scores.)
2) If the student was on academic probation or suspension at the end of his or her last term at Clayton State University, the student will be readmitted on probation regardless of grades earned at another institution. (For students on suspension from Clayton State University, readmission will not be granted until the term of suspension has elapsed or until the student has successfully appealed to have the duration of his or her suspension reduced.)
3 If the student was on academic probation or suspension at the end of his or her last term at the last institution attended while absent from Clayton State University, the student will be admitted to Clayton State University on probation regardless of previous grades at Clayton State University. (For students on suspension from the last institution attended while absent from Clayton State University, readmission will not be granted until the term of suspension has elapsed or until the student has successfully appealed to have the duration of his or her suspension reduced.)
4) If the student was on academic dismissal at the end of his or her last term at Clayton State University (or if the student has been dismissed* from the last institution attended while absent from Clayton State University), the student must file a formal appeal, and readmission to Clayton State University is not guaranteed. Appeals of dismissal will not be considered until at least one year has elapsed from the dismissal. (Forms are available from the University Registrar.)
* or equivalent status such as "permanent exclusion," "final suspension," or any other term indicating that the student’s return to that institution is not routine.
GEORGIA RESIDENCY STATUS
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.
A listing of these definitions is as follows:
1. (a) If a person is 18 years of age or older, he or she may register as a resident student only upon a showing that he or she has been a legal resident of Georgia for a period of at least twelve months immediately preceding the date of registration.
(b) No emancipated minor or person 18 years of age or older shall be deemed to have gained or acquired in-state residence status for fee purposes while attending any educational institution in this State, in the absence of a clear demonstration that he or she has in fact established legal residence in this State.
2. If a person is under 18 years of age, he or she may register as a resident student only upon showing that his or her supporting parent or guardian has been a legal resident of Georgia for a period of at least twelve months immediately preceding the date of registration.
3. A full-time employee of the University System and his or her spouse and dependent children may register on the payment of resident fees.
4. Non-resident graduate students who hold teaching or research assistantships requiring at least one-third time service may register as students in the institution in which they are employed on payment of resident fees.
5. Full-time teachers in the public schools of Georgia and their dependent children may enroll as students in the University System institutions on the payment of resident fees.
6. Military personnel and their dependents stationed in Georgia and on active duty, except military personnel assigned to System institutions for educational purposes, shall pay the same fees assessed residents of Georgia.
7. All aliens shall be classified as non-resident students; provided, however, that an alien who is living in this country under a visa permitting permanent residence shall have the same privilege of qualifying for resident status for fee purposes as a citizen of the United States.
8. Foreign students who attend institutions of the University System under financial sponsorship of civic or religious groups located in this State may be enrolled upon the payment of resident fees, provided the number of such foreign students in any one institution does not exceed the quota approved by the Board of Regents for that institution.
9. If the parents or legal guardian of a minor change his or her legal residence to another state following a period of legal residence in Georgia, the minor may continue to take courses for a period of twelve consecutive months on the payment of resident fees. After the expiration of the twelve-month period, the student may continue his registration only upon the payment of fees at the non-resident rate.
10. In the event that a legal resident of Georgia is appointed as a guardian of a non-resident minor, such minor will not be permitted to register as a resident student until the expiration of one year from the date of court appointment, and then only upon proper showing that such appointment was not made to avoid payment of the non-resident fees.
11. Career Consular Officers and their dependents who are citizens of the foreign nation which their Consular Officer represents, and who are stationed and living in Georgia under orders of their respective
government, shall be entitled to enroll in University System institutions on payment of resident fees. This arrangement shall apply to those Consular Officers whose nations operate on the principle of educational reciprocity with the United States.
Individuals who enter the institution as non-resident students but later qualify as legal residents must fill out a Petition for Residency Classification form, which can be obtained from the Office of Admissions. To assure proper consideration is given to requests for changes in residency classification, students should submit a Petition for Residency Classification at least 20 days prior to the beginning of the term in which they plan to enroll. A student’s residence status is not changed automatically, and the burden of proof that the student qualifies as a legal resident under the regulations of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia rests with the student.
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OTHER ADMISSION INFORMATION
PLACEMENT TESTING
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 Admission’s 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.
presidential exceptions
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.
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