First-Year Applicants
Southern Virginia University welcomes applications from students who demonstrate sound academic preparation and a readiness to succeed in university-level coursework.
Academic requirements: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.5. Applicants presenting a GED or HiSET credential must submit official scores meeting the minimum standard established by the University. Applicants who do not meet the GPA or equivalency requirement are considered under the Foundational Admission process described below.
Testing: Submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional and is not required for an admission decision. Applicants who submit scores may have them considered as evidence of academic readiness and for merit scholarship evaluation. As with transcripts, self-reported or student-submitted scores are accepted for an admissions decision, but official score reports are required before a student begins classes.
Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts (including student-submitted copies) are accepted for an admissions decision. An official, final transcript is required from each institution attended before a student begins classes. Students who do not submit official transcripts by this deadline may have their registration held or their admission decision voided.
If an official transcript differs materially from the unofficial documents submitted during the application process, the University reserves the right to reevaluate the admission decision.
Homeschool applicants: Homeschool applicants may submit a homeschool transcript or a portfolio of coursework demonstrating the variety and depth of their studies. Homeschool applicants who submit standardized test scores, such as official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores, may have those scores used to determine academic rank and merit-based scholarship eligibility. Homeschool applicants who complete their secondary education through an accredited umbrella or cover school program may submit that transcript, which is evaluated using the same standards as a traditional high school transcript.
Foundational Admission
Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement above are still encouraged to apply and are considered through the Foundational Admission process. Applicants in this process submit a written plan for academic success and a letter of recommendation, which are reviewed by the Office of Student Success and considered as part of the admission decision. Applicants with a GPA below 2.0 are further reviewed by the Foundational Admission Committee, composed of the Director of Admissions, the Registrar, and a representative of the Office of the Provost. Students admitted through the Foundational Admission process will begin their enrollment on academic probation.
Transfer Applicants
Transfer applicants are students who have attempted at least 12 semester hours of college-level credit from a regionally accredited institution after high school graduation (or the equivalent, such as a GED). Transfer applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 across all coursework attempted at any previously attended institution and must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.
Applicants who have attempted fewer than 12 semester hours of college credit are evaluated under the First-Year Applicant requirements, with prior college coursework considered as part of the application.
Applicants who do not meet the 2.5 GPA requirement are considered under the Foundational Admission process described above.
Acceptance of individual courses and calculation of transferable credit toward a degree are governed by the University's Transfer Credit and Waivers policy.
Re-Admitted Students
Students who previously attended the University and have been away for at least one fall or spring semester without filing an official leave of absence must file an application for readmission to resume classes. To be readmitted, a student must be in good academic standing and free of any institutional holds.
Deferring Admission
An admitted student may request to defer enrollment for up to two years by submitting a written request to the Admissions Office. Deferral requests are reviewed by the Admissions Office.
A deferred student's admission decision remains valid through the deferred term. Any enrollment deposit or housing reservation fee already submitted remains on file and is subject to the University's standard refund and forfeiture policies.