/Institutions/University-of-Saint-Mary/json/2021-2022/Academic-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Saint-Mary/json/2021-2022/Academic-Catalog.json

Academic Catalog > Undergraduate Admissions > Traditional Admission

Traditional Admission

Admissions process for first-time, full or part-time, degree-seeking freshmen.

Academic Requirements

1. Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent levels of achievement such as the General Education Diploma (GED) or home schooling and completion of 16 high school units.
   1. For students for whom a high school Grade Point Average (GPA) has been issued, a minimum 2.75 GPA, unweighted on a 4.00 scale; or a minimum 2.50 GPA, unweighted on a 4.00 scale and an ACT composite score of 18 or a composite score of 970 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing plus Math sections.
      1. For such students who do not meet minimum GPA and/or ACT/SAT benchmarks, Next Generation Accuplacer exams in appropriate English and Math sections may be required for an admissions decision.
   2. For students seeking admission with a GED, the GED’s “college readiness” benchmark will be the threshold for regular admission.
      1. For students with a GED who do not meet the “college readiness” benchmark, USM will require students to take the Next Generation Accuplacer exam for placement in appropriate English and Math sections.

Students who do not meet these criteria will be reviewed individually by the Academic Dean and the Vice President for Admissions and Marketing.

Factors considered important in making admissions decisions for first-time, full or part-time, degree-seeking applicants include high school attending (or attended), academic program, standardized test scores, GPA, class rank, community/school service, and recommendations. Admission into the university does not guarantee admission to any particular program or athletic eligibility.

Applicants from non-accredited high schools may be accepted conditionally. Full freshmen standing will be dependent on subsequent University of Saint Mary GPA. All traditional-age prospects are encouraged to pursue a strong college preparatory program in high school. A recommended program includes:

• 4 years of English
• 2-4 years of mathematics (Algebra I and II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus)
• 2-4 years of science (Introduction to Physical Science or Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• 2-4 years of history/social science (History, Psychology, Sociology)
• 2-4 years of electives, including computer programming

Application Procedures

Applicants must submit the following to the Admissions Office:

1. A completed application for admission and a non-refundable application fee of $25.
2. An official transcript of the high school academic record complete through at least six semesters (junior year) sent from the high school guidance office to the University of Saint Mary Admissions Office.*

   *Upon completion of the senior year of high school, students must request that their high school send their final official transcript, complete with graduation date and final GPA, to the Admissions Office.

3. Official transcript(s) of any college work completed (some high school students take college credit courses). Official transcript(s) that contain courses currently in progress or having Incomplete grades, whether from high school or prior college(s), must be resubmitted to the University of Saint Mary showing final grades.
4. An official report of ACT or SAT scores, if such scores are being submitted for admissions consideration. Official ACT test results on the high school transcript are acceptable. (Test scores are not required for transfer students.)