A prospective first-time freshman must submit a completed application, the $25 application fee, and have his or her counselor submit an official transcript. An official SAT, ACT, ISAT, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score must be printed on the transcript or sent directly from the testing agency.

All applicants must present a high school transcript or its equivalent that shows a graduation date, the successful completion of required college preparatory courses, and appropriate test scores. These required college prepartory courses are listed on the following page.

First-time freshman applicants will be evaluated on successfully completed college preparatory courses, high school grade point average, and SAT or ACT scores. Special talents and other relevant factors, including extracurricular activities and service to community, will enhance an application, but not overcome a poor academic record.

FMU accepts SAT as well as ACT test scores. The University also administers an institutional SAT (ISAT) to incoming students who have not otherwise taken the SAT in high school, or who need to improve their scores. Scores from the ISAT are to be used only at FMU and cannot be transferred elsewhere. Cost for the test is $35. Call the Office of Counseling and Testing to schedule an appointment.

First-time freshmen who are missing one or two required high school courses may be admitted to the university, but they must successfully complete college course(s) in that subject area during the summer session(s) prior to their first semester or during their first year. However, students may have no more than one deficiency per subject area, except foreign language. If a satisfactory grade is not achieved or if an equivalent course is not available, students may enroll in the course(s) during the second semester. Students who have not passed a college course(s) in the area of deficiency(ies) after two semesters cannot enroll for a third semester. Students missing more than two required high school courses will not be admitted.

Transfer applicants must submit an application, the required fee, and have official transcripts sent from each high school as well as each college attended. Test scores are not required for applicants who have earned at least 24 hours of college transferable work. A 2.0 cumulative college GPA is required.

The University accepts credit for Advanced Placement, CLEP, and life experience. Please see the Academic Information chapter for more information about these programs.

Admissions decisions at Francis Marion University are made on a rolling basis, which means as soon as a prospective student's file is complete, he or she will be notified of admission status. Students are encouraged to apply at least six months prior to the intended date of enrollment. Students must also be accepted to the university before they will be considered for academic scholarships.

Acceptance is valid for one academic year. If the student enrolls at another institution, he/she must reapply to FMU. Provisionally accepted students who defer enrollment must reapply.

The University reserves the right to make admission policy and fee changes.