A prospective first-time freshman must submit a completed application and the $30 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. Required college preparatory 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 and ACT test scores. The University also administers an institutional SAT (ISAT) to incoming students who have not 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. The cost for the test is $35. Prospective students should 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. However, students may have no more than one deficiency per subject area(s), except foreign language and the academic electives. Students must successfully complete college course(s) in the deficiency subject area during the summer session(s) prior to their first semester or during their first year. Students missing more than two required high school courses will not be admitted.

Transfer applicants must submit an application, the required $30 fee, and have official transcripts sent from 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, International Baccalaureate, and life experience. Please see the Academic Information chapter for more information about these programs.

Admission decisions at Francis Marion University are made on a rolling basis, which means that 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 housing assignments or 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.


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