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Freshman (First-year) Admissions

Start your journey at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ

You’re ready for your next step. We’re ready to support you.

At ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ, we prepare today’s scholars to become tomorrow’s leaders and change-makers. As a first-year student, you’ll find the academic challenge, personal support, and opportunities that help you turn ambition into achievement.

Application Deadlines

Early application is strongly encouraged to ensure your application is considered for early decision and merit scholarship opportunities. Late applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis for admissions and financial assistance.

Term	Priority Deadline	Final Deadline
Spring	November 1	December 1
Summer	March 1	May 1
Fall	December 1	August 1

Admission Requirements

We use a test-optional admissions process and review applicants primarily based on academic performance. You may be considered for admission based on the following unweighted GPA criteria on a 4.0 scale: 

• 2.50 GPA or higher: Eligible for admission 

• 2.00–2.49 GPA: Considered for conditional admission and required to interview with the Director of SuccessU

NOTE: Some academic programs require additional materials such as a portfolio, audition, or other program-specific criteria. Applicants to those programs must meet all additional requirements for consideration.

Minimum Course Requirements

To be considered for freshman admission, you should complete a college-preparatory high school curriculum. One unit equals one academic year.

 

Course	Units
Social studies	3 (one of which must be U.S. history or a combination of U.S. history and government)
Science	3 (two of which must be courses in the physical or biological sciences. One unit must be a laboratory science.)
Mathematics	3 (including one year of geometry and one year of advanced algebra and/or trigonometry)*
English	4 (three of which must be courses emphasizing written and oral communication and literature)
Foreign Language, Art, Music, or Vocational Education	2 (one of which must be course work in foreign language, art, or music)
Additional coursework	Up to three of the required fifteen units may be distributed across the categories listed above. Vocational education may satisfy up to three units.

 

*If you plan to major in math, science, business, or engineering, four years of college-preparatory math is strongly recommended. Further, all students, regardless of intended major, are strongly encouraged to take a mathematics course or a course with a mathematics prerequisite during the year before they enroll in a mathematics course at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ.

Completing 15 units in college-prep courses—including two years of a foreign language, advanced mathematics, composition, literature, and at least one unit in chemistry or physics—helps you:

• Qualify for advanced placement or proficiency credit
• Stay on track to finish your degree on time

Applicants who earn transferable college credit in high school (or its equivalent) and enroll at ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ the year they graduate are evaluated using freshman admission requirements.

Required Application Materials 

To apply as a freshman, you’ll need: 

• Official high school transcript, GED, HiSET test results, or homeschool portfolio 
• $25 non-refundable application fee or fee waiver
• ACT/SAT scores (optional)
• Personal statement or essay on why you’re pursuing a college degree (optional*)
• Letters of recommendation (optional for some applicants*)  

Letters of recommendation can be submitted by a teacher, school counselor, mentor, coach, and/or employer and emailed to admissions@csu.edu.

Note: Admitted students must submit a final official high school transcript showing a graduation date prior to the start of classes.   

*Some students may be required to interview with our Academic Support Staff. 

Special Applicant Information

GED / HiSET Applicants

Homeschool Applicants

Transcript Requirements

• A summary of course content may be requested.
• Include details of your completed and current coursework, including grades for each course, beginning with the 9th grade.
• The transcript MUST include the signature of the individual who prepared it. 

Required Admissions documents must be submitted electronically to the Office of Admissions at admissions@csu.edu or by mail directly from the parent/homeschool instructor.

Submitting Test Scores (Optional) 

If you choose to submit ACT or SAT scores, official results should be sent to Chicago State University
(code 0992).

Agency	Website	Phone Number
ACT		(319) 337-1313
SAT		(609) 771-7600

Ready to ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ?

Set your future in motion and apply to ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ today.