Traditional Student Admissions

First Time in College

Evidence has shown that successful applicants to the University will have taken challenging college preparatory classes and be intrinsically motivated to succeed. Applicants must meet the below requirements to qualify for admission:

Students with an overall ACT score of 18 and higher (equivalent SAT) and a high school GPA of 2.65 and higher will be admitted to Tusculum University.

Students with an overall ACT score of less than 18 (equivalent SAT) or with no ACT/SAT score may be admitted based on a review of students’ high school academic records by the Admissions and Standards Committee.

First time, domestic, traditional undergraduate students who have a grade point average of at least 2.0 but less than 2.65 will be conditionally admitted pending successful completion of the Cornerstone Summer Program.

Admission decisions are based on a careful review of the applicant’s previous academic preparation, high school grade point average and ACT and/or equivalent SAT score (when available). The Admissions and Standards Committee may review the academic record of applicants who do not meet the University’s standard of admission to determine their academic potential at Tusculum University. The Committee will recommend acceptance of applicants to the Provost. If any additional information is needed for further review, the Office of Admission will contact the student. Items requested may include, but are not limited to, information regarding special accomplishments, honors and awards, community service projects, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that may help put the student’s academic background into context.  Supporting documents should be emailed to admission@tusculum.edu.

For students using the GED, a minimum score of 410 must be obtained on each subject test with an average of 450 overall. A combined minimum score must be at least 2250 or the HiSet equivalent.

The University expects applicants to demonstrate their preparedness for University level work in academic core courses. Candidates for admission must have completed at least 12 college preparatory courses. The University recommends that candidates include four or five academic subjects in their course loads each year to meet the following recommended high school programs:

• Four units of English
• Three college preparatory mathematics (Algebra I and II and Geometry suggested)
• Three units of history/social studies
• Two units of science, of which one must include a lab component

In addition, candidates must complete the following:

• Submit a completed application for admission with a signed honor pledge
• Submit official secondary school transcript(s) (a student who plans to enroll must submit their final, official high school transcript complete with graduation date)
• Applicants with a high school GPA of 2.65 or higher are exempted from submitting ACT or SAT scores. However, test scores are recommended as they may result in a higher academic aid award.
• Applicants with a high school GPA below 2.65 must submit official score report(s) on the ACT or SAT. There is no preference for either the ACT or SAT. The evaluation of those who submit results of both will rely on whichever test score is comparatively stronger.  Tusculum University will consider all official test scores from multiple tests dates. The highest composite score from among each test will be used. There is no limit to the number of test scores you may submit with your application.
• Study of a foreign language is not required, however, it is included in the calculation of an academic grade point average for admission consideration

Freshmen with transferable credit or dual enrollment must submit ALL official transcripts from all colleges and universities prior to the first day of class at Tusculum to receive credit for that class. The official transcripts must come in a sealed envelope from the institution(s) attended. The transcript(s) should be mailed to Tusculum University, PO Box 5051, Greeneville, TN 37745 or be sent via certified transcript service.

Veterans may submit a certified Veteran’s Form DD214 showing an honorable discharge with at least six months service. Those still active may submit basic training documents for credit review.

Applicants who have been educated in a home school program should follow the same procedures as any other candidate for the freshman class. A high school transcript and documentation or high school diploma or its equivalency (e.g., GED) should be presented.

Application Review

Freshmen and transfer applicants are reviewed for admission once all required materials are received.

The enrollment deposit is required to secure a student’s place in the entering class; it will be credited to the applicant’s account in the Tusculum University Business Office and will reduce the amount of tuition due at the time of billing. All offers of admission and financial aid will stand until May 1; the deposit will secure such offers beyond the May 1 deadline. Once the deposit is made, applicants may complete housing forms and are considered for priority class registration during the summer. Students must utilize their assigned Tusculum University email account upon deposit.

Traditional Student application deadline for a semester is the Friday before the semester starts. For Fall 2024, that is August 23, 2024. For Spring 2025, that is January 17, 2025.

Readmission

Students who have discontinued attendance at Tusculum University for one semester or more, not including summer term or a leave of absence, must apply for readmission. Former students seeking readmission who have attended another institution during the interim will be considered transfer students. Official transcripts will need to be mailed directly from any previously attended institutions to the Office of Admission for review. Former students in good academic and judicial standing may be admitted upon submission of the appropriate forms. Students not in good academic or judicial standing must petition the Admissions Appeals committee for readmission. The petition should be sent to the Office of Admission for review by the Admission and Standard committee and show definite reason and good cause as to why such re-enrollment should be permitted. Students suspended for academic reasons may petition for readmission after remaining out of school for at least one semester. Students suspended for judicial reasons will also be reviewed by the Dean of Students. The summer term may count toward meeting the suspension requirement, provided the student earns enough summer school credit such that the overall cumulative G.P.A. is significantly increased.

Special Student Status

Applicants who are not candidates for degrees from Tusculum University, but are interested in attending classes, will most likely be placed in one of these four categories:

1. Visiting/Transient Students: Applicants currently matriculating at another college who are in good standing may want to enroll as transient students. The normal application procedure should be followed, either an official transcript or a letter from the chief academic officer or registrar of the applicant’s institution must be sent to the Office of Admission giving special approval for the Applicant to attend Tusculum University and specifying which courses may be taken. At the request of the applicant, a transcript will be sent to his/her college at the end of the enrollment at Tusculum. Enrollment in this status is for a limited period, usually not exceeding one semester.
2. Special Students: Tusculum University will admit applicants who do not plan to become regular students or candidates for degrees but who plan to enroll in one or more courses. Applicants seeking course credit to qualify for admission to undergraduate, graduate or professional programs along with those seeking teaching certifications/licensure may be enrolled as special students. Applicants seeking this option are required to submit applications and/or appropriate documentation to be reviewed by committee.
3. Auditors: An auditor is one who attends classes, but is not required to participate in classroom discussions, submit work required of other students or take examinations. Individuals who wish to audit one or more courses should submit an application at least two weeks before the beginning of the semester in which they expect to enroll and secure the permission of the instructor. A course that is audited cannot change to a credit course, nor can a credit course change to an audit course, after the drop/add period.
4. Dual Enrollment: Tusculum University welcomes applications from high school students who have completed their sophomore year, wishing to earn college credit while still enrolled in a secondary school. Students applying for Dual Enrollment must submit the following:
   1. A complete Tusculum University admission application.
   2. Official score reports on either the ACT or SAT. There is no preference for either test. PLAN scores may be used if ACT or SAT scores are not available.
   3. Official high school transcripts reflecting a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale (no longer a limitation on the number of courses that can be taken).
      • Required maintenance of a 2.0 GPA in dual enrollment courses.
      • A student with lower than a 2.75 high school GPA can avail themselves of the admissions appeals process.
   4. Written approval of high school guidance officer, registrar or school principal.
   5. Completion of the Dual Enrollment Application located at http://web.tusculum.edu/dualenrollment/.
   6. Students interested in the Dual Enrolment Grant of the Tennessee Lottery must file the appropriate application for the grant online.

Transfer Students (Applicants with 12 or More Hours of Earned College Level Credit)

Tusculum University will consider applicants for admission by way of transfer from colleges and universities accredited by regional accrediting agencies. The following items must be completed:

• A submitted Tusculum University Admission Application.
• Official transcript(s) remitted directly from the applicant’s previous institution(s).
• Only transcript(s) received at Tusculum University P.O. Box 5051, Greeneville, TN 37745 or via certified transcript service will be deemed official.
• An official transcript from the secondary school must be sent if fewer than 12 college-level credits have been completed.

Applicants seeking transfer of course work from postsecondary institutions with national or specialized accreditation may request that the Registrar’s Office review such credit with the pertinent academic department, provided the transcript and course syllabi are official and remitted directly from the applicant’s previous institution. A transfer applicant must have transcripts sent from each previous institution denoting ALL college level work taken. Only those transcripts sent by the credit-granting institution will be deemed as official. Transfer applications will be considered void if discovery of previous attendance at another institution is not disclosed at the time of application and a direct violation to the University’s Code of Conduct will be noted.

Applications for the fall semester should be filed with the Office of Admission during the prior winter or spring semester. Notification will be made when the file of credentials is complete. For entrance in the spring semester (mid-year admission), applications should arrive before November 15 to receive priority registration opportunities.  Applicants wanting to receive priority consideration for fall should submit completed applications by April 15.

Transfer applicants must be eligible to return to the college or university previously attended. Tusculum will consider transfer applicants with complete official transcripts that show an average of 2.0 or better in college level credit.

Veterans who wish to transfer credit may submit a certified Veterans’ Form DD214 showing an honorable discharge with at least six months service. Those still on active duty in the military may submit basic training documents.

Review of Criminal Behavior, Other Than Honorable Discharge

Tusculum University is committed to community development without unreasonable risk to the safety and welfare of individuals or their property. Based on these considerations, applicants for admission to all programs of study will be asked if they have been responsible for criminal behavior, received other than by honorable discharge from military service or been the subject of disciplinary accountability by an institution of higher education. An affirmative response to these questions will not automatically prevent admission, but applicants will be asked to provide sufficient information (personal information, intended programs of study and criminal and rehabilitative history) to determine whether the applicant is a match for the Tusculum University community and course of studies. Any omission or falsification in the disclosure of the requested information may result in denial of admission or disciplinary action (See “Application for Admission” and “Review of Applicants” Criminal, Discharge and Conduct for Admissions Policy” in the Student Handbook for more information). Applicants who may have past criminal behavior, felony or misdemeanor and Veteran’s with a discharge other than Honorable will be reviewed by the Dean of Students.

Courses at Other Institutions

While enrolled at Tusculum University, all courses taken at another institution must have prior approval by the Tusculum University Registrar. Courses taken online through another institution must have Tusculum University departmental faculty and Registrar approval. Unauthorized course work may result in duplication of previously earned credit or denial of credit. Official transcripts are required upon completion of coursework at another school.

Enrollment Deposit

Applicants who are offered admission are asked to submit an enrollment deposit of $150 to secure their place in the class. Deposits are fully refundable, upon written request to the Office of Admission, until May 1. No refunds will be issued after May 1, regardless of the date of deposit. The deposit will be credited to the applicant’s account in the Business Office and will reduce the amount of tuition due at the time of billing. All offers of admission and financial aid will stand until May 1. The deposit will secure such offers beyond the May 1 deadline. Once the deposit is made, applicants may complete housing forms and are considered for priority class registration during the summer. Students must utilize their assigned Tusculum University email account received during registration.

International Students

International students are expected to follow the general admission policies. Additional information is listed for your convenience. Documents may be submitted separately. To expedite the process, we suggest you provide as many documents as possible at the same time.

1. Submit Application
   
   A complete Tusculum Application for Admission must be submitted. Please include your name, exactly as it is noted on your application on all documents you submit.
    
2. Submit Academic Transcript
   
   First Time in College
   
   Arrange for your secondary school to send your official transcripts directly to Tusculum. The secondary school transcript must include English and United States metric translations. If the post-secondary transcript is not in English and United States metric it must be certified by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or by Educational Credential Evaluators. The students are free to choose from a NACES accredited company.
   
   Students from educational systems with external exams should submit certified external exam results (i.e., GCE/AS results, CBSE Board exams, etc.). Applicants must submit official transcripts from any dual enrollment/other schools attended (if applicable).
   • If you have attended more than one high school, records from each school must be submitted if the grades/marks are not listed on applicant’s current high school transcript.

Transfer

• Transfer students with less than 24 transferable semester hours must also submit a high school transcript. Transcripts are required from ALL post-secondary institutions attended.
• The secondary school transcript must include English and United States metric translations.
• If the post-secondary transcript is not in English and United States metric it must be certified by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or by Educational Credential Evaluators. The students are free to choose from a NACES accredited company.

If an applicant is discovered to have falsified their academic documentation, Tusculum University reserves the right to deny admission or dismiss the student from the institution.

If transcripts are mailed, they must be official with an original signature of the school official(s) or the school seal on the transcript and sent directly from the school or submitted in an envelope sealed by the school. Transcripts are not considered official if they are issued to the student. Transcripts should be mailed to the following address:

Tusculum University
Office of Admission
P.O. Box 5051
Greeneville, TN 37745

3. Submit official ACT or SAT Score(s)
   
   All international applicants are required to submit either official ACT or SAT score(s). Applicants do not have to send both. Our office will accept scores from both the old and new SAT tests.
   
   Applicants should be mindful of the Tusculum International Student application deadline of June 1 when scheduling the ACT or SAT. The optional ACT or SAT writing/essay section are neither required nor recommended. The SAT II Subject Tests are also not required.
   
   Tusculum University will consider all official test scores from multiple tests dates. The highest composite score from among each test will be used. There is no limit to the number of test scores you may submit with your application.
   
   For students graduating from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, we will waive the ACT/SAT requirement.
   
   NOTE: If you have used a different name (e.g., nickname, middle name, etc.) when taking the ACT/SAT, you will need to notify our office by sending an e-mail to admission@tusculum.edu.
   
   ACT/SAT scores must be sent to us directly from the testing agencies to be considered official.
   
   Tusculum Test Codes: SAT=1812 ACT=4018
    
4. Submit Proof of English Proficiency
   
   International applicants (from a country whose primary language is NOT English) must submit proof of English proficiency, which may be demonstrated by one of the following:

• Official Internet-Based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 68 or higher.
• DuoLingo score of 95 or higher.
• An attested or watermarked copy of an IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) exam score of 6.0 or higher.
• Official iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency) score of 3.5 or higher.
• Official computer-based GTEC (Global Test of English Communication) score of 1200 or higher.
• A “C” or better in transferable English Composition courses (two semesters) at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• A “C” or better on the UK system AS or A-Level English Exams (not ESL), or Hong Kong system HKALE English Exam.
• The ELS Language Center’s Master level 108 class with a grade of “C” or higher.
• IB (International Baccalaureate) 1 English grade result of 5 or better.
• A student transferring 30 or more semester hours of credit from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university is not required to provide English proficiency scores.

All official scores must be submitted to Tusculum University directly from the testing service and test must have been taken within the last five years

Students scoring below these required minimums will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Admission and Standards Committee and recommend an admission decision to the Provost. The evaluation will consider country of residence, language of previous instruction, other standardized test scores, and English course grades. An interview using an approved evaluation service may be used as an additional evaluation tool. The cost will be paid by the student. Please note the findings of this interview will be used in conjunction with all other above scores and materials.

All language proficiency exams must be taken within 5 years of the time of application.

5. Submit Verification of Financial Support and Proof of Health Insurance
   
   After admission has been granted, the international student will submit the Certification of Finances form and $150.00 enrollment deposit. The Certification of Finances form must be submitted along with the student’s bank deposit information from a bank or similar financial institution. If there is a U.S. based sponsor, the Certificate of Finances form should be completed by the sponsor and submitted along with a letter of support. All financial arrangements must be confirmed before the student arrives at Tusculum. All international students must have current health insurance. Students may provide proof of coverage on parent’s insurance (clearly showing coverage in the U.S. and a submitted waiver), or purchase student insurance at Tusculum. International student insurance MUST be provided in order to remain enrolled in classes. Once the admitted student has submitted the enrollment deposit and financial arrangements, Tusculum will issue the Form I-20 which is used to secure the student visa.