The Admissions Office responds to prospective and newly admitted students. The primary functions are: To provide information about Boise State To host campus tours and other on-campus events To conduct information sessions To process applications for admission To evaluate application materials for admissibility to Boise State To coordinate international student admission The following sections define the deadlines for admission applications, the process by which the Admissions Office determines your admission status, and the standards that you must meet to be admitted to Boise State. Included are instructions to apply for admission (Table 3.2). You can also find this information at http://admissions.boisestate.edu. NOTE: If you are planning to pursue graduate studies, you apply for admission through Graduate Admissions. For more information, see the Boise State Graduate Catalog or contact the Graduate Admissions Office, Math/ Geosciences Building, Room 141, (208) 426-3903. Application Deadlines To encourage prospective students to begin planning early, Boise State University has established firm deadlines for applying for admission. Deadlines to apply for admission as degree-seeking students are as follows: Fall Semester 2009: June 30, 2009 Spring Semester 2010: November 15, 2009 Summer Sessions: One week before classroom instruction begins These deadlines for fall and spring semesters are strictly enforced. Therefore, you must ensure that the Admissions Office receives all of your application materials before the deadline. If you fail to do so, you may still be admitted to the university; however, you will be admitted as a nondegree-seeking student. As a nondegree-seeking student you can register for any combination of courses totaling 7 or fewer credits, or a maximum of 2 courses, even if these courses total more than 7 credits. Nondegree-seeking students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. You may submit application materials at any time before the deadline; in fact, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Admission Standards To encourage students to be adequately prepared for college-level study, Boise State has implemented the following admission standards. Standards for Freshmen Graduated from an Accredited High School If you graduated from an accredited high school and are under 21, you will be considered for general admission based on your high school grades and test scores on either the ACT or SAT. Boise State s admission index (Table 3.3) is used to determine your admissibility. This index assigns more weight to your high school grades than your test scores. In addition, you must have completed all courses in the Idaho College Admission Core (Table 3.1). If you have met the requirements of the index but have not completed all core classes, you will be considered for provisional admission. If you graduated from high school in 1989 or later and are 21 or older, you will be considered for general admission if you had at least a 2.0 unweighted cumulative high school grade-point average (GPA). In addition, you must have completed all courses in the Idaho College Admission Core (Table 3.1). If you did not complete all core classes, you will be considered for provisional admission. If you graduated from high school before 1989 and never attended college, you will be considered for general admission. Completed GED Certificate If you completed the GED and are under 21, you will be considered for provisional admission if you meet the minimum standard score on the GED (see below) and have a minimum ACT composite score of 17 or a minimum SAT combined critical reading and math score of 830. If you completed the GED in 1989 or later and are 21 or older, you will be considered for provisional admission if you meet the minimum standard score on the GED (see below). If you completed the GED prior to 1989 and your standard score average is at least 50, you will be considered for general admission. Minimum standard score requirements: 50 if GED completed prior to January 1, 2002. 500 if GED completed after January 1, 2002. Home School or Unaccredited High School Graduate If you graduated from an unaccredited high school or home school program and did not complete a GED, you will be considered for provisional admission with an ACT composite score of at least 17 (or SAT combined critical reading and math score of at least 830) and the following minimum scores on the COMPASS exam (46 on Algebra, 68 on Writing and 85 on Reading). ACT or SAT scores are not required if you are 21 or older. Table 3.1 Idaho College Admission Core Subject Area Semesters Courses Restrictions English 8 Composition, Literature None Social Science 5 American Government, Geography, U.S. History, World History, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology Mathematics 6 Applied Math I, Applied Math II, Algebra 1, Algebra II, Geometry, Analytic Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Trigonometry Natural Science Humanities/ Foreign Language Other College Preparation 6 Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Physiology, Physical Science, Physics, Zoology 2 Literature, History, Philosophy, Foreign Language, and related study of two or more of the traditional humanities disciplines 3 Speech, Studio/Performing Arts (Art, Dance, Drama, Music), additional Foreign Language None At least 4 semesters taken in grades 10 through 12 Selected applied science courses may count for up to 2 semesters. At least 2 semesters must be for courses that include a laboratory science experience. None Up to 2 semesters of approved vocational courses may apply; consult your high school counselor. NOTE: Students who have not completed the Idaho College Admission Core upon graduation may be considered for provisional admission status. Chapter 3 Admissions Boise State University 2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog 19
Table 3.2 How to Apply for Admission to Boise State University To apply for undergraduate admission, submit to the Admissions Office all materials indicated in the appropriate list below. For degree-seeking students, all admission materials must be received in the Admissions Office by the posted deadline (see Application Deadlines, on page 19). New Freshmen in Undergraduate Programs Official high school transcript* showing all courses completed and date of graduation (or GED test scores). Note: If you are currently enrolled in high school, you may receive a preliminary admission decision by submitting high school transcripts after your junior year. Official ACT or SAT results posted on your high school transcript or received directly from the testing agency.** Transfer Applicants in Undergraduate Programs Official transcript* from each college or university attended. Note: If you are attending another college, you may receive a preliminary admission decision by sending an in-progress transcript of your work to date. If you will transfer to Boise State with fewer than 14 earned transferable semester credits, also submit the following: Official high school transcript* showing date of graduation or GED test scores. Official ACT or SAT results.** Returning Applicants in Undergraduate Programs As of 2005, you will maintain active status for up to two years after the last semester of enrollment in classes. Check your BroncoWeb account at http://broncoweb.boisestate.edu before submitting a new application. If you attended in the past and later attended another college, or if your previous admission was based on in-progress transcripts, you need to re-apply. Submit the following: Application for Undergraduate Admission. Also submit any of the following that are needed to complete your file: One-time, nonrefundable $50 application fee. Official transcripts* from all other colleges attended. Official high school transcript* or GED test scores, if you have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits. Official ACT or SAT results, if you have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits.** Note: Boise State retains admission materials for five years after your last term of enrollment. You may need to submit new materials if you have not attended for five years. Second Baccalaureate Applicant in Undergraduate Programs Official transcript* from the college or university granting the baccalaureate degree. Nondegree-seeking Applicants Application for Undergraduate Admission. One-time, nonrefundable $50 application fee. Applicants in Graduate Programs If you wish to pursue graduate studies, apply through the Boise State Graduate Admissions Office, www.boisestate.edu/gradcoll. For more information, see the Boise State University Graduate Catalog. Applicants from Other Countries Refer to Admission of International Students in this chapter. Information is also available for International Student Admissions at http://admissions. boisestate.edu/international. *To be official, transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution directly to the Boise State Undergraduate Admissions Office. **Test results are not required if you are 21 or older prior to the opening day of the semester during which you plan to enroll. The ACT code for Boise State is 0914; the SAT code is 4018. 20 Boise State University 2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog
Table 3.3 Boise State University Admission Index The Boise State Admission Index The Boise State Admission Index is used to evaluate your admissibility to Boise State. It combines high school GPA and ACT or SAT scores, placing the most weight on GPA. Find your GPA across the top and your test score down the left side. Draw a line from each toward the center until they intersect. If the intersection indicates you are an Excellent Candidate, you are highly likely to be admitted. If you are a Possible Candidate, admission will depend on several factors, including your academic record, date of application, class availability, and level of state funding received by Boise State. Some applicants in this range may be offered the option to participate in the Bridge Program. Upon completion of specific summer classes, you are eligible to continue into fall semester. Unlikely Candidates will most likely not be admitted as degree-seeking students. Applicants in this range are encouraged to attend as nondegree-seeking students. HigH ScHool gpa RAnge From 3.14 3.09 3.03 2.97 2.91 2.86 2.80 2.74 2.69 2.63 2.57 2.51 2.46 2.40 2.34 2.29 2.23 2.17 2.11 2.06 2.00 AcT SAT to 4.00 3.13 3.08 3.02 2.96 2.90 2.85 2.79 2.73 2.68 2.62 2.56 2.50 2.45 2.39 2.33 2.28 2.22 2.16 2.10 2.05 36 1600 35 1560 34 1510 33 1460 32 1420 31 1380 30 1340 29 1300 28 1260 27 1220 26 1190 25 1150 24 1110 23 1070 22 1030 21 990 20 950 19 910 18 870 17 830 16 790 15 740 excellent candidate for Admission Possible candidate for Admission Unlikely candidate for Admission Note: Boise State does not require the ACT Writing Exam. For ACT/SAT comparisons only the SAT Math and Critical Reading (formerly Verbal) scores will be combined. If your GPA or test score is not shown, contact the Boise State Admissions Office for specific information. Standards for Transfer Students If you have earned fewer than 14 transferable semester credits, you will be considered for admission on the basis of your high school transcript or GED and your college transcript. If you are under 21, your ACT or SAT scores will be considered as well. If you have earned 14 or more transferable semester credits, you will be considered for admission on the basis of your college transcript. You will be admitted with general admission status if you were in good academic standing at the last institution you attended and have a cumulative GPA (grade-point average) of at least 2.0 (based on transferable credits from all colleges and universities). If you have a GPA of less than 2.0, you will be considered for admission on probation. However, if you were dismissed from your last college or university during the most recent semester, you will be required to remain out of Boise State classes for at least one semester (fall or spring). Standards for Returning Students If you have earned fewer than 14 academic semester credits, you will be considered for admission on the basis of your high school transcript or GED and your college record. If you are returning to Boise State with 14 or more earned credits, you will be considered for admission based on your academic record at Boise State and at any colleges or universities you have attended since. To be admitted with general admission status, you must have left Boise State in good academic standing and must have earned at least a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average for your work at the colleges or universities you have attended since leaving Boise State. If you were on academic probation when you left Boise State, you will be considered for admission with probation. However, if you were dismissed from Boise State during the most recent semester, you will be required to remain out of classes for at least one semester (fall or spring). If you were dismissed twice, you must remain out for at least one year. Standards for Second Baccalaureate Degree Students If you already have a baccalaureate degree and will take undergraduate courses, either as a nondegree or degree-seeking student, you apply through the Undergraduate Admissions Office. If applying for degree-seeking status, a 2.0 grade-point average is required for general admission. Once admitted, you are advised to meet with the department chair of your major to determine your course requirements. If you already have a baccalaureate degree and will take graduate courses and your intent is to ultimately pursue a graduate degree, either as a nondegree or degree-seeking student, you apply through the Graduate Admissions Office. For more information, see the Boise State University Graduate Catalog. Standards for Nondegree-seeking Students If you are applying for admission solely to take courses of interest, applying for nondegree-seeking status is a convenient option. Nondegree-seeking status simply requires that you have a high school diploma or a GED. As a nondegree-seeking student during fall and spring semesters, you can register for any combination of courses totaling 7 or fewer credits, or a maximum of 2 courses, even if these courses total more than 7 credits. Any credits that you earn as a nondegreeseeking student are applicable toward earning a degree. Please be aware that nondegree seeking students pay part-time fees; those deemed nonresidents of Idaho pay additonal per-credit nonresident tuition. Also, nondegree-seeking students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. Students who were dismissed from any college or university within the last semester are ineligible for nondegee-seeking status. Boise State University 2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog 21
Jumpstart for High School Students Academic Classes If you would like to attend high school and college courses simultaneously, you may be eligible for Jumpstart at Boise State University. Options include taking Boise State courses at your high school campus or taking courses at Boise State. To take courses on your high school campus, consult your high school counselor. To take courses on the Boise State campus, complete the Jumpstart at Boise State Application. You will need to obtain the signature of your parent and high school counselor or principal. You must be at least 16 years of age or have completed half of your high school graduation requirements. You must also have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0. For more information, call (208) 426-1156. Admission of International Students Standards for Freshman Admission You will be considered for admission on the basis of your secondary school transcript or marksheets and English language compentency. Your secondary school grades must convert to a minimum U.S. GPA (grade-point average) of 2.0 and meet the preuniversity requirements of your home country. If the transcript or marksheets are not in English, you must submit the official documents in the native language along with translated copies that have been verified or attested by the school you attended. In addition, you must demonstate your English language proficiency by meeting one of the criteria noted in the English Language Compency Requirement. Standards for Transfer Admission If you have completed some course work or a degree at the college or university level, you will be considered for admission as a transfer student on the basis of your college or university transcripts or marksheets and English language competency. Your transcripts or marksheets must convert to a minimum U.S. GPA of 2.0. If the transcripts or marksheets are not in English, you must submit the official documents in the native language along with translated copies that have been verified or attested by the school you attended. You must provide transcripts or marksheets from each college or university you have attended, along with a syllabus or course description in English (for any courses taken outside the U.S.), in order to receive transfer credit. Transcripts submitted for transfer credit from schools located outside the U.S. will be evaluated by World Education Services (WES), a recognized nonprofit organization. They prepare evaluation reports that identify the U.S. equivalent of education completed in other countries. Evaluation of foreign credits is an automatic process that occurs once you have been admitted as degree-seeking and have enrolled and paid for classes at Boise State. If you have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor s degree, your transcripts will not be evaluated. Transfer students must also demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of the criteria noted in the English Language Competency Requirement. Along with the academic records and official English language requirement, all international students must submit the following: International Student Application for Admission Nonrefundable application fee of $85 Verification of financial resources to cover one full year of expenses All application materials must be received in the International Student Admissions Office by the following priority deadlines: Fall Semester 2009: June 1, 2009 Spring Semester 2010: October 15, 2009 You may submit your application materials at any time before the priority deadline. Early application is encouraged. If you meet all admission requirements, the International Student Admissions Coordinator will issue an I-20 form, which you need to obtain an F-1 student visa. For more information, please contact the International Student Admissions Office, (208) 426-1757. English Language Competency Requirement International students at Boise State University must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of the admissions process. You can meet the English Language Competency Requirement by fulfilling any one of the following criteria. These options are only valid if met within two years* prior to application to Boise State University. TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based) or 61 (internet-based) or better** IELTS score of 5 or better** Michigan Test score of 240 or better SAT Critical Reading score of 450 or better ACT English score of 18 or better completion of ENGL 101 Intro to College Writing at Boise State or other U.S. regionally accredited institution with a grade of C- or better a bachelor s or master s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution. an application to Boise State through the Study Abroad Coordinator as an International Exchange student from an approved partner university *If it has been more than two years, but you are living in a country where English is the dominate language, you may also meet the requirement. Please contact the International Student Admissions Coordinator for further information. **With a TOEFL score of at least 450/46 or an IELTS score of 4.5, you may be eligible for conditional admission as an undergraduate student to Boise State University. To be granted conditional admission, you must first enroll in the Intensive English Program. Please refer to the Intensive English Program website at http://international.boisestate.edu/content.asp?cat=4&id=42 for information. You may be exempt from this requirement if you are a native English speaker or if English is your first language. Examples of countries where students may be from include (but are not limited to): Australia, the British Caribbean, Canada (English speaking provinces only), Ireland, New Zealand, and United Kingdom. Please contact the International Student Admissions Coordinator for further information. If you are currently enrolled in the Intensive English Program you may be granted permission by the program to apply as a nondegree-seeking student without meeting the English Language Competency Requirement. However, you will be required to meet the English Language Competency Requirement prior to admission as a degree-seeking student. Health Insurance Coverage Full-time international students must be covered by the university s student health insurance policy. The cost of this policy is included in student fees. If you have your own health insurance policy, you may be able to have this requirement waived by providing evidence that your own policy is equivalent to Boise State s. This evidence must be submitted within the first 10 working days of the semester. 22 Boise State University 2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog
Your Admission Status After reviewing your application and supporting materials, the Admissions Office assigns you a particular admission status. Specifically, you will either be admitted with general, provisional, conditional, special, probationary, or nondegree-seeking status, or be denied admission to the university. Each type of admission status is defined below, along with any special restrictions associated with that type of status. General Status You meet all requirements for admission to the university. No special restrictions apply to your admission. Provisional Status You have been accepted for admission, but with provisions. Specifically, within three semesters you must complete 14 credits of course work. Those 14 credits must include one English composition course and one class from each of the three areas that make up the General Education Core (arts/humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences/ mathematics). You must earn a grade of C- or better in the composition course and in each of the core courses. (For more information about core courses, see Chapter 11 Obtaining a Degree at Boise State University.) You are assigned provisional status if any of the following apply: You met Boise State s requirements for high school grade-point average and ACT/SAT scores, but did not complete the Idaho College Admission Core (see Table 3.1). You earned a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or graduated from an unaccredited high school or home school. You were originally denied admission to the university, but were then admitted by the Special Admissions Committee after requesting that the committee review your unique circumstances. Conditional Status You have been accepted for admission, but have been granted this status because the transcript you submitted was incomplete. Once the Admissions Office reviews your complete, official transcript, you will be assigned a final admission status. Your admission under conditional status may remain in effect for no longer than one semester. You will not be able to register for subsequent semesters until your status changes. Special Status You have been accepted for admission on a temporary basis until you submit final, official grade transcripts or test scores. This is a temporary status given only to students who are admitted with unofficial transcripts around the application deadline and allows students to attend class. Once the Admissions Office reviews your complete, official transcript and test scores, you will be assigned a final admission status. Your admission under special status may remain in effect for no longer than one semester. You will not be able to register for subsequent semesters until your status changes. Probationary Status You must attain at least a 2.0 grade-point average in your first semester at Boise State. If you fail to do so, you will be dismissed from the university and will be ineligible to attend Boise State for at least one semester. If you are dismissed from the university a second time, you will be ineligible to attend for at least one year. You are assigned probationary status if any of the following apply: You transferred to Boise State with less than a 2.0 grade-point average for your previous college-level study. You attended Boise State and left the university on academic probation. Even if you have successfully completed courses at another institution since leaving Boise State, you will re-enter on probationary status. Denied Status You do not meet the standards for admission and are denied as a degree-seeking student. You may inquire about enrolling as a part-time, nondegree-seeking student or appeal this decision. Nondegree-seeking Status Designed for students applying solely to take courses of interest, nondegree-seeking status allows you to enroll in up to seven credits or two classes per semester (the summer session has no credit limit). These credits are applicable toward a degree if you are later admitted as a degree-seeking student. However, nondegree-seeking students are ineligible for federal financial aid. Bridge Program This program is designed specifically for undergraduate academic students who would otherwise not be admitted to Boise State. The Admissions Office selects participants from applicants placing in the Possible Candidate for Admission range on the Admission Index. Participation in this selective program enhances the likelihood of student success. You will engage in a rigorous summer program that includes a course in English or communication and a freshmen seminar class. The program continues into the fall semester with your enrollment in a math class and additional course work to be determined with your academic advisor. Class sizes are small and you will become well acquainted with each other. You will also be assigned mentors to provide assistance both in and out of the classroom. Upon successful completion of the classes, you will have earned college credits toward your degree and the right to continue into the spring semester. You are encouraged to apply for admission before February 15, 2010 for Bridge Program consideration. Space in the program is limited and lead-time is needed to facilitate course registration and financial aid processing. For more information, contact Academic Support, (208) 426-4049. When You Are Admitted Once admitted, you will receive notice of your admission status as well as information on the next steps to complete enrollment. One of those steps will be to declare your intent to enroll through your BroncoWeb account. Once your intent is confirmed, you will be able to sign-up for a New Student Orientation program via your BroncoWeb account. New Student Orientation will ease your transition into the Boise State community, provide you with academic advising, and aid you in course selection on-site. Retention of Admission Records The Admissions Office retains your admission file for five years after the date of your last attendance. If you applied for admission but never enrolled, your records are kept for two years. If you reapply to Boise State beyond these retention periods, you may be asked to furnish new application materials, such as a college transcript. Petitions If you do not meet the admission standards for general or provisional admission, you are encouraged to apply to Boise State as a nondegree-seeking student or attend a community college. If you believe unusual or extraordinary circumstances prevented you from meeting the standards or the application deadline, you may petition for special consideration. To file a petition, contact the Admissions Office, Administration Building, Room 101, (208) 426-1156. Questions About These Policies? If you have questions about these policies, contact the Admissions Office, Administration Building, Room 101, (208) 426-1156 or 800 824-7017 or by e-mail: BSUINFO@boisestate.edu. Boise State University 2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog 23