First-time Freshman Admission Requirements - Administrative Policy 21-05 - Admissions criteria

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana

First-time Freshman Admission Requirements sets eligibility criteria for applicants seeking admission to Norfolk State University, including pathways that apply when standardized test scores are not required or when alternative programs may be considered. The policy defines admissions tiers by GPA thresholds, high school unit distribution, and supporting documentation, including transcripts and letters of recommendation. It also covers scholarship testing expectations and outlines review, publication, and responsibilities for policy interpretation and revisions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Definitions

Admissions Criteria and key terms

Contacts

Policy interpretation and revision responsibility

Stakeholder(s)

Faculty, staff, and students

First-time freshman admissions requirements: Policy Contents

Tier 1 - High Achievers

Tier 2 - Regular Admission

Tier 3 - Pre-College Enhancement

Tier 4 - NSU Passport

Publication

Dissemination and training timeline

Review Schedule

Next scheduled review and approval

First-time Freshman Admission Requirements Policy Title: First-time Freshman Admission Requirements Policy Type: Administrative Policy Number: Administrative Policy \# 21-05 (2015) Approval Date: 06/07/2024 Responsible Office: Office of Admissions Responsible Executive: Vice President for Operations and Chief Strategist for Institutional Effectiveness Applies to: Applicants (First-time Freshman) POLICY STATEMENT: The admissions criteria are specific to first-time freshmen. Norfolk State University (NSU) will consider students with a high school equivalency diploma upon the successful completion of the General Education Development (GED) test and the evaluation of the Admissions Committee. GED graduates may be subject to the criteria required for general admission. TABLE OF CONTENTS: PAGE NUMBER Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 2 Contacts ........................................................................................................................... 2 Stakeholder(s) .................................................................................................................. 2 First-time freshman admissions requirements: Policy Contents ..................................... 2 Publication....................................................................................................................... 3 Review Schedule ............................................................................................................. 3 Related Documents ......................................................................................................... 3 Forms .............................................................................................................................. 3 DEFINITIONS: Admissions Criteria: A set of standards used in determining if applicants are eligible for admission to the university. Standardized test scores are not required. Higher Achievers: Students achieving a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of a 3.0 or higher Regular Admissions: Students who have less than a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) by having at least a 2.3 Grade Point Average (GPA), 880 SAT or 17 ACT NSU Passport: Transition program in conjunction with the community college for first-time freshman applicants who are not admissible to the university. Pre-College Enhancement: Applicants who met the Grade Point Average of 2.3 but do not meet the standardized test score of 880 SAT or 17 ACT. These applicants are eligible for the summer bridge program. CONTACT(S): The Office of Admissions officially interprets this policy. The Vice President for Operations and Chief Strategist for Institutional Effectiveness is responsible for obtaining approval for any revisions as required by BOV Policy \#1 (2014) Creating and Maintaining Policies through the appropriate governance structures. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to The Office of Admissions. STAKEHOLDER(S): Faculty, staff, and students. POLICY CONTENTS: First-Freshman Admission Requirements 1) Tier 1-High Achievers Students achieving a cumulative high school Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) of a 3.0 or higher mayor may not include a standardized test a) A high school diploma (may include Advanced Diploma) with a total of 22 units distributed as follows: | Courses | Units | | --- | --- | | English | 4 | | History | 3 | | Mathematics* | 3 | | Science | 3 | | Health and Physical Education | 2 | | Fine Arts or Practical Arts | 1 | | Electives | 6 | | TOTAL | 22 | | * Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II are Recommended | | b) An official high school transcript c) Two letters of recommendation per application instructions d) Students seeking consideration for selected scholarships may be required to submit test scores 2) Tier 2 – Regular Admission for those with less than a 3.0 G.P.A. a) 2

FAQs

Are standardized test scores required for first-time freshman admission?

Standardized test scores are not required for Tier 1 High Achievers. Regular admission tiers and pre-college enhancement require submission of SAT or ACT scores as specified.

What GPA and coursework requirements apply to Tier 1 High Achievers?

Tier 1 requires a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and a total of 22 high school units distributed across required subject areas. The policy also lists English, History, Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education, Fine Arts or Practical Arts, and Electives.

What conditions define Tier 3 Pre-College Enhancement?

Tier 3 applies to applicants who meet the specified GPA threshold but require pre-college support, with 22 required units, an official transcript, SAT/ACT submission, and two recommendation letters. The tier includes a personal statement or essay (and may include an interview) plus outcomes tied to completing a Pre-College curriculum and subsequent success credit.

Sep 14, 2026

Uploaded by Eliana