Undergraduate Admission
Freshman Applicants
Grand Valley State University welcomes qualified students to submit their applications. Admission decisions are selective based on the secondary school record, grades earned as well as courses selected, the personal data submitted on the application, and ACT or SAT results.
Freshmen are normally expected to be graduates of accredited high schools or preparatory schools. A strong high school background in basic academic subjects is important in a student’s preparation for college study. The admission requirements are designed to ensure that students who are admitted to Grand Valley State University have the ability to successfully complete academic work and fully use the educational opportunities available.
Grand Valley grants admission to students who are prepared to meet the challenges of a rigorous university curriculum. Admission at Grand Valley is selective. Each application for admission is carefully reviewed and academic performance, as well as other criteria presented by prospective students, is considered in the evaluation. Applicants will be reviewed using a combination of high school courses completed, cumulative grade point average, standardized test scores, grade point trend, rank in class, and other factors.
A total of 20 units is required (a unit is the satisfactory completion of one year’s work). Exceptions to these requirements will be considered in relation to other credentials presented.
Admission
A single deficiency in an academic area will not necessarily mean a student is refused admission. However, students who are missing a number of courses will be at a disadvantage. We recommend that high school students who plan to attend Grand Valley prepare by completing the following high school program. High school coursework is the single most important factor in consideration for freshman admission. High school preparation should include the following.
Four years of English, including composition.
Three years of science, including two years of laboratory science.
Three years of college preparatory mathematics, including two years of algebra.
Three years of social sciences.
Two years of a single foreign language.
Further, we recommend elective courses in computer science and the fine arts. We also strongly recommend a 4th year of mathematics, and additional science courses. Results of the ACT or SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) will be required before an admission decision is rendered unless the applicant has graduated from high school three or more years previously.
The requirement of high school graduation may be waived for adults; provided there is evidence that they are likely to be successful in college. This evidence will in most cases take the form of the test of General Educational Development (GED).
Students are encouraged to apply early in the fall of their senior year. Assistance in the admissions process at Grand Valley can be obtained from high school counseling offices. The admissions counseling staff welcomes the opportunity to meet with prospective students. Appointments should be arranged in advance by calling the Admissions office at (616) 331-2025 or toll-free (800) 748-0246, or by contacting:
Admissions Office
300 Student Services Building
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Mi 49401-9403
To be considered for freshman admission, you must submit the following items:
Completed undergraduate application
$30 nonrefundable application fee
Official high school transcript
Official results of the ACT or SAT
Applications will be reviewed as soon as all information has arrived, and the applicant can expect a decision shortly thereafter. The Admissions office may withhold a decision for additional information or for further testing. Applicants will be notified to provide any additional information. Applications for admission must be complete at least 30 days before the final day of registration. However, admission to any semester is subject to earlier closing without notice.
All documents and supporting data required for admission become the property of Grand Valley State University and will not be returned to the applicant.
Transfer Applicants
A transfer applicant is someone who has attended another college or university. The applicant will be evaluated on previous coursework at the college level. High school performance will also be reviewed for those who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of college-level coursework.
To be considered for transfer admission, you must submit the following:
Completed undergraduate application
$30 nonrefundable application fee
Official transcripts from all previous colleges (transcripts must be sent directly from the colleges to the Grand Valley Admissions office)
Applicants who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) at the time of application must also submit the following:
Official high school transcript
Official results of ACT
Applications will be reviewed as soon as all information has arrived, and the applicant can expect a decision shortly thereafter. The Admissions office may withhold a decision for additional information or for further testing. Applicants will be notified to provide any additional information. Applications for admission must be complete at least 30 days before the final day of registration. However, admission to any semester is subject to earlier closing without notice.
All documents and supporting data required for admission become the property of Grand Valley State University and will not be returned to the applicant.
Transfer students must complete a minimum of twelve hours in the unit conferring the major (six for the minor). Some programs have higher requirements; transfer students should consult descriptions of specific major requirements.
Transfer of Credit
Grand Valley makes every effort to transfer credit for academic work completed at other institutions. In general, courses completed with a D grade at an institution accredited by one of the Regional Accrediting Commissions will transfer when the overall GPA of all previous work, as calculated by Grand Valley, is 2.5 or better. Transfer credit is typically determined by the offering of an equivalent course at Grand Valley. Limited transfer credit may be awarded from technical or terminal associate degree programs. Credit from non-accredited colleges may, under special circumstances, be granted if it is germane to a student’s program. Approval for such credit must be given by the Senior Director of Advising Resources and Special Programs. Such credit will be validated after 15 semester hours of satisfactory work have been completed at Grand Valley (2.0 GPA or higher). Transfer credit will be granted only to those students admitted as degree-seeking. Transfer credit may be awarded for correspondence courses taken through a regionally accredited institution.
Transfer students admitted as degree seeking will receive a Transfer Credit Statement/Degree Audit, which indicates how coursework completed at other colleges and universities will transfer to Grand Valley on a course-by-course basis.
Total credits transferred are recorded on the student’s academic record and will apply toward Grand Valley degree requirements; grades are not transferred.
For information governing the use of transfer credit to fulfill degree requirements, see the General Academic Regulations section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.
Transfers from Michigan Community Colleges
Grand Valley State University is a member of the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (MACRAO), which has formulated an agreement between two-year and four-year institutions.
Students who transfer to Grand Valley with the MACRAO approved associate of arts or science degree from a Michigan public community college have satisfied the Foundation Categories of the General Education Program, the Writing 150 Basic Skills requirement, and one Supplemental Writing Skills (SWS) course. Transfer students with a MACRAO are required to complete the following Basic Skills requirements: demonstrate proficiency in Mathematics (MTH 110); fulfill the junior-level Writing requirement (a satisfactory score on the junior-level assessment essay or a grade of C or better in Writing 305); one SWS course in their major or division. In addition, transfer students with a MACRAO must also fulfill the following general education requirements: the two-course Cultural Emphasis requirement; and one three-course theme. For specific course information, please refer to the General Education section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.
Concurrent Enrollment with Community Colleges
Concurrent enrollment allows students at both Grand Valley State University and community colleges to make full use of the variety of courses offered by both institutions. Through concurrent enrollment, students have more scheduling options, more choice of course locations, and many more courses available. Students may take courses at both institutions simultaneously or alternate enrollment between them. Financial aid may also be available to students who qualify.
Students must be admitted to both institutions. Please refer to the Transfer Applicant or Non-degree-Seeking Applicant section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog for specific admissions requirements to Grand Valley State University.
Undergraduate Non-degree Seeking Applicants
The non-degree-seeking admission status is designed for persons who, at the time of admission, are not interested in obtaining a degree from Grand Valley.
Application requirements and limitations:
Graduation from high school three or more years previous to their first enrollment.
A maximum of 30 semester hours earned as a non-degree-seeking undergraduate student may apply toward a Grand Valley degree program.
Applications must be complete at least 30 days before the final day of registration.
High School Scholars/Dual Enrollment Program
Some high school students may be eligible for concurrent enrollment in Grand Valley courses. Qualification and admission will be based on the following factors:
Completed non-degree-seeking application.
Official high school transcript.
An overall GPA of 3.0 or above in high school coursework.
Official results of ACT or SAT if available.
Completed Grand Valley Dual Enrollment Form including all appropriate signatures.
Limitation of six hours per semester.
Permission from the Admissions office must be obtained for future semesters at Grand Valley while still in high school. Faculty advisement is strongly encouraged.
Students qualifying for dual-enrollment assistance from their high school must present a dual enrollment authorization form prior to enrollment.
A decision on admission will be made when all information has arrived. The Admissions office may withhold a decision for further information or until an interview has been held. Applicants will be notified to submit any additional information.
Undergraduate Guest Student Applicants
This non-degree seeking admissions status is designed for degree seeking students from another college or university who are interested in transferring back the credits earned at Grand Valley State University to their home institution.
Application requirements and limitations:
Eligible to re-enroll at their home institution
Completed official Guest Application
University Honors College
The Grand Valley State University Honors College is intended for students who, in their previous academic pursuits, have demonstrated a distinctly high level of intelligence, motivation, creativity, and academic achievement. The college provides its students with special academic opportunities and challenges.
High school students admitted to Grand Valley State University are typically invited to join the University Honors College if they have a 3.5 or better high school GPA and an ACT score of at least 28.
Transfer students who wish to enter the University Honors College may apply for admission if they have a 3.5 or better college GPA. Applicants should contact the director of the University Honors College.
For more information about the University Honors College, consult the University Honors College section in the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.
International Students
Grand Valley welcomes international students wishing to study at our campus. In 2007-2008, students from 55 nations were enrolled at Grand Valley.
To be considered for admission the student must submit the following items:
Completed international admission application.
$30 nonrefundable application fee.
Evidence of English language proficiency verified by an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Comprehensive English Language Test (CELT), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or completion of ELS Level 112.
The verification of financial support. This is a bank statement from your parents or sponsor showing that you have full financial support for the duration of your degree.
Original or certified true copies of all certificates and grade reports of secondary and postsecondary work. If the credentials are not in English, they must be accompanied by an English translation.
One page personal statement, typed and signed, indicating your academic goals and how you feel you will impact the GVSU campus as an international student.
The following minimum scores are expected: TOEFL 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 80 internet-based; CELT 85; or IELTS 6.5 for undergraduate students and 7.0 for graduate students.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have full financial support as part of the application process. Partial tuition scholarships may be offered to qualified admitted international students. A completed application for admissions, including all required documentation, must be submitted by February 1 for scholarship consideration. May 1 is the deadline for submission of the application and all required documentation to be considered for August (fall) admission. A letter of admission and immigration Form I-20 will be issued at the time of acceptance to the university.
All documents and supporting data required for admission become the property of Grand Valley State University and will not be returned to the applicant.
Credit by Examination
In some cases students may be granted advanced placement or receive college credit by examination. Tests are available to determine levels of competence in certain subject areas. Grand Valley encourages prospective students to investigate their use.
Additional information on credit by examination can be found in the General Academic Regulations section of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.
Special Entrance Requirements for Certain Programs
The standards for entry into the following majors and programs exceed the minimum requirements for admission to Grand Valley. Students must fulfill the additional requirements before they may declare a major in any of these noted areas. Please refer to the department entries for admission requirements and application deadlines.
Art and Design
Athletic Training
Business
Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Computer Science
and Information Systems
Education
Engineering
Film and Video Production
Graphic Design
Liberal Studies
Medical Imaging/Radiological Sciences
Music
Nursing
Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
Physical Therapy (M.S.)
Physician Assistant Studies (P.A.S.)
Police Academy (MCOLES)
Social Work
Therapeutic Recreation
Appeal of Admissions Decisions-Undergraduate
Applicants denied admission may appeal that decision in writing to the Director of Admissions within 30 days of notification. It is important to note that an appeal will be heard only when new or additional information is present.
Graduate Admission
The graduate programs at Grand Valley State University are designed for students who, as a result of their work experience or undergraduate education, are interested in expanding or continuing their professional education. Applicants should become familiar with entrance requirements well before their intended admission date. To be assured of admission consideration, applicants should submit applications and all supporting documents one to two months before the semester they wish to enter. Some programs have more restrictive application deadlines. Please refer to specific program for application deadlines.
All graduate students at Grand Valley State University will be classified as either degree seeking or non-degree seeking.
Application Procedure for Degree-seeking Students
Students who meet the following university requirements and the additional requirements of their chosen program will be considered for degree-seeking status:
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. Submission of all required admission materials, including:
a. Completed graduate application for admission.
b. $30 nonrefundable application fee (unless you have previously applied to Grand Valley).
c. Official copies of transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Transcripts must be sent from those institutions directly to the Grand Valley Admissions office.
d. Scores from either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or CELT (Comprehensive English Language Test) by students whose native language is not English.
3. Additional requirements and application procedures are listed under each graduate degree program.
Graduate Non-degree-Seeking Status
Students with a baccalaureate degree who are not seeking a graduate degree or have not completed all of the admissions requirements of their chosen program may be granted non-degree-seeking status. A maximum of six to twelve semester credits may be earned at Grand Valley State University as a non-degree-seeking student, depending on the student’s program of interest. Some programs have more restrictive guidelines. Students should check specific program descriptions for details.
These credits may be considered for transfer into a graduate degree program if the student is granted permission to change his or her status from non-degree to degree seeking.
Changing Status from Non-degree to Degree Seeking
You may seek a change in status by:
1. submitting all required admission materials and
2. submitting a degree-seeking application form to the Admissions office.
Appeal of Admissions Decisions-Graduate
Admissions decisions may be appealed to the director of the program and then to the dean of the division.
Second Master’s Degree
Under certain circumstances a student may earn two master’s degrees. Students who are considering such a plan should note the following information:
1. meet all specified requirements for both degree programs.
2. complete a minimum of 21 semester hours in residence at Grand Valley beyond the requirements for the first Grand Valley degree.
3. in keeping with the residency requirement, a student with a graduate degree from another institution with appropriate regional accreditation must earn a minimum of 24 semester hours in residence at Grand Valley. Note that the minimum total hours required for the second degree must be satisfied either through approved transfer hours or additional coursework at Grand Valley.
4. the time limit to satisfy degree requirements and the time limit on transfer of credits are applicable to the second master’s degree.
5. students who meet separate emphasis area requirements within a program but not the additional residence requirements for two degrees may have both emphasis areas certified and recorded on their academic record.
International Students
Grand Valley welcomes international students wishing to study at our campus. In 2007-2008, students from 55 nations were enrolled at Grand Valley.
To be considered for admission the student must submit the following items:
Completed international admission application.
$30 nonrefundable application fee.
Evidence of English language proficiency verified by an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Comprehensive English Language Test (CELT), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or completion of ELS Level 112.
The verification of financial support. This is a bank statement from your parents or sponsor showing that you have full financial support for the duration of your degree.
Original or certified true copies of all certificates and grade reports of secondary and postsecondary work. If the credentials are not in English, they must be accompanied by an English translation.
One page personal statement, typed and signed, indicating your academic goals and how you feel you will impact the GVSU campus as an international student.
The following minimum scores are expected: TOEFL 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 80 internet-based; CELT 85; or IELTS 6.5 for undergraduate students and 7.0 for graduate students.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have full financial support as part of the application process. Partial tuition scholarships may be offered to qualified admitted international students. A completed application for admissions, including all required documentation, must be submitted by February 1 for scholarship consideration. May 1 is the deadline for submission of the application and all required documentation to be considered for August (fall) admission. A letter of admission and immigration Form I-20 will be issued at the time of acceptance to the university.
All documents and supporting data required for admission become the property of Grand Valley State University and will not be returned to the applicant.
Transfer of Credit
Graduate credit from institutions with appropriate regional accreditation may be considered for transfer to a degree program at Grand Valley State University. Only coursework completed in the five years prior to application will be considered for transfer. Transfer credits must apply directly to the student’s program as determined by the director of the graduate program. It is the student’s responsibility to petition the program director for consideration of any transfer credit. Only courses with a grade of B (3.0) or above will be considered for transfer. Correspondence courses will not transfer into graduate programs at Grand Valley State University. Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits toward their graduate program at Grand Valley State University; therefore, those students with a considerable number of graduate credits from another institution may not be allowed to apply all those credits toward their degree.
Petition to Return
Following a voluntary absence of two or more consecutive semesters or sessions, a graduate student must complete a Petition to Return form. This form serves to update the student’s demographic record. Graduate students are reminded that following a voluntary absence of 24 consecutive months they must follow the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog requirements in effect at the time of their return to Grand Valley. Such students should meet with their program advisor to revise their study plan.
Graduate students who wish to return to Grand Valley following an academic dismissal must submit a written appeal to the dean of the appropriate division.
Graduate students who wish to change to a different program within Grand Valley must complete the application process for that program. No additional application fee is required, and the applicant need not supply duplicate copies of official transcripts already on file.
Dual Credit
Undergraduate students at Grand Valley State University may register concurrently for graduate credit prior to completing a baccalaureate degree. To do so, students must have earned a minimum of 85 semester hours and have a 3.0 grade point average or be admitted to a graduate degree program. Students wishing to apply for concurrent enrollment must obtain a Dual Credit Request form from the Records office and indicate on the form that they are currently (1) an undergraduate student requesting the designation of a graduate course as part of the undergraduate program (this course may not be used as part of some future graduate program at Grand Valley), or (2) an undergraduate student requesting enrollment in a graduate course to be designated as part of a future program.
The completed form must be submitted to the Records office by the close of business on the fifth day of the semester in which the student wishes to enroll in the course.