The College admits as students those applicants whose ability, training, motivation, and interests indicate that they will do successful college work. The course of study and quality of work done in high school or college are both taken into consideration when a student applies for admission. Also taken into consideration are his or her scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT), an essay, and the evidence from references (high school principals, guidance counselors, teachers, alumni of the College, ministers, or other reputable citizens) that the applicant will be an honorable and responsible member of the college community.

To be admitted to Birmingham-Southern College as an entering first year student, an applicant must have graduated from an accredited high school with an acceptable average in all academic subjects attempted and received credit for at least sixteen units, four of which should be in English. The other twelve academic units may be in any of the fields listed below:

• Foreign languages (at least two units in the same language)
• History
• Mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, precalculus)
• Natural sciences (general science, biology, chemistry, physics)
• Social sciences (civics, democracy, economics, psychology, sociology)

The applicant must also present acceptable scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) and must submit an original essay and a satisfactory recommendation from the high school.

Applicants who did not graduate from high school may submit G.E.D. scores. They must also submit all other required credentials for beginning students. The ACT or SAT requirement is waived for students who have been out of high school for more than two years.

To be admitted to Birmingham-Southern College for early admission, an applicant must meet all regular requirements for admission. An applicant should normally have an overall “B” high school average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and above average ACT or SAT scores. In addition, an applicant must exhibit maturity which indicates readiness to adjust to a college environment. An interview with the Vice President for Admission is required.

To be admitted to Birmingham-Southern College as a transfer student, an applicant must have been a student in good standing with a clear academic and social record at the collegiate institution in which last enrolled and, in addition, must have at least a “C” average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) on a full schedule of courses attempted and acceptable to Birmingham-Southern.

If the applicant has attended more than one college, the overall average at these schools must meet the minimum academic year grade point average required at Birmingham-Southern. These requirements are outlined under “Normal Academic Progress” in the “Academic Policy” section of this catalog.

A student accepted for transfer from a non-accredited institution may be admitted with provision by meeting the admission requirements for transfer applicants.

Not more than 96 quarter hours or 64 semester hours (16 units) of credit are accepted from a junior college, a non-accredited institution, an extension center, or any combination of these. Transfer credit is not given for work completed in a junior college, extension center, or non-accredited institution if a student has already accumulated 96 quarter hours or 64 semester hours.

To be admitted to Birmingham-Southern College as a transient student or as a special student, an applicant must have been a student in good standing with a clear academic and social record at the last institution in which enrolled, and this institution must be accredited by a regional accrediting association. Transient students and special students will be classified as “Not Candidate for Degree” and must follow application procedures below.

Students classified as “Not Candidate for Degree” who wish to become degree candidates must satisfy regular entrance requirements based on their records at the institution last attended prior to enrollment at Birmingham-Southern.

First-year and transfer applicants who do not meet the normal requirements may be considered by the Admission Committee, a faculty committee appointed by the Provost.