An overview of Southern University will provide potential students with an understanding of what the school has to offer and what they can expect when applying for admission. Southern University is a public university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The school was founded in 1880 and is a member of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) system. Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. The school’s mission is “to serve the needs of our students and society by providing quality teaching, research, service, and health care.”
Southern University offers over 100 undergraduate programs and 70 graduate programs through its eight colleges: Agriculture, Arts & Humanities, Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Pharmacy & Health Sciences, and Science & Technology. The school also has a Division of Continuing Education & Outreach that provides non-credit courses and programs for adult learners.
Admission to Southern University is selective with an acceptance rate of 54%. Potential students will need to submit an application along with high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
For those interested in applying to the Honors College, additional requirements include a personal essay and letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to visit campus and tour the facilities as well as meet with admissions counselors prior to submitting their applications.
Types of Admissions Requirements
There are generally two types of admissions requirements for Southern University: academic and non-academic.
Academic requirements typically include items such as high school transcripts, college transcripts (if applicable), standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.), and letters of recommendation. Nonacademic requirements may include an essay, resume, or other personal information.
Some programs may have additional admissions requirements, so it’s important to check with your specific program of interest. For example, the School of Nursing has a separate application process with additional requirements.
When you’re ready to apply, be sure to complete all required items on the application checklist and submit them by the deadline.
Application Process
To be considered for admission into Southern University, applicants must submit the following:
- A completed application form with a non-refundable $35 processing fee
- One official transcript from each college or university attended
- Official SAT or ACT score report
- Two letters of recommendation
- A 500-word essay on why you want to attend Southern University
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for admission to Southern University, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:
- A minimum high school GPA of 2.0
- A minimum score of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT
- Completion of a college preparatory curriculum including 4 English credits, 3 math credits, 3 science credits, and 3 social studies credits
- Submission of a completed application form and $30 application fee
Extra Curricular and Community Service Requirements
In order to be eligible for admission to Southern University, applicants must have completed a minimum of 18 academic units. Of these, at least 12 units must be from an accredited college or university and at least six units must be in core academic courses. In addition to the academic requirements, applicants must also submit SAT or ACT scores, an official high school transcript, and a personal essay.
In addition to meeting the basic admission requirements, students who wish to attend Southern University must also complete a number of extracurricular and community service requirements. These include:
- Completing at least 40 hours of community service
- Participating in at least two extracurricular activities during their senior year of high school
- Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5 throughout their senior year
Financial Aid Options
When it comes to paying for college, there are a number of financial aid options available to students. Scholarships, grants, and loans are all forms of financial aid that can help students cover the cost of tuition and other related expenses.
Scholarships are one of the most popular forms of financial aid. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit or other achievement, and they do not have to be repaid. Grants are another type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid.
Grants are typically need-based, meaning they are awarded based on the student’s financial need. Loans are another form of financial aid that must be repaid with interest. Loans can be either need-based or non-need-based.
Southern University offers a number of scholarships, grants, and loans to help students cover the cost of tuition and other related expenses. For more information on the types of financial aid available, please visit the Southern University website or contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Guidelines for International Students
There are a few things to keep in mind when applying as an international student to Southern University. All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must submit the following:
- A completed application form
- Official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Application fee
In addition, international students must also submit the following:
- Financial affidavit demonstrating the ability to pay for one year of study at Southern University
- Copy of passport biographical page
Conclusion
Applying to Southern University can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge of the application requirements, it doesn’t have to be. We hope this article has provided you with all the necessary information on what you need in order to apply successfully for admission at Southern University.
If you have any additional questions or need clarification on something regarding the admissions process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly and we will be happy to help!
Amar Eminent