Admissions
Application Deadlines |
Admission Standards |
Admission Index |
International Students
Your Admission Status | When You Are Admitted |
Retention of Admission Records |
Petitions
The Admissions Office responds to prospective and newly admitted students. The primary functions are to:
- Provide information about Boise State
- Host campus tours and other on-campus events
- Conduct information sessions
- Process applications for admission
- Evaluate application materials for admissibility to Boise State
- 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. You can also find this information at http://admissions.boisestate.edu.
NOTE: If you are planning to pursue graduate studies and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you apply for admission through Graduate Admissions. For more information, see the Boise State Graduate Catalog or contact the Graduate Admissions Office, Business Building, Rooms 304 and 305, (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 2011: June 30, 2011
- Spring Semester 2012: November 15, 2011
- 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 2 courses totaling 8 credits. The summer session has no credit limit. 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
Note: Admissions requirements are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information please check our website at http://admissions.boisestate.edu/.
To encourage students to be adequately prepared for college-level study, Boise State has implemented the following admission standards. See Your Admission Status for a description.
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 status based on your high school grades and test scores on either the ACT or SAT. Boise State’s admission index 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. If you have met the requirements of the index but have not completed all core classes, you will be considered for provisional admission status.
If you graduated from high school in 1989 or later and are 21 or older, you will be considered for general admission status 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. If you did not complete all core classes, you will be considered for provisional admission status.
If you graduated from high school before 1989 and never attended college, you will be considered for general admission status.
Completed GED Certificate — If you earned the GED prior to 2002 you will be considered for provisional admission status with a Standard Score Average of at least 55 and at least a 50 on each sub test. In addition, you must place into college level math and English (see below for placement test score requirements).
If you earned the GED after 2002 and will be over the age of 21 prior to the first day of classes, you will be considered for provisional admission status with a Standard Score Average of at least 550 and at least a 500 on each sub test. In addition, you must place into college level math and English (see below for placement test score requirements).
If you will not be 21 years of age prior to the first day of classes, you will be considered for provisional admission status with a Standard Score Average of at least 550 and at least a 500 on each sub test. In addition, you must have a composite score of at least 17 on the ACT (or SAT combined Math and Critical Reading score of 830) and place into college level math and English (see below for placement test score requirements).
| College Level Placement | |
|---|---|
English |
Math |
| COMPASSWriting 68 or higher | COMPASS Algebra 40 or higher |
| ACT English 18 or higher | ACT math 18 or higher |
| SAT critical reasoning 450 or higher | SAT math 430 or higher |
| 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 | None |
| Mathematics | 6 |
Applied Math I, Applied Math II, Algebra 1, Algebra II, Geometry, Analytic Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Trigonometry | At least 4 semesters taken in grades 10 through 12 |
| Natural Science | 6 |
Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology, Physiology, Physical Science, Physics, Zoology | 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. |
| Humanities/Foreign Language | 2 |
Literature, History, Philosophy, Foreign Language, and related study of two or more of the traditional humanities disciplines | None |
| Other College Preparation | 3 |
Speech, Studio/Performing Arts (Art, Dance, Drama, Music), additional Foreign Language | 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. | |||
Home School 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 status with an ACT composite score of at least 17 or SAT combined Math and Critical Reading score of at least 830 and the following minimum scores on the full COMPASS exam–46 on Algebra, 68 on Writing and 85 on Reading. If you are over 21 years of age, you do not need to submit ACT/SAT scores.
If you are under 21 years of age and demonstrate exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT, the COMPASS exam requirement may be waived. To qualify for the COMPASS waiver you must have at least a 23 ACT composite or SAT combined math and critical reasoning score of at least 1050. In addition, you must place into college level English (with at least an 18 on the ACT English section or 450 on the SAT critical reasoning section) and college level math (with at least an 18 on the ACT math section or 430 on the SAT math section).
Standards for Transfer Students If you have earned 14 or more transferable semester credits, have a cumulative 2.25 GPA or higher, and were in good academic standing at the current/last institution you attended, you will be admitted with general admission status.
If you have earned an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science or are core certified from a regionally accredited academic institution, and have a 2.00 GPA or higher you will be admitted with general admission status.
If you have more than 14 credits, but have not yet earned an associate degree or core certification, and have a GPA range from 2.00 to 2.24, your application will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine potential for academic success.
If you have fewer than 14 transferable semester credits, the following items may be required and considered in the admission decision:
- High school transcript (or GED results).
- ACT or SAT results (not required for students who are 21 or older prior to the first day of classes).
If you have less than a 2.00 GPA, you will not be eligible for degree-seeking admission. You may choose to attend Boise State as a non-degree seeking student.
If you were dismissed from a college or university within the last semester, you are not eligible to attend Boise State until sitting out at least a fall or spring semester.
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. Since you were previously admitted to Boise State, you have attended any other colleges or universities, you will need to have a cumulative 2.25 GPA or higher for all of your coursework (including Boise State), and be in good academic standing at the current/last institution you attended. If you have more than 14 credits, but have not yet earned an associate degree or core certification, and have a GPA range from 2.00 to 2.24, your application will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine potential for academic success. If you have earned an associate of arts or associate of science or are core certified from a regionally accredited academic institution, you will need a cumulative 2.00 GPA for all of your coursework (including Boise State).
If you have attended any colleges or universities since you were previously admitted to Boise State you will need to meet the returning student admission standards noted above.
Standards for Second Baccalaureate Degree Students If you already have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally academic institution and will take undergraduate courses, either as a nondegree or degree-seeking student, you must apply through the Undergraduate Admissions Office. If applying for degree-seeking status, a 2.00 grade-point average is required for general admission status. Once admitted, you must 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 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 from a regionally accredited high school 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 2 courses totaling 8 credits. The summer session has no credit limit. Any credits that you earn as a nondegree-seeking student are applicable toward earning a degree. Please be aware that nondegree seeking students pay part-time fees; those deemed nonresidents of Idaho pay additional per-credit nonresident tuition. Also, nondegree-seeking students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. Students who were dismissed at any other college or university in their last semester are ineligible for nondegee-seeking status.
Concurrent Enrollment for High School Students
If you would like to attend high school and college courses simultaneously, you may be eligible for concurrent enrollment 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 On-Campus 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 3.00. For more information, call (208) 426-3721.
| 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). |
New Freshmen in Undergraduate Programs
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Transfer Applicants in Undergraduate Programs
|
Returning Applicants in Undergraduate Programs If you previously enrolled at Boise State, you will maintain “active” status for up to two years after the last semester of enrollment in classes. Check your BroncoWeb account at before submitting a new application. If it has been more than two years since you last enrolled, you need to reapply.
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
|
Nondegree-seeking Applicants
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Current Nondegree-seeking Students who want to become degree-seeking
|
Applicants in Graduate Programs If you wish to pursue graduate studies, apply through the Boise State Graduate Admissions Office. For more information, see the Boise State University Graduate Catalog. |
Applicants from Other Countries Refer to Admission of International Students. Information is also available for International Student Admissions. |
*To be official, transcripts must be sent by the issuing institution directly to the Boise State Undergraduate Admissions Office.
|
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.
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 competency. Your secondary school grades must convert to a minimum U.S. cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 2.00 and meet the pre-university 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 demonstrate your English language proficiency by meeting one of the criteria noted in the English Language Competency 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 will be converted to a U.S. cumulative GPA (grade-point average) 4.00 scale. If you have earned 14 or more transferable semester credits, have a cumulative 2.25 GPA or higher, and were in good academic standing at the current/last institution you attended, you will be admitted with general admission status. If you have earned the equivalent of an associate of arts or associate of science or are core certified from a regionally accredited academic institution, and have a 2.00 GPA or higher you will be admitted with general admission status.
If you have more than 14 credits, but have not yet earned an associate degree or core certification, and have a GPA range from 2.00 to 2.24, your application will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine potential for academic success.
If your 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.
World Education Services (WES), a recognized nonprofit organization, will evaluate transcripts submitted for transfer credit from schools located outside the U.S. They prepare evaluation reports that identify the U.S. equivalent of education completed in other countries. All courses are transferred in with a grade of pass. Evaluation of foreign credits is an automatic process that occurs once you have been admitted as degree-seeking student 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
- One-time, 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 2011: June 1, 2011
- Spring Semester 2012: October 15, 2011
You may submit your application materials at any time before the priority deadline. Early application is encouraged.
If you meet all admission requirements, you will be issued 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 admission 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**
- SAT Critical Reading score of 450 or better
- ACT English score of 18 or better
- completion of ENGL 101 Introduction 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 dominant language, you may also meet the requirement. Please contact the International Student Admissions Office 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 status as an undergraduate student to Boise State University. To be granted conditional admission status, you must first enroll in the Intensive English Program. Please refer to the Intensive English Program website for information.
You may be exempt from this requirement if you are a native English speaker or if English is your first language. Please contact the International Student Admissions Office 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.
Waivers must be filed for both the fall and spring semesters by the 10th day of class. Please go to www.boisestate.edu/healthservices/insurance to review the comparability requirements. If your alternative health insurance plan meets these comparability requirements, please log on to http://broncoweb.boisestate.edu to submit your SHIP waiver request (MUST be filed online). After you are logged in, select Student Center, select Health Waiver App from the My Account menu in the Finances section.
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 3.2).
- 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 petitioning 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 graded 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.
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 petitioning this decision.
Nondegree-seeking Status Designed for students applying solely to take courses of interest. As a nondegree-seeking student you can register for any combination of courses totaling 7 or fewer credits, or 2 courses totaling 8 credits. 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.
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 official transcripts.
Petitions
If you do not meet the admission standards for general admission status or provisional admission status, 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, Student Union Building, First Floor, (208) 426-1156.