The admissions process is designed to identify students who have potential for completing the academic degree they plan to pursue. Students are admitted based on a holistic review process that includes attention to academic records, high school rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Students are encouraged to request information from the admissions office and are encouraged to visit campus. A meeting with an admissions counselor is a highly recommended step in the application process. Arrangements for visits can be made through the admissions office at 540-432-4118 or at www.emu.edu/admissions.
The University Application
Any prospective student wishing to enroll at EMU for 6 or more semester hours (SH) within a given semester is required to complete a university application. New students are admitted for either the fall or spring semester entry terms. Admission to EMU is granted on a rolling basis. It is recommended that high school students apply in the summer after their junior year or fall of their senior year. Applying for admission to EMU constitutes an indication of a student's desire to be a part of the EMU university community made up of students, faculty, administrators. staff members, and alumni. Admission statuses may be changed or revoked.
Test-Score Free Admissions: EMU is test-score free for US Citizens and students with at least one year of successful academic experience in the United States. See “International Student Admission Processes” for information about English test score requirements for students who do not meet this criteria. Test scores can still be optionally sent directly to the university from the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT - EMU code: 5181) of the College Entrance Examination Board or the American College Testing Program (ACT - EMU Code 4348). Even if test scores are submitted by students who qualify for test-free admissions, they do not have an impact on admission or scholarship decisions.
Prospective First Year Students
High School Transcripts: Applicants need to request a current transcript with course work from grades 9-11 (3 years of academic record) from their high school to EMU Admissions. A supplementary (final) transcript will be required upon completion of high school. Students graduating early are required to request confirmation from their high school to be sent to the admissions office. Home schooled applicants must similarly submit a current and final transcript with high school course work. A General Educational Development (GED) score may be submitted for consideration in the admission process in place of a high school transcript.
Application Requirements: Admission may be granted to first-year applicants who have a high school weighted grade point average of 2.6 or above (on a 4.00 scale), and thorough review of the student’s application and other supporting application materials. Non-academic criteria are also considered, including extracurricular activities and work experience. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and may be asked to submit supplementary materials, granted unconditional, granted conditional admission, or denied. Conditional admission is granted to students each semester who fall below the requirements for unconditional admission but who otherwise demonstrate the ability and motivation to adequately perform university-level work. All students are supported by our first year advisors, under the supervision of the Provost’s office. The first-year advising program provides holistic advising and student support to strengthen the student's potential for success. Students work with a first-year advisor to develop a manageable course load and to help them access other services on campus (tutoring, Office of Academic Access, career services, etc.).
Supplementary Materials: Applicants who do not meet the basic entry requirements may be required to submit a one page writing sample and secure two academic references, at least one of which must be a core subject teacher (English, Science, Math, or Social Studies).
Prospective Transfer Students
College Transcripts: Applicants need to request official college transcripts to be sent to EMU Admissions from all college institutions they have attended. Credit will be awarded for transfer courses in which the student has earned a grade of C or better. All transfer courses will be recorded with the titles and grades reported by the previous school. However, transfer credits will not be included when calculating the EMU cumulative GPA. Transfer students must take at least 30 SH in residence at EMU. At least 9 hours in the student's major and 6 hours in any minor must be taken at EMU.
Application Requirements: Transfer applicants may receive admission by submitting transcripts of previous accredited college work showing at least a 2.00 grade point average in 30 SH of transferable credit. Applicants who have not been enrolled full-time in post-secondary education or have accumulated fewer than 30 SH will be asked to submit high school transcripts and will be evaluated on their high school and post-secondary records. Transfer applicants with fewer than the minimum requirements for admission may be asked to submit supplementary materials, granted academic warning or academic probation based on a review of previous academic performance and credit hours earned, or denied.
Supplementary Materials: Applicants who do not meet the basic entry requirements may be required to submit a one page writing sample and secure two academic references, at least one of which must be a core subject teacher (English, Science, Math, or Social Studies).
Transfer Agreements: EMU maintains a special transfer agreement with Hesston College (Hesston, KS), Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, VA), and Laurel Ridge Community College (Middletown, VA) to assure the most beneficial transfer of credits for students of these institutions continuing their education at EMU. For details of the transfer agreements, contact the admissions counselor for transfer students or the EMU registrar's office at registrar@emu.edu.
Nursing Program: There are additional requirements for transfers students interested in enrolling in EMU’s Nursing program. Read more on the Nursing program’s website: https://emu.edu/nursing/transfer.
For a full statement of transfer credit policies and practices see the university registrar's website: https://emu.edu/registrar.
International Student Admission Processes
As a university which emphasizes intercultural education, EMU welcomes international students who have the necessary preparation to enter a degree program.
International students should clearly indicate their nationality in all correspondence with the admissions office. If the student is currently in the United States, they must indicate U.S. immigration status.
International Admissions Deadlines
Application deadlines: June 1st for fall semester entry terms, October 1st for spring semesters entry terms. Exceptions to the application deadlines may be made if a student already has an F-1 visa and is within the US.
Visa approval deadlines: F-1 visas must be approved one month prior to the international student orientation/arrival date.
Arrival Deadline: Students must arrive in the United States by the start of the international student orientation of their entry term at the very latest.
Steps for Admission to the University
High School Transcripts: International first year students must submit high school transcripts with at least three years of secondary education and yearly course-by-course grades. Note that National Examination scores will not be accepted. Examined transcripts must be translated. We reserve the right to request for a professional transcript evaluation if necessary.
College Transcripts: For international transfer students, the same notes apply as in the “Prospective Transfer Students” section with some additional criteria. Admissions will accept an international college transcript without a NACES member credit evaluation for admissions decision (NOT transfer credits) IF AND ONLY IF the college transcript is on a 4.0 grading scale. If a transcript is not on a 4.0 grading scale, a NACES evaluation (recommend WES) is required. In order for any international college credits to transfer, the international transcript must be evaluated by a NACES member. Admissions reserves the right to ask for a WES/NACES evaluation if deemed necessary in any case.
English Test Scores: Applicants who are non-US Citizens with less than one year of academic experience in the US. must also demonstrate English language proficiency with a Duolingo score of 104+, paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550+, a computer- based TOEFL score of 213+, an internet-based TOEFL score of 79+, an IELTS score of 6.5+, or or SAT evidenced-based reading and writing of 460 or ACT English score of 19
Steps for I-20 and Visas
Financial Aid: Upon admission to the university, financial aid in the form of merit-based scholarships are awarded to international students. Federal assistance is not available for international students.
Affidavit Form: Following admission and scholarship awarding, international students must complete the EMU International Student Affidavit form and demonstrate ability to pay. See the affidavit form for the specific documentation requirements.
I-20 Issuance: Once EMU Admissions has received a valid affidavit form, a scanned copy of the students Passport ID page, a $200 tuition deposit, an I-20 may be issued for the student.
Visa Appointment: Click here to view recommendations on what to take to a visa appointment.
Students Applying for Readmission
EMU students not enrolled at the university for one semester (fall or spring) or more or who withdraw from EMU while a semester is in progress must complete a university application and specify themselves as a readmit student prior to re-enrollment.
Applicants are evaluated on academic as well as student life standing within the EMU community. Unconditional readmission may be granted when an applicant has met the satisfactory academic progress criteria, has a positive recommendation from Student Life, and is cleared by the business office without outstanding account balances.
If a student is seeking readmission for any reason other than academic performance or academic misconduct, including suspensions for disciplinary reasons, the VP of Student Affairs/Dean of Students will work with the Provost Office, who, in consultation with other officials, as appropriate, will determine the student’s readiness to return. This may involve a Readmission consultation with the student and other CARE Team members. In cases where a written progress assessment from a treating health professional is required, EMU will require a release from the student to permit appropriate officials to discuss current treatment and follow-up needs with the treating health professional.
Any applicant who is denied readmission may appeal that decision by filing a written request for review to the provost within 10 days of being notified of the decision. The student should include with that request any additional supporting information not previously available, particularly information of an academic nature.
Students readmitted to EMU after an absence from enrollment at any college or university for at least four successive semesters may request that their entire EMU record be re-evaluated as a transfer record. To qualify, the student must earn a 2.0 GPA for the first 12 SH following re-enrollment and submit a written appeal to the Academic Review Committee.
The following regulations govern this option:
The request must be made within 60 days after completing the first 12 SH of credit following readmission.
The option will be granted only once to a student.
Eligible students will receive degree credit for only those courses in which grades of C or better were earned prior to readmission.
Quality points earned for all courses completed prior to readmission will not be included in calculating the new cumulative GPA.
All grades will remain on the transcript.
Suspension or Felony Disclosure Policy
EMU is committed to working with students who disclose suspensions or felonies through the application process while simultaneously maintaining a safe, caring, and collaborative campus environment. When a prospective student discloses a suspension or felony on their application, the EMU Admissions Committee, Student Life, and Campus Safety, complete a holistic review of application materials to discern the best appropriate care for the student and EMU community. Important elements of this review may include inviting the student applicant to offer additional context for the incident/conviction and submitting documentation from other community or school officials to support holistic goals of the applicant.
Admissions Decisions and Continuance of Admissions Status
The Admission Decision
The receipt of an application by the admissions office is acknowledged by letter, email, or phone call. An admission decision is considered when the file is complete with all requested information. The applicant will be notified of delays in receiving necessary information. A letter of admission or a letter of denial will be sent to the student within seven days after a decision has been made.
Appealing the Admission Decision
Any applicant who is denied admission, or who is granted conditional admission may appeal that decision by filing a written request for review to the director of Admissions within 10 days of being notified of the decision. The student should include with that request any additional supporting information not previously available, particularly information of an academic nature.
The Admissions Committee will consider the appeal and report its decision to the student in writing within 30 days of the receipt of the request.
Any student who chooses to go beyond the first appeal must direct a second appeal in writing to the Vice President for Enrollment and Strategic Growth and the Provost’s office within ten days of receiving the committee's decision on the first appeal.
Continuance of Admission Status
Students that meet the required academic criteria are granted unconditional readmission each subsequent semester. Students failing to meet the criteria may be placed on an academic warning, academic probation, or denied readmission.
Academic review information can be found under the Academic Policies section of the academic catalog.
Part-Time Enrollment Opportunities
Summer School
Enrollment in summer school is a separate process and does not constitute regular admission to the university. Students wishing to enroll in summer courses should contact the university registrar's office at registrar@emu.edu.
Credit by Examination and Experience
Options for advanced placement, credit by examination and service-learning credit are described in Credit by Examination and Service-Learning Credit in the Academic and Degree Information section.
Part-Time Enrollment
Part-time enrollment is defined as taking 11 SH or fewer in a semester. To enroll for 6 hours or more, a student must apply and be admitted to the university through the Admissions office (see The University Application and the respective section depending on student type for more details).
Students may enroll for fewer than 6 hours by completing registration forms available from the university registrar's office.
High School Concurrent Enrollment
Students in their senior year of high school may enroll in one course per semester, with the written recommendation from their high school guidance counselor or principal. Registration for credit or audit by persons not yet at the high school senior level or by high school seniors who want to take more than one course per semester must have special approval from the vice president and a dean. Contact the university registrar's office (registrar@emu.edu) for details.
Preparation for Enrollment
High School Preparation for College
Students completing the college preparatory program of study in their high school will be best prepared for college. Typically, students take four units of English, three of math, three of science, three of social studies, and two or more of foreign language. Chemistry is essential for students who plan to enter the nursing program. Students accepted into EMU who have not completed their high school's college preparatory program should give special consideration to their course selection with their first-year advisor.
Once a student is admitted, the following steps are important in completing the admission process and preparing for enrollment:
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to apply for financial aid.
Submit the Tuition Deposit - A tuition deposit of $200 is required of new and readmitted students prior to enrollment and is credited to the student’s account. The deposit is nonrefundable after May 1 (fall enrollment) or December 1 (spring enrollment). On-campus housing assignments and course registration will not be made prior to the receipt of the tuition deposit.
Personalized Enrollment Checklist - Once the tuition deposit is paid, an automated email is sent to the student to set up their EMU account. Then, new students can access their personalized enrollment checklist in the myEMU platform: https://emu.edu/checklist.
Medical Forms - The university requires new students to complete the Physical Examination Record prior to the first day of classes.
Course Registration - A first-year academic adviser will reach out to each new student directly to set up an advising appointment and help them select their courses for the fall. These appointments begin in late May and are prioritized by earliest deposit date. This advisor will be their Transitions course instructor for the fall and will be their academic advisor during their first year
Financial Assistance/Loan Applications - New and returning students who wish to be considered for financial assistance are required to complete financial assistance forms early in the calendar year prior to enrollment. Deadlines and appropriate forms are available from the financial assistance office.
Payment of First Semester Bill - Payment for each semester is due one week before classes begin. See the Tuition and Fees section for more details.
Fall Orientation and Registration - All new students are expected to participate in orientation sessions held immediately prior to the start of classes. Students are introduced to more specific details related to campus living and student life expectations. Details regarding these sessions are sent several weeks in advance. All students (including those who participated in spring registration) participate in final fall registration at the start of the school year.