The University of Memphis offers equal educational opportunity to all persons without regard to race, religion, sex, creed, color, national origin, or disability. Inquiries about admission to any college of the University should be addressed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. This office receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials, and admits qualified students. Undergraduate applications may receive full consideration for review if received by the the priority deadline dates. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The University of Memphis encourages all those who feel they can benefit from the educational opportunities offered by the institution to submit an application for admission. Consideration is given to educational background, entrance examination scores, high school grades, any college attendance demographics, and any other special talents and/or special circumstances which may affect the applicant’s academic performance.
Certain instructional programs of the University are subject to special admission requirements and are subject to change according to the availability of institutional resources. Students wishing to enter one of these programs of study should check with the appropriate department or division offering the program in order to become familiar with these special requirements. Undergraduate programs with special admission requirements include, but are not limited to, professional degrees in art, music, or theatre (Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Music), teacher education, educational services, nursing, and the University College.
Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Early admission contributes to better orientation, course planning, class scheduling and financial aid and scholarship consideration. High school students planning to apply as freshmen should submit applications as soon as possible after completion of their junior year. The application for fall is usually available in August of the year preceding the upcoming fall term. The application should be completed and submitted online at http://apply.memphis.edu. The application fee may be paid by credit card or electronic check.
Credentials will be maintained for a 12-month period. After this period, credentials will be destroyed and must be submitted again before an admission decision can be made.
The priority deadlines for submitting an application for admission are: July 1 for the fall semester, December 1 for the spring semester, and May 1 for the summer session. Although application deadlines are listed above, registration for new students occurs much earlier. For example, new fall students register in June. Applications received after these deadlines may be delayed in processing or updated to the next semester.
These regulations are subject to change without notice.
Admission as Degree-seeking Undergraduates
Admission as Non-Degree Undergraduates
Applicants who wish to apply in one of the special categories listed below are encouraged to apply by the same deadlines as stated above. While applications may be accepted until the first day of registration for the term for which the student is applying, no guarantee of admission will be made after the deadline has passed. Special category applicants who have attended other colleges will not have their previous college work evaluated for transfer until they have been approved for admission as regular undergraduates. An applicant who has applied as a degree-seeking undergraduate and was denied admission must generally wait a fall or spring semester or six months before applying for admission at the non-degree level.
Those who are admitted as non-degree students are not required to have an advisor. However, if non-degree students desire an advisor, they are assigned to the Academic Counseling Center for advising. Non-degree undergraduate students may not take more than 18 semester hours of work in a single term nor may they earn more than 24 semester hours total. This limit may be extended if there has been enrollment at another institution since last attending the University of Memphis.
Applicants with College Degree
Applicants with Previous College Attendance but No Degree
Applicants with No Previous College Attendance
Special Non-Degree Admission Categories
Concurrent Enrollment Opportunities
Audit-Only Undergraduate
Freshman Admission Requirements
First-time Freshman Applicants
A high school graduate who has no previous college enrollment may be considered for admission as a first-time freshman by completing the application for admission and submitting the following to the Admissions Office:
- A final transcript of all high school credits: Early decisions can be made by submitting partial transcripts (6th or 7th semester). Transcripts hand delivered by the student are not acceptable for the admissions file. If any courses have been taken for college credit, the institution(s) granting credit must be contacted by the applicant and asked to send an official transcript to the University of Memphis, Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. Students who do not present one unit of American History are required to register for the course during their first or second year at the University.
- The score report of the American College Testing program (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): The score report is a necessary part of the application and the test date should be no more than five years old at the time of enrollment.
- A non-refundable application fee of $25.00.
- Any additional items and information requested in the application materials by the Office of Admissions.
High School Curriculum Required For Admission
No high school curriculum can assure that a given student will acquire desired learning outcomes; however, the absence of certain components greatly increases the likelihood that the student will not acquire those outcomes and reduces the likelihood that the student will enjoy maximum benefits of a college experience. The justification for colleges’ recommending or requiring specific high school units for admission is to reduce the likelihood that a student will be unprepared for effective work in college and to increase maximum benefits a student may enjoy.
The following specific high school units must be included in the minimum admissions requirements at all Tennessee State Board of Regents universities and colleges.
Students who do not take one or more of these required courses, where they are available, may not be eligible for admission to the University.
- English (4 units required): Units in this category must address reading and literature, writing, speaking and listening, and principles concerning the English language. Extensive experience in reading and writing should characterize all courses.
- Visual And/Or Performing Arts (l unit required): Units in this category should include a survey of the arts (visual arts, theater, music, and dance) or active participation in one or more of the arts.
- Mathematics (3 units required): Units in this category must include Algebra I, Algebra II, and geometry or an advanced course with geometry as a major component. Students are recommended to take a fourth unit in computing, advanced mathematics, or statistics. All college freshmen will benefit by having studied mathematics as seniors.
- Natural And Physical Sciences (2 units required): Units in this category must include mathematical skills, fundamental concepts, and some laboratory and field work. At least one unit must address detailed knowledge in the more traditional fields of biology, chemistry, or physics and must include a laboratory.
- Social Studies (1 unit required): For students graduating prior to spring 1993, the unit in this category may include: history, government, geography, economics, sociology, psychology, or anthropology. For students graduating in the spring 1993 or thereafter, this unit must come from the following: modern history, ancient history, world history, world geography, or European history.
- US History (1 unit): This is in addition to the Social Studies requirement.
- Foreign Language (2 units required): Two units in a single foreign language are required in this category.
These stipulated high school units are not intended to specify what the total high school curriculum should be. Secondary schools seek to meet the needs of various student clienteles, one of which is the college-bound student. The stipulations are an attempt to make a strategic application of academic competencies. They reflect the bridge from specific desired learning outcomes to a list of required college admission criteria. That list is composed of high school units presumed most likely to result in the required learning outcomes. For the sake of clarity, one unit constitutes one year of high school study of a given subject.
Applicants who wish to provide additional information regarding special talents or circumstances may do so by contacting the Office of Admissions.
For additional Information for Non-traditional First-time Freshman Applicants including: GED Applicants (under the age of 21), Homeschooled Applicants, Early Admission Applicants, 21+ First-time Freshman Applicants (21 years of age or older w/a high school diploma or GED) CLICK HERE
Non-Traditional Freshman Admission Requirements GED Applicants (under the age of 21)
Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) Test must have official scores sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. GED applicants who apply for admission will be reviewed by the standing internal admissions committee. GED applicants (under 21 years of age) must take the national ACT exam or the ACT residual exam (ACT exams used for admission must be less than 5 years old). The minimum GED score that will be considered is 450 (or 45 on the High School Equivalency Test exam prior to the revision). GED applicants must submit a statement of academic and career goals. Emphasis should be placed on experiences that the applicant has had since leaving high school that they believe will make them a successful college student (e.g. military, successful vocational training, etc.).
Homeschooled Applicants
Graduates of home schools must comply with state law by submitting proof of registration with the local education agency which the child would otherwise attend. This documentation must be submitted in addition to the high school transcript.
The score report of the American College Testing program (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): The score report is a necessary part of the application and the test date should be no more than three years old at the time of enrollment.
Applicants who are offered admission with the enhanced ACT English, reading or math subscores less than 19, or the equivalent on the former ACT, will be required to take special basic/developmental courses to develop academic competencies necessary for success in college level courses. Students without valid ACT/SAT scores and without college level credit in math or English will be required to take the ALEKS and Accuplacer test in the appropriate areas. Students who feel they have been misplaced by their ACT/SAT scores are encouraged to take the ALEKS and Accuplacer test, which can place them in a higher level course.
Early Admission Applicants
Academically outstanding high school juniors who have completed three academic years of high school, accumulating at least 14 units of coursework may be considered for early admission if they have the following:
- A minimum high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.00 scale.
- A minimum ACT composite score of 26 on the ACT or the equivalent on the former ACT.
- Written recommendations from high school principal and guidance counselor.
- An interview with U of M faculty/staff committee selecting early admission students.
In addition, they must agree to enroll in freshman English, and, unless successfully completed in high school, courses in American history and economics.
NOTE: Early admission applicants should also check with their high school for specific graduation requirements.
21+ First-time Freshman Applicants (21 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency Test)
Student applicants 21 years old or older who apply for admission will be reviewed by the standing internal admissions committee. All student applicants, in this category, must take the ALEKS and Accuplacer exam; or the national ACT exam; or the residual ACT exam (ACT exams used for admission must be less than 3 years old). The minimum GED score that will be considered is 450 (or 45 on the High School Equivalency Test exams prior to the revision). Applicants must also submit a statement of academic and career goals. Emphasis should be placed on experiences that the applicant has had since leaving high school that they believe will make them a successful college student (e.g. military, successful vocational training, etc.).
Transfer Admission Requirements
Transfer Applicants
The University of Memphis welcomes applications from students who have begun college elsewhere.
Transfer Applicants with Less than 15 Earned Transferable Credit Hours
Students who are transferring with less than 15 earned transferable credit hours of college-level coursework may be reviewed using the following criteria:
- May be required to submit a high school transcript and standardized test score.
- Have earned a 2.00 GPA (as computed by the University of Memphis) on all attempted college level and developmental or remedial courses.
- Be in good standing with the college or university previously attended.
Transfer applicants who have been academically dismissed from the last institution they attended but meet the GPA requirements listed above will not be considered for admission until at least one regular semester (fall or spring) has elapsed. After this period, these applicants must submit a new application (no additional fee required).
Students who meet the high school requirements, but do not have a 2.00 GPA on attempted college coursework may be considered for admission. These applicants will be reviewed by the Center for Academic Retention and Enrichment Services . Students’ major, types of courses taken, and pattern of progress as well as high school records and standardized test scores, will be considered in the admissions process.
Transfer Applicants with 15 Credit Hours or More
Students who are transferring with 15 credit hours of college-level coursework or more must meet one of the following admissions options:
- Have earned an overall combined 2.00 GPA (as computed by the University of Memphis) on all transfer hours attempted.
NOTE: Students who have failed any developmental or remedial coursework will not be eligible for admission until they have completed these courses with a passing grade.
- Have earned an associate degree in a University Parallel or University Transfer program from a regionally accredited community, junior, or senior college with an overall combined 2.00 GPA (as computed by the University of Memphis).
Tennessee Transfer Pathways
Students who begin at one of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Community Colleges have the ability to transfer to the University of Memphis with assurances in how their credits will transfer. By completing the Associates Degree (AA or AS) at one of the 19 Community Colleges, they can select one of the nearly 30 Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) programs at the University of Memphis.
International Undergraduate Admission Requirements
International Undergraduate Applicants
The University of Memphis believes that the presence of a balanced representation of international students on campus will enrich the educational environment of all students. Therefore, the University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant, alien students on “F-1” and “J-1” student visas. Applicants must file complete credentials before May 1 for fall admission; September 15 for spring admission; or February 1 for summer admission. Complete credentials include all the documents listed below.
The international application should be completed and submitted online at http://apply.memphis.edu. All additional required credentials should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation, the University of Memphis, 101 Wilder Tower, Memphis, Tennessee, 38152-3370, U.S.A.
A non-refundable international application and processing fee of $50 (fifty dollars) is required of every international applicant, unless previously paid. Preferred payment of the application fee is by credit card. Applicants unable to pay by credit card should mail a check or money order, made payable to the University of Memphis. Applications will only be processed after the application fee is received.
International applicants should contact the Office of Admissions for information on application procedures, qualifications, and admission to the University. Since there is considerable variation among educational systems throughout the world, international applicants will be selected on a competitive basis, after meeting the minimum standards of admission using examination scores, grade point average, relevance of academic background to intended major field of study and recommendations from the World Education Services or any credentialing service who is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. More information may be found at http://www.naces.org/. The University often receives more applications than can be approved; therefore, admission cannot be granted to all applicants who meet only the minimum requirements.
All transcripts, test scores, and other credentials must be accompanied by an official English translation of these documents and must be on file in the Office of Admissions by the stated deadlines before the beginning of registration for the intended term of entry.
Admission Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants
- Required Transcripts: Applicants must arrange for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation to receive official copies of academic records of the applicant’s attendance at secondary school, college, university, and professional institutions of learning. These transcripts must be sent directly from the high school or college to the University of Memphis. An exception is made for those who hold the bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in that they need not send their secondary school records. Records should list the subjects studied and the grade, mark, or other evidence that each individual subject was completed to the satisfaction of the authorities in charge. If it is impossible for the school to send us an official copy, copies certified by an official at the American Embassy or a known world organization may be acceptable. All records must be in English. Since certificates and records filed for examination are not ordinarily returned, applicants should send certified copies if the documents in question cannot be easily replaced.
- Required Test of All Applicants: All applicants whose native language is not English must supply results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL or its equivalent. The minimum overall TOEFL score considered for undergraduate admission to the University of Memphis is 61 on the internet-based test (iBT) or 500 on the paper-based test (PBT). TOEFL information may be obtained by writing: TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, U.S.A. All test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the University of Memphis.
- Freshman Test Required: Applicants to the first year undergraduate level must submit scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT). These tests are available only in English. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for more information visit their website https://www.ielts.org/. All test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the University of Memphis.
- Financial Statement: U.S. visa regulations require that certification of admission be based on both academic acceptance and satisfactory evidence of adequate funds to meet the expenses involved in the student’s program of study. Applicants for an “F-1” student visa must supply, on the Affidavit of Support form provided by the university, sufficient evidence of financial support for themselves and all members of their families who will accompany them to Memphis. This requires that applicants certify that their intent is to attend the university full time and that no employment will be required.
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Health Certificate Required: Each international student, within 30 days from the first day of classes, must submit a certificate from a licensed U.S. physician or other qualified U.S. medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis. Failure to do so shall result in denial of enrollment. In the event that the student either has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be conditioned upon the determination by a licensed U.S. physician that such enrollment does not present a risk to others and upon the student’s compliance with any prescribed medical treatment program.
In order to enroll, all international students born after January, 1957, must prove that they have been inoculated with the live measles vaccine (MMR) since January, 1980. Exceptions are made for students who are pregnant or allergic to the vaccine.
- All international students must purchase a health insurance policy through the university or provide evidence of government sponsored health insurance before they are allowed to enroll.
- International students will not normally be allowed to register as transient students (those regularly enrolled and in good standing at another institution who desire to attend the University of Memphis for only a limited period of time). During summer sessions, exceptions may be granted only in cases where a student has an outstanding academic record and unusual circumstances are present.
- International students who wish to apply for readmission to the University must meet the deadlines stated above.
- International students must become familiar with the regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and assume responsibility for complying with these regulations.
- Prior to the first day of class, international students should be prepared to attend a half-day mandatory new student orientation hosted by the International Students Office. Additionally, all international students must report to the International Students Office with their passport and I-20 for check-in before the first day of classes.
Readmission Requirements
Readmission (Returning Students)
Former undergraduate students who wish to return to the University at the same level as when they previously attended and have missed a fall or spring term, must submit an application for readmission. The application should be completed and submitted online at http://apply.memphis.edu. If the student has enrolled at another institution since last attending the University of Memphis, a transcript must be forwarded to the Admissions Office. An applicant will receive favorable consideration only if eligible for readmission under all University regulations, including the grade point average (GPA) for transfer students. (NOTE: International students who wish to apply for readmission to the University must meet the deadlines for new admission for international students.)
Non-Degree Seeking Admission Requirements
Applicants with College Degree
An applicant who has (1) earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, (2) who desires to take only a limited number of undergraduate courses, and (3) who is not presently working toward a degree at the University of Memphis may be admitted in this category.
Applicants with Previous College Attendance but No Degree
A student currently or previously enrolled in any accredited college or university may be admitted in this category.
NOTE: Transient students (those regularly enrolled and in good standing at another institution who desire to attend the University of Memphis for only a limited period of time) should apply at the non-degree level.
Applicants with No Previous College Attendance
An applicant who has graduated from high school or the equivalent and has never attended another college or university may be admitted in this category with the following conditions:
- Students are limited to earning a total of 24 credit hours while in the non degree category.
- Applicants who are offered admission to this category and who do not have appropriate test scores in English and math who wish to take an English or a mathematics course will be required to take a placement examination prior to enrollment. Based on the results of this assessment, these applicants may be required to successfully complete basic or developmental courses prior to enrolling in degree credit courses.
- Applicants in the non degree category are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.
NOTE: Those applicants under 21 who complete their high school work during the calendar year in which they seek admission will not be considered in the non-degree category. These applicants must apply as first-time freshmen.
All non-degree students may, at any time within the stated deadlines, apply to the Office of Admissions for reclassification as degree-seeking students, effective at the beginning of the next semester. Admission procedures and requirements are the same as those for degree-seeking undergraduate applicants. Applicants must file an application to be reclassified into this category and supply the following documentation:
- Provide an acceptable entrance examination score or the equivalent.
- The high school graduation requirement may be satisfied by any of the methods listed in the first-time freshmen section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
After students are admitted as regular undergraduates, any credit that may have been earned as non-degree-seeking students may apply toward degree programs in the college from which a degree is sought as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Concurrent Enrollment
Outstanding high school students who have completed the sophomore year may be admitted and register for one college course per term of enrollment concurrently provided they supply evidence of the following:
- A minimum high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale.
- An ACT composite score of 22 or above.
- A recommendation from the applicant’s high school principal or guidance counselor.
- The course concurrently enrolled students register for must be taken outside of their established school day.
NOTE: Departments may establish additional criteria for their courses.
Audit Only Admission Requirements
Persons who are not enrolled for credit courses may register for audit courses with the approval of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation and the appropriate department chair. These students must have the equivalent of high school graduation or be at least 18 years of age. Tennessee residents who have a permanent and total disability, which totally incapacitates them from working at an income producing occupation, may audit courses at the University of Memphis without paying tuition charges, maintenance fees, student activity fees, or registration fees. Admission to audit will be limited on an individual classroom basis according to space availability. An application fee of $25.00 is required.
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