Longwood University       Chief University Advancement Officer: Admissions      201 High Street, Lancaster 210, Farmville, VA  23909        Phone: 434.395.2060       Fax: 434.395.2322

Policy 8102 
ADMISSIONS SELECTION CRITERIA

I.    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish the admissions selection criteria for admissions decision-making.

II.    POLICY

The following multi-level selection criteria is established:

A.  High School Courses (College Preparatory Program):

          Course:                                                                              Minimum Units:

          English (Literature or Humanities)                                                           4
          Mathematics (Algebra I & II, Geometry or Trigonometry)                      3
          Sciences: a minimum or two laboratory courses
          (Earth Science, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics,
              or Physical Sciences)                                                                           3
          Social Sciences (History, Government, World Geography,
              World History, etc.)                                                                             3
          Foreign Languages (of one language)                                                      2
          Fine or Practical Arts                                                                               1         
          Health and Physical Education                                                           __ 2__                   
          TOTAL:                                                                                                 18 

1.  Students are encouraged to take additional elective courses in mathematics, social studies, science, and fine arts during their high school program. The Advanced Studies Diploma, which requires twenty-three (23) units of credit, is highly recommended.

B. Grades and Cumulative High School Grade Average:  The minimum acceptable average for         admission consideration is a cumulative grade point average of 2.2 on a 4.0 scale calculated on the basis of academic/college preparatory courses (see I.above) taken in grades nine (9) through twelve (12).

C. Rank in High School Senior Class: A rank in the upper half of the class is desirable. A student ranking in the lower half of the class will be considered for admission if the student's high school record significantly exceeds the other entrance minimums. Rank may also be waived if the student's high school class size or type of school is so unique as to make a qualitative difference in evaluating a student's potential success at Longwood University.

D. Minimum SAT: Combined Verbal and Math Scores: Longwood has developed a sliding SAT scale which allows a higher cumulative high school average to offset a lower SAT score.  Many studies suggest that the SAT as a single indicator is a poor predictor of a student's knowledge, motivation, and potential for college success. It is much more accurate to evaluate a SAT score in combination with other academic criteria, such as the cumulative high school grade average.

  Cumulative High School Average                             Min. SAT Required

                                                                          2001        2002        2003
3.00 - 4.00 ("A" Student)                                     930          940           950
2.50 - 2.99 ("B" Student)                                     950          960           970
2.20 - 2.49 ("C" Student)                                     990        1000         1010

E.  Personal Characteristics and Achievements Criteria: Research indicates that certain non-cognitive variables can also have an impact upon a student's ability to succeed in college. These factors, however, cannot be adequately measured by grade point averages and test scores.  Therefore the following criteria will be evaluated and used to reinforce and expand the aforementioned academic criteria.

1.  Special Contributions:

a.  talents (performing, athletic, leadership)

b.  cultural vitality (race, ethnic, gender, geographic)

c.  intellectual stimulation

2.  Personal Motivation:

a.  tenacity

b.  unusual circumstances

c.  overcoming hardships

3.  Service:

a.  commitment to community

b.  experience and impact on people

c.  demonstrated concern for others

4.  Writing Ability/Communications Skills:

a.  mechanics
            
b.  creativity    

F.  Weighting Scale: The heaviest weights (seventy-five [75] percent minimum) will be assigned to academic criteria: recalculated cumulative grade point average, college preparatory courses, advanced and honors level courses, SAT verbal and math scores, other test scores, achievement in academic enrichment programs, and other creative or intellectual achievement.

Other weights (not greater than twenty-five[25] percent) will be assigned to the non-academic criteria listed in Section V. The evaluation will be based on material submitted with the application including activities, essay, personal statements letters or recommendation, and work experience.  Personal interviews may also be employed in the evaluation.

G.  Minimum Requirements for Specific Majors/Programs: The above policies do not preclude the setting of additional or higher minimum criteria for admission into certain majors as deemed necessary in response to enrollment demand and departmental resources.            

The Provost and Chief Academic Affairs Officer is authorized to approve specific program admissions requirements after consultation with the appropriate school dean, department chair, and the Director of Admissions.

H.  Transfer Students: 

1. Minimum Coursework Required: A transfer student is expected to have met the minimum requirements for an entering freshman. Any student who has not satisfied those requirements must make up deficiencies in "key" areas before transferring to Longwood University.  "Key" areas are:       

a.  English                     

b.  Science

c.  Mathematics             

d.  History/Social Studies  

2.  Grades and Cumulative College Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2 (on a 4.0 scale) is necessary to be considered for admission.  A cumulative GPA is calculated on all coursework attempted at all accredited colleges.  Individual grades of "C" or higher are required in all coursework taken in "key" areas.

3.  SAT Requirements: A minimum of thirty (30) transferable hours are required in order to waive or disregard SAT scores as a selection criteria for admission.  Transfers with less than thirty (30) hours must meet minimum SAT score requirements (i.e., meet freshman scale).

4.  VCCS Transfers and the Articulation Agreements: Virginia Community College transfers who graduate with University-parallel associates degrees and have acceptable GPAs are admitted with Junior class standing and guaranteed that all of their General Education goals are met. All major and degree requirements must still be satisfied, except where these were met as a part of the Community College degree program.

5.  Minimum Requirements for Specific Majors/Programs:

a.  The above policies do not preclude the setting of additional or higher minimum criteria for admission into certain majors as deemed necessary in response to enrollment demand and departmental resources.

b.  The Provost and Chief Academic Affairs Officer is authorized to approve specific program admissions requirements after consultation with the appropriate school dean, department chair, and the Director of Admissions.

c.  Additional transfer policies are contained in the Longwood University Undergraduate Catalog and the VCCS Transfer Guide.

Approved by the Board of Visitors, April 15, 2000.
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, September 7, 2002.

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