ADMISSION

By statute, the Ball State University Board of Trustees is authorized to "prescribe the conditions for admission of students to the university, provided that graduation from a commissioned secondary school or its equivalent shall be required." Specific admissions policies and practices are subject to change as the institution adjusts to enrollment patterns.

In order to maintain high academic standards and to ensure that students receive the best education possible at Ball State, the university limits enrollment to students meeting specific admissions requirements. In addition, the university reserves the right to determine the semester to which students are admitted on the basis of students' academic and non cognitive qualifications as well as availability of space. The university also reserves the right to limit the number of nonresident students.

To be considered for admission to Ball State, a student must have graduated from an accredited secondary school or earned a General Education Development certificate. Students who are not high school graduates or who have graduated from unaccredited high schools may be considered for admission to the university after they have presented evidence that they have earned General Educational Development (GED) certificates.

Both the quality and the content of secondary school academic programs are important in admission decisions. Students graduating from high school in Indiana are encouraged to complete the academic requirements of the Core 40 curriculum. Students from other states should pursue strong college prep curricula. Top ability students are encouraged to complete state Academic Honors diplomas where available.  For questions related to curricula write or call the Office of Admissions at (800) 482-4BSU; (765) 285-8300; or TDD users only, (765) 285-2205.

Applicants should obtain the most recent edition of the Ball State University Admissions Viewbook, the information bulletin for prospective students available from their high school guidance offices or from Ball State's Office of Admissions, and become familiar with its contents. This publication contains the application for undergraduate admission.

Ball State University is not responsible for problems that may arise if students fail to submit complete admissions materials, including official transcripts from other institutions. Such problems may include duplication of credit and enrolling in courses without the proper prerequisites. All admission materials submitted, including transcripts, become the property of Ball State University and will not be returned.

Note: Ball State University practices rolling admissions. Admission to a particular semester may depend on date of application and space available. When enrollment goals are met for each term, admissions will close.
Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to a particular academic program. Consult the section of this catalog that applies to the appropriate department to determine admission requirements for specific programs.

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PROCEDURES FOR APPLICANTS

Students with No Previous College Experience
Students who have no previous college experience will be considered for admission to Ball State University after the Office of Admissions has received the following:

1. An application for admission. Submit a completed application for admission before March 1 for priority consideration for fall semester, before December 1 for spring semester, before April 1 for summer semester and first summer term, and before May 1 for second summer term. Applications submitted later than the priority deadlines will be considered as space is available.  Applications may be submitted up to one year in advance.

A student seeking admission to the first-year program in the College of Architecture and Planning must also submit an essay and the supplemental application included in Ball State University's Admissions Viewbook. These supplemental materials should be submitted by January 1 for priority consideration.

2. A $25 nonrefundable application fee. Send a check or money order (made payable to Ball State University) to the Office of the Bursar with the application for admission.

3. Secondary school record (official transcript) or General Education Development certificate. Students should ask their high schools to send official copies of the secondary transcripts to the Office of Admissions, including lists of courses in progress. Students who have been home schooled or who have attended unaccredited high schools must submit General Education Development (GED) certificates. Transcripts or GED certificates must show that applicants meet the standards for certification as secondary school graduates. If schools send partial transcripts, students must make certain that complete official transcripts, showing the specific date of graduation are submitted as soon as possible after graduation. Failure to do so will result in a registration barrier and university hold placed on a student's record. Students who have not produced certification of high school graduation are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. If supplementary admissions materials are not satisfactory, the applicants may not be admitted. If admitted, the quality of students' academic achievement must remain the same or improve, or the admission classification may be changed or admission rescinded.

4. Standardized test scores. Applicants under the age of twenty-three must take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Assessment (ACT). The scores should be sent directly to the university. Students may take the test during the junior year in high school. Some students twenty-three years old or older may be required to take the SAT or ACT.

Campus Housing. All freshmen are required to live in university housing unless they are living with their parents in the parents' primary residence, are married, or will be twenty-one years of age before the term for which they are enrolling.
When applying for admission, please indicate housing plans for the semester or term for which application is made. Admission to the university guarantees housing to entering freshmen.

Students with Previous College Experience (Transfer Students)
Applicants who have previously attended post secondary institutions should follow the same application procedures and observe the same deadlines as students with no college experience.

Admission Requirements for Transfer Applicants
Admission decisions will be based upon applicants' academic records at all educational institutions attended.
Applicants must be in good academic standing and eligible to return immediately to the institution last attended.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have cumulative grade-point averages of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by Ball State University, for all transferable course work attempted. Remedial, vocational, and courses from institutions that are not regionally accredited (Middle States Association, North Central Association, New England Association, Northwest Association, Southern Association, Western Association) are not transferable. Although credit earned from unaccredited colleges and universities is not accepted at Ball State University as transfer credit, transcripts from all such institutions attended are still required.

Students who apply for admission to Ball State University while currently enrolled at other colleges and universities may be admitted to Ball State University on incomplete transcripts based on their current college or university cumulative grade-point averages. Admission granted under such circumstances may be withdrawn if the cumulative graded-point average falls below 2.0.

Acceptance of Transfer Credit. Generally, all non-remedial, non-vocational courses in which a student earns a 2.0 or better at colleges and universities accredited by regional accrediting agencies are accepted by Ball State University. Students may petition the appropriate academic department for the acceptance of vocational courses. Only credit transfers to Ball State University; no grades transfer.

Information about how credits will transfer to Ball State University can be obtained through our Automated Course Transfer System (ACTS).  Courses at Ball State University are offered on a semester and term basis, and credits earned are in semester hours. To convert quarter hours to semester hours, multiply the number of quarter hours by 2/3. Two semester hours are generally equivalent to three quarter hours. Ball State University has established procedures for the recognition of education and professional experience. (Advanced Standing brochures are available from the Office of Admissions.) 

Application of Transfer Credit. For admitted students, the application of transfer credit toward a degree at Ball State University will be determined during a meeting with an academic advisor. Official Ball State University course equivalents will be established by the academic advisor in consultation with the appropriate academic department.

Transfer of Credit Earned in Vocational Degree Programs. Vocational degree programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment rather than for further study at other colleges or universities; therefore, such credits are not directly transferable. For example, degree programs in automotive repair, cosmetology, commercial driving, etc. are considered to be vocational studies. Exceptions to this rule are made when the providers of occupational programs and Ball State University have agreements for transferring credits.

IVY Tech State College credits. Ball State will accept the IVY Tech credits articulated with Indiana's public universities if they were taken in the fall of 1993 or later. All other credits earned in the fall of 1995 or later will be accepted in transfer except those courses that are primarily vocational in nature.

Transfer Student Housing Policy.  All transfer students who have twenty four or fewer credits must live in university housing unless they are twenty-one years of age, married, living with their parents in the parents' primary residence, or have completed two semesters at Ball State University.  Admission to the university guarantees housing to transfers in this category.

Former Ball State University Undergraduate Students
Former Ball State students who wish to re-enter the university after more than one semester not attending Ball State University (not counting summer sessions) must submit re-enrollment applications. New admissions decisions are required before course request forms can be submitted. The deadline for applying for re-enrollment is approximately thirty days before the beginning of each term.

Students who have attended other colleges since last attending Ball State University will be considered re-enrolling transfer students. Such students must notify the Office of Admissions and submit official transcripts for any work completed at other institutions and must submit re-enrollment applications.

Applicants seeking re-admission after attending other academic institutions must be in good academic standing and eligible to return immediately to the institution last attended. Former Ball State students not in good academic standing with the university as determined by the registrar (academic disqualification) must apply for re-admission to the Committee on Admissions and Credits, Office of the Registrar, by the appropriate dates. For a list of deadline dates, contact the Office of the Registrar, (765) 285-1722. Applicants should contact the registrar early in order to complete the requirements for application and to allow time for the committee to consider the application. Applicants may be asked to submit additional test results.

Upon approval by the Committee on Admissions and Credits and the Office of Admissions, applicants will be issued an official notification of admission. After receiving this notification, applicants will be responsible for making appointments with academic advisors to prepare class schedules.

Admission of International Students to Ball State University
Students who are not citizens of the United States may enroll at Ball State University through the Center for International Programs. Prospective students must meet all of the university's regular admission requirements.

In addition to submitting a special admission application for international students ( Foreign Student Application for Admission) and all supporting academic credentials, students must:
1. have evidence of adequate financial support to travel to the university, live reasonably in the United States, maintain adequate health insurance, and return home;

2. have the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently enough to participate in the academic programs at the university.

Credentials will be evaluated by the Center for International Programs, which will forward its recommendation to the Office of Admissions.

Students applying for admission must submit the results of  the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken no more than eighteen months before the date of admission. A student intending to enroll at Ball State University may be required to retake the TOEFL before being admitted, regardless of the extent of previous training in English. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the Center for International Programs. For information about this program contact Educational Testing Service, TOEFL Program, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540. Test results must be submitted to the university before a candidate's application can be processed.

Any student admitted with a score lower than 550 on the TOEFL will be required to take courses in English as a foreign language.  Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Center for International Programs.  Any department may set a higher requirement than a score of 550 for its majors.  If the Center for International Programs or the director of the Intensive English Institute deems such action advisable, he or she may recommend than a student be required to take one or more of the standardized English Language Tests administered by the Ball State University Counseling and Psychological Services Center.  Any international student may take a course in English as a foreign language, for credit or noncredit, regardless of whether such a course is required.  Any student who is required to take a course in English as a foreign language and whose progress is unsatisfactory will be required to repeat the course if the Center for International Programs and the chairperson of the relevant department deem it advisable.  In making this decision they will take into consideration the recommendation of the English Department.  Before completing their coursework in the Intensive English Institute, students are required to pass a test of their proficiency in English.

Upon enrollment, international students are assessed nonresident tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate courses offered by the university. The university currently has a limited number of scholarships authorized by the university Board of Trustees that may be awarded to outstanding and deserving students from other countries. These scholarships are equivalent in value to a waiver of university fees. No scholarships are available for room, board, or transportation costs. The scholarships are awarded on or about April 15 of each year for the academic year beginning the next August.

Successful applicants will be sent documentation allowing them to apply for a student visa through United States consular representatives in their home countries. All international students are required to participate in a health insurance plan designed for Ball State University students. The premium must be paid at the time of registration and must be maintained throughout the student's period of enrollment at the university.

Upon arrival at Ball State, students attend special orientation sessions during which registration information and other relevant student issues are discussed. An English language examination will be administered at this time to determine language competency; students who do not exhibit adequate English proficiency based on the test results will be placed in Intensive English Institute courses.

Prospective students should write to the Center for International Programs at least one year before proposed enrollment.

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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
AND CLASSIFICATIONS

All new freshmen applicants to Ball State University are considered individually. 
Admission is based on the following:

• Strength of curriculum (including the senior year)---Students should pursue the best college preparatory curriculum available. For Indiana applicants, Ball State University considers completion of the academic requirements of the Core 40 curriculum as the recommended preparation for students who are college bound; where available, completion of the Academic Honors Diploma is encouraged. 
• Performance as measured by grades in English, mathematics, laboratory sciences, and foreign languages.
• Curriculum patterns and grade trends in the above courses---The Office of Admissions expects a balanced academic program with at least four college preparatory classes each semester and grades that reflect an upward trend in academic performance.
• Standardized test scores---SAT/ACT scores are weighed in relation to high school grades and are used to identify particular strengths or weaknesses in students' preparation for college.  Scores weigh more heavily in selection for distinction and Honors College admission.

Distinction and Honors College Admission
Indiana applicants who earn the state's Academic Honors Diploma and out of-state applicants who pursue rigorous curricula and earn 3.0 grade-point averages on a 4.0 scale will be reviewed for distinction admission.  The top 10 percent of all students who apply for admission to Ball State will be reviewed for admission to the Honors College. Students admitted with distinction and Honors College admits will automatically be entered in the Presidential Scholarship competition. Regardless of need, students should also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 in order to be eligible for consideration for the full range of financial aid and academic scholarships.

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ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT

Students admitted as undergraduates to the university for the first time must accept their formal offers of admission by completing Candidate Reply Forms (received with the notification of admission) and by submitting a $50 enrollment deposit. The deposit will be applied directly to first-semester fees. The deadline for fall semester, summer semester, and first summer term is May 1; for second summer term the deadline is June 1; and for spring semester the deadline is January 1. Students may request a refund in writing before these deadlines if they decide not to enroll. If the deposit is not paid, the offer of admission may be withdrawn after these dates. In cases of financial difficulties, a guidance counselor may request, in writing, that the enrollment deposit be deferred for a student.

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ORIENTATION

Freshmen and transfer students participate in a required orientation program. Orientation is a learning experience that helps students understand academic and career expectations, become involved in collegiate life, and learn about the transition period students may experience as they enter college.  During orientation students meet with academic advisors, register for courses, and get their Ball State identification cards.  Admitted students who have paid the enrollment deposit will be invited to participate.  Family members are encouraged to participate.

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SPECIAL ADMISSIONS

Admission as Guest Students
Students regularly enrolled and in good academic standing at other colleges or universities who wish to attend Ball State University for one semester or for two consecutive summer terms may apply for admission as guest students. To be eligible, students must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and be eligible to return immediately to their home institution. Guest applications, available from the Office of Admissions, must be completed and submitted to the registrar of the home institution. The registrar of that institution must verify the grade-point average and academic standing and affix the seal of the institution to the application; or students may submit the forms and official college transcripts or the most recent grade reports.
A student must submit the application form and nonrefundable application fee of $25 (in the form of a check or money order payable to Ball State University) to the Office of the Bursar.
If the application for admission as a guest student is approved, the Office of Admissions will send official notification. After receiving this notification, students must make appointments with Academic Advising, (765) 285-5488, to prepare class schedules. Academic advisors will determine eligibility to enroll in specific courses, the availability of classes, and the number of credits to be taken.

Admission as Non-degree Students
Students who wish to enroll for personal and professional development rather than in pursuit of degrees may apply for admission as non-degree students. Applicants must have earned high school diplomas or General Education Development certificates and not be currently enrolled in post-secondary institutions. In addition, applicants must not have been enrolled in secondary school for at least two years. High school transcripts and test scores are not required; admission status will be determined by the
information reported. The required application is available from the Office of Admissions. Please note: financial aid is not available to non-degree students.

A student applying for non-degree status must sign a statement which certifies:

* high school graduation or receipt of a GED, and
* good standing status--a minimum cumulative grade-point
  average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and eligibility to return to the
  last post-secondary institution attended (if applicable).

Initial Enrollment as Non-degree Students. Before course registration, students registering for on-campus courses must call Academic Advising for appointments (765) 285-5488. Students registering for off-campus and distance education courses must call the School of Continuing Education and Public Service (800) 872-0369. Students must meet all course prerequisites and departmental requirements. In addition to academic advising, students will be eligible for other services offered through University College and the School of Continuing Education and Public Service.

Continuing Enrollment as Non-degree Students. The maximum number of semester credits that non-degree students may earn is 31. In addition, students will be subject to all university policies and regulations, including those pertaining to academic probation and dismissal.

Changing to Degree Status. Students in good academic standing at the conclusion of the semester in which they have completed 20 semester credits may apply for regular admission. If admitted, students will be eligible to pursue degrees. At any time during non-degree enrollment, students may submit the required materials to be considered for admission to pursue degrees.

Admission as Auditors
All students who meet the general requirements for admission to Ball State University may enroll as auditors in credit courses upon approval of the Office of Admissions. Auditors do not earn credits or grades. Students who have audited courses cannot later test out of those courses. Auditors must pay auditors' fees for each course unless the course requires full fees.
Applications are available five days before the first day of classes of each semester. If an application is approved, registration proceeds in much the same way as for courses taken for credit. If space is needed for students who want to earn credit in the course, auditors' registrations will be canceled and their money fully refunded. If auditing students choose not to attend the course, however, fees are not refunded. Faculty members may not admit anyone to class as an auditor who has not officially registered.

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ADVANCED STANDING

Ball State University offers opportunities to earn credit toward a degree for knowledge students have acquired independently, at work, in the military, through workshops and special classes, and in other ways. Most of these opportunities require that students take an examination to "test out" of a course or group of courses. Credit earned in this way counts toward graduation requirements, but students do not receive a grade for it. Students cannot receive credit of this type for courses for which they have already received credit. Students can earn up to 63 credits through this program.

The opportunities for earning advanced standing are
* Advanced Placement Program
* International Baccalaureate Certificates or Diploma
* College Level Exam Program ("CLEP" tests--subject and
  general)
* Credit by Departmental examination
* Credit by Departmental authorization
* Credit earned while in military service
* Credit for foreign language proficiency

Any department may, at its discretion, administer an examination for any course offered in the department. The department also determines the standards for passing these examinations. Students who earn passing scores will be granted credit for the courses. Credit by examination will not be awarded to students who have been enrolled or are currently enrolled in the courses for credit or audit.

Credit by departmental authorization may be granted for learning experiences the department believes to be the equivalent of college work. No grade is given for this credit. Credit and advanced placement in foreign languages may be awarded through the Foreign Language Advanced Credit Placement Test given during freshman orientation. Students must receive placement through the testing process before registering for the appropriate courses. For more information, write or call the Office of Admissions at (800) 482-4BSU; (765) 285-8300; or TDD users only, (765) 285-2205, and ask for the brochure Advanced Standing.

Ball State University will accept courses for transfer evaluation and advanced standing credit transcript posting only if the student is currently enrolled.

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RESIDENCY

Because Ball State University is supported in part by money provided by the Indiana Legislature, Indiana residents pay less in fees than out-of-state students. Residency status, determined by the bursar according to the rules adopted by the Board of Trustees, is subject to change. It depends in part upon the length of time students have lived in Indiana for purposes other than attending a college or university--a minimum of a year is required for independent students (not claimed as dependents by parents or guardians on their income tax forms). Students bear the burden of proof in making a claim to resident status. To request a change in residency classification, you must file a form and provide proof of residency in Indiana. Copies of the regulations and the Application for Nonresident Fee Exemption and other information are available in the Office of the Bursar, Lucina Hall, Room 27, (765) 285-1731.

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FEES

The fees students pay to attend Ball State University help subsidize the maintenance of campus grounds, buildings, and equipment as well as such student services and activities as admission to certain lectures, concerts, athletic events, and other programs; use of swimming pools, gyms, racquetball courts, and other recreational facilities; and the Student Center. Student fees are not used for building construction or faculty and staff salaries.

The amount of fees will be based on the number of credits for which students enroll. Students who are at least sixty years old may enroll for half the normal fees.

The university has established a convenient installment plan for the payment of fees. Under this arrangement, students may pay fees and room and board in four installments. For application forms or more information on current fees, write or call the bursar's office, (765) 285-1643.

The Ball State University Board of Trustees reserves the right to change the fees and other charges for any semester or term.

Adjustment of Fees
If students enroll in additional classes, fees will be adjusted accordingly. Refunds are made for officially approved withdrawals from the university. For purposes of calculating a refund, the university establishes the date of a student's withdrawal as the date on which the Office of the Student Ombudsperson/Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs receives a completed application for withdrawal.

The refund schedule is as follows:

For a sixteen week semester:

For a five week summer term:

For correspondence credit: If the university rejects an application for correspondence credit, the entire fee will be refunded. Once an application has been accepted, however, a percentage of the fees will be refunded upon a student's written request if the student has not submitted more than three lessons or if no more than two months have passed since the date of enrollment. Refunds will be made as follows: 80 percent refund if no more than one lesson has been submitted; 60 percent if two lessons have been submitted; 40 percent if three lessons have been submitted.

Applied music fees are not refundable, and no refund is given for dropping overload credits.

In accordance with Public Law 102-325, students attending Ball State University for the first time who withdraw are entitled to a prorated refund of fees and room and board charges for that portion of the period of enrollment for which the students have been charged that remains on the date of withdrawal, up to 60 percent of the period of enrollment.

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FINANCIAL AID

About two-thirds of all Ball State students receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. To be considered for most financial aid programs, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form by March 1. For more information, write or call the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at (800) 227-4017 or (765) 285-5600.

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