The University of Alabama employs a competitive freshman admission process that includes reviewing and evaluating each application on an individual basis for an applicant's abilities as a scholar. Decisions about the potential for a student's academic success are based on ACT/SAT performance, high-school grade point average and high-school course schedule. A writing score is not required but can be reviewed if a student does not meet regular admissions standards as set forth by the ACT/SAT and GPA requirements. Applicants for freshman admission must submit official copies of their high school transcripts. Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts of all college-level work attempted. Currently, there is a $40 nonrefundable application fee for freshman and transfer students. If admission is denied, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions may suggest alternative ways to meet admission criteria at a later time.
Applications for freshman admission are accepted as early as one year prior to the anticipated date of enrollment. Applications for transfer admission are accepted as early as two years prior to anticipated date of enrollment. After an evaluation of the applicant's credentials, admission is granted into various categories, depending on the strength of the applicant's academic background. Once admitted, a student may enroll in courses for their admitted term and must submit a final transcript. For this reason, prospective students should ensure that their application credentials are submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as early as possible.
An Immunization Form, to include proof of current measles (MMR) and meningitis vaccinations and a negative TB skin test, must be completed by a licensed health care professional and submitted prior to enrollment for classes. The immunization form can be downloaded from shc.ua.edu/immunizations/.
More specific requirements for freshman, undergraduate transfer, transient, special or international student admission appear in the sections that follow. Some University of Alabama academic divisions may have different policies or requirements regarding admission; see the appropriate division's section of this catalog for details.
Home-Schooled Students
The University of Alabama welcomes applications from students who are schooled in the home. Home-schooled applicants should meet the following requirements for admission:
- Home-schooled applicants should meet the ACT/SAT requirement, as well as the grade point average (GPA) requirement and the college preparatory curriculum minimum unit requirements, if they present certified transcripts at the completion of their programs. A writing score is not required but can be reviewed if a student does not meet regular admissions standards as set forth by the ACT/SAT and GPA requirements. Refer to the 'Freshman Admissions" tab and review Preparation for College-level Work and Minimum Requirements for Admission.
- Students who do not present certified transcripts must take the GED and meet the admission requirements as outlined in The University of Alabama GED Admission Policy. See Non-graduates of High School section of Special Programs.
Transfers within the University
Procedures governing transfers between academic divisions of the University are administered by the Office of the University Registrar. For further information, please refer to the Transfers Within the University section of this catalog.