Undergraduate Admissions
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Admission to freshman standing (Apply online)
Candidates for admission to undergraduate degree programs should have completed high school-level college preparatory work or otherwise demonstrate sufficient academic preparation to begin college work. Normally, high school courses should include, at a minimum, four years of English language arts, three years of mathematics, three years of science, three years of social studies and two years of foreign language. Students planning majors in the sciences, mathematics, engineering or business are expected to present at least four years of preparation in math, including algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Consideration for admission is based upon an applicant’s academic background, including high school academic achievement, educational goals and potential for success at Oakland University. Students applying as freshmen must submit scores from the American College Test (ACT) or College Board SAT.
Normally, Oakland University will admit students with cumulative grade point averages in academic subjects of 3.20 or above. Applicants with cumulative grade point averages below 3.20 but above 2.50 may be admitted after consideration of the quality of their academic preparation. In some cases, a personal interview may be requested. Students must submit an application, ACT or SAT scores, and an official copy of their high school transcript for an admission decision to be made.
Home-schooled students applying for admission need to supply a transcript and meet regular admissions requirements, as well as have a minimum score of 1020 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math) on the SAT, or a minimum score of 20 on the ACT.
High school equivalency exams, the General Education Development (GED) test and the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) exam, are accepted in lieu of the high school diploma and ACT or SAT scores. GED students applying for admission to Oakland University must have a GED score of at least 165 in each subject area (for a total score of 660 or higher). If you earned the GED prior to January 1, 2014, you may gain admission with a score of 55 or 550, depending on the test scoring system in place at that time. Please have your official GED score sent to Undergraduate Admissions when applying for admission. HiSET students must have a score of at least 15 on each subtest (for a total score of 75 and a score of 4 or higher on the Language Arts - Writing subtest. Please have your official HiSET exam score report sent to Undergraduate Admissions when applying for admission.
Specific academic programs may impose special requirements for admission (see below). Admission to the School of Business Administration is restricted to students presenting an academic grade point average of at least 2.80 in academic courses, and at least four years of college preparatory mathematics courses.
Entering freshmen planning to major in engineering or computer science should have taken at least four years of high school mathematics courses (maintaining a 3.00 or B average) as well as courses in chemistry and physics and have a solid background in English language arts. Computer-aided design and machine shop courses are useful, but not necessary. Normally, students must present an academic grade point average of at least 3.00 (B average) for admission to the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Students seeking admission to music, theatre or dance must audition for the department’s faculty. Audition dates are posted on their website.
Students wishing to enter the pre-nursing program should have completed four years of mathematics, one year of college preparatory biology and one year of chemistry.
Students who are eligible for admission to the university, but not to one of the above programs, may enter the university as undecided students, but may be able to qualify for admission into select programs after they have enrolled at the university. Students may complete an online application for admission through the Future Students website.
Early/Middle college students are considered entering freshmen if they plan to attend OU immediately after receiving their high school diploma. Oakland University classifies students who complete college-level work prior to receiving their high school diploma as entering freshmen. Even if an associate’s degree is earned prior to high school graduation, students are still considered entering freshmen.
Applications for high school students should be submitted as early in the senior year as possible, and no later than March 1 for fall merit scholarship consideration, December 1 for winter merit scholarship consideration, or July 1 for summer merit scholarship consideration.
Admission deadlines are as follows:
Fall semester: August 1
Winter semester: December 1
Summer I session: April 1
Summer II session: June 1
Admission for transfer students (Apply online)
Transfer students may enter Oakland University at any time, and must complete the university online application. Applications should be submitted as early in the year as possible, and no later than December 1 for winter merit scholarship consideration, July 1 for summer merit scholarship consideration, or August 1, for fall merit scholarship consideration.
Transfer students with a minimum of 24 college credits at the time of application, and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, will be considered for admission to Oakland University. OU also will consider positive trends of most recent grades. Transfer students with fewer than 24 college credits at the time of application also must submit a high school transcript, and admission will be based on both college and high school records.
To be considered for transfer admission, students must submit an online application and send official transcripts of course-work taken at all universities or colleges attended to Oakland University. While some students may be admitted based on unofficial documents, this does not remove the obligation to provide official transcripts. Students who fail to provide official transcripts will be prevented from registering in subsequent semesters until all transcripts have been received. The transcript must bear the seal of the institution and must not be stamped “issued to student.” Students who have attended more than one college should submit official transcripts from each institution. Once admitted, transfer students will receive a preliminary transfer credit evaluation of coursework completed at other institutions. Find out what credits will transfer to Oakland University by using the transfer equivalency guide located online.
Early/Middle college students are considered transfers if they decide to continue pursuing college work after receiving their high school diploma.
Admission deadlines are as follows:
Fall semester: August 1
Winter semester: December 1
Summer I session: April 1
Summer II session: June 1
Admission for dual-enrolled high school students (Apply online)
Specially qualified high school students may be permitted to enroll in classes on a part-time, non-matriculating basis. Students who have exhausted their high school curriculum and wish to pursue course-work at Oakland University must complete the Dual Enrollment application. This form requires the signatures of a parent/guardian and a school counselor or principal. A copy of the student’s current transcript must accompany the Dual Enrollment application. High school students wishing to attend Oakland University must have a 3.00 cumulative grade point average and have a minimum of junior standing. Admission is valid for one academic year provided the student earns at least a 2.0 in each course completed. Students wishing to take subsequent courses must reapply each academic year. Students whose high school will be paying for university tuition must submit a dual-enrollment worksheet to Student Financial Services, North Foundation Hall, Room 120. Dual enrollment applications are available online at oakland.edu/apply.
Admission deadlines are as follows:
Fall semester: August 1
Winter semester: December 1
Summer I session: April 1
Summer II session: June 1
Admission of students whose formal education has been interrupted
Admission of individuals whose formal education has been interrupted for three or more years, and who would not normally meet other admission criteria, may be considered based on one or more of the following: sustained employment record; recommendations from employers, educators and other professionals; and standardized test results. An interview with an Oakland University admissions adviser is required for such applicants to be considered for admission.
Admission for students who are not American citizens
International students with or wishing to pursue an F or J visa should contact Undergraduate Admissions at least one year before they wish to be admitted. Prospective international students can visit the website to view upcoming deadlines, apply online and download a supplemental application packet. Students transferring credits from foreign institutions will be requested to provide an evaluation of credit taken at foreign institutions. When the application is approved, the candidate will receive a letter of admission and form I-20. These are to be used to apply for the appropriate visa.
International applicants, other visa holders, permanent residents, and exchange students whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency.
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test requirements along with detailed program information are available in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog.
Students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States, and are transferring from other institutions must transfer their I-20 to Oakland University. Students requesting such transfers should consult with the international student adviser at their previous school and with the International Students and Scholars Office (248) 370-3358 about required transfer and immigration procedures. Students holding all other visa types should consult the Undergraduate Admissions to learn about admission procedures.
Admission for students to the Global Achievement Pathway Program (GAPP)
Applicants who meet all other qualifications except for English proficiency requirements of the university may be enrolled in one or two semesters of the Global Achievement Pathway Program (GAPP) to take academic courses for credit and ESL courses for CEUs during the same semester. Upon successful completion of the ESL courses, the English proficiency requirement will be satisfied.
International applicants, other visa holders, permanent residents, and exchange students whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test requirements along with detailed program information are available in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog.
Students must complete the university online application. Once the application is approved, the candidate will receive a letter of admission and form I-20 to be used to apply for the appropriate visa.
Admission deadlines for international students are as follows:
Fall semester: July 1
Winter semester: November 1
Summer semester: March 1
Admission for students to the American Semester Abroad Program (ASAP)
Applicants who are currently enrolled in undergraduate courses at a university in another country who wish to enroll in academic courses for transfer credit at Oakland University may request to be in the American Semester Abroad Program (ASAP).
International applicants, other visa holders, permanent residents, and exchange students whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test requirements along with detailed program information are available in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog.
Students must complete the university online application and the international supplemental application for ASAP. Once the application is approved, the candidate will receive a letter of admission and form I-20 to be used to apply for the appropriate visa.
Admission deadlines for international students are as follows:
Fall semester: July 1
Winter semester: November 1
Summer semester: March 1
Admission to guest status
Students enrolled in good standing at accredited Michigan colleges and universities may apply for guest admission at Oakland.edu/apply. Guest applications are only good for one semester, and they should be submitted as early as possible efore the beginning of each semester students plan to attend as guests. To be considered for guest admission, a transcript (official or unofficial) from the student’s home institution must be submitted showing a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or higher. A letter from the student’s home institution’s Registrar certifying enrollment, good standing, and a 2.0 or higher GPA may be used in lieu of a transcript. Under a guest status, admission is as a special, non-degree candidate, and previous academic work will not be evaluated by Oakland University’s Registrar. Tuition for guest students will be assessed at undergraduate upper division rates.
Guest students should review individual course descriptions in this catalog to determine they have met prerequisite requirements for registration. Some courses are restricted to Oakland University students who have been admitted to major standing.
Guest students receive academic advising from their home institution, and they are responsible for ensuring the credits they take at Oakland University will transfer for their degree at their home institution. Guest students are responsible for requesting their Oakland University transcript to be sent to their home institution after courses are completed.
Admission deadlines are as follows:
Fall semester: August 1
Winter semester: December 1
Summer I session: April 1
Summer II session: June 1
Admission to post-baccalaureate status
Post-baccalaureate (PB) status indicates that students hold a bachelor’s or higher degree and wish to enter college for the purpose of pursuing undergraduate classes. Under PB status, admission is as a special, non-degree candidate, and previous academic work will not be evaluated by Oakland University’s Registrar. Tuition for PB status will be assessed at undergraduate upper division rates. Post-baccalaureate students may not qualify for financial aid consideration at Oakland University.
Admission deadlines are as follows:
Fall semester: August 1
Winter semester: December 1
Summer I session: April 1
Summer II session: June 1
Admission to non-matriculating status
Applicants who wish to enroll in undergraduate courses but do not wish to be admitted to an undergraduate program may request non-matriculating status. Non-matriculating status may be provided to students with permission from Undergraduate Admissions. To obtain this status, students must contact the undergraduate admissions staff to discuss application procedures. Students admitted with non-matriculating status are limited to earning 12 credits in that status, and must secure traditional admission to the university in order to be eligible to register thereafter. To later be considered for traditional admission, non-matriculating students need to submit an online application and forward transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended. Non-matriculating students will receive full academic credit for courses that they successfully complete. Tuition for non-matriculating status will be assessed at undergraduate lower division rates.
Admission deadlines are as follows:
Fall semester: August 1
Winter semester: December 1
Summer I semester: April 1
Summer II semester: June 1
Admission to second degree status
Second degree status indicates that students currently hold a bachelor’s degree but wish to earn a second undergraduate degree with a different major. Each academic department determines the specific admission criteria for second-degree students. Tuition for second degree status will be assessed at undergraduate upper division rates (see Additional undergraduate degrees and majors).
Admission deadlines are as follows:
Fall semester: August 1
Winter semester: December 1
Summer semester: April 1
Readmission
Readmission applies to students who previously enrolled at Oakland University and whose attendance was interrupted. Student should contact Undergraduate Admissions or by calling (248) 370-3360, prior to the start of the semester in which the student expects to enroll. Students may also find the Readmission application and information at oakland.edu/readmission.
Readmission is required for all students in the following categories:
Any student whose attendance has been interrupted for a period of two years or more, and/or
Any student who has been academically dismissed from the university for insufficient academic progress at the end of their previously enrolled semester/session.
Students who were dismissed for unsatisfactory academic progress must follow these application deadlines to be considered for Readmission:
Fall semester: July 1
Winter semester: November 1
Summer semester: March 1
Note: If a student was academically dismissed and either a) missed the readmission deadline, or b) were denied readmission, they cannot be considered as a guest student unless they are actively pursuing another degree at another postsecondary institution.
Any student who is temporarily unable to attend class or must suspend their studies due to military service requirements will be readmitted with the same academic status they had when last attending the university.
Students who attended another institution during their absence from Oakland University must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended.
All other undergraduate students may return and register for classes without seeking formal readmission. Particular programs, however, may have more stringent requirements and students whose progress in a major has been interrupted should consult with an academic adviser.
Readmission to the university is not automatic for students dismissed because of poor academic performance. An application for readmission by a student who has been dismissed for insufficient academic progress is reviewed by the university’s Readmission Committee. Decisions about readmission are made on a case-by-case basis involving review of the student’s file.
Updating your admission status
Failure of a student to enroll once admitted, or not providing complete application credentials prior to the closing of admission, invalidates an application. Reinstatement of such files must be requested in writing or over the phone. The request must be received in Undergraduate Admissions by the closing date for applications for the semester students wish to enroll. Reinstatement may be for any term within one year of the original term of application. In this case, an additional application is not required. A new application is required after one year.
Undergraduate Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions, located in Wilson Hall, Room 2000, provides support and services to prospective and admitted undergraduate students and their families through recruitment activities and on-campus programming, including Discover OU, Go for the Gold, Transfer Student Open House, College Credit Information Sessions, welcome receptions, college readiness events, academic visit days and campus tours. The office also awards merit scholarships to qualified admitted freshman and transfer students. For more information visit Future Students, call (248) 370-3360 or email visit@oakland.edu.
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